Financial Crime

BAFT Releases New White Paper on Transaction Banking Sustainable Finance Product and Reporting Matrix

WASHINGTON – BAFT, the leading global financial services association for international transaction banking, today released a new white paper, Transaction Banking Sustainable Finance Product and Reporting Matrix. The paper provides guidance on transaction banking sustainable finance products currently being offered to both corporate and financial institution clients.

The reporting matrix is intended to capture, consolidate and display in a simplified, readable format the industry best practice for labeling sustainable finance transaction banking products. Similarly, it highlights the types of reporting necessary for each type of ESG-labeled product.

“The transaction banking industry needs more refined standards tailored to our specific products,” said Andy Price, vice president, international policy, BAFT. “Our hope is that this matrix will serve as a starting point for framework development and ultimately, improve the design of sustainable finance transaction banking products.”

“We believe this resource is the first of its kind, specific to the transaction banking industry, and can be used by transaction banking practitioners and clients looking to further educate themselves on what is currently available in the market, as well as novices looking to learn more about sustainable transaction banking best practices”, said Anna Plewinska-Pijl, director, FI transaction services Europe, ING .

The white paper and reporting matrix were completed with the help of BAFT’s working group on sustainable finance, as well as several industry professionals, including:

Nataša Kovač, ING
Natasa Pudic, ING
Anna Plewinska-Pijl, ING
Dorene Martinez, BNP Paribas
Kaushik Mukherjee, Wells Fargo
Laura Wilson, Investec
Maxwell Chesky, MUFG
Chithra Badri, CICB
Riaan Meyer, Royal Bank of Canada

BAFT intends to update the document as industry developments occur. Click here to read Transaction Banking Sustainable Finance Product and Reporting Matrix, or visit BAFT’s Library of Documents under BAFT Guidance and Industry Practice section at www.BAFT.org.

About BAFT

BAFT, the leading global financial services association for international transaction banking, helps bridge solutions across financial institutions, service providers and the regulatory community that promote sound financial practices enabling innovation, efficiency, and commercial growth. BAFT engages on a wide range of topics affecting transaction banking, including trade finance, payments, and compliance.

BAFT Media Contact:
Blair Bernstein
Senior Director, Public Relations
[email protected]
+1 (202) 663-5468

BAFT Releases Second White Paper in ISO 20022 Series Focused on Best Practices and Guidance

The comprehensive report offers practical insights for a seamless transition to the global financial messaging standard

Washington, DC – BAFT, the leading global financial services association for international transaction banking, today announced the release of its second white paper in the ISO 20022 series, “BAFT ISO 20022 Migrations: Best Practices and Guidance.” The report provides critical insights, strategies, and recommendations for financial institutions navigating the migration to the ISO 20022 standard for electronic data interchange between financial institutions.

As the global financial services sector undergoes a major shift toward ISO 20022 adoption, this new white paper builds upon BAFT’s first publication in the series and aims to guide stakeholders through the complexities of the migration process. With the upcoming deadlines and global implementation efforts already underway, the white paper serves as an essential resource for financial institutions, fintechs, and payment service providers at different stages of the transition.

Key highlights from the white paper include:

Roadmap for Migration: A step-by-step guide outlining key phases of ISO 20022 migration, from preparation to execution.
Best Practices: Practical examples and case studies from industry leaders who have successfully migrated to ISO 20022.
Risk Management: Identification of potential risks and mitigation strategies to ensure a seamless transition.
Cross-border and Regional Considerations: Tailored advice for managing regional and jurisdictional differences during migration.
Technology and Infrastructure: Insights on how to update and future-proof existing infrastructure to comply with the new standard.

“We are committed to supporting the global financial industry as it transitions to the ISO 20022 messaging standard,” said Deepa Sinha, vice president of payments and financial crimes, BAFT. “This white paper offers not just guidance, but actionable strategies that institutions of all sizes can leverage to ensure a smooth migration. It also highlights the importance of collaboration between industry players to drive standardization and interoperability in the global payments ecosystem.”

