This week, we had the opportunity to attend the BAFT Europe Bank-to-Bank Forum. The event brought together over 60 banks from across America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Not only banks but also key software providers specializing in compliance, banking, trade finance, and supply chain solutions were also present, making it an excellent space for discussing industry trends, challenges, and opportunities. Here are some of our key takeaways from the event.
Standardization -- or the lack of it, is a big headache.
We had a great chat with banks about one of the biggest challenges large banks face: every office in every country tends to do things a little differently, especially when it comes to due diligence and compliance. This creates a huge operational burden, forcing other areas outside of compliance—who should be focusing on clients—to spend more time on admin work, chasing documents, or submitting forms. In other words, inefficiency is eating into their core business.
Smaller and mid-sized banks need to think ahead.
While big banks struggle to unify their processes, smaller banks have an opportunity: getting things right from the start. Having the right technology in place early on helps them scale in an organized way instead of scrambling to fix things later. This is where smart compliance solutions, like Trans World Compliance's (TWC), can make a real difference—covering over 100 jurisdictions while keeping compliance efficient and user-friendly.
Nothing beats in-person connections.
Banking is still about trust in a world where digital solutions rule. And trust is built through real conversations, not just emails or Zoom calls. Events like BAFT, where industry leaders meet in person, make a huge impact. Bringing experts together in the same space every year creates faster, more meaningful discussions—something that just isn’t the same over a screen.
Throughout the event, we had insightful discussions with banks like ANZ, Belfius, UBS, ABSA, Santander, BBVA, Intesa Sanpaolo, TD Bank, US Bank, and others, exchanging ideas on the future of banking, compliance, and global trade finance.
The key takeaway? Collaboration and innovation are more important than ever. As the industry evolves, staying ahead means finding the right balance between technology, regulation, and human relationships.
Nicolás Londoño Pinzón & Daniela Peña Romero
At Trans World Compliance, we’re committed to bringing more knowledge and thought leadership to the industry in 2025. That’s why our team members are actively sharing their expertise on LinkedIn—covering key topics shaping global compliance, AEOI, FATCA, and CRS. Stay ahead of industry trends by following them:
🔹 Daniel Farías – Head of Sales & Marketing
🔹 Arief Rafeeq – Business & Market Development Manager
🔹 Nicolás Londoño Pinzón – Business & Market Development Manager
🔹 Daniela Peña Romero – Sales Executive
They will be:
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Exploring how deregulation and tax transparency impact CRS, FATCA & AEOI globally.
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Breaking down the complexities of CRS and FATCA reporting, jurisdictional challenges, and the role of big data in tax compliance.
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Analyzing the future of AEOI, the role of European financial hubs, and how CARF is reshaping crypto compliance.
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Providing insights on CRS & FATCA governance, regulatory developments in the Caribbean, and compliance best practices for financial institutions.
Follow them to stay informed and join the conversation!
We are pleased to announce that Trans World Compliance will be hosting the breakfast seminar South Africa’s CRS and FATCA Compliance, Automation & Industry Readiness, an exclusive event bringing together financial institutions, regulators, and industry leaders to discuss the evolving compliance landscape, regulatory challenges, and the role of automation in streamlining tax reporting.
📍 Venue: Radisson Blu Waterfront, Cape Town
📅 Date: March 26, 2025
🕘 Time: 08:00 – 13:00
Join us for a morning of thought-provoking discussions, practical insights, and networking with South Africa’s leading compliance professionals.
Seats are limited. Secure your spot today!
Several jurisdictions have key deadlines on March 31, including Model 2 IGA and Non-IGA countries for FATCA, Curaçao and Belize for both FATCA and CRS, and Turks and Caicos for CRS.
Additionally, on April 30, Aruba must submit CRS reports, while Malta is responsible for both FATCA and CRS compliance, and Japan must file CRS reports.
Meeting CRS and FATCA 2025 deadlines is crucial for maintaining compliance and avoiding regulatory fines.
📩 Contact us today to simplify your compliance process and avoid last-minute stress.
At TWC, we are committed to helping you navigate the ever-changing landscape of compliance and regulations. Whether you have questions, require assistance, or seek innovative solutions, we support you.
Don't hesitate to Contact Us for all your compliance needs. Our team of experts is ready to assist you.
Thank you for being a part of our compliance community. Together, we can stay fully compliant and drive excellence in regulatory technology.
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