About Me

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I am former editor of The Banker, a Financial Times publication. I joined the publication in August 2015 as transaction banking and technology editor, was promoted to deputy editor in September 2016 and then to managing editor in April 2019. The crowning glory was my appointment as editor in March 2021, the first female editor in the publication's history. Previously I was features editor at Profit&Loss, editorial director of Treasury Today and editor of gtnews.com. I also worked on Banking Technology, Computer Weekly and IBM Computer Today. I have a BSc from the University of Victoria, Canada.

Saturday 8 December 2018

The power of QR codes

20/11/2018
The use of QR codes for payments has seen widespread take-up across Asia and other emerging markets due to the low-tech, low-cost deployment. But will they be able to compete with established card rails in the developed markets? Joy Macknight reports.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Transactions-Technology/The-power-of-QR-codes/(language)/eng-GB

Santander’s digital dreams move ahead with Openbank

3/12/2018
Starting a bank from scratch is many an incumbent banker’s dream. Ezequiel Szafir, CEO of Openbank, talks to Joy Macknight about constructing Santander’s fully digital experiment from the ground up.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Techvision/Santander-s-digital-dreams-move-ahead-with-Openbank/(language)/eng-GB

Chinese banks’ profitability under pressure

1/11/2018
The leading banks in China have seen their balance sheets balloon in recent years and their cost to income remains low, yet profitability is much lower than these positive metrics would indicate. Joy Macknight reports.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Banker-Data/Chinese-banks-profitability-under-pressure/(language)/eng-GB

Fortifying the ATM estate

1/11/2018
ATM malware attacks are on the rise and gaining in sophistication and scale, yet historic threats persist, including skimming and brute force attacks. How can banks best defend their ATM networks? Joy Macknight investigates.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Transactions-Technology/Fortifying-the-ATM-estate/(language)/eng-GB

MKB Bank undergoes core replacement to become digitally fit

1/11/2018
Replacing a core banking system is not for the faint of heart. Márk Hetényi, MKB Bank’s chief digital, retail and strategy officer, talks to Joy Macknight about staying the course towards a digital future.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Techvision/MKB-Bank-undergoes-core-replacement-to-become-digitally-fit/(language)/eng-GB

A shift in securities services

1/10/2018
While securities services have traditionally been viewed as unexciting, back-office, post-trade administrative activities, emerging technologies are giving providers an opportunity to move up the value chain. Joy Macknight reports.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Transactions-Technology/A-shift-in-securities-services/(language)/eng-GB

Why open banking is the only way for ANZ

1/10/2018
ANZ’s banking services business domain lead talks to Joy Macknight about how open banking will foster digital transformation, and where blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies fit in.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Comment-Profiles/People/TechVision/Why-open-banking-is-the-only-way-for-ANZ/(language)/eng-GB

Redefining GDP

31/08/2018
Although gross domestic product is a far-from-perfect expression of a country’s economic vitality, economists are not yet ready to abandon it completely. But is it time for a radical revision? Joy Macknight investigates.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Banking-Regulation-Risk/Redefining-GDP/(language)/eng-GB

Ecobank puts Africa on the digital map

31/08/2018
Ecobank is present in 33 African markets, giving it an enviable reach across a widely underbanked continent. Its CEO, Ade Ayeyemi, tells Joy Macknight how the bank's appetite for digital and fintech-related solutions is bringing widespread benefits to this population.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/World/Africa/Ecobank-puts-Africa-on-the-digital-map/(language)/eng-GB

Wells Fargo innovation R&D chief embraces digital disruption

3/09/2018
Bipin Sahni, Wells Fargo’s head of innovation research and development for its innovation group, talks to Joy Macknight about laying the foundation for innovation through an R&D mindset. 

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Techvision/Wells-Fargo-innovation-R-D-chief-embraces-digital-disruption/(language)/eng-GB

Emirates NBD’s new digital lead brings a fintech mindset

1/08/2018
Evans Munyuki, recently appointed as group chief digital officer at Emirates NBD, talks to Joy Macknight about his plans to take the digitally mature bank to the next level of innovation.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Comment-Profiles/People/TechVision/Emirates-NBD-s-new-digital-lead-brings-a-fintech-mindset/(language)/eng-GB

Has the time come for banks to get quantum-fit?

