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Bank of Lithuania’s Response to the Covid-19 Crisis: Responsible Action or Over-Regulation?

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Bank of Lithuania’s Response to the Covid-19 Crisis:  Responsible Action or Over-Regulation?

 

The Covid- 19 Pandemic has created many novel situations that are unlikely to disappear in the near future. Like in the majority of novel post- apocalyptic scenarios, the uncertainty of the a new world order, especially in the financial sector, is always looming upon not only the governmental sector, but also on the private sector, which leads to many legal lacunas.

Within the EU financial sector, it is still uncertain whether the crisis has entered into its second act, or if it is still at the overture level.

The Bank of Lithuania, for example, has demonstrated great resilience with the initial response to the Crisis, that was remarkable in comparison to the initial response of ESMA. The Bank has issued six points of reference to the financial institutions which are regulated under the Bank which are crucial for each Electronic Money Institution’s (hereinafter- EMI) reporting duties and financial duties.

For instance, part of these requirements are in direct correlation to the Market Abuse Regulation, 5 AMLD, PSD2, and MiFID II. When discussing the Market Abuse Regulation, the Bank has issued a notice that processes and business decisions issued within the quarantine time are considered inside information, and should be disclosed under the appropriate framework.

Bank of Lithuania is also aware that regulated entities, especially EMIs and Payment Institutions (hereinafter-PI) which have not been working from their usual headquarters, but on a remote basis, still have to continue their financial and regulatory report as usual. Documents should be sent on a password controlled basis, and physical documentation should not contain confidential or sensitive information.

In regards to trading activity and trading in a regulated environment, the Bank has announced its intentions for allocating means for legal enforcement for proper functioning of the market in Lithuania. By this, the Bank has decided to examine requests for suspended trading only after receiving well- reasoned submissions, which are objective, reasoned and legally justified.

This is not the first time that the objective, reasoned and legally justified criteria has been raised in a European context.  The criteria is remarkably similar to the Subsidiarity and Proportionality principle of EU jurisprudence, which has been discussed countlessly in the Treaty of Maastricht, the Single European Act (SEA), and in T29/92, which established that the subsidiarity principle does not constitute sufficient grounds to tackle the legality of an EU legal act, especially in trade aspects between Member States and Association Agreement Countries.

In the financial services realm, this is one of the few times that this has occurred. Implementing the Subsidiarity and Proportionality Criteria in the Lithuanian context, has surpassed the EU Agency level (ESMA) and has been directly implemented by the Lithuanian Regulator.

It may seem to some that this leap is the first sign of over-regulation in Member States, which tend to over-regulate in times of crisis, yet this measure can also be deemed as responsible action. The fact that the Bank of Lithuania has managed to implement the measure in a short time frame, with minor and almost non-existent instructions from ESMA, proves once again that in cases of financial services, mutual and not exclusive competence is the golden route for financial institutions.

EMIs and crypto exchanges that have been licensed in Estonia in comparison, which have lately been scrutinized by regulatory enhanced enforcement, have not received any formal notification in regards to the Covid-19 crisis, and have not received an extension for financial and regulatory reporting, bearing in mind the July 1st deadline that is looming on the entire crypto industry in Estonia.

EMIs in Lithuania on the other hand, have received specific instructions on their financial and regulatory reporting, and the widely anticipated API open banking system will be presented during the Payment Council later this year.

Be that as it may, EMIs that are licensed in Lithuania need to bear in mind that additional enhanced procedures are anticipated from the Bank, and they need to prepare themselves for the regulatory whirlwind that will hit the compliance and operational desks within the foreseeable future.

About the author: Ella Rosenberg
EU Law Regulatory Consultant at Porat Group and CEO of the Israel-EU Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She primarily deals with high risk industries in Israel and Europe. Ella holds an LLB in EU Law from the European Law School, Maastricht University and an LLM in Commercial and Company Law from Erasmus School of Law, Erasmus University Rotterdam. Ella consults on AML in the crypto currency industry, Blockchain, AI, drone regulation, EU firearms regulatory framework, Art industry, financial arbitration and tokenization of maritime logistics. She also focuses on Foreign Trade Agreements of the EU and Israel, TRIPS and GATT agreements, WTO Law and EU Legal Policy. Ella serves as a member of Europe Forum in Israel, and actively consults the public and governmental sector in Israel on the EU Regulatory Framework.

