In the September 2020 edition of the FinCoNet newsletter, Chair Maria Lúcia Leitão announces the upcoming FinCoNet International Seminar, scheduled for November 13, 2020, which will focus on "Creditworthiness Assessments: current issues and challenges." The seminar aims to explore supervisory approaches to creditworthiness assessments, the integration of artificial intelligence in evaluating creditworthiness, and the evolving challenges in this domain, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event will be conducted virtually via Zoom due to ongoing health and safety concerns.
The newsletter also provides updates on various initiatives and studies from member organizations. The Banco de Portugal has implemented regulations to enhance information transparency on digital channels, reinforcing consumer protection during the pandemic. The Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) conducted a study revealing that consumers are willing to accept more risk and lower returns on sustainable investments. Additionally, FSCA South Africa introduced a new Conduct Standard for Banks to strengthen consumer protection frameworks. These efforts reflect a global commitment to adapting financial consumer protection measures in response to emerging challenges.