A new task force is being launched in the UK today in an effort to help organizations bolster the security of their corporate finance transactions.

Led by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the initiative has brought together 14 organizations from different sectors including banking, law, consulting, and more. These organizations will be releasing new guidance aimed at advising companies on how to mitigate cyber-risk when conducting corporate finance transactions such as fund raising, mergers and acquisitions, and initial public offerings (IPOs).

The guidance, titled “Cyber Security in Corporate Finance,” will provide crucial information on building resilience against cyber-attacks, protecting commercially sensitive data exchanged during the deal process, and responding to breaches. The launch event for this task force will be an opportunity for the organizations involved to present this guidance to the public.

ICAEW CEO, Michael Izza, emphasized the vulnerability of businesses to security breaches during the dealmaking process due to the flow of sensitive information. He highlighted the potential impact of a cyber-attack on the dealmaking process and called for boards across the country to take threats seriously and implement preventative action.

Sarah Lyons, the NCSC deputy director for economy and society, also spoke out about the importance of increasing cyber resilience in the field of chartered accountancy. She noted that chartered accountants are becoming increasingly attractive targets for threat actors due to the sensitive financial and risk data they handle. A breach in this sector not only jeopardizes organizations and their customers, but also undermines trust, confidence, and reputation.

The collaboration between these leading organizations from various sectors underscores the widespread recognition of the importance of cyber security in the realm of corporate finance. By providing practical guidance and resources, the task force hopes to equip businesses with the necessary tools to protect themselves from cyber threats and bolster the security of their financial transactions.

The launch of the task force and the release of the new guidance mark a significant step towards addressing the growing concern over cyber-risks in corporate finance. The involvement of influential bodies such as the ICAEW, NCSC, and others demonstrates a collective effort to ensure the security and integrity of financial transactions in the UK. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the need for proactive measures to safeguard sensitive data and mitigate risks becomes increasingly crucial.

In doing so, the UK aims to maintain its position as a pre-eminent hub for deals, investments, and growth, while also upholding the trust and confidence of businesses and customers alike. The task force’s initiative and the guidance it provides will play a pivotal role in equipping organizations with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of cyber security threats in the realm of corporate finance.

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