bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building a better portfolio: A systematic strategic approach to optimisation and qualification
Authors: Brackett Hawken , Foster Nick , Pyle Jenny Wells
Published: July 2024

This paper is grounded in a case study of the recent efforts and successes at the University of Alabama to establish a new standard of systematic strategic fundraising for the university. Specifically, the authors focus on the collaborative role they played to bridge the gap between the Office of Development and Office of Advancement Services. This commitment to collaboration was a foundational element of building and testing a new approach for optimising Major Gift Officer portfolios, prioritising the best prospects for qualification efforts, and qualifying those prioritised prospects in a systematic and strategic manner. The tools and talent necessary to be successful are discussed, as they informed the why and the how of the novel approach.
Sub-national economic development: Where do we go from here?
Authors: Pugalis Lee
Published: July 2024

The UK’s Conservative-Liberal Democrat (Con-Lib) Coalition Government has been quickly dismantling New Labour’s policy framework since it gained political control in May 2010. Contemplating how this transition might play out and the impact upon regeneration policy, a preliminary map of the road from the incumbent English Regional Development Agencies to myriad Local Enterprise Partnerships is sketched out. The analytic interpretations are based on insights ‘in the field’ over the past decade and grounded in policy ‘chatter’. Reflecting on the importance of timing, resource availability and the policy vacuum arising between localities and national government, attention is drawn to countless questions that remain unanswered. Further, the Con–Lib Government’s sub-national economic policy architecture is demonstrated as remaining very much work in progress. The paper highlights that the current transitional period is likely to be disorderly and possibly ineffective: deconstruction is all well and good if the alternative reconstructions offer added value, but the potential to lose out is significant. While hope is expressed with a localism agenda which could potentially empower localities to devise unique policy solutions administered by tailored spatial configurations, it is cautioned that new spatio-institutional ‘fixes’ may open up new issues just as old ones are closed off. A policy story still being written, the analysis is of broader international appeal. Consequently, those plying their trade outside England can reflect on this and act accordingly the next time a new (and presumably better) policy innovation is proposed.
Innovation through regulation: A comprehensive regulatory framework for blockchain-based services and products
Authors: Giannino Antonio , Di Maio Damiano , Vianelli Andrea
Published: July 2024

This paper analyses the regulatory approach currently adopted both at European Union (EU) level (in particular, making reference to the guidelines, opinions and consultations issued by the European Supervisory Authorities [ESAs]), and at national level, focusing on the sole jurisdiction, which, so far, has created a bespoke regime for distributed ledger technology (DLT)-based services and/or products. After having briefly outlined the concept of DLT and crypto-assets and their potential applications within the financial services industry, this paper looks at the current approach developed by the ESAs with respect to DLT-based services and products. The paper then focuses focus on the recent framework introduced by Malta, the first EU jurisdiction regulating DLT-based services and products in a comprehensive manner. In particular, this paper analyses, adopting a pragmatic approach, the main features of the aforesaid bespoke regime. In conclusion the paper analyses whether a harmonised approach, adopted at EU level, should be preferred to a series of nation-wide regimes, which, given the cross-national nature of financial services, might lead to harmful regulatory arbitrage across the continent.
Place-based leadership: A new perspective on urban regeneration
Authors: Hambleton Robin
Published: July 2024

The role of inspirational leadership in bringing about successful urban regeneration has been neglected. This paper attempts to provide a corrective by exploring the role of place-based leadership in modern urban governance. It outlines arguments that are set out at greater length in the author’s new book, ‘Leading the inclusive city’ (2015). The forces that now shape the power of place in the modern world are discussed. These forces limit the scope for place-based leadership but they do not disable it. A new framework for understanding civic leadership — new civic leadership (NCL) — is presented. In any given locality there are various realms of place-based leadership reflecting different sources of legitimacy. The concept of engaged scholarship is introduced, and the idea of an Innovation Story is presented as a creative way of unearthing new knowledge about civic leadership. Two inspiring examples of effective place-based leadership are then outlined: Melbourne, Australia and Freiburg, Germany. Emerging themes for regeneration theory and practice are discussed and pointers for further research are suggested.
Deploying next generation procurement tools
Authors: Morgan Phil
Published: July 2024