ISO 20022 has emerged as the global standard for financial messaging due to its enriched data format, improved processing efficiency, and ability to support new products and services. The “BAFT ISO 20022 Migrations: Best Practices and Guidance” white paper focuses on how organizations can unlock these benefits while minimizing disruptions during the migration phase.

Click here to read BAFT’s ISO 20022 Migrations: Best Practices & Guidance. The white paper is also available within BAFT’s Library of Documents under the Guidance and Industry Practices section.

About BAFT

BAFT Media Contact:
Blair Bernstein
Senior Director, Public Relations
[email protected]
+1 (202) 663-5468

BAFT White Paper Analyzes Digital Currencies and Financial Crimes Concerns

Washington, DC – BAFT, the leading international transaction banking association, has released a comprehensive white paper titled “Digital Currencies and Financial Crimes Concerns,” offering a thorough examination of the intersection between digital currencies and the challenges posed by financial crimes. This timely publication explores the evolving landscape of digital currencies and their implications for anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) efforts.

As digital currencies continue to gain prominence in the global financial ecosystem, stakeholders are increasingly grappling with the potential risks associated with their use in illicit activities. BAFT’s white paper serves as a vital resource for financial institutions, regulatory bodies, policymakers, and other industry participants seeking to navigate this complex terrain.

“Digital currencies present both opportunities and challenges for the financial industry,” said Deepa Sinha, vice president of payments and financial crimes, BAFT. “While they offer innovative solutions for cross-border transactions and financial inclusion, they also pose significant risks in terms of financial crimes. Our white paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of these issues and offer practical recommendations for stakeholders to enhance their AML and CTF efforts in the digital currency space.”

The white paper delves into several key areas:

Overview of Digital Currencies: It includes an examination of digital currencies, as well as central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), including their characteristics, mechanisms, and adoption trends. By understanding the diverse nature of digital currencies, stakeholders can better appreciate their implications for financial crimes.

Risks and Challenges: Recognizing the inherent anonymity, borderless nature, and decentralization of many digital currencies, the paper identifies the risks they pose in facilitating money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud, and other illicit activities. It also highlights the challenges associated with effectively detecting and mitigating these risks within the existing regulatory framework.

Regulatory Landscape: The paper explores the efforts of global regulators to address AML and CTF concerns. It examines various regulatory approaches, including licensing requirements, transaction monitoring, customer due diligence (CDD), and information-sharing mechanisms, and evaluates their effectiveness in combating financial crimes.

Technological Solutions: It includes a discussion of the role of advanced analytics, blockchain analytics tools, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning algorithms.

Collaboration and Partnerships: BAFT examines the benefits of a collaborative approach to tackling financial crimes associated with digital currencies and the importance of partnership among financial institutions, regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies and technology providers.

Future Outlook: The paper offers insights into emerging trends, regulatory developments, and technological advancements for digital currencies and financial crimes.

Click here to read BAFT’s Digital Currencies and Financial Crimes Concerns. The white paper is also available within BAFT’s Library of Documents under the Guidance and Industry Practices section.

About BAFT

BAFT Media Contact:
Blair Bernstein
Senior Director, Public Relations
[email protected]
+1 (202) 663-5468

BAFT Releases New White Paper on Deep-Tier Supply Chain Finance

WASHINGTON – BAFT, the leading global financial services association for international transaction banking, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) today released a new white paper, Deep-Tier Supply Chain Finance: Unlocking Potential, which highlights the potential for deep-tier supply chain finance (DTSCF) to bridge the trade finance gap, drive liquidity to the most underserved segments of the trade market and enhance visibility within global supply chains.

Deep-tier supply chain finance is an innovative financial solution with the potential to unlock financing for deeper tier suppliers, where small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are prevalent, by allowing access to finance by leveraging the credit risk of the anchor buyer. DTSCF not only unlocks finance at favorable rates for deeper tiers in a supply chain, but it also promotes an ecosystem of financial stability, risk management, and sustainability throughout the entire supply chain.

BAFT and ADB developed this white paper to provide a shared view of DTSCF, to outline its features as a new technique in financing trade and supply chains, to define what DTSCF is and what it is not, and to offer necessary definitions and legal frameworks to make it a success at scale.