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eWTP Arabia Capital’s Technology Fund I Recognized as Top Performing VC Fund in the Preqin League Tables

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — eWTP Arabia Capital Technology Fund I (“Techology Fund I”), managed by eWTP Arabia Capital (“eWTPA”), one of the leading private equity firms in the Middle East, was listed in the Preqin League Tables as the the fifth top-performing VC funds in the US$250 Million to US$499 Million category by net Internal Rate of Return (IRR) for vintages between 2015-2020.

“We’re delighted by the recognition of our Technology Fund I as a top-performing VC fund in our sector,” expressed Jessica Wong, Founder and Managing Partner of eWTPA. “This milestone underscores the commitment of our team and the robustness of our investment strategy. It also underscores the significant growth potential of the Middle East and North Africa market, particularly in Saudi Arabia, warranting attention. As a pivotal driver of technological advancement in the region, we’re steadfast in our mission to empower entrepreneurs and deliver value to our investors.”

“Being recognized by Preqin validates our hard work and dedication to supporting and actively contributing towards building the Saudi digital ecosystem,” said Jerry Li, Founder and Managing Partner of eWTPA. “As eWTPA continues to grow and expand its investment portfolio, it remains committed to fostering innovation and driving positive change in Saudi, the GCC and the global emerging markets ecosystem.”

eWTPA has demonstrated exceptional performance, solidifying its position among industry leaders. This recognition underscores eWTPA’s commitment to identifying high-potential market opportunities and generating returns for its investors.

The Preqin League Tables are regarded as a comprehensive and authoritative ranking system for private equity and venture capital performance. Preqin, a leading data provider in the alternative assets industry, compiles these league tables based on various performance metrics, including net Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and other key indicators.

eWTPA’s success reflects its strategic approach to investing high-growth sectors in the MENA region. The firm’s portfolio includes a diverse range of companies poised to make a significant impact on their respective industries.

Acting as a bridge between Asia and the Middle East, eWTPA’s Technology Fund I has achieved significant success since its inception in 2019. The Fund has invested in over 18 companies, several of which have successfully established themselves in KSA, like J&T Express, Raha, Sahm and COFE.

About eWTPA:

Founded in 2019, eWTP Arabia Capital is an investment firm based in Saudi Arabia and China. Backed by marquee regional and international Sovereign Wealth Funds, Institutional investors, and family offices, eWTPA helps create robust local digital ecosystems in the MENA region by partnering with market-leading international businesses and providing a gateway for these companies to establish a strong and sustainable presence in the region. To date, eWTPA has invested in over 18 companies, 13 of which have already established themselves successfully in KSA.

Media contact:

Haile Liao
+966 0530868568
[email protected]

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2416426/eWTP_Preqin.jpg

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ewtp-arabia-capitals-technology-fund-i-recognized-as-top-performing-vc-fund-in-the-preqin-league-tables-302149554.html

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Revio, the young fintech winning over Old Mutual and MTN

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Revio, a burgeoning fintech startup, has been making waves in the financial technology sector with its innovative solutions and rapid growth. This dynamic company, founded just a few years ago, has successfully garnered the attention and backing of industry giants like Old Mutual and MTN. Their journey from inception to becoming a key player in the fintech space highlights the potential of young startups to disrupt traditional industries and capture significant market share.

Innovative Solutions

Revio’s success can largely be attributed to its cutting-edge financial solutions that address pressing needs within the market. The startup offers a range of services designed to streamline financial processes, enhance security, and improve accessibility for both individuals and businesses. By leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, Revio has created products that not only solve existing problems but also anticipate future financial trends.

Strategic Partnerships

The partnerships with Old Mutual and MTN are pivotal milestones in Revio’s growth trajectory. Old Mutual, a renowned financial services group, brings a wealth of experience and a broad customer base, providing Revio with an invaluable platform for scaling its operations. On the other hand, MTN, a leading telecom company, offers extensive reach across various markets, particularly in Africa, where fintech solutions are in high demand.

These alliances are more than just financial endorsements; they signify a strong vote of confidence in Revio’s vision and capabilities. By collaborating with established entities, Revio can tap into new customer segments, enhance its technological infrastructure, and accelerate its market penetration.

