Blog

Enterprise Transformation & Innovation Strategy

Breaking Free from Legacy: Why ERP Transformation is Imperative for EPC Companies

Indrajit Roy Choudhury

In the EPC sector, managing complexity is essential yet many firms are hindered by outdated systems, leading to inefficiencies and risks. Adopting an ERP system facilitates organizational transformation, enhancing project management, financial oversight, and cross-departmental collaboration. Successful implementation requires clear objectives, stakeholder involvement, and careful data management. The resulting benefits include improved profitability, operational efficiency, and scalable growth, positioning EPC companies for competitive success.

Technology Trends & Competitive Advantage

Harnessing AI for Effective Business Continuity Planning

Indrajit Roy Choudhury

In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, businesses must prioritize resilience through Business Continuity Planning (BCP). AI enhances BCP by predicting risks, improving response times, and aiding recovery. Its capabilities in risk assessment, scenario planning, real-time crisis management, and post-crisis analysis bolster organisational preparedness. Despite challenges like data quality and ethical concerns, the advantages of integrating AI—such as proactive risk management and cost efficiency—position businesses to navigate disruptions effectively and thrive amid uncertainty.

Banking Excellence & Financial Innovation, Enterprise Transformation & Innovation Strategy, Technology Trends & Competitive Advantage

Navigating the Future of Corporate Lending: Embracing Digital Change

Indrajit Roy Choudhury

The corporate lending and trade finance sectors are evolving due to digitalisation, AI, and global market dynamics, creating opportunities alongside challenges. Institutional investors and private credit funds are gaining prominence, requiring agility and transparency. Financial institutions must enhance digital services to meet client expectations while addressing a looming talent crisis as seasoned professionals retire. AI is transforming operations, and tokenisation may revolutionise trade finance, although standardisation hurdles exist. Adapting to these trends is essential for success.

Reflections, Ideas & Perspectives

The Fed’s Global Backstop: Powell’s Reassurance & the Dollar Funding Market

Indrajit Roy Choudhury

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell emphasized the Fed's readiness to provide dollar liquidity to foreign central banks via swap lines amid rising global financial uncertainty. His statement highlights the Fed's vital role in stabilizing the international dollar funding market, essential for global trade and banking stability. While larger emerging markets have access to these resources, many smaller economies remain vulnerable, underscoring the need for diverse funding strategies.

Reflections, Ideas & Perspectives

Navigating the U.S. Trade Deficit: Insights for Economic Stability

Indrajit Roy Choudhury

Amidst alarming headlines about a potential U.S. financial crisis driven by "twin deficits," the reality is more nuanced. The U.S. dollar's status as the global reserve currency allows for sustainable debt management. While concerns about public debt exist, historical context shows the U.S. economy possesses unique strengths, such as a services surplus and the ability to control monetary policy, enabling it to navigate challenges effectively.

Technology Trends & Competitive Advantage

The Evolving Landscape of Cross-Border Payments: Beyond SWIFT & the Rise of Innovation

Indrajit Roy Choudhury

The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) has long been essential for cross-border payments, connecting over 11,000 institutions. However, the emergence of digital currencies, especially China's digital Renminbi (RMB), poses challenges to its dominance. While the digital RMB could enhance efficiency and reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar, its global adoption faces significant hurdles. The future likely involves a coexistence of traditional and new payment systems.

Banking Excellence & Financial Innovation

The Evolution of Sanctions: From Ancient Greece to AI-Powered Compliance

Indrajit Roy Choudhury

In 432 BCE, tensions between Athens and Megara resulted in the Megarian Decree, an early economic sanction. Modern sanctions have evolved, exemplified by the U.S. and EU's financial restrictions on Russia after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. AI is transforming compliance processes in the realm of sanctions, though human oversight remains essential. Financial institutions face both compliance challenges and legal risks, underscoring the need for meticulous records and adherence to regulations.

Reflections, Ideas & Perspectives

Lost in Space: A Lesson in Patience & Perseverance

Indrajit Roy Choudhury

Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore found themselves stranded in space for 286 days after expecting a short mission aboard the ISS. They faced isolation and uncertainty yet adapted and persevered while contributing to scientific research. Their experience highlights that everyday setbacks, like delays and rejections, are minor compared to significant challenges. Patience, endurance, and problem-solving are essential qualities to cultivate for overcoming life's challenges.

Cybersecurity, Compliance & Risk Intelligence

The Cloud Data Catastrophe: Adarsh Developers and the ₹150 Crore Wake-Up Call

Indrajit Roy Choudhury

Bengaluru's Adarsh Developers filed a complaint against AWS for alleged data deletion causing ₹150 crore losses, emphasizing the importance of data management in cloud computing. This incident underlines the shared responsibility model, where cloud providers secure infrastructure, while customers must protect their data. Key lessons include the necessity of backups, access control, disaster recovery plans, and understanding service agreements to mitigate risks in cloud environments.

Banking Excellence & Financial Innovation

The Collapsing Giants of Trade Finance: Fraud, Oversight, and the Vulnerability of Non-Bank Lenders

Indrajit Roy Choudhury

The recent insolvencies in the trade finance industry, notably the collapses of Stenn and Kimura, have raised serious concerns about the sector's inherent risks, including fraud and poor oversight. Stenn's downfall stemmed from allegations of money laundering, while Kimura's exit was strategic amid market pressures. These events, reminiscent of Greensill's 2021 failure, highlight the need for improved oversight and transparency to safeguard the industry’s future and prevent further crises.