Esther Hafkamp-de Groen

Sep 20, 2023 | finextra.com | Esther Hafkamp-de Groen |Steve Morgan |David Hensley |Chris Principe

Sibos – the Olympics of Banking For over four decades, SWIFT's Sibos event has been the premier annual gathering for the global financial industry. Sibos provides a platform for banks, financial institutions, technology companies, and industry leaders to connect, share best practices, and to discuss the latest trends and challenges in the financial services space. For me, it is the "Olympics of Banking". Anyone who has been to a Sibos knows that you must be like an Olympic pentathlete to survive.

Sep 18, 2023 | finextra.com | Esther Hafkamp-de Groen |Donica Venter |Sergiy Fitsak |Fatemeh Nikayin

In recent years, there has been a continual rise in base rates, which began in December 2021 and is expected to continue into 2024. At first glance, these increases appear as calculated policy decisions designed to slow down demand for goods by increasing the cost of borrowing whilst incentivising people to save. However, in the real world, these changes have difficult implications, especially for those already entangled in debt.

Sep 18, 2023 | finextra.com | Esther Hafkamp-de Groen |Donica Venter |Sergiy Fitsak |Fatemeh Nikayin

Financial inclusion is the ability of individuals and businesses to access affordable and appropriate financial services. It is essential for economic development and poverty reduction. However, billions of people around the world remain unbanked or underbanked, meaning they do not have access to formal financial services. Digital wallets are a type of financial technology (fintech) that can help to promote financial inclusion.

Sep 15, 2023 | finextra.com | Esther Hafkamp-de Groen |Donica Venter |Sergiy Fitsak |Fatemeh Nikayin

Real-time payment networks work around-the-clock and offer many benefits, from flexibility to security. Instantaneous payments are already bringing vast improvements to the financial services ecosystem, as traditional payment methods like checks or ACH transfers have historically been inefficient and carry an increased risk for fraud incidence. There are several real-time payment channels that businesses and financial institutions can choose from to make their transactions more efficient.

Sep 15, 2023 | finextra.com | Esther Hafkamp-de Groen |Donica Venter |Sergiy Fitsak |Fatemeh Nikayin

For any Indian travelling to any part of the world, shopping is a must, and using other payment modes can sometimes be a headache. But now, for Indians, it is easy to enjoy the benefits of UPI (Unified Payments Interface) outside India.