Market Impact

Revio’s impact on the market is already evident. The company’s solutions are being adopted by a growing number of users, ranging from individual consumers to large corporations. This widespread acceptance is a testament to the practical value and reliability of Revio’s offerings. Moreover, the startup’s commitment to continuous innovation ensures that it stays ahead of the curve, adapting to the evolving needs of the financial sector.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Revio’s prospects appear promising. The financial support and strategic guidance from Old Mutual and MTN position the startup for sustained growth and expansion. As Revio continues to innovate and refine its products, it is likely to attract even more interest from investors and partners. The fintech landscape is highly competitive, but Revio’s unique approach and strong backing give it a distinct edge.

In conclusion, Revio’s journey from a fledgling startup to a fintech powerhouse exemplifies the potential for innovation and strategic partnerships to drive success. With the support of industry leaders like Old Mutual and MTN, Revio is well on its way to becoming a dominant force in the financial technology sector, transforming how financial services are delivered and experienced.

Source: theafricareport.com

The post Revio, the young fintech winning over Old Mutual and MTN appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.

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Basel Committee highlights rising risks from finance digitalisation in new report

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The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision has recently released a comprehensive report detailing the increasing risks associated with the digitalisation of finance. As financial institutions worldwide embrace digital transformation to enhance efficiency and customer experience, the report underscores the need for vigilant risk management and regulatory oversight to address the emerging challenges in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Key Findings

The report identifies several key areas where digitalisation is contributing to heightened risks:

  1. Cybersecurity Threats: The proliferation of digital banking platforms and online financial services has led to a surge in cybersecurity threats. Cyberattacks, data breaches, and fraud are becoming more sophisticated, posing significant risks to both financial institutions and their customers. The Basel Committee emphasizes the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and continuous monitoring to safeguard sensitive financial data.
  2. Operational Risks: As banks and financial institutions integrate advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cloud computing, they face new operational risks. System failures, software bugs, and technology outages can disrupt services and lead to substantial financial losses. The report recommends that institutions develop comprehensive operational risk management frameworks to mitigate these risks.
  3. Regulatory Challenges: The rapid pace of digital innovation often outstrips existing regulatory frameworks, creating gaps that can be exploited. The Basel Committee calls for updated regulations that keep pace with technological advancements, ensuring that financial institutions operate within a secure and compliant environment. Harmonized global standards are essential to address the cross-border nature of digital finance.
  4. Third-Party Dependencies: Financial institutions increasingly rely on third-party service providers for critical functions such as cloud storage, payment processing, and cybersecurity solutions. This dependency introduces additional risks, including vendor lock-in and the potential for service disruptions. The report advises institutions to conduct thorough due diligence and implement robust third-party risk management practices.
  5. Consumer Protection: Digital finance has made financial services more accessible, but it also exposes consumers to new risks, such as digital fraud and identity theft. The Basel Committee highlights the need for stronger consumer protection mechanisms, including transparent communication, effective dispute resolution processes, and education initiatives to raise awareness about digital risks.

Recommendations

To address these rising risks, the Basel Committee offers several recommendations:

  • Enhanced Cybersecurity Protocols: Financial institutions should invest in advanced cybersecurity technologies and adopt best practices to protect against cyber threats. Regular audits and stress testing of cybersecurity systems are crucial to ensure resilience.
  • Operational Resilience: Developing and maintaining robust operational resilience frameworks is essential. This includes regular testing of disaster recovery and business continuity plans to minimize the impact of potential disruptions.
  • Regulatory Innovation: Regulators need to innovate and adapt to the changing digital landscape. This involves updating existing regulations, fostering collaboration between regulators and the fintech industry, and developing new guidelines that address the unique risks of digital finance.
  • Third-Party Risk Management: Financial institutions must implement rigorous third-party risk management policies, including comprehensive vendor assessments, ongoing monitoring, and contingency planning for critical service providers.
  • Consumer Education and Protection: Enhancing consumer protection through education programs and transparent communication about digital risks is vital. Financial institutions should also offer robust support systems for customers affected by digital fraud or other issues.

Conclusion

The Basel Committee’s report serves as a critical reminder of the complexities and risks associated with the digitalisation of finance. While digital transformation brings numerous benefits, including greater efficiency and accessibility, it also introduces significant challenges that must be addressed proactively. By implementing the report’s recommendations, financial institutions and regulators can work together to create a secure, resilient, and inclusive digital financial ecosystem.

Source: fintech.global

The post Basel Committee highlights rising risks from finance digitalisation in new report appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.

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