RCBank Issue Official Communique From The National Symposium on Cyber Security And Financial Inclusion


One of Sierra Leone’s leading financial institutions, Rokel Commercial Bank has issued a Communiqué from the National Symposium on Cybersecurity and Financial Inclusion Organized by the RCBank and EST Applied Intelligence (UK) On the 22nd February 2024 at the Freetown City Council Auditorium.

The event which attracted over 500 participants from financial Institutions, MDAS, the private sector, educational institutions, security agencies etc, was part of the bank’s contribution towards the strengthening and or establishment of a robust cybersecurity capability in Sierra Leone.

The symposium was immediately followed by a working breakfast where a smaller group of carefully selected participants from RCBank and other relevant institutions further deliberated to identify six key variables that subsequently became the communique for the RCBank National Symposium on Cybersecurity and Financial Inclusion in Sierra Leone. These are as follows:

1) Increased awareness of the evolving cybersecurity threat landscape and the importance of proactive measures to mitigate risks.

2) Enhanced understanding of best practices, frameworks and strategies for safeguarding digital assets and infrastructure including sensitive customer data

3) Strengthened professional connections and collaboration opportunities within the financial services, defence, national security and wider cybersecurity communities

4) Formation of the first ever Cybersecurity Tiger Group in Sierra Leone for cross sector collaboration and capacity building.

5) Formation of the first ever Financial Services Cybersecurity Chapter in Sierra Leone The Gilpin Chapter

6) Formation of the first ever Defence Cybersecurity Chapter in Sierra Leone – The Lavahun Chapter.

The Management of the Bank  further express their immense gratitude to our distinguished guests, esteemed speakers, panelists, media representatives, and partners for their invaluable support and contributions. Your expertise and dedication significantly enriched the symposium and breakfast experience and contributed to its success. They also extend a special thank you to the organizing committee and volunteers whose hard work and dedication made these events possible.

Your tireless efforts behind the scenes were instrumental in ensuring a seamless and impactful symposium and breakfast. As we reflect on the insights shared and connections made during the symposium and breakfast, let us continue to collaborate and innovate in the field of cyber security. Together, we can strengthen our defences, adapt to evolving threats, and build a more secure and resilient digital ecosystem. We encourage you to stay connected with us and secure and resilient digital ecosystem. They encourage all participants to stay connected with them and each other, whether through professional networks, follow-up discussions, or future collaborative initiatives,”the communiqué states.

The Bank urge for all to harness the momentum generated by the African Banker’s symposium and breakfast to drive positive change and advance cyber security excellence.

 






Source link

RCBank Collaborates with UK’s Applied Intelligence to Host National Cybersecurity and Financial Inclusion Symposium


EST Applied Intelligence, a Cybersecurity firm based in the UK, is collaborating with one of Sierra Leone’s leading banks, Rokel Commercial Bank, to organize a one-day symposium on Cybersecurity and Financial Inclusion at the Freetown City Council Auditorium on the 22nd of February, 2024.

EST Applied Intelligence is a specialist enterprise security consultancy firm that comprises a team of forward-thinking experts with deep domain knowledge in Cybersecurity. They are working in partnership with clients in both public and private sector organizations to help navigate their security challenges across complex business and technology landscapes.

The strategic pillar of EST Applied Intelligence is geared towards structuring and evaluating the organization’s strategy to ensure it is forward-thinking and will meet the dynamic and challenging business demands. Aligning enterprise security to business priorities, the firm aims to develop and set up a robust and bespoke enterprise security capability through innovative skills matrix alignment and optimization.

The symposium, the first ever to be spearheaded by a local financial institution in the country, will bring together political leaders, industry leaders, experts, and innovators both locally and internationally to principally discuss the country’s capacity and preparedness to confront and neutralize potential cyber attacks on our financial system.

As the bank repositions itself for international competitiveness, it recently announced five top priorities it will be rolling out to actualize its vision for 2024.

This development came after the bank’s CEO, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, was recognized as African Banker of the Year 2023 by the UK-based Reputation Poll International.

Sources say there is palpable excitement within the financial sector as the Symposium is expected to engineer a blueprint for a robust Cybersecurity environment for Sierra Leone’s financial system.

The Symposium will also discuss ways Cybersecurity enhances financial inclusion and will outline the manifesto of the African Banker of the Year.

Dr. Gilpin indicated that these are exciting times for the financial sector and human capacity development in Sierra Leone.

RCBank – The Bank of Choice & Integrity!!




Source link

Financial Intelligence Unit Launches Investigation Into Super Advertis For Alleged Investment Scam


The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), an institution dedicated to combating financial crime, has initiated an investigation, in collaboration with key stakeholders, into the suspected unlawful activities of Super Advertis.

This entity has been using various mobile money platforms in Sierra Leone to accumulate deposits from the public, falsely presenting itself as an investment opportunity.

Super Advertis stands accused of engaging in unlicensed and unregulated financial services, particularly utilizing mobile money agents to amass supposed investment funds.

This alleged scam, resembling a “PONZI SCHEME,” operates by reimbursing existing investors from contributions made by new investors, rather than generating legitimate profits from a lawful business. Investors are misled into believing that profits stem from genuine business operations, while they actually originate from new investors’ deposits.

Major mobile money service providers, including Orangemoney and Afrimoney, have implemented measures to limit access to the third-party accounts utilized by the suspected fraudsters. They are actively collaborating with relevant authorities in the ongoing investigations.

The FIU issues a cautionary advisory to the public, urging vigilance when encountering individuals or entities offering investment opportunities. It emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough due diligence, ensuring complete satisfaction regarding the legitimacy of any business before engaging in financial investments.

Safeguarding the public’s interests and preserving the integrity of financial systems remain paramount for the FIU. The unit assures the public of further updates as the investigation progresses.

Individuals are encouraged to promptly report any suspected dubious financial activities to the FIU or relevant authorities, contributing to efforts in combating fraudulent financial schemes.




Source link