Assurance for Delivery

Technology

The paradox called ‘the Blockchain’: an evolutionary innovation with the implication of Digital Identity

Blockchain, Technology /

An army of fintech innovations is just around the corner to make their big introduction and the Financial Services sector couldn’t be more excited. Especially the Blockchain and its implementation process are stirring up the conversation. The Blockchain technology is a subtype of the centralised ledger concept where, instead of one middle party, financial transactions are shared amongst a worldwide-shared network of computers. This feature alone is said to have a huge impact on financial systems and mechanisms across the Financial Services sector. In this fashion, Blockchain’s decentralised ledger could positively impact financial infrastructure and processes with its see-through and efficiently organised system. Furthermore, the technology will construct a firm foundation for the future’s upcoming fintech innovation. In the present it will challenge current business models. Though at first glance seen as an evolutionary and beneficiary innovation, the Blockchain shows to have one big challenge that comes along with the implementation: the case of Digital Identity. To drive the development of the Blockchain the case of Digital Identity needs to be examined further. Digital Identity is critical because it enables the Financial Services industry to conduct financial activities accurately and securely. The need for a top-down secure digital identity landscape is pressing due to its multi-layered nature: it empowers the existence of gaps and unwelcoming developments like malicious cyber-attacks that threat it. To solve the case of Digital Identity, drive change and deal with the overall paradox of the Blockchain, financial institutions need to act upon the mentioned challenges. Opportunities, chances and benefits will only be met if Financial Service competitors, regulators and technology experts unify, collaborate and bundle their expertise and knowledge. The original articles and documents can be found here and here.

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CPMI and IOSCO release guidance on cyber resilience for financial market infrastructures

News Item, Technology /

On June 29th The Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures (CPMOI) and the Board of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) released a final report on ‘Guidance on cyber resilience for financial market infrastructures’. Both parties promote an enfacement of financial stability and security regulations for the wider financial economy. The Cyber Guidance is the first internationally agreed report on cyber security for the financial services sector. It has been developed in response to a rising number of highly sophisticated cyber-attacks against the financial industry. The objective of the Cyber Guidance is to add additional cyber protection to the financial market infrastructure surroundings and their Financial Management Information Systems (FMIs). The guidance aims to anticipate and respond hastily and effectively to cyber-attacks and to obtain a safer and faster recovery environment. It also intends to align cyber resilience actions in different countries. This could provide authorities with internationally aligned guidelines to support effective actions and maintain clear oversight of FMIs in case of a cyber attack. In order to fend malicious cyber attacks, FMIs need to undertake action by implementing recommended security protection as advised by the Cyber Guidance. Implementing the Cyber Guidance rules not only strengthens the cyber resilience of FMIs but it also reinforces the ecosystem in which the financial services sector functions. FMIs should operate safely and efficiently to be able to cultivate and boost financial growth and balance. If FMIs are not properly regulated, they can be the main driver of financial shocks, such as liquidity dislocations and credit losses. They can even become a potential window for financial shocks to reach the financial market and its infrastructure. In conclusion, FMIs should implant high cyber risk awareness criteria in their systems. The implementation should systematically contribute to a continuous enrichment of FMIs’ cyber resilience at every possible organisation-networked level. The original article can be found here.

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ABN AMRO joins blockchain initiative Digital Assets Holdings

Blockchain, News Item, Technology /

On January 21th 2016 Digital Asset Holdings, a developer of Distributed Ledger Technology for the financial services industry, announced that it has raised funding from a broad range of firms from all corners of the international financial ecosystem. ABN AMRO is one of those leading firms. See the Press release.

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Nine of world’s biggest banks join to form blockchain partnership

Blockchain, News Item, Technology /

Nine of the world’s leading banks announced on September 15th, 2015 the formation of a partnership to design and deliver advanced distributed/shared ledger technologies to global financial markets. The project – in addition to developing commercial applications – will seek to establish consistent standards and protocols for this emerging technology across the financial industry in order to facilitate broader adoption and gain a network effect. The press release can be found here.

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