The previous generations of procurement tools are largely a failure, but it is not time to despair. The next generation of procurement tools is here, and a new wave of procurement transformation is set to change our tools and our profession more in the next five years than in the previous 40. In order to be ready for this transformation, procurement professionals must: 1) understand the future architecture of procurement-related tools and services; 2) develop a new language of expression for dealing with suppliers, tool providers and stakeholders; 3) fundamentally shift the focus of reporting and performance metrics in procurement; and 4) avoid falling into new hazards. Those procurement organisations that can make this shift will enable competitive differentiation for their teams and their company overall. Like all business improvement efforts, changes in procurement tools and the associated practices require adequate change management including structured initiatives for communication, education, and transparency to end users and overcoming specific resistance factors. This paper discusses a new age of procurement, in which full automation through AI will be key. The aim of the paper is to inspire procurement professionals to redefine their practices, beginning by redefining their mission, vision, and values.
Why and how to implement an incident command system in business continuity management
Authors: Powell Jeanne D.
Published: July 2024

In a disaster, businesses face concurrent challenges of maintaining business continuity required to keep the business open, while reacting, responding and recovering from the chaos and impacts of the disaster. This article takes the reader through the conceptual and practical facets of the Incident Command System, the framework components, organisation structure, incident deployment methodology and common documentation. Each framework component is taken from its concept definition and drilled down into a description of high-level implementation. It is then sewn together to show how Incident Command interconnectivity and interoperability permits free-flowing communications between functions and empowers cooperative and collaborative relationships between layers and players. The author uses real-world experience and examples of disaster to transition Incident Command concepts to the practicality of implementation. In this way, the article demonstrates the importance of the Incident Command System in business continuity management.
The effect of cultural dimensions on brand loyalty of consumers in the USA
Authors: S. Leslie Neleen , Korzenny Felipe
Published: July 2024

This study examined the relationships between cultural dimensions and brand loyalty across culturally diverse groups in America. Two cultural dimensions were examined: individualism vs. collectivism (the extent to which individuals are self vs. family/community oriented) and masculinity vs. femininity (the extent to which status and achievement are valued and there are clear differences in gender roles). The relationships between these two dimensions and brand loyalty were examined across four ethnic groups: Caucasians, African Americans, Asian/Pacific Islanders and Hispanics. Hispanics were separated into two groups based on the language in which they chose to complete the survey (Hispanic English and Hispanic Spanish). It was hypothesised that: (1) ethnic groups that were more collectivist would display higher brand loyalty; and (2) ethnic groups that were more masculine would display higher brand loyalty. It was found that ethnic groups in the USA differed significantly in individualism vs. collectivism and masculinity vs. femininity. Cultural dimensions were also predictors of brand loyalty but only African Americans displayed significantly higher brand loyalty when compared to other groups. These findings challenge popular assumptions that all of the major minority groups are generally more brand loyal than non-Hispanic whites. While cultural dimensions are significant predictors of brand loyalty they did not produce significant between-ethnic group differences between most groups in the study. This underscores the importance of category-, product- and brand-specific studies of brand loyalty in ethnic groups in the USA.
How effective are area-based regeneration initiatives in targeting socially excluded individuals?
Authors: Baker Deborah , Barrow Stephen , Shiels Chris
Published: July 2024

Since their inception in the 1960s, Area-based Initiatives (ABIs) have been inadequately evaluated. It has been argued that there has been too much emphasis on 'outputs' of regeneration programmes, and not enough attention given to 'outcomes', in terms of their impact on the members of the communities they were intended to target. As a result, there is no clear evidence of the effectiveness of ABIs in reducing social exclusion. This paper argues that one of the initial stages of evaluation should involve an estimation of how accurately the regeneration intervention was targeted at the most socially excluded individuals within a given area. It reports an empirical study that uses survey data to investigate the extent to which respondents at various levels of social exclusion had been targeted by regeneration programmes operating within the boundaries of nine local authorities in the North-West of England.
Managerial dichotomies in the NHS: Considering the dangers, reducing the risks
Authors: Pascoe Polly
Published: July 2024

This paper seeks to outline the dangers that the adoption of managerial dichotomies can pose to health service managers and provide advice and guidance on how these managers can more intelligently improve their practice. Combining findings from the established management literature with practical examples, this paper provides a review of the implications of the unconsidered application of new managerial trends and presents a summary of the behaviours, knowledge and skills that can be utilised to mitigate these dangers. Based on the principles of evidence-based management, this review provides managers with a framework that will not only guide their adoption of new managerial approaches in a considered and informed manner but also help them to protect themselves and their organisations from burnout, duplication, waste and change fatigue.
Blockchain and the General Data Protection Regulation: Reconciling protection and innovation
Authors: Munier Lucie , Kemball-Cook Ashley
Published: July 2024

