BSP's IT Risk Management Overhaul: How You Can Ensure Compliance

The financial sector is facing a transformative shift as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) recently introduced significant amendments to its Information Technology (IT) Risk Management regulations. These changes, aimed at strengthening cybersecurity measures and minimizing fraud-related losses, require financial institutions to adopt advanced fraud management systems and bolster consumer education programs. 

In this blog post, we will explore the implications of these new regulations for banks and non-bank financial institutions, provide insights on effective implementation of robust fraud management systems, and highlight how Tookitaki’s cutting-edge solutions align seamlessly with these regulatory requirements.

Understanding the BSP's New IT Risk Management Regulations

In March 2022, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) introduced significant amendments to its regulations on Information Technology (IT) Risk Management. These amendments, encapsulated in Circular No. 1140, aim to bolster the cybersecurity posture of financial institutions, both banks and non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs). The key changes revolve around the implementation of robust fraud management systems and enhanced consumer education programs.

The BSP’s mandate includes the adoption of automated, real-time fraud monitoring and detection systems designed to identify and block suspicious online transactions. According to the BSP, “The expected sophistication and capabilities of BSFIs’ fraud monitoring systems (FMS) should be commensurate to the risks associated with their digital financial and payment platforms.” This means that financial institutions must ensure their systems are capable of evolving alongside the increasingly complex landscape of cyber threats.

Additionally, the amendments emphasize the importance of consumer education in preventing fraud. Financial institutions are required to ensure that their customers complete a prerequisite education program on the safe and secure use of electronic payment and financial services (EPFS). The BSP suggests using interactive platforms, such as video clips and online quizzes, to effectively capture the customer's attention and interest.

The implications of these amendments are profound. Financial institutions must now invest in sophisticated fraud detection technologies and develop comprehensive consumer education programs to comply with the new regulations and maintain consumer trust.

Implementing Robust Fraud Management Systems

In light of the new BSP regulations, financial institutions must prioritize the implementation of robust fraud management systems to safeguard their operations and maintain consumer confidence. The key to staying ahead in this dynamic environment is adopting automated, real-time fraud monitoring and detection systems that can effectively combat evolving cyber threats.

The BSP outlines that these systems must be sophisticated enough to match the risks associated with digital financial and payment platforms. Specifically, the BSP recommends that financial institutions “implement automated and real-time fraud monitoring and detection systems to identify and block suspicious or fraudulent online transactions.” The systems should be capable of processing surges in transactions, analyzing customer profiles and behavior, and detecting new fraud patterns.

Here are some practical steps for institutions to implement these systems effectively:

• Leverage Advanced Technology: Financial institutions should invest in cutting-edge technologies that utilize machine learning and artificial intelligence to detect anomalies and fraudulent activities. These technologies can learn from historical data, adapt to new fraud patterns, and provide accurate real-time alerts.
• Integrate Systems for Comprehensive Coverage: It is crucial for fraud management systems to be integrated with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) systems. This integration ensures a cohesive and comprehensive financial crime prevention system. The BSP highlights that “the FMS and AML systems should be linked or integrated to have a cohesive and comprehensive financial crime prevention system.”
• Constant Calibration and Upgradation: As fraud and cyber threats evolve, the fraud monitoring systems should be continuously calibrated and upgraded. Regular updates ensure that the systems remain effective in early detection and prevention of fraudulent activities.
• Utilize Data from Multiple Channels: A robust fraud management system should be able to collect, monitor, and analyze transactions from all channels. This comprehensive approach helps in identifying suspicious patterns across various platforms and devices.

By focusing on these areas, financial institutions can develop and maintain robust fraud management systems that not only comply with the new BSP regulations but also significantly enhance their cybersecurity posture.

Tookitaki’s Solutions: Aligning with BSP’s New Regulatory Requirements

As financial institutions navigate the complexities of the new BSP regulations, partnering with innovative solution providers like Tookitaki can be a game-changer. Tookitaki’s advanced financial crime prevention platform is designed to meet and exceed the BSP’s stringent requirements, offering a comprehensive and integrated approach to fraud detection and AML compliance.

Real-time Fraud Detection and Monitoring

Tookitaki’s platform leverages sophisticated machine learning algorithms to provide real-time fraud detection and monitoring. This aligns perfectly with the BSP’s directive for “automated and real-time fraud monitoring and detection systems to identify and block suspicious or fraudulent online transactions.” The platform’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data in real-time ensures that financial institutions can quickly identify and mitigate fraudulent activities.

Integration of Fraud Management and AML Systems

One of the key aspects of the BSP’s new regulations is the integration of fraud management systems with AML systems. Tookitaki’s FinCense platform seamlessly integrates these systems, creating a unified approach to financial crime prevention. This integrated system allows institutions to “collectively analyze customer profiles/behavior and detect new fraud patterns,” providing a comprehensive defense against financial crime.

Continuous Learning and Adaptation

To stay ahead of evolving fraud patterns, Tookitaki’s platform employs a federated learning model. This model continuously learns from new data and updates its algorithms to detect emerging threats. The BSP emphasizes the need for systems that can “process surges in transactions, collectively analyze customer profiles/behavior, and detect new fraud patterns.” Tookitaki’s platform is designed to meet these requirements, ensuring robust and adaptive fraud detection capabilities.

Comprehensive Risk Coverage

Tookitaki’s Anti-Financial Crime (AFC) ecosystem provides unparalleled risk coverage by leveraging collective intelligence from a global network of financial crime experts. This collaborative approach ensures that Tookitaki’s platform remains up-to-date with the latest fraud typologies and AML techniques. As a result, financial institutions benefit from 100% scenario coverage compared to the 50% to 60% industry standard.

In conclusion, Tookitaki’s solutions are not only aligned with the new BSP regulations but also set a higher standard for fraud detection and AML compliance. By partnering with Tookitaki, financial institutions in the Philippines can ensure they are well-equipped to meet regulatory requirements and protect their customers from the ever-evolving landscape of financial crime. To learn more about FinCense and its features, schedule a slot with one of our experts below.