Bankloch

Cryptocurrencies have become a   polarizing topic , with passionate supporters and critics each holding strong opinions. Regardless of where one stands, it’s hard to deny the technological marvel that underpins these digital assets. Cryptocurrencies present a compelling alternative to traditional currencies, as demonstrated by the growing interest from central banks in   Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) . The fact that established financial institutions are also exploring blockchain and cryptocurrencies (including stablecoins) further highlights the importance and potential of this technology. One of the most revolutionary aspects of cryptocurrencies is   decentralization . In developed, democratic countries with strong legal systems, this feature may appear less critical, or even disadvantageous. Without a central authority overseeing transactions, opportunities for illegal activities increase, making it more challenging for governments to regulate and control mis...

In recent years, passive investing has gained significant popularity, particularly through low-cost, well-diversified ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) portfolios. In Belgium, the term "hangmatbeleggen" (Dutch for "hammock investing," referring to this relaxed investment approach) was even named the word of the year in 2024. This style of investing is appealing, as research consistently shows that active investors — those attempting to beat the market through stock selection or timing — rarely outperform passive strategies. Passive investment portfolios provide broad market exposure, are cost-effective due to lower management fees and require minimal oversight. Moreover, with the growing popularity of ETFs, investors can now choose from a wide range of options, tailoring their portfolios to match their risk profile, investment horizon and personal preferences. A typical passive portfolio offers   long-term   average returns of around 7-8%, outperforming inflation and many ...

Payment fraud (i.e. the unauthorized or deceptive use of stolen payment information to obtain money, goods, or services) remains a major challenge for financial institutions. With new regulations requiring banks to compensate fraud victims, fraud prevention has become a top priority. However, fraud techniques are evolving rapidly, often outpacing even the most diligent security measures. This blog explores the types of financial fraud and the strategies institutions use to protect customers. In this article, we categorize payment fraud into six primary types and discuss the tactics behind each. Account Takeover and Identity Theft : Fraudsters gain unauthorized access to a customer’s account and initiate transactions under the customer’s identity. Authorized Push Payment (APP) Fraud : Customers unknowingly authorize payments to fraudsters. Deposit Scams : Fraudsters trick customers into believing they have received a legitimate deposit. Internal Fraud : Employees manipulate or intercept...