GFIN Publishes Report on Lessons Learned from Cross-Border Testing

One of the early priorities for GFIN has been the development of cross-border testing, previously known as the “global sandbox” concept. Out of the 50 GFIN members and observers, 17 regulators joined the GFIN cross-border testing workstream as part of the commitment to developing a framework to facilitate this new type of regulatory cooperation and support for firms. GFIN launched the pilot phase of cross-border testing with the following objectives:

• Explore how regulators could collaborate and facilitate cross-border experimentation in multiple jurisdictions, in real time
• Explore how pilot tests would function and what type of demand there might be from firms to work with regulators in this way
• Learn lessons and make changes to the process, to ensure success of the final testing model

After the initial screening of 44 applications, GFIN announced in April 2019 that the workstream will continue to work with eight firms to develop testing plans for their cross-border trials. At this time, the firms are not yet ready from a GFIN-perspective to launch a full cross-border test as the firms did not develop a testing plan that satisfies each jurisdiction’s criteria (e.g. the firm’s business is still in development and not ready to test; lacking formal partnerships). GFIN is exploring how the workstream members might be able to assist these firms in other ways, either outside the GFIN framework or inviting them to re-engage with GFIN when they are closer to being ready to test. The cross-border testing pilot provided GFIN members with valuable experience and feedback which will help to continue to evolve the framework for future cohorts and ensure that firms are ready for testing. 

Related Link: GFIN Updates

Keywords: International, Banking, Insurance, Securities, Regtech, Fintech, Cross-Border Testing, GFIN