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force in May 2018 and has stimulated many conversations but importantly has strengthened individuals’ data protection rights. Blockchain as a technology is steadily advancing with great potential for delivering efficiencies to many processes due to its novel methods for storing and transfer of data. The GDPR and Blockchain have been seen to be clashing by many, and there are fears that the regulation will stifle the innovation of this emerging technology. This paper describes the relationship and concludes that the issues arising in this context do not indicate the termination of innovation but rather that with sustained communication between regulators and technologists, and with continued responsible innovation, the GDPR and Blockchain will prosper.
Standardisation: A conditio sine qua non for efficient payment services
Authors: Hartsink Gerard
Published: July 2024

Standardisation is an essential condition for delivering cost-effective, secure and easy to use payment services to customers. The cost of retail payments instruments in Europe are about 1 per cent of GDP. The globalisation of trade and the development of e-commerce require that national approaches to legal and technical standards should no longer be supported by policy makers and market participants (suppliers and buyers).
Business continuity and disaster management within the public service in relation to a national development plan
Authors: Ferguson Cliff
Published: July 2024

Within South Africa, few public service departments understand the concepts of business continuity management (BCM) and what it takes to implement a well-constructed business continuity plan. Likewise, few of these entities understand the purpose of designing and maintaining resilient systems that are immune to incidents. This paper discusses the integration of the South African Disaster Management Act 2002, the Disaster Management Framework and the National Development Plan, linking these to BCM, through a resilience period model, as a means for the implementation of resilience strategies. The goals of the National Development Plan are outlined with a view to how resilience can be achieved in each. A resilience period model has been advocated for the implementation of projects within the public sector in order to provide continuity and sustainability.
Practical development of a CCP risk management system for institutional investor settlement in the Korean stock market
Authors: Choi Keukjin , Han Youngwoo
Published: July 2024

The authors have redesigned the logic for setting the net debit cap and provided the architecture for a credit and market value at risk (VaR) measuring system for risk mitigation in institutional investor settlement in the Korean stock market, where the Korea Securities Depository (KSD) as a central counterparty (CCP) assumes the payment obligation of participants and settles by DVP2 on settlement date T + 2. In total, 6,345 data points of net settlement funds from 16th January to 27th August, 2012, were used for 89 members to redesign the logic of the net debit cap and 11,541 data points of net settlement funds from 16th January to 27th August, 2012, were used for the 125 account groups (a set of securities settlement accounts designated for participants’ convenience, such as management of margin surplus value and payment and delivery of settlement fund) to calculate risk exposure. For setting the net debit cap, all data were divided into four different groups by quartile and four different net debit caps on quartile 3 were set, with 75 per cent points for each group. According to the simulation result, the total amount of the guaranteed net settlement fund could be reduced by 52.22 per cent while maintaining operational efficiency of members. In addition, 62 artificial default rates for credit VaR were generated by using the bond default rates of the Korea Financial Investment Association (KOFIA) and the global and Asia-Pacific corporate default rates of Standard & Poor’s (S&P). For market VaR, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) crisis, 9/11, sub-prime crisis and Lehman’s bankruptcy were chosen to build the ‘stress-test’ environment. Four risk exposures — ‘high risk’, ‘risk’, ‘semi risk’ and ‘low risk’ — of the net settlement fund were devised for measuring the degree of risk exposure of the net settlement fund. For further study, measurement of a net debit cap to be calculated with an average of three highest values may not be sufficient, so, alternative methods to measure the optimal number of settlement funds to represent the whole settlement fund may be needed.
Celebrity endorsements and congratulatory messages: Jordan v. Jewel Food Stores: A case of right to publicity versus commercial speech
Authors: Cebula Kerri , Dodds Mark
Published: July 2024

Product endorsements by athletes are common brand-building tactics. The brand receives additional consumer attention and goodwill created by the athlete. The athlete receives compensation that may exceed their player salary. However, local sport heroes create community pride for their accomplishments. Fans show their pride by congratulating the sport star. Is a local, non-endorsing company allowed to offer similar congratulations? In 2012, a US appellate court was asked to decide a case where Michael Jordan claimed that a Chicago grocery store chain’s congratulatory message violated his right to publicity. Through an analysis of this legal case, this paper will discuss the following issues: the legal protections of non-commercial speech and commercial speech; should image advertising be considered as commercial speech for legal purposes; and Jordan’s right to publicity claims. Finally, an examination of the legal holding’s impact on sport marketing strategy will be offered.
Place branding and city centre management: Exploring international parallels in research and practice
Authors: Coca-Stefaniak Andres
Published: July 2024