“We’re pleased to have been able to build on the initial work done by ADB on this subject to help identify the key considerations to successful deployment of deep-tier supply chain finance, which can be a useful tool to help address the persistent trade finance gap,” said Tod Burwell, president and CEO, BAFT.

“Deep-tier supply chain finance is an exciting innovation that has the potential to drive greater resilience in supply chains and unlock the potential for SME-led economic growth, job creation, and prosperity,” said Steven Beck, ADB’s Head of Trade and Supply Chain Finance Program. “The publication details the next steps required to overcome the challenges in scaling this innovation and we’re excited to tackle these with our public and private sector partners.”

Click here to read BAFT’s Deep-Tier Supply Chain Finance. The white paper is also available within BAFT’s Library of Documents under the Guidance and Industry Practices section.

About BAFT

BAFT Media Contact:
Blair Bernstein
Senior Director, Public Relations
[email protected]
+1 (202) 663-5468

BAFT White Paper Explores Uneven Regulations in the Payments Industry

WASHINGTON – BAFT, the leading global financial services association for international transaction banking, today released a new white paper, “Uneven Regulations in the Payments Industry.” The paper sheds light on the disparities and challenges in regulatory frameworks governing the global payments landscape.

This comprehensive publication offers a deep dive into the complexities of payment regulation and its implications for financial institutions, fintech firms, regulators, and consumers alike.

“In an era of rapid technological advancement and evolving payment methods, the regulatory environment has struggled to keep pace, resulting in a patchwork of regulations across jurisdictions,” said Deepa Sinha, vice president for payments & financial crimes, BAFT. “BAFT’s white paper serves as a vital resource for industry stakeholders seeking to navigate this complex regulatory landscape and advocate for greater harmonization and standardization.”

Key highlights of the white paper include:

Overview of Payment Regulations: It examines the diverse approaches taken by regulatory bodies in different jurisdictions around the world. From traditional banking regulations to emerging fintech regulations, it analyzes the regulatory frameworks governing various payment instruments, including cards, digital wallets, real-time payments, and cross-border transactions.
Challenges and Inconsistencies: The paper explores the fragmentation, duplicative requirements, and conflicting mandates in existing regulation that hinders interoperability and innovation in the payments ecosystem.
Impact on Market Participants: It offers an analysis of the compliance burden, operational costs, and market access barriers imposed by divergent regulatory requirements and how these uneven regulations impact financial institutions, fintech firms, payment service providers and consumers. It also discusses the implications for competition, consumer protection, and financial inclusion in an increasingly globalized payments landscape.
Regulatory Convergence: The paper takes a closer look at potential pathways for collaboration among regulatory bodies at the domestic, regional, and international levels.
Industry Recommendations: It provides an outline of strategies and practical recommendations to promote regulatory convergence, streamline compliance processes, and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of payment regulation.
Call to Action: Lastly, it includes a push for industry stakeholders to work towards an inclusive, competitive, and fair environment in which consumers will effectively benefit from a broad and safe offering, while still maintaining provider profitability and sustainability.

Click here to read BAFT’s Uneven Regulations in Payments. The white paper is also available within BAFT’s Library of Documents under the Guidance and Industry Practices section.

About BAFT

BAFT Media Contact:
Blair Bernstein
Senior Director, Public Relations
[email protected]
+1 (202) 663-5468

Keeping Pace With Payments: Lessons Learned From a Dynamic Landscape

Hear from Deepa Sinha, VP Payments & Financial Crimes at BAFT on the transforming payments industry and the key topics to look for.

Via Trade Finance Global by Deepa Sinha

The payments industry is undergoing a profound transformation, fuelled by technological advancements, shifting consumer expectations, and regulatory developments.

ISO implementations, instant and real-time Payments, digital currencies, regulatory compliance, and financial crime concerns are all on the top of the agenda this year and for the near future.

As we navigate this complex ecosystem, it’s essential to reflect on the lessons learned, anticipate future challenges, and embrace opportunities for innovation. In this thought leadership article, we look at key initiatives and insights shaping the payments landscape, drawing from recent publications by BAFT (Bankers Association for Finance and Trade).

