Ghanaian banks adopt 'Resilience by Design' for uninterrupted services

Banks are moving beyond simply preventing system failures to designing systems that protect customer transactions even during disruptions, a shift driven by increased digital banking expectations.

Ghanaian banks are fundamentally changing how they manage technology. They are now designing systems to protect customers even when disruptions occur. This shift moves beyond simply preventing system failures. The aim is to ensure customers always experience continuous service. Justice Amegashie, the Chief Information and Enablement Officer at Absa Bank Ghana, highlights this change. A decade ago, bank transfers took days and most transactions required a branch visit. Digital banking now provides 24/7 access from any location. Customers expect instant service and would be alarmed by delays. This evolving expectation drives the adoption of 'Resilience by Design'. This principle acknowledges that all complex systems will eventually fail. The focus is not on avoiding failure entirely but on containing its negative effects. When done well, this means customers remain unaffected even during significant disruptions. Payments still clear, balances stay accurate, and access continues without interruption. Mr. Amegashie emphasizes that the Bank of Ghana supports this approach. The central bank issued a Cyber and Information Security Directive. It also established the Financial Industry Command Security Operations Centre (FICCSOC). FICCSOC allows banks to share threat intelligence and coordinate responses to cyber threats. This collective effort strengthens the banking sector's overall resilience. Implementing 'Resilience by Design' involves several key strategies. Banks distribute workloads across multiple data centres and cloud providers. This prevents a single point of failure from affecting services. It also means treating every digital connection, such as mobile apps and fintech partnerships, as potentially compromised. Banks continuously verify every access request to enhance security. This stops a growing digital footprint from becoming a vulnerability. Furthermore, banks focus on cross-training staff and regularly conducting crisis simulations. This ensures critical knowledge is not concentrated in a few individuals and that teams are prepared for real-world disruptions. This proactive approach is crucial for maintaining trust in Ghana's financial system. Market confidence depends on the reliability and security of banking services. Continued investment in resilient infrastructure will support Ghana's digital economy. Businesses and individuals rely on stable banking services for their daily operations and financial well-being. The financial sector's ability to withstand disruptions directly impacts economic stability. Going forward, the banking sector will continue to invest in these advanced resilient systems. This will safeguard customer funds and data against unforeseen challenges. Businesses and everyday citizens will benefit from improved service reliability. Regulators will also monitor implementation to ensure consistent standards across the industry. This commitment to 'Resilience by Design' is vital for Ghana's modern financial landscape.

Ghanaian banks adopt 'Resilience by Design' for uninterrupted services

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