International approaches to city centre management and place management practice have evolved considerably over the last 40 years. Parallel to this, there has been a rising level of interest among academics and practitioners in the concept of place branding. This paper explores some of the parallels and knowledge gaps in the development of both concepts from a practice as well as research perspective, using published evidence from Europe and references to other parts of the world. It also argues that place branding will continue to increase in influence strategically as urban regeneration and management processes become more visionary and multidisciplinary in their strategic focus. The need for towns and cities to improve their resilience to future global downturns through innovative and entrepreneurial communities with a strong sense of attachment to their locations will also create a platform for strategic place branding to evolve and develop in a direction that has received as yet limited attention by academics, policy makers and key decision makers.
IT and equities operations: 12 best practices
Authors: Sandilya B. Vasanth
Published: July 2024

Executing information technology (IT) projects in the equities operations space of an investment bank is always challenging. Coordinating a number of IT and business teams, complexity in preparation and application of static data, managing software environments, and preparing and executing test cases all make projects in this space very interesting. This paper looks at 12 best practices that should be considered when executing IT projects in equities operations.
ESG rating as input for a sustainability capital buffer
Authors: Neisen Martin , Bruhn Benjamin , Lienland Dieter
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we give a state of the art overview of what ESG ratings are, which different types of these ratings can be distinguished and how they could be used in banking regulation to adjust banks’ capital requirements with the goal to promote green finance and reduce climate-related risks within the investments of banks. Based on experience collected with other supporting factors within banking regulation, like the SME supporting factor, we show how a Green Supporting Factor or a Brown Penalty Factor could be implemented to promote green finance or punish brown finance, respectively, and include climate risk into Pillar I capital requirements. We also discuss an approach combining these two binary factors and conclude with a proposition to use ESG ratings to derive capital requirements add-ons. After all, ESG ratings take a broader perspective on sustainability and provide a more granular scale ranging from sustainable to non-sustainable rating classes. This approach ensures that green finance investments can be promoted via adjustments of capital requirements without a significant decrease of the total capital in the banking sector and, therefore, without the reduction of the stability of the financial market.
The BIS operational risk reviews: Let us not miss the chance of necessary change
Authors: Millar David
Published: July 2024

The Basel Committee is reviewing all three of the operational risk-derived regulatory capital approaches. Although the scope of the review has not been revealed, it is laudable to have one, as it will have an impact on an area that has not changed much since the crisis began. It is hoped, however, that the reviews are not limited to tuning weightings and improving transparency. The main area that the author would like to see reviewed is operational risk, as, arguably, the three causes of the 2007 credit crisis were poor liquidity exacerbated by reputational risk considerations, poor governance and risk management, and a culture where unwise remuneration practices drove excessive risk taking. The review could go further as major and significant new risks need to be considered, such as regulatory risk, which could mean that the risk of compliance failures and infringements affects ability to carry out the business. It is to be hoped that the BIS review does not simply apply a coat of paint to a crumbling building.
The next digital inflection point for US banks
Authors: Carter Michael
Published: July 2024

This paper explores the effect of technology on the American banking landscape in the 21st century. The number of US banks and bank branches has been consistently decreasing in this century, partly owing to technological advances. Existing legacy delivery channels, however, have slowed the rate at which banks in the United States have adopted and deployed the technology available to them. This slower rate of innovation by US banks has resulted in a level of consumer dissatisfaction that has created opportunities in the banking sector for FinTechs and Big Techs, especially since 2009.
Lessons learned while planning for advanced air mobility
Authors: Wheeler Paul , Esselman Jared , Organ Aaron
Published: July 2024

Historically aviation has gone through periods of immense innovative growth. Today the air transport industry is in the midst of yet another revolutionary period. Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) includes technological advancements in electric and hydrogen propulsion, battery capacity and autonomy, resulting in the development of a new generation of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft. These emerging technologies and new aircraft show promise in addressing historical concerns such as noise, safety, and negative environmental impacts. AAM has the potential to revolutionise the way we live by serving as the catalyst to robust, sustainable transport systems for people and goods. AAM can assist with emergency response, medical transport, reduced travel times, improve accessibility and reduce harmful emissions. Airports are an essential part of the transport infrastructure, serving as hubs for air travel, cargo shipments and emergency response centres in the wake of natural disasters. With the rise of AAM technologies, airports will need to adapt and prepare to accommodate these new types of aircraft. Each airport is unique and airport management will need to understand not only the potential of AAM but the capabilities of the airport itself. This paper aims to capture what the aviation industry has been, what it could be through AAM, lessons learned while planning for AAM, and how airports can use critical success factors to evaluate their readiness and plan for this innovative era.
Business Improvement Districts: Catalysts for innovation and growth in uncertain times
Authors: Pitkeathley Simon
Published: July 2024

Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are public–private partnerships that were introduced to the United Kingdom in 2005. This paper sets out the author’s perspective from his role as Chief Executive of Camden Town Unlimited (CTU) and of Euston Town (ET), two BIDs representing local businesses in central London.
A comprehensive solution strategy for right-sized packaging
Authors: Peck John C. , Page Edward W. , Bate James A.
Published: July 2024

Small parcel carriers are now basing shipping charges primarily on the dimensions of shipping cartons rather than the weight of packed cartons. Consequently, reducing wasted space in cartons can result in significant savings in shipping costs as well as corrugated material and dunnage costs. Most companies maintain a relatively small number of carton sizes, so the opportunity to select a carton to contain order items with a small amount of empty space is limited. Furthermore, choosing the best carton to pack items, either before or after they have been picked, is difficult for packers using the ‘eyeball’ method of selection and often requires repacking, which further adds to costs. Maintaining a large number of different carton sizes (eg 40+) increases the likelihood that a carton selected for packing will have minimal wasted space. This paper describes the challenges and artificial intelligence (AI)-based solutions developed to enable the determination of which carton sizes to maintain in a large set of different carton sizes, automatically calculate the best carton(s) for packing an order from the large set, quickly identify the best carton for a packer, efficiently replenish consumed cartons from a carton supply area, and simplify vendor managed inventory (VMI) by a carton supplier to enable frequent delivery of replenishment cartons.
Preparing the High Street for online shopping
Authors: Miller James
Published: July 2024

We have all read the headlines — the High Street is in trouble. Footfall is declining, sales are down, vacancy rates are increasing, and a litany of retail chains have closed their doors. Over the past decade, the UK High Street has been subjected to powerful drivers of change. To paraphrase Mary Portas, failing to help them adapt to change risks the irreplaceable loss of places of real social and economic value. While the historical drivers of change are now well understood, little attention has been paid to future drivers, in particular the growth of online shopping and, more broadly, digital technology. Consequently, Experian has examined the growth of digital technology and its implications for over 1,200 high streets. The author discusses the increasingly important role of online shopping and digital technology and the emerging demands of digital consumers — driven by the desire for service, choice, experience, value and technological innovation. The paper goes on to argue that, far from being a threat to high streets, digital technology must be embraced if they are to reverse their decline. The author sheds light on a number of emerging innovations that high street operators would do well to heed if they are to place themselves back at the centre of retail — as the natural bridge between the online and offline economies.
Enhancing user experience: Unveiling the impact of website speed optimisation on user engagement
Authors: Fellinger Lisa , Fronimaki Despina
Published: July 2024

Optimising for a good user experience means not only making sure that the website is intuitive to use, but also that it responds quickly and loads fast. This paper discusses a study1 conducted by The Boutique Agency in 2022, in collaboration with roastmarket, a fast-growing e-commerce company specialising in coffee products. The case study examines the impact of website speed optimisation on user interaction. Through a meticulous three-month optimisation process, targeting key performance metrics for website speed, roastmarket achieved positive results in Google Core Web Vitals and a respective uplift in user engagement metrics such as page visit duration. The study demonstrates the value of prioritising the Core Web Vitals factors for enhancing overall website performance and user satisfaction.
Data matters: Best practices and strategies for the use of securities lending data — Revenue attribution, performance measurement and alternative uses of lending data
Authors: Allen Nancy E.
Published: July 2024

Securities lending data holds the key to unlock additional value from a securities lending programme. This paper dives into the data available today and the best practices and strategies for the use of that data. Revenue attribution and performance measurement techniques are discussed alongside examples of real analysis produced and used by market participants today. The paper also covers how to identify missed opportunities and addresses the pitfalls and considerations to be understood when conducting analysis of a lending programme. Finally, it explores the future use of data to drive artificial intelligence and further automation in and beyond the securities financing markets.
Governing investment funds: The latest trends
Authors: Pierce Ingrid
Published: July 2024

