SET Training - Banking and Fintech

Even if your company has never faced tariffs and has no direct dealings with China, Canada, or Mexico, prepare for potential impacts from the second Trump administration's tariff policies, as highlighted by PwC experts at the 2025 Tax Policy Media Breakfast. According to Chris Desmond, PwC’s US global trade services principal, tariffs could deliver "a big shock to the operating model" for unprepared companies. However, there's substantial uncertainty around which countries will be targeted, the scale of tariffs, their implementation timeline, and even their actual imposition. Krishnan Chandrasekhar, PwC US tax leader, emphasized the role of tariffs as negotiation tools, a dynamic exemplified by the rapid escalation and de-escalation of US-Colombia tariff threats on January 26. In this unpredictable environment, PwC recommends that business leaders engage in extensive scenario planning. Finance leaders should thoroughly understand how different tariffs could affect the...

This weekend, the streets turned into a scene straight out of a comedy caper as throngs of folks queued up at Barclays' ATMs, all in a bid to snag some 'free cash' thanks to a digital debacle in the bank's mobile and online services. Apparently, when Barclays' tech took an unscheduled nap, TikTok took the stage, turning a technical glitch into the latest treasure hunt! Imagine the chaos—people frantically tapping their phones, only to realize that the real action was happening at the cold, hard, cash-dispensing machines.  It's like the universe decided to give us a live-action version of "Monopoly: Bank Error in Your Favor, Collect £200." I bet there were some folks who thought they'd finally cracked the banking system only to find out they were just part of a viral dance with cash. And let's not forget the poor bank employees, probably thinking, "Well, we wanted to go viral, but not like this!" It's a reminder that in the digital...

Looks like Trump thought he could bully Canada with tariffs like he was shooing a goose off his golf course, but oh boy, did he pick the wrong country for his antics. After he announced his 25% tariff threat, Canadians, known for their politeness, got a bit... un-Canadian. At sports arenas, instead of the usual respectful silence during the U.S. anthem, fans decided it was time for a good old-fashioned jeer fest. Social media lit up faster than a bonfire with hashtags like #BoycottUSA, and whispers of selling off those sunny Florida getaways were heard from Vancouver to Halifax. But the real kicker? Canada's contemplating giving the U.S. auto industry such a cold shoulder it might just freeze over, threatening layoffs colder than a Winnipeg winter. And in the ultimate twist of fate, Ontario's decided to give Elon Musk's Starlink the cold boot, because apparently, even space isn't safe from this trade tiff. My Musings: This is less a trade war and more like watching C...

  Introduction Whistleblowing is a critical process for uncovering unethical or illegal activities within organizations, governments, or corporations. As societies and industries evolve, the need for transparency and accountability becomes more pressing. In today’s interconnected world, where corporate and governmental influence extends far beyond borders, the act of whistleblowing has taken on new significance. It is no longer merely a matter of morality or personal ethics; it has become an essential tool for promoting justice, fairness, and ethical behavior. With the global rise in corporate scandals, fraud, corruption, and environmental violations, whistleblowers have become crucial figures in unveiling misconduct and ensuring public trust. However, the practice of whistleblowing comes with substantial risks, from professional and personal consequences to retaliation and legal threats. This article explores the ethical, legal, and pragmatic dimensions of whistleblowing, examinin...

  The UK Government has published its National Payments Vision , an initiative spearheaded by the Chancellor to streamline and modernize the payments landscape. Below is a summary of its key points, structured for clarity and analysis. 1. Regulatory Coordination Between the FCA and PSR Currently, payments oversight is shared between the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR). The consultation process revealed significant overlap and a lack of coordination between these regulators. To address this, the FCA will assume primary responsibility for regulatory decisions that fall within its scope, including areas that intersect with the PSR’s mandate. 2. Modernizing Payments Infrastructure The report highlighted inefficiencies in the pace of infrastructure upgrades within the payments sector. To accelerate reform, a new committee will replace the existing structure, which heavily relied on banking and consultancy representatives. This change aims to del...

Introduction Internal controls are foundational elements within any organization, intended to provide reasonable assurance that processes operate smoothly, risks are minimized, and objectives are achieved efficiently. Leaders depend on these controls to function as a reliable safeguard, trusting that they’re well-designed, correctly installed, and actively maintained. Yet, a recurring pattern emerges through countless audits: controls inevitably break down over time. This breakdown can arise from various factors, including changing organizational priorities, rapid technological advancements, staff inexperience, or simple human error. Without ongoing attention and diligence, even the most robust control frameworks are vulnerable. Such failures not only expose the organization to potential risks but also create an opportunity for improvement when properly addressed. Auditors and compliance professionals are instrumental in diagnosing control breakdowns and recommending solutions to mitig...

An analysis of reactions of banking, fintech and tech leaders to the re-election of Donald Trump, tends to focus on the potential impacts across various sectors including finance, climate policy, banking, technology, fintech, and cryptocurrency. Here's a breakdown by key subject areas: Economy and Markets: Analysts predict that Trump’s policies will focus on expanding U.S. fiscal policy, reducing regulation, and promoting aggressive trade tactics. Daniel Casali of Evelyn Partners notes the likelihood of tax cuts, which could benefit equities and drive growth. However, others warn that this economic boost may come with long-term global consequences. Climate Policy: The administration’s stance is expected to be less focused on climate initiatives, echoing Trump’s first term, which could stall global climate progress unless other nations take up the slack. Garry White of Charles Stanley anticipates fewer regulations on fossil fuels and a decrease in subsidies for green investments, p...