Managers under the spotlight -Stefan Sarkany, Swiss AMT Financial Company AG

Can you tell us about your career journey and how you came to work in the financial services sector?

Originally, fiduciaries in Switzerland were tasked with managing a wide array of business functions, including accounting, legal affairs, insurance, banking issues, and sometimes even company funds. Companies of a certain size were mandated to utilize fiduciary services. However, over time, these requirements have evolved, and such mandates are no longer in place. This evolution has enabled us to gain substantial experience and expertise in the financial field.

As the Chief Business Officer of Swiss AMT Financial Company SA, I leverage my extensive experience and deep commitment to the financial sector to drive the company's growth and innovation. My role involves steering strategic business development and enhancing our market presence, ensuring that Swiss AMT remains at the forefront of the financial industry.

My journey in the financial world began with the creation and leadership of several key initiatives and organizations, underscoring my dedication to fostering economic growth and international business relations.

At Swiss AMT, my focus is on integrating advanced technologies and innovative financial solutions to meet the evolving needs of our clients. My background in creating and managing tech-driven companies, such as Avex Technologie USA in New York, equips me with the knowledge to navigate and implement complex technological advancements within the financial sector. This expertise is crucial as we enhance our digital infrastructure and cybersecurity measures, ensuring the safety and efficiency of our operations.

In addition to my role at Swiss AMT, I have a rich history of fostering professional networks and cultural initiatives. I established an alliance dedicated to the synergy of expertise and networking, which has been instrumental in facilitating professional exchanges and collaborative growth among experts from various fields. These experiences contribute to my ability to build strong relationships and strategic partnerships, which are essential for Swiss AMT’s success.

Throughout my career, I have been involved in significant roles across the globe, establishing important contacts and handling numerous government mandates. My work with municipal and governmental authorities, particularly in Brazil, Rusia (before the war of attrition started in Ukraine) and Bulgaria, as well as handling mandates in Central Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo, underscores my capability to navigate complex international landscapes, a skill that is invaluable at Swiss AMT as we expand our global reach.

In summary, my role at Swiss AMT Financial Company SA is deeply enriched by my diverse experience and active involvement in various business and cultural initiatives. My commitment to advancing the financial sector, coupled with a strategic vision for innovation and ethical practices, positions Swiss AMT for sustained growth and success in the dynamic financial landscape.

What are the main challenges you currently face in your role?

As a Chief Business Officer (CBO) of a Swiss financial institution aiming to expand into new European markets, I currently face several key challenges:

Regulatory Compliance: Navigating the diverse regulatory landscapes across different European countries is a significant challenge. Ensuring compliance with varying financial regulations, data protection laws, and market standards requires extensive research, adaptation, and continuous monitoring.

Market Entry Strategies: Identifying the most effective market entry strategies for each target country is crucial. This involves understanding local market dynamics, consumer behaviors, and competitive landscapes to tailor our products and marketing approaches appropriately.

Cultural Differences: Adapting our offerings and communication strategies to align with cultural nuances and preferences in different European regions is essential. This requires a deep understanding of local customs, languages, and business etiquette to build trust and credibility with potential clients.

Technology Integration: Implementing and integrating advanced technological solutions that meet local requirements and expectations can be challenging. Ensuring our IT infrastructure is scalable and adaptable for various markets while maintaining high standards of security and efficiency is a priority.

Building Brand Awareness: Establishing our brand in new markets where we may not yet be recognized is crucial. This involves creating targeted marketing campaigns, forming strategic partnerships, and leveraging local networks to increase visibility and credibility.

By addressing these challenges strategically, we aim to successfully introduce our financial products to new European markets, leveraging our Swiss heritage of excellence and trust.

When should an organization consider using Swiss AMT Financial Company services?

An organization should consider using Swiss AMT Financial Company AG® services when it seeks robust financial solutions, particularly in the areas of cash and non-cash financing. Here are key scenarios where their services can be highly beneficial.

Lombard Loans: If an organization requires liquidity without selling its financial assets, Lombard loans, which are collateralized by securities, can provide the necessary funds while maintaining investment positions​​.

Financial Leasing: For businesses looking to acquire valuable equipment without significant upfront investments, financial leasing offers tax advantages, flexibility, and the ability to keep up with technological advancements​​.

Guarantees and Surety Bonds: Swiss AMT provides a variety of guarantees such as Documentary Letters of Credit, Standby Letters of Credit, and performance bonds. These instruments can secure transactions and support large-scale projects, offering assurance to business partners and stakeholders.

