Strong cybersecurity for protecting sensitive client data is a critical capability for any Registered Investment Advisor firm. In 2013, Hardy Reed—one of the first firms to earn the Center for Fiduciary Excellence certification—considered cloud services as an option for its IT needs. They wanted to look at alternate options to replacing their in-house server. Two factors were particularly important: heightened security concerns for protecting client information and the need to enable advisors and staff to serve clients while on the road.
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Cybercriminals targets the financial industry 300 times more frequently than any other industry, resulting in mega breaches and millions of records stolen through hacktivism, malware, social engineering, phishing, and other applications. The harsh consequences of remaining vulnerable to cybersecurity breaches are costly, and the number one threat to cybersecurity is the uninformed employee. As cybercrime becomes commonplace, it’s essential to learn about the current cybersecurity landscape, the tools a financial firm needs, and best practices for keeping your firm protected.
An unprecedented cyber theft transpired earlier this year, one as daring as it is revelatory. When unknown thieves siphoned $81 million from the Bangladesh central bank, by using the SWIFT system to trick the U.S. Federal Reserve into turning over the money, the criminals showed that hackers can exploit virtually every aspect of the global financial system. Ramifications for registered investment advisors and broker-dealers should be obvious. If some of the biggest financial entities in the world can find themselves involved in cyber breaches, so can your firm.
During the past year, financial institutions of all kinds have experienced repercussions from cybersecurity gaps. The alarming truth is that many broker-dealers have failed to stay up to date with cybersecurity controls and must swiftly get in compliance with all computer-related rules that the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) enforces or risk disciplinary action.
The wealth management industry is seeing a wave of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). From the buyer’s perspective, the biggest question when pursuing M&A is whether the target firm is worth the asking price. From the seller’s perspective, the biggest question is whether the bidder is the best match. Although this difference of perspective creates natural tension in any deal, technology can alleviate more of it than one might think.
In a referendum held on June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom (UK) voted to leave the European Union (EU). For risk professionals, many of the key issues that affect them will be decided during the negotiations over the coming years that will determine the UK’s new relationship with the EU. However, firms need to begin assessing which areas of their business could be affected and begin having discussions with their insurers and risk advisers. For insurers, this vote could also have significant implications.
After months of fierce debate and a policymaking hiatus, the United Kingdom (UK) electorate has voted in favour of leaving the European Union (EU). While the broad direction is set, companies will still face considerable uncertainty until the UK’s exit strategy is defined and trade negotiations (including the trans-border movement of people) with the EU and other countries are completed.
What has been called a “soft revolution” in the UK may also be thought of as the “revenge of the 99%.” The final implications of the decision to leave the EU will not unfold for many years, but some of the initial economic and market impacts are becoming evident. Interestingly, one “winner” in this scenario may be the U.S. consumer. A stronger dollar generally reduces the cost of imports and reduces the Fed’s impetus to raise interest rates. On the broader spectrum, Brexit should not interrupt domestic consumer spending or the recovery in the U.S.
The outcome of the United Kingdom’s referendum to leave the European Union has stunned forecasters and market participants. The market responded in dramatic fashion to the news, triggering economic repercussions where the Euro fell against the U.S. Dollar from 2 percent to 8.5 percent. Meanwhile, safe haven bond markets rallied up to 25 basis points. As heightened risk premiums filter into global markets, we advise investors to focus on long-term perspective of how events may play out and how markets and portfolios may respond.
NEPC's Christopher Levell, ASA, CFA, CAIA, Partner, hosted a webinar discussion on Wednesday, June 29, 2016 on the effects of the United Kingdom’s referendum to leave the European Union. The UK’s vote is an unprecedented event that has major implications for global markets both in the short and long term.