As Co-founder of EWPN, we are proud to launch a new whitepaper called “Spot the Funds, Stop the Trafficking”. This paper is the cornerstone of a campaign to call on the financial services industry to actively tackle the global issue of modern slavery and human trafficking (MSHT). Shining a light in dark corners Slavery…
In previous blogs and articles, I have relayed one consistent message on the effectiveness of AML/CFT measures – ‘Legislation alone, is not enough.’ I welcome therefore the European Commission’s recently issued action plan which promises fresh measures to fight money laundering and terrorist finance (ML/TF). The new plan goes deeper than anything we’ve seen before…
Covid-19 has shaken the whole world and, for most people, turned our ‘normal’ lives into something entirely different. While the word ‘unprecedented’ has been used in over and over in articles and news reports, it’s hard to come up with a more appropriate word for the current situation we are living in, or the impact…
It has been a while since I last spoke about myths, relating to GDPR. Now it is time to do the same for PSD2. Over the last months I have come across many misinterpretations, specifically around access to accounts (XS2A), who has the give access and for what. Let’s discuss some myths (or at least…
I was extremely pleased to be asked to speak at the financial roundtable of the OECD Committee on Financial Market’s Experts Group on Finance and Digitalisation (CMF EGFD) in Paris on October 23rd. I joined a select group of speakers and, apart from the key message I already shared on LinkedIn, each of us gave…
Despite all the new and varying financial players in today’s market, banks still hold a vital position in society. Firstly, they play a huge part in ensuring the stability and the integrity of the financial system. Secondly, even in the face of high-profile issues over the last few years, they are still the most trusted…
The EBA Register was launched in March of this year. Now that it’s been live for a few months we can take stock and consider how effective it is. While it appears to fulfil all the technical criteria set by the European Commission, does it actually add real value? Let’s find out. What’s its purpose?…
(originally posted 28 May 2019) OK, let’s cut to the chase. As co-founder and Executive Board Member of EWPN and payments lawyer and business leader I believe that the male dominated FinTech sector requires its male executives (especially the more senior ones) to take positive steps to encourage and deliver diversity. Sorry guys; but…
Open Banking and Innovation: Let’s not wait for PSD3! Let’s start with a fundamental question about the future of banking, finance and innovation. Our question is – in this fast-paced, digital age, how can the financial institutions drive innovation whilst enabling open and safe data use and staying compliant with regulations? Is there a…
I’ve previously written about the downside of cashless societies and how it can impact some of the more vulnerable members of our society (if you missed it, you can read it here: https://bit.ly/2S05cah). This topic triggered a lot of responses and since it is an issue I (and many others) feel very strongly about, I…