Microsoft recently hosted the first Banking Solution Day in Bangladesh at The Westin Hotel. Senior Microsoft executives, key Bangladesh government officials and decision makers of renowned banking corporations participated in the event to discuss the future of banking in Bangladesh and the role of digital transformation in building a secure cyber environment for the country.
Addressing the guests, Keshav S Dhakad, Regional Director, Digital Crimes Unit, Microsoft Asia, highlighted some of the security threats facing Bangladesh and how cyber security and trusted cloud can help to combat cybercrime. He said, “Whether you come from a developed or emerging market, the banking sector is vulnerable to cyber threats. The financial industry is an attractive target for professional hackers and even terror groups. When successfully attacked, organizations not only lose data and money but most importantly, trust and credibility with their customers is impacted and difficult to earn back. Chief Information Officers need to move away from typical discussions on IT cost savings and proactively bring cyber security as a business discussion in the boardroom.”
From right to left: Shahriar Husain, Sarah Karim, Thilanka Abeywardena, Arif Hossain, Arafat Khan Chowdhury, Ziaul Hoque Mallick, Keshav S Dhakad, Sonia Bashir Kabir, Rena Chai, Arijit Roy, Sabrina Rahman, Hossain Mashroor and MJ Ferdous
He also shared: “Global digitalization combined with unprecedented changes to the financial services business model is mandating transformation. Financial institutions must leverage advanced technology to defend themselves from cybercrime and safeguard vital customer information and finances.”
Arijit Roy, Sales Director, Azure Analytics and Data Platform, Microsoft Asia Pacific, shed light on the urgency for corporations in Bangladesh to protect themselves against cybercrime attacks. He also highlighted that Microsoft’s advanced security capabilities are among the most widely used by organizations worldwide and reaffirmed the company’s commitment in partnering with local organizations to build strong cyber security environments that can withstand the most sophisticated of cyber attacks.
for Financial Sector’. Members of the panel included Syed Almas Karbir, Chief Executive Officer, MetroNet Bangladesh Limited; Mohammed Ishaque Miah, Systems Manager (GM), Bangladesh Bank; and Mohamad Muslim Chowdhury, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Finance.
The second session on the ‘Future of Banking Sector in Bangladesh’ included panel members Mohammad Ali, Deputy Managing Director, Pubali Bank Limited; Lahiru Munindradasa, Managing Director, Tech One Global (Pvt) Ltd.; Md. Arfan Ali, President and Managing Director, Bank Asia Limited and Rezaul Islam, Senior Executive Vice President, Head of IT and eBiz Division, AB Bank Limited.
At the end of the event, Sonia Bashir Kabir, Managing Director of Microsoft Bangladesh Ltd., shared: “Digital transformation is relevant for every country, industry and business. Organizations should leverage advanced technology to build up their security capabilities and open new opportunities to leapfrog their growth. Microsoft is committed to partner closely with businesses and government agencies in Bangladesh to accelerate their digital transformation through trusted technology.”