ISO 20022 Migrations: Lessons Learned

In January 2024, BAFT released a white paper highlighting lessons learned from ISO 20022 migrations. The adoption of ISO 20022, a global messaging standard for financial transactions, represents a significant milestone in modernising payment systems worldwide.

However, the migration process comes with its share of challenges, including technical complexities, data mapping issues, and coordination among stakeholders.

The paper’s target audience are those banks who have not yet started their ISO migration journey, or those who are in the middle of it. The paper is the collaborative work of several banks’ experiences to guide others through these challenges.

A key insight from the white paper highlights the significance of robust project management and the need for effective collaboration among institutions.

Effective communication and coordination help mitigate risks and ensure a smooth transition to ISO 20022 standards. Additionally, investing in training and education for staff members is vital to enhance awareness and proficiency in handling the new messaging format.

Uneven regulations in the payments industry

Despite the progress made in standardisation, regulatory frameworks governing the payments industry remain fragmented and uneven. BAFT is actively engaged in addressing these regulatory disparities to foster a more cohesive and transparent environment for payments players, including banks and non-bank financial institutions.

By advocating for harmonised and even regulations across jurisdictions, and among banks and non-bank financial institutions, BAFT aims to facilitate collaboration and promote financial inclusion on an even playing field for all.

The payments roadmap and G20 initiatives

BAFT’s Payments Roadmap aligns with the priorities outlined by the G20 to enhance the efficiency, resilience, and security of payment systems globally. This strategic initiative encompasses a range of objectives, including promoting interoperability, leveraging emerging technologies, and enhancing cybersecurity measures.

By aligning with G20 initiatives, BAFT seeks to drive consensus and collaboration among policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders. It is also the first of its kind as a collaborative effort among banks to outline their payments initiatives in place now, and what they have planned in the near future.

Digital currencies and financial crime concerns

The proliferation of digital currencies presents both opportunities and challenges for the payments industry. BAFT is actively researching the implications of digital currencies on financial crime prevention and compliance measures. As digital payment methods gain traction, concerns about money laundering, terrorist financing, and fraud have become more pronounced.

BAFT’s white paper on Digital Currencies and Financial Crimes, which will be published by summer 2024, will aim to provide insights into mitigating risks associated with the adoption of digital currencies.

By leveraging advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technology, financial institutions can enhance their ability to detect and prevent illicit activities. Moreover, collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential to develop robust regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with security.

ISO 20022 Migrations: Guidance and best practices

As a sequel to the lessons learned paper, BAFT is developing a guidance and best practices white paper, which will include use cases, for ISO 20022 migrations to support financial institutions throughout the transition process.

This comprehensive resource will offer practical insights into data mapping, testing procedures, and change management strategies. By leveraging the collective expertise of industry stakeholders, BAFT aims to provide a guide to facilitate a seamless migration to ISO 20022 standards.

Sanctions: Lessons learned

In its ongoing commitment to fostering best practices and enhancing compliance standards within the financial industry, BAFT will release a groundbreaking white paper focusing on “Sanctions: Lessons Learned.”

This publication will serve as a guide, drawing from real-world experiences and case studies, to illuminate the complexities and nuances surrounding sanctions compliance.

The new guide will take insights and best practices and focus on providing financial institutions with knowledge and practical strategies to manoeuvre through the constantly changing sanctions regulations landscape.

From mitigating risks associated with sanctions violations to implementing robust compliance frameworks, this white paper will offer guidance for industry professionals striving to uphold the highest integrity and regulatory compliance standards.

Key drivers for shaping the future of payments

The payments industry is undergoing a period of unprecedented change, driven by technological innovation, regulatory reform, and evolving customer preferences. As we navigate this dynamic landscape, collaboration, innovation, and adaptability are essential to driving progress and ensuring the resilience of payment systems.

By harnessing insights from these various white papers, and fostering collaboration and cooperation, financial institutions can navigate challenges, capitalise on opportunities, and shape the future of payments. Together, we can build a more inclusive, efficient, and secure payments ecosystem that meets the needs of a rapidly evolving digital economy.

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