In the current market environment, alternative investment funds are trying to find new ways to attract capital and deliver higher returns to investors and there is now a general trend toward customisation of investment fund products. The fact that investors now seek both strong performance and positive societal outcomes is no longer a novelty and institutional investors have begun incorporating environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into their investment policies. We are seeing strong institutional investor interest in a firm’s culture and employment practices. Questions around equal opportunity and diversity cannot be ignored whether or not they fall strictly within a manager’s ESG principles or other internal policies. In addition to challenging managers on governance and responsible investing, investors are highly focused on fees charged by managers to fund structures. As a general proposition, despite the fee pressure in recent years, investors are not averse to paying fees, but fees need to be justified. Over the past several years there has also been increased focus from investors and regulators on the nature and amount of expenses charged by managers to funds. The fundamental principle can perhaps best be described by saying that fees and expenses must be properly payable by a fund in accordance with its constitutional documents and adequately disclosed to investors. Going forward, it seems likely that alternative investment funds will continue to customise around investors’ needs, with larger managers being better placed to attract capital.
Using segmentation to improve strategy and predictive modelling
Authors: Grigsby Mike
Published: July 2024

This paper argues that when segmentation is undertaken before applying a model (any predictive model), this will improve both accuracy and insights. Rather than using a single model that provides average accuracy, segmenting similar behaviours and modelling with potentially different variables and potentially different coefficients drives both accuracy and insights. An example is used with survival modelling for a churn problem in the telecom industry, but the same approach would work for nearly any marketing analytic problem, including product purchases, forecasting, elasticity, lifetime value, same store sales and marcom efficiency.
A common platform model for Asia: How will an inter-Asian and cross-border processing infrastructure benefit Asian capital markets?
Authors: Li Shu-Pui
Published: July 2024

A Task Force comprising the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, a group of central banks and central securities depositories (CSDs) in the Asian region, and Euroclear, issued a White Paper in June 2010, recommending the development of a Common Platform Model in the long run and the introduction of the Pilot Platform as a tactical solution in 2011, to improve the cross-border post-trade clearing and settlement infrastructure for debt securities in Asia. This paper explains the background, initiatives put forward in the White Paper, the launch of the Pilot Platform, as well as possible add-on services being considered for the Pilot Platform in the next phase.
Regulatory reform in banking 10 years after the financial crisis
Authors: Rattaggi Mattia L.
Published: July 2024

The reform of the international banking regulation initiated after the financial crisis of 2007–2008 should be completed this year (2017). The effort has already achieved tangible results in the areas of capital, liquidity and recovery/resolution regimes. The work has progressed amid discussion about the level playing field, the calibration of the rules, the reliance on financial risk models and the issue of culture and conduct in banking. This paper reviews this discussion and concludes that supervisors should play an active role in ensuring a competitive environment for international banks. Second, regulators should close the accord rapidly, yet on the basis of a broad consensus, and move on to address new developments in finance, such as FinTech. At a more fundamental level, the article argues that a complex system of backstops and floors based on standardised approaches is not the best way to deal with the potential underestimation of risk by banks’ internal models. Finally, it extends the epistemological analysis of models to corporate behaviours to conclude that a blend of governance and management tools are needed to foster the desired conduct, over and above compensation frameworks.
Funds automation in Asia Pacific: A state of the union, a 2025 vision
Authors: Chong Jean , Kech Alexandre
Published: July 2024

In conjunction with the ever continuing industry challenge towards improving the levels of funds automation, this paper, based on a SWIFT information paper published in early 2017, explores the current state of automation in the funds processing space in Asian markets, comparing it to European funds automation. It highlights the Asian trend for the introduction of domestic funds hubs and collective processing platforms following the example of already established domestic and international hubs. Building on past success stories and the introduction of innovative technology for financial markets, the authors highlight fundamental elements that they believe are essential to support the continued growth and development of the funds industry in the Asian region.
An evolved definition of the term ‘brand’: Why branding has a branding problem
Authors: Jones Casey , Bonevac Daniel
Published: July 2024

‘Branding’ has a branding problem. There is no consensus about how to define ‘brand’. Existing definitions are surveyed, they are argued to be inadequate, and new definitions are proposed. Brands are definitions. The definition of ‘brand’ is best understood as being synonymous with the term ‘definition’. The authors’ conception provides an analysis of a two-stage process for establishing a brand, shows why differentiation is essential to branding, and explains why branding provides the key to messaging strategy.
How hyper-personalisation is fuelling digital banking’s second wave
Authors: Waupsh John
Published: July 2024

Financial services organisations will live and die by audience connection. In a world where one’s customers (and even prospective customers) double as brand ambassadors, digging into the details and understanding their mindset is important. With a wide-open playing field unencumbered by geographical boundaries, market entrants cannot afford to be niche averse. This paper dives into the need for neobanks and traditional banks alike to embrace personalisation and market niches to build trust and grow their business. The paper provides examples and suggestions for financial service leaders looking to build stronger experiences with their customer base through hyper-personalisation.
Leveraging sentiment analysis as a predictor of risk in community engagement
Authors: Diana Tony
Published: July 2024