1/08/2018
Quantum computing promises the possibility of performing an infinite amount of computations almost instantaneously. But the technology is still in its early stages. Joy Macknight investigates how banks can cut through the hype to what is real.

https://www.thebanker.com/Transactions-Technology/Has-the-time-come-for-banks-to-get-quantum-fit/(language)/eng-GB

France’s digital minister banks on the fintech ecosystem

1/08/2018
Mounir Mahjoubi, the French secretary of state for digital affairs, spoke to Joy Macknight at the Money 20/20 Europe conference about the value created through bank-fintech partnerships and how France is fostering an attractive environment for fintechs, which is of growing importance due to Brexit.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/World/Western-Europe/France/France-s-digital-minister-banks-on-the-fintech-ecosystem/(language)/eng-GB

Faster, cheaper, smarter: blockchain in trade finance

2/07/2018
As the hype around blockchain technology ebbs, real-world applications are coming to life, particularly in trade finance. Joy Macknight examines market initiatives, lessons learned and the role that blockchain could play in driving the digitalisation and growth of global trade.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Transactions-Technology/Faster-cheaper-smarter-blockchain-in-trade-finance/(language)/eng-GB

Swift gpi chief ticks off the milestones

2/07/2018
Swift, together with 45 member banks, launched the global payments innovation (gpi) initiative in early 2016, to increase the speed, transparency and predictability of cross-border payments. More than 180 banks have signed up to the service, with over 60 banks now live. As of May 24, 25% of all Swift cross-border payments traffic is now being sent as gpi. Joy Macknight talks to Wim Raymaekers, Swift’s gpi programme director, about the latest developments.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Transactions-Technology/Swift-gpi-chief-ticks-off-the-milestones/(language)/eng-GB

Using blockchain to revamp cross-border payments

2/07/2018
Is blockchain living up to its potential in revolutionising the cross-border payments space? Joy Macknight investigates how far the technology has come.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Transactions-Technology/Using-blockchain-to-revamp-cross-border-payments/(language)/eng-GB

VTB’s digital strategy embraces co-operation

4/07/2018
Olga Dergunova, VTB Bank’s deputy president, hails a new era of co-operation in Russia’s banking industry, not just bank-to-bank but bank-to-fintech and, importantly, bank-to-regulator. Joy Macknight reports.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Comment-Profiles/People/TechVision/VTB-s-digital-strategy-embraces-co-operation/(language)/eng-GB

Riding the real-time payments wave

1/06/2018
While 2017 is widely recognised as the year real-time payments took a qualitative leap forward, 2018 is predicted to be one of transformative change, as innovative services built on top of the new rails come to market. Joy Macknight reports.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Transactions-Technology/Riding-the-real-time-payments-wave/(language)/eng-GB

SocGen’s UK innovation lead looks to clients and fintechs for inspiration

1/06/2018
Société Générale’s head of innovation for the UK, Anthony Woolley, talks to Joy Macknight about accelerating the French bank’s digital transformation through an open innovation strategy inside and outside the organisation.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Comment-Profiles/People/SocGen-s-UK-innovation-lead-looks-to-clients-and-fintechs-for-inspiration/(language)/eng-GB

Nordic FX: volatility ahead?

1/05/2018
The Nordic countries’ currencies are renowned for stability and low risk, but concerns are surfacing around the currencies of Norway and Sweden, nicknamed the 'nokkie' and the 'stocky'. Joy Macknight reports.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/World/Western-Europe/Finland/Nordic-FX-volatility-ahead/(language)/eng-GB

Constructing the branch of the future

1/05/2018
'Hi-tech, high touch' is the mantra of many banks looking to revamp and revitalise their branch networks. But after years of increasing digital interaction, declining footfall and extensive branch closures, can banks entice customers back into the branch? Joy Macknight investigates.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Banking-Regulation-Risk/Retail-Banking/Constructing-the-branch-of-the-future/(language)/eng-GB

Northern Trust’s chief architect dreams in DevOps

1/05/2018
Managing innovation in a 129-year-old financial institution is not an easy job. Northern Trust’s director of architecture and innovation and chief architect, Len Hardy, talks to Joy Macknight about transforming legacy applications, processes and people.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Comment-Profiles/People/TechVision/Northern-Trust-s-chief-architect-dreams-in-DevOps/(language)/eng-GB

The women behind JPMorgan’s EMEA transaction banking business

3/04/2018
JPMorgan has long been committed to diversity in its workforce and its approach is yielding results. Joy Macknight talks to the women heading the US bank’s Europe, the Middle East and Africa treasury services business lines to gain insight into the drivers of change in the region.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/World/Africa/The-women-behind-JPMorgan-s-EMEA-transaction-banking-business/(language)/eng-GB

StanChart’s CIO for India confronts the data surge

3/04/2018
Standard Chartered Bank’s chief information officer for India talks to Joy Macknight about using artificial intelligence and big data to uncover new business opportunities, as well as attracting tech talent in a highly competitive market. 

