EU bets the bank on digital finance with blockchain sandbox

Victor Smart | January 15 2024 Far from slowing down in the face of election fever, the European Union is betting the bank on digital finance with its new blockchain sandbox, writes Victor Smart.  ABN Amro and Rabobank have become the first banks to sign up to a new regulatory blockchain sandbox, as the EU strives to… Continue reading EU bets the bank on digital finance with blockchain sandbox

FCA to impose ‘targeted and intrusive’ sanctions on banks that fail to comply with Consumer Duty

Victor Smart | January 3 2024 The UK's Financial Conduct Authority has warned that banks are failing to instil a firm-wide Consumer Duty-friendly culture, and are still relying on "second-line" risk and compliance teams to pick up infractions.  Read more: https://www.bankingriskandregulation.com/fca-to-impose-targeted-and-intrusive-sanctions-on-banks-that-fail-to-comply-with-consumer-duty/

Is COP28 a cop out?

Victor Smart | October 3, 2023 Victor Smart reports that central banks are facing an increasing struggle to maintain momentum behind their green initiatives, ahead of November’s COP28 climate talks in Dubai. Criticism over the cost of living crisis and the official role of central banks as policy-takers, not policy-makers, is sparking debate about whether ESG is… Continue reading Is COP28 a cop out?

EU Parliament opts to include financial industry in scope of corporate sustainability due diligence directive

Victor Smart |June 7, 2023 Tense negotiations between the EU Council, European Parliament and European Commission over the coming months will decide whether financial institutions fall within the scope of the EU’s proposed corporate sustainability due diligence directive (CSDDD).   On 1 June, members of the European Parliament (MEPs) approved the parliament’s position on the proposed… Continue reading EU Parliament opts to include financial industry in scope of corporate sustainability due diligence directive