This study proposes a methodology based on sentiment analysis to compute an ‘engagement risk priority number’ or ERPN. The ERPN is a calculation designed to help airport management rank risks in community engagement and identify outreach strategies to airport stakeholders. The ERPN is based on three components of sentiment analysis (polarity, surprise, and subjectivity of residents' sentiments and opinions) that may predict potential risks to programme implementation and airport development. The methodology leverages the latest developments in natural language processing, specifically transformers, and compares the outcomes of these newer models with those of more traditional lexicon-based algorithms.
Interdependence in the healthcare industry: How a provider and a supplier collaborated to achieve mutual success
Authors: Lemaster Nancy , Reed David
Published: July 2024

A healthcare provider and a medical device supplier partnered to complete three big projects: adopting GS1 standards, using radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags, and improving product standardisation. The provider wanted to improve the quality of information that it gathers to make better business decisions. It wanted to reduce labour and supply costs, it wanted to improve the accuracy and efficiency of transactions to reduce or eliminate the need for multiple transactions. To accomplish these goals, the provider needed to adopt data standards. The provider also wanted to use automation to better manage its inventory, and it wanted to eliminate inventory discrepancies and reduce its amount of expired products. To accomplish these goals, the provider planned to put tracking tags on all of the supplier's products and code the tags using data standards so that the products could be logged at every step of the way in the supply chain, from the distribution centre to a patient's bedside. After successfully completing the data standards and product-tagging projects, the provider and supplier found a cost-savings opportunity: standardising the provider's endoscopy products. This standardisation was unique because it was the first standardisation project that was led by the provider's newly created utilisation management team. The team's goal was to get clinical buy-in and train the provider's clinicians to use the supplier's endoscopy products. These three successful projects illustrate how a provider and supplier can build a strong partnership on the basis of trust, transparency and a commitment to working constructively together. Each project laid the foundation for the next project and strengthened the relationship between the partners, allowing them to find new opportunities together and to prove once again that their success is interdependent within the healthcare industry.
Enabling a holistic solution to London Interbank Offer Rate repapering
Authors: Cohen Marcy Sharon , Schell Christopher S. , Gummaregula Sirisha , Pugh Jason
Published: July 2024

This paper examines the discontinuation of the interbank offered rates (IBOR) and explores how a holistic approach that utilises the right resources and processes for each step of preparing for the discontinuation can have a significant impact. At the end of 2021, IBOR is being discontinued (with the exception of certain US tenors that will discontinue in 2023), and with it will come a slew of changes in financial markets. Because of the discontinuation of IBOR and the necessary repapering process, there are a number of associated challenges that can arise, including matters related to compliance, data consistency and organisational alignment. This paper discusses the challenges associated with IBOR repapering as well as the issues that can and will arise from not being proactive in preparing for IBOR reform. Additionally, this paper discusses what goes into developing an effective workflow before it is enacted. Further, this paper takes a broader view on what the best practices look like for each step of the repapering process, including review, analysis, execution and engagement, as well as what an end-to-end repapering process will look like in 2021. As institutions prepare for the changes on the horizon, a smooth end-to-end repapering process is crucial as the financial markets brace for the discontinuation of IBOR, and it is important to look for ways to drive efficiencies, such as the utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. For all parties impacted by the discontinuation of IBOR, this paper provides a detailed look on how to be prepared and what an efficient and effective preparation should look like from start to finish.
The true value and return on investment of business continuity
Authors: Phelps Regina
Published: July 2024

The phrase return on investment (ROI) is commonly heard when groups or organisations attempt to demonstrate the value of a particular activity. ‘Is it good for us?’, ‘Is it worth the investment?’ and ‘Should we continue to fund the endeavour?’ are all valid and important questions. The challenge for business continuity professionals is to address the question, ‘What is the ROI of business continuity?’ in ways that will be meaningful to the person wielding the budget stick. In the ‘olden days’, colleagues would point to their business impact analysis, with pie charts and bar graphs showing the cost of business downtime if an event occurred. They would sit back and say, ‘See? We provide ROI because we addressed The Bad Thing!’. But is that really the best that continuity professionals can do? This paper peels back the question of ROI and addresses the value proposition of business continuity. The goal is to broaden the conversation, by instead of talking about how much money business continuity efforts will save the company, and instead to focus on the value that business continuity provides every day.
A doctoral distance classroom: Unpacked and envisaged
Authors: Mckenna Kelly , Kyser Christine
Published: July 2024