Factoring: For companies needing to improve their cash flow by converting accounts receivable into immediate working capital, factoring services can be a vital tool. This not only addresses liquidity challenges but also helps in risk mitigation and operational efficiency​.

Risk Management and Strategic Financial Planning: Swiss AMT excels in providing strategic insights into risk management and financial planning, which are crucial for navigating complex financial landscapes and ensuring long-term business viability​.

SWIFT Correspondence: For secure and efficient international financial transactions, Swiss AMT offers services via the SWIFT network, facilitating smooth communication and transactions with over 10,000 financial institutions globally​.

Organizations aiming to expand their operations, secure funding for projects, manage risks effectively, or improve their financial strategies will find Swiss AMT’s comprehensive suite of services highly beneficial. Their expertise in both cash and non-cash financial solutions, combined with a strong emphasis on compliance and strategic planning, makes them a valuable partner for businesses operating in or looking to enter European markets.

How do you think the financial sector in Romania will transform in the coming years?

In our vision, the financial sector in Romania will undergo significant transformation in the coming years, driven by several key factors that will shape the future of financial services.

Increased Adoption of Fintech: Romanian financial institutions will widely adopt fintech solutions, integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance service offerings and operational efficiency.

Mobile and Online Banking: The trend towards mobile and online banking will accelerate, driven by consumer demand for convenient, 24/7 access to financial services. This will require substantial investments in digital infrastructure and cybersecurity.

Regulatory Change: Romania's financial sector will continue aligning with European Union regulations, ensuring compliance with directives such as GDPR and PSD2, enhancing consumer protection, and fostering greater competition and innovation.

Sustainable Investments: Financial institutions will increasingly integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into their investment and lending decisions, supporting sustainable development projects and green finance initiatives.

Consumer Behavior and Expectations, Personalized Financial Services: There will be a greater demand for personalized financial services, with financial institutions using data analytics to offer tailored products and services, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Financial Inclusion: Efforts to improve financial inclusion will continue, with initiatives aimed at providing access to banking services for underserved populations.

Economic Growth and Stability: Romania's economic growth will support the expansion of financial services, increased lending, and investment activities. Attracting foreign investment will be crucial for the sector's growth, supported by a favorable regulatory environment and economic stability.

By embracing these advancements and trends, the financial sector in Romania is set to innovate and enhance its service offerings, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of clients and remains competitive in the dynamic financial services landsca

How has digitalization impacted your business? What are the most significant trends in the financial services industry?

Digitalization has significantly transformed our business, enhancing efficiency, security, and overall client satisfaction despite not having an online platform, app, or involvement in cryptocurrencies. Here are the key impacts and the most significant trends in the financial services industry withiImpact on Our Business.

Automation: Digitalization has automated many of our internal processes, reducing manual errors and increasing productivity. This includes automated risk assessment, customer onboarding, and transaction processing.

Data Analytics: Leveraging big data and analytics has improved our decision-making processes, allowing for more accurate risk management and personalized financial solutions.

Digital Communication: While we don’t have an online platform or app, we use secure digital communication tools to maintain constant and secure interaction with our clients. This includes email, secure document sharing, and digital signatures.

Reduced Operational Costs: Digitalization has significantly lowered operational costs by streamlining processes, reducing paperwork, and minimizing the need for physical infrastructure.

Significant Trends in the Financial Services Industry

Partnerships with Fintechs: Traditional financial institutions are increasingly partnering with fintech companies to innovate and expand their service offerings. This includes developing new payment solutions, lending platforms so.

AI in Financial Services: AI is being used for predictive analytics, customer service (chatbots), and fraud detection. Machine learning algorithms help in credit scoring, investment strategies, and personalized financial advice​​.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA): RPA is being utilized to handle repetitive tasks, such as compliance checks and transaction monitoring, freeing up human resources for more strategic activities.

Compliance and Reporting: RegTech solutions are simplifying compliance with complex regulations by automating reporting processes, monitoring transactions in real-time, and ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements​.

Sustainability and Green Finance: There is a growing trend towards environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing, with financial services increasingly focusing on sustainable and socially responsible investments​​.

Green Bonds: The issuance of green bonds to finance environmentally friendly projects is on the rise, reflecting the industry's commitment to sustainability.

By embracing these digital advancements and trends, we continue to innovate and enhance our service offerings, ensuring that we meet the evolving needs of our clients and stay ahead in the dynamic financial services landscape.

What role does sustainability play in your company's operations and strategy?

