As the world of finance continues to rapidly evolve, it is essential that financial institutions remain abreast of all changes in regulations on a global scale. With this in mind, what does the regulatory outlook for 2023 look like? In this blog post, we will discuss the current regulatory landscape and what financial institutions should anticipate in terms of compliance when planning for 2023.
The Regulatory Landscape
The global financial regulatory landscape is constantly changing and developing as new technologies such as digital banking and AI gain traction. In 2021, many countries implemented or amended existing regulations to ensure that these new technologies are used responsibly and ethically. For example, Europe’s Revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2) sets out guidelines for how banks can use customer data with regards to payments and other services.
In addition, various changes were also made at a regional level to strengthen consumer protections around financial products and services. For example, the European Commission launched its Sustainable Finance Regulation which establishes guidelines for how companies can achieve sustainability goals while still meeting their economic objectives. Similarly, the UK has enacted its own Financial Services Bill which seeks to modernize the UK’s financial sector while promoting greater competition among firms operating in the market.
What is the Revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2)
PSD2 focuses on enhancing consumer protection, increasing market efficiency and promoting innovation in the payments market. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of open banking, customer rights, authorization requirements, data portability and more. It also lays out numerous measures to ensure security of payment services and protect customer funds.
What is the UK Financial Services Bill?
The UK Financial Services Bill is an act that reforms regulation in the financial services sector, including banking, insurance and investment services. It establishes a new financial watchdog – the Financial Conduct Authority – to take over from the current three regulatory organizations. The bill also focuses on preventing consumer harm and ensuring stability of the financial system. It sets out how firms must treat their customers fairly when providing products or services, as well as how they should ensure they are not exposed to unacceptable levels of risk. Additionally, the bill aims to create a more efficient and effective regulatory framework for the sector by making existing legislation easier to understand and clarify certain areas of law.
What is the EC’s Sustainable Finance Regulation?
The Sustainable Finance Regulation is a regulation aimed at encouraging sustainable investments and activities throughout Europe. It sets out requirements for financial companies, including banks, insurers, asset managers and credit institutions. The regulation requires these players to include sustainability in their investment decision-making process. Additionally, it encourages greater disclosure of the sustainability of individual investments by requiring firms to provide comprehensive disclosures associated with their services. The aim is to make it easier for investors to assess the sustainability of their investments and compare different investment options. It also creates incentives for businesses to invest in low-carbon projects by providing tax advantages and other benefits.
Overview of 2023 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Regulations in Europe That Pose a Regulatory Risk
There are several laws and regulations in Europe that are causing concern around the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in financial services. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) governs how data can be used, stored and accessed by companies, including those using AI. Additionally, the EU’s Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II) requires firms to demonstrate compliance with a range of regulations when providing investment advice and services. Furthermore, the European Banking Authority has issued guidelines which require firms utilizing AI to ensure it is used responsibly and without detriment to customers. Finally, the Payment Services Directive also sets out detailed requirements for anyone processing payments with AI-based technology.
Looking Ahead to 2023
Financial institutions need to be prepared for further changes in regulation as we move towards 2023. At a global level, there is likely to be increased focus on ensuring that digital banking services are affordable, secure and accessible. We should also expect more clarity on how financial services companies can use customer data responsibly without infringing upon individual privacy rights.
At a regional level, there may be more regulation around sustainable investments such as green bonds and ESG funds as governments continue to prioritize sustainability initiatives over short-term profits. Additionally, we may see increased enforcement of existing regulations designed to protect consumers from predatory practices such as high fees or hidden terms and conditions attached to loan agreements or credit cards.
2023 promises to bring a host of new regulations that could have far reaching effects on financial institutions across the globe. It is therefore essential that risk professionals and change management professionals stay abreast of all developments so they can properly prepare their organizations for any potential changes ahead of time. By doing so they will ensure that their organizations remain compliant with all relevant regulations while continuing to provide quality products and services that meet customers’ needs.
