MFSA: Guidance on IT related arrangements

On 11 December 2020, The MFSA issued a guidance document to all licensed entities entitled ‘Guidance on Technology Arrangements, ICT and Security Risk Management, and Outsourcing Arrangements'. The Guidance covers the implementation of Technology Arrangements and ICT and emphasises the fact that technology has become a fundamental asset to the financial services industry, as a result of which Licence Holders are increasingly reliant on technology to perform business and operational functions

Whereas technological arrangements deliver cutting-edge benefits to both financial services firms and their customers, it is also true that these introduce new risks to licence holders, ranging from ICT governance risks to cybersecurity risks and IT outsourcing risks.

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Download our Summary of the Guidance

The Guidance establishes a number of risk mitigation factors emanating from increased reliance on technological arrangements, that need to be adequately mitigated. This includes the establishment of a comprehensive ICT governance framework. The MFSA Guidance also includes extensive guidance on the outsourcing of IT to third parties.

Pillars of information assurance

Mazars MFSA infographic

The Guidance is principled-based and does not favour one type of technology or service model over another, as long as the compliance obligations can be met. The principle-based approach also applies to ICT risk, security governance, and control frameworks. Significantly, the Guidance allows for the principle of proportionality. As a result, mitigating controls and governance arrangements should take into consideration the nature, scale, and complexity of the technology arrangements, the risks arising thereof, as well as the level of dependence on such technology arrangements for the implementation of critical or important functions. All licensed entities are mandated to ensure compliance with the principles.

Technology Arrangements

ICT & Security Risk Management

Outsourcing Arrangements

What do you need to know?

  • Familiarize yourself with the MFSA guidance document and how this may impact your firm
  • Consider setting up a team/task force, including your IT team, to take a systematic approach to ensure compliance with the Guidance. Engage external expertise if required
  • Understand the categories of data your firm processes, the medium through which they are processed, and where and how they are stored
  • Perform an ICT risk assessment that is commensurate to the nature, scale, and complexity of the firm. When defining the frequency, depth, detail, and intensity of ICT risk assessment, these should proportionate to the size, structure, and operational environment of the firm
  • Draw up a gap analysis between the current ICT practices within your firm and the MFSA guidelines requirements
  • Establish what remedial actions required in order to ensure compliance with the MFSA Guidance
  • Establish a framework to ensure that IT risk is effectively and efficiently managed in an on-going manner
  • Take reasonable measures to be in a position to demonstrate that your entity complies with the MFSA guidance document

How can Mazars assist?

Mazars in Malta can guide and assist you through the different phases of this journey by working closely with you and your team. Our areas of assistance include the following:

  1. Provide assurance on your firm’s compliance with the MFSA Guidance document.
  2. Identification of risks through an IT risk assessment, taking into consideration the size and complexity of your entity, including data sensitivity.
  3. Draw up and/or assist in the implementation of a scalable remediation plan tailor-made for your firm.
  4. Assist in the setting up and/or review of an ICT governance framework.
  5. Assist with IT business continuity planning.
  6. Assistance in setting up Security Incident and Event Management platforms.
  7. Vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.
  8. Provide cyber security training tailor-made to Board level members, Management level (including c-level management), executive members, and support staff.
  9. Assist established internal audit functions to conduct IT Audit and cyber security services.
  10. Assistance in setting up Computer Incident Response Teams and incident handling procedures.

We are offering interested persons a free consultation session (approx. 1 hr) in order to facilitate an understanding of the main principles set out in the Guidance document and how these may be related to your firm.

In order to obtain more information or to book a free consultation session, do not hesitate to contact us.

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Document

MFSA IT Guidance

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