Sustainability is integral to our company's operations and strategy, especially as a financial institution in Switzerland, a country renowned for its strong sustainability ethos. We focus on three main areas:

Environmental Impact: We reduce our carbon footprint through energy-efficient practices, sustainable sourcing, and comprehensive waste management. Our advanced IT infrastructure minimizes paper usage, although some partners still require wet-signed documents for compliance, reflecting our commitment to balancing innovation with regulatory requirements.

Social Responsibility: We prioritize employee well-being, community engagement, and ethical practices, reflecting the Swiss values of social equity and responsibility.

Economic Viability: We enhance efficiency, innovate for resource optimization, and proactively manage risks to ensure long-term growth and resilience, reinforcing Switzerland's reputation for economic stability and foresight.

By embedding sustainability into our core strategy, we not only contribute to a healthier planet but also create lasting value for our stakeholders and maintain our leadership in the financial sector.

How does Swiss AMT Financial Company address cybersecurity concerns and protect client data?

Swiss AMT Financial Company addresses cybersecurity concerns and protects client data through a multi-faceted approach that includes advanced technological solutions, robust policies, and continuous monitoring. Here are the key strategies employed.

Advanced Encryption and Secure Communication: Swiss AMT uses state-of-the-art encryption technologies to protect sensitive data during transmission and storage. This includes end-to-end encryption for all communications, ensuring that client information remains confidential and secure from unauthorized access.

Comprehensive Cybersecurity Framework: The company implements a comprehensive cybersecurity framework that includes firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits. This framework is designed to detect, prevent, and respond to potential threats in real-time, maintaining the integrity and security of client data.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Utilizing the latest versions of artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, Swiss AMT continuously monitors network activities and user behavior to identify and mitigate potential cybersecurity threats proactively. These tools help in early detection of anomalies and provide rapid responses to any suspicious activities.

Data Access Controls: Strict access control measures are in place to ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive information. This includes multi-factor authentication, role-based access controls, and regular reviews of access permissions to minimize the risk of data breaches.

Compliance with International Standards: Swiss AMT adheres to international cybersecurity standards and regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the guidelines set by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA). This compliance ensures that client data is handled with the highest level of security and privacy protection.

Employee Training and Awareness: Regular training programs are conducted to educate employees about cybersecurity best practices, potential threats, and the importance of data protection. This helps in creating a security-conscious culture within the organization, where employees are vigilant and proactive in safeguarding client information.

Incident Response and Recovery Plans: Swiss AMT has established robust incident response and recovery plans to address any cybersecurity incidents swiftly and effectively. These plans include predefined procedures for containing and mitigating the impact of security breaches, as well as strategies for recovering data and restoring normal operations with minimal disruption.

By integrating these advanced cybersecurity measures, Swiss AMT Financial Company ensures that client data is protected against evolving cyber threats, maintaining the trust and confidence of their clients.

What are the Swiss AMT Financial Company's objectives for the next year?

For the next year, Swiss AMT Financial Company has outlined several key objectives aimed at enhancing their service offerings, expanding their market presence, and leveraging advanced technologies to better serve their clients. Here are the primary goals:

Expansion into New European Markets: Swiss AMT aims to expand its footprint across more European countries, leveraging its strong regulatory compliance and robust financial services to attract new clients and partners. This includes identifying strategic opportunities and tailoring services to meet the unique needs of each market​.

Enhancement of Financial Products: The company plans to enhance its range of financial products, particularly in the areas of guarantees, surety bonds, and Lombard loans. By introducing innovative financing solutions and improving existing ones, Swiss AMT intends to provide more value to its clients and address diverse financial needs​.

Strengthening Cybersecurity Measures: With increasing cyber threats, Swiss AMT is committed to further strengthening its cybersecurity infrastructure. This includes implementing advanced AI and machine learning tools to monitor and protect client data continuously, ensuring the highest standards of security and trust​​.

Sustainability Initiatives: Aligning with global sustainability trends, Swiss AMT plans to integrate more sustainable practices within its operations. This involves promoting green financing solutions and reducing the company’s carbon footprint, thereby contributing to environmental conservation while meeting the evolving expectations of stakeholders​.

Client-Centric Approach: Maintaining a strong focus on client satisfaction, Swiss AMT will continue to refine its services based on client feedback and market demands. This involves personalized financial solutions, transparent communication, and building long-term partnerships based on trust and mutual success​​.

By pursuing these objectives, Swiss AMT Financial Company aims to solidify its position as a leading financial services provider in Europe, known for its innovative solutions, robust security measures, and commitment to sustainability.