Keep out of the headlines and ahead of the competition: 

By Adam Louca, Chief Technologist- Security, Softcat

Globally operating financial services firms, by their very nature, are subject to a host of different cybersecurity regulations which can make navigating data rules and keeping compliant a challenging task.

Some players in the global financial market see intervention by regulators in such matters as an additional burden to generating revenue. However, it’s essential to be transparent and make appropriate adjustments early enough to protect your business, its customers and to proactively secure its future.

#1 Cast the net wide

Ensuring everyone in your organisation is aligned with your cybersecurity strategy—and is responsible for implementing their piece of the puzzle—is critical.

A big part of this includes regularly training employees on good I.T and security practices and ensuring they follow through with what they’ve learned.

Every individual should understand how to manage their electronic equipment and what to do in particular web-based scenarios. You should also be able to test this knowledge by running security drills.

For example, companies today often send fake spear phishing emails out to employees for training purposes, to see who clicks on the links or attachments and who flags it to the right team.

Clicking on attachments from bad actors is one of the main ways malware ends up on a company’s network. It’s also one of the most common forms of ‘attack’ an employee will face, so it’s critical they follow protocol on these issues.

While regular training from in-house or external experts is an absolute must, make sure…

Liquidity as the cornerstone of your investment portfolio 

Ever since the crisis in 2008 we have seen that rapid swings in the markets can come when a lack of liquidity appears. The paradox with liquidity is that it disappears at times when you need it the most. So let’s elaborate on what it is to have liquidity in ones portfolio,What are liquid positions? How do we manage it, and what happens without it. Then we focus on how we manage or make liquid positions when setting up a P2P investment portfolio.

 What are liquid investments

Cash is king also when it comes to liquidity so what can we consider as cash equivalents when it comes liquidity.

Cash equivalents instruments are typically defined by investments that can be converted into cash easily. Assets with short maturities of less than 90 days. Consider major tradeable stocks like apple or shell.

These can be easily converted into cash in case of an emergency, this is also the case with almost all government/ corporate bonds or treasuries

In general investments are considered liquid when they can be sold easily at a stable market price. Non-liquid assets cannot be quickly sold for cash, like property, direct loans, art etc.

How to manage portfolio liquidity

Lesson one is to keep your core liquidity in cash or high liquid assets. Also keep a part of the assets in prime quality so you can easily trade it at par price.

Why is this? Well when shit hits the fan and money is needed the liquidity paradox comes around the corner and you are lost in limbo because you can’t just buy or sell any asset at any time; the buyers need a seller, and the sellers need a buyer. Liquidity is prime.

 Managing liquidity when setting up P2P portfolios

If you take above into consideration when setting up your first P2P portfolio make sure you spread your bets around short and long term debt…