This visually based study explored the distance higher education learning space for a hybrid doctoral programme. Thirteen doctoral students presented visual images representing the distance learning space, a non-tangible space. Corresponding photo self-elicitation and photo-production were analysed with the images to define the distance learning space and its makeup. Five themes emerged as necessary to the distance learning space: a) the physical space in which learning occurs; b) support systems; c) goals/accomplishments; d) community; and e) technology/tools. It was discovered that significant learning is occurring in student-created learning spaces external to the learning management system (LMS). Findings from this study may provide foundational characteristics for online educators in creating effective distance learning spaces and facilitating learning at a distance at the doctoral level.
Ad tech in a data privacy world
Authors: Pilavci Ezgi , Wright Steve
Published: July 2024

This paper looks into the issues in ad tech activities from a data protection perspective, focusing on two of the standout lawful bases in General Data Protection Regulation: legitimate interest and consent. Automated systems are the backbone of most online advertising technologies and activities, and a great deal of personal data is being used to create ads for people. Legitimate interest and consent are being discussed controversially in relation to processing personal data in ad tech activities (especially in real-time biddings and cookies), and they create confusion and ambiguity for the majority of stakeholders. In this paper, while legitimate interest is discussed in detail, a brief examination of the challenges surrounding the collection of consent in ad tech is also included. Finally, potential remedies (in a general approach given the complexity of the technology) are suggested to overcome existing impediments.
A European card payments scheme: Forever a phantom?
Authors: Judt Ewald , Krueger Malte
Published: July 2024

For many years there have been requests for and debates about a European Card Payments Scheme (ECPS), with no implementation so far. This paper shows that a true ECPS will not occur within the scope of the current architecture of the card market, which is based on competition. The creation of a true ECPS can only be achieved by means of a cooperative solution similar to the European Payments Council. This, however, will require the consensus of the European players in the card business and the willingness to make the necessary capital investment, as well as the benevolent support of the European institutions that have demanded an ECPS. So far, however, European decision makers have only formulated a wish-list with somewhat inconsistent items and the top management of European banks has displayed a noticeable lack of interest in this topic. Therefore, the ECPS will probably remain a phantom.
Intuitive analytics: The same as analytic guessing?
Authors: Alcaraz Rafael
Published: July 2024

Can we really be intuitive about something we never learned? Can intuition be spontaneously acquired without any previous knowledge? The use of business intuition and conventional wisdom in marketing and marketing science is not new. Systematic use of intuition in these disciplines has been part of the recipe for success for many organisations and individuals over time. The use of the wrong or outdated intuition, however, can lead to costly mistakes and organisational frustration or gridlock. In this paper, the author discusses some potential reasons why intuition loses its relevance if not properly maintained and updated. He also puts forward an approach that may help overcome this issue.
The sustainability agenda and its implications for post-trade technology adoption
Authors: Neale Corinne , Smart Sarah
Published: July 2024

Environmental, social and governance (ESG), referring to the process of integrating ESG factors into investment decisions, and sustainable and impact investing, referring to the intent to deliver an environmental or social outcome on top of financial performance, are growing very rapidly. BNY Mellon and Aviva Investors reflected on implications for post-trade technology adoption. Rapid growth in demand is accompanied by increased expectations from a range of parties including regulators with a focus on disclosures and labelling, international institutions seeking greater alignment and lobbying groups asking for more data. All of this is affecting data to be sourced, controlled and reported, and reporting is complicated by lack of consensus on ESG definitions and difficulty in comparing data and incorporating investors' preferences across jurisdictions. Each party in the post-trade custody chain depends on reference data and needs access to the same accurate sustainability ESG reference data. Missing, different and inaccurate reference data creates errors and discrepancies. Sustainability data acquisition is thus becoming an emerging area of focus for post-trade servicing teams, particularly finding, formatting, correcting and monitoring updates and maintaining asset coverage, creating a shift in operating model. Technology is a critical enabler given the growing volume of data, lack of a single ESG definition and the need to prove product claims and support clients' preferences throughout the custody chain
The insider threat to financial services: Why a shift in mindset is required to combat this silent risk
Authors: Harvey Dave
Published: July 2024

The traditional mindset around insider threat is outdated and a shift is required to combat this silent risk. This paper describes the various types of insider threat, common cyberattack types that involve insiders and insider threat risks specific to mergers and acquisitions. From there, key elements of an effective insider threat programme are defined and resources involving existing guidelines and frameworks for how to get started building a proper programme are provided. This paper explains why insider threat must be taken seriously and why moving away from a network protection mindset is essential to improve cyber security protections.