1 June 2021
Episode 13: Operational Risk
Baker McKenzie partnered with Risk.net on their annual ranking of the Top 10 Op Risks for 2021. In this episode, Karen Man and Jennifer Klass, financial regulatory partners, respectively in our Hong Kong and New York offices, talk about this year's list and share perspectives on what clients are experiencing in the market. Our partners provide situational examples in light of the continuing push for digitalization and sustainability, including relevant action items for senior executives. They also take a closer look at how financial institutions can manage current and emerging operational risks.
Episode 12: Singapore – MAS Revises Technology Risk Management Guidelines
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) recently revised its Technology Risk Management Guidelines 2021 after feedback from a 2019 public consultation and engaging with cyber security experts. In this episode, Stephanie Magnus, Ken Chia, and Ying Yi Liew take a closer look at compliance, regulator expectations, cyber threats, and other important considerations — taking into account that financial institutions encompass large multinational banks, insurance companies and small fintech startups.
Episode 11: Fintech – Trends, Investments, and M&A
In this special edition, Sue McLean, partner and global tech lead for fintech and blockchain, talks to David Hart, a partner in our London office, and Lawrence C. Lee, a partner in our Palo Alto office, to discuss recent trends and developments around fintech. In this episode, they share their observations on recent innovations and take a closer look at various strategies behind the increase in investment and M&A activity. Fintech players, once seen as market disruptors, are becoming essential and critical in the future of financial institutions.
Episode 10: China – Financial Revolution in 2020 and Beyond
China's financial institutions are navigating a rapidly evolving market. Recent government actions further strengthened and opened up the industry to more investors – both domestic and foreign. In this episode, Kevin Yuan and Lucca Li from our Shanghai office talk about the economic and regulatory situation, and how COVID-19 has impacted the industry. They also take a closer look at recent innovations and the future landscape for financial institutions in China.
Episode 9: Financial Institutions in Post-COVID Africa
This episode puts the spotlight on Africa, with a focus on South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Ethiopia. Wildu du Plessis, a partner in our Johannesburg office and head of Africa, talks about the situation in Africa, in the context of the current pandemic and beyond. He shares his observations around regulatory and technological development — focusing on key topics around digitalization, cryptocurrencies, cashless transactions, and sustainability — and how financial institutions can succeed in the post-pandemic continent.
Special Edition: Finding Balance – Financial Infrastructure
In this special edition, Sue McLean, a partner at our London office, talks with Chris Murrer about the future of the financial infrastructure sector — payment providers, exchanges, card schemes, clearing houses and depositories — as it transitions into the business renewal phase. Basing on client, industry and legal perspectives, we explore what the post-COVID environment looks like for the sector. This episode is part of the fifth installment of Finding Balance: The Post-COVID Landscape for Financial Institutions.
Episode 7: Insurtech (Part 2)
Taking off from the recent publication, Insurtech: Opportunities and Legal Challenges for the Insurance Industry, Chris Murrer and Iris Barsan walk through observations in the market, as well as key developments that define the current insurtech landscape. In this second installment, they take a deeper look into regulations and considerations around recent developments in insurtech. They also touch on important points covering ethical concerns, data privacy, discrimination, and other financial regulations.
Episode 6: Insurtech (Part 1)
Taking off from the recent publication Insurtech: Opportunities and Legal Challenges for the Insurance Industry, Chris Murrer and Iris Barsan walk through observations in the market, as well as key developments that define the current insurtech landscape. This first installment focuses on new capabilities across the US and Europe, and how regulations are moving in response to innovations in the market.
Special Edition: Finding Balance – Insurance
In this special edition, Martin C.W. Tam, a partner at our Hong Kong office, talks with Ying Yi Liew about the future of the insurance sector as it transitions into the business renewal phase. Basing on client, industry and legal perspectives, we explore what the post-COVID environment looks like for the sector. This episode is part of the fourth installment of Finding Balance: The Post-COVID Landscape for Financial Institutions.
Special Edition: Finding Balance – Financial Sponsors
In this special edition, Michael Fieweger, a partner at our Chicago office, talks with Ying Yi Liew about the future of financial sponsors — private equity/credit funds, asset management and sovereign wealth funds — as the industry transitions into the business renewal phase. Basing on client, industry and legal perspectives, we explore what the post-COVID environment looks like for financial sponsors. This episode is part of the third installment of Finding Balance: The Post-COVID Landscape for Financial Institutions.
Episode 3: Data Journey Map for Virtual Communications (Singapore)
This episode outlines different steps that financial institutions must consider or take when using virtual communication platforms. Our experts from Singapore — Stephanie Magnus and Ken Chia — examine these steps, which should form part and parcel of financial institutions’ risk and compliance assessments, with a view to mitigating the potential risks of supervisory intervention and litigation.
Special Edition: Finding Balance – The Post-COVID Landscape for Financial Institutions
In this special edition, Jonathan Peddie, global chair of Baker McKenzie’s Financial Institutions Industry Group, is interviewed by Ying Yi Liew, a local principal and expert on financial services from our Singapore office. We analyze the future of financial institutions, as the industry transitions into the business renewal phase. Basing on client, industry, and legal perspectives, we explore what the post-COVID environment looks like for four industry segments and five global trends. This episode elaborates on our introductory publication under Finding Balance: The Post-COVID Landscape for Financial Institutions.
Episode 1: Data Journey Map for Virtual Communications (US)
This episode outlines different steps that financial institutions must consider or take when using virtual communication platforms. Our experts from the US – A. Valerie Mirko and Harry Valetk – examine these steps, which should form part and parcel of financial institutions’ risk and compliance assessments, with a view to mitigating the potential risks of supervisory intervention and litigation.
For further information, please contact:
Stephanie Magnus, Principal, Baker & McKenzie.Wong & Leow
stephanie.magnus@bakermckenzie.com