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Comment-Profiles/People/TechVision/StanChart-s-CIO-for-India-confronts-the-data-surge/(language)/eng-GB

UK embraces the role of global pioneer in Open Banking

1/03/2018 9:00 am
The UK has taken a giant step into the unknown, launching Open Banking ahead of its European counterparts. While not all the designated banks were ready on time, the initiative lays the groundwork for a range of new propositions for consumers and businesses. Joy Macknight reports.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/World/Western-Europe/UK-embraces-the-role-of-global-pioneer-in-Open-Banking/(language)/eng-GB

DNB CFO seeks cost efficiency in digital strategy

1/03/2018
DNB’s chief financial officer, Kjerstin Braathen, tells Joy Macknight how Norway’s largest bank is optimising its people, technology and resources to get the most out of its digital transformation.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Techvision/DNB-CFO-seeks-cost-efficiency-in-digital-strategy/(language)/eng-GB

The Banker's Top 500 Banking Brands 2018

1/02/2018
A decade on from the global financial crisis, the world’s top banking brands are thriving, led by impressive results in China. Joy Macknight reports.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Banker-Data/The-Banker-s-Top-500-Banking-Brands-2018/(language)/eng-GB

AIB’s chief digital officer looks towards frictionless banking

1/02/2018
Seamus Murphy, the chief digital officer at Allied Irish Banks, talks to Joy Macknight about delivering key enabling technologies, tooling and frameworks to speed up the bank’s digital transformation.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Comment-Profiles/People/TechVision/AIB-s-chief-digital-officer-looks-towards-frictionless-banking/(language)/eng-GB

Will the digital world solve the identity crisis?

2/01/2018
Creating a widely accepted and portable digital identity will open up new business opportunities and grease the wheels of trade and commerce, yet a ‘silver bullet’ solution remains elusive. Could identity be the killer use for blockchain? Joy Macknight investigates.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Transactions-Technology/Will-the-digital-world-solve-the-identity-crisis/(language)/eng-GB

BitPesa eases FX pain in Africa

2/01/2018
Elizabeth Rossiello, founder and chief executive of BitPesa, talks to Joy Macknight about using Bitcoin and its underlying technology, blockchain, to resolve currency exchange issues in African markets.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Techvision/BitPesa-eases-FX-pain-in-Africa/(language)/eng-GB

The virtual wave in cash management

1/12/2017
As notional pooling’s star begins to fade, banks are delivering greater functionality in virtual account structures to help corporate treasurers better manage their cash flows. Joy Macknight reports.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Transactions-Technology/The-virtual-wave-in-cash-management/(language)/eng-GB

Yes Bank maps out path to digital nirvana

1/12/2017
Prime minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “digital India” has spurred on the banking industry’s digital transformation in the country. Joy Macknight speaks to chief information officer Anup Purohit about how Yes Bank is future-proofing its business.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/World/Asia-Pacific/India/Yes-Bank-maps-out-path-to-digital-nirvana/(language)/eng-GB

The profits and pitfalls of raising crypto capital

1/11/2017
Advocates of initial coin offerings see them as a quick and simple way to raise money for blockchain-based start-ups, while sceptics warn of get-rich-quick schemes and a 'Wild West' market. Joy Macknight looks at the drivers behind this new way of fundraising.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Transactions-Technology/The-profits-and-pitfalls-of-raising-crypto-capital/(language)/eng-GB

Monetary Authority of Singapore fintech chief seeks perfect balance

1/11/2017
Singapore’s central bank and financial authority, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, must balance fintech disruption with a safe regulatory environment. Chief fintech officer Sopnendu Mohanty talks to Joy Macknight about walking the tightrope to innovation.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/World/Asia-Pacific/Singapore/Monetary-Authority-of-Singapore-fintech-chief-seeks-perfect-balance/(language)/eng-GB

Canada’s co-operative approach to fintech

2/10/2017
Canada’s fintech ecosystem is flourishing due to the backing of banks, academic institutions and government. Together they are also taking steps to capitalise on the country’s leading position in artificial intelligence research, as Joy Macknight reports.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/World/Americas/Canada/Canada-s-co-operative-approach-to-fintech/(language)/eng-GB

Hellenic Bank’s innovation head builds open banking marketplace

2/10/2017
Joy Macknight asks the group head of digital banking and innovation at Hellenic Bank, Natasha Kyprianides, to outline her digital vision for the Cypriot bank and explain how the bank is responding to the move to open application programming interfaces.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Transactions-Technology/Hellenic-Bank-s-innovation-head-builds-open-banking-marketplace/(language)/eng-GB

AI and the new age of fraud detection

2/10/2017
Next-generation artificial intelligence tools are ramping up the defence against fraudsters and allowing banks to increase efficiency, reduce headcount in compliance and provide a better customer experience. Joy Macknight reports.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Transactions-Technology/AI-and-the-new-age-of-fraud-detection/(language)/eng-GB

RBC CEO Dave McKay looks to stay ahead of technology

2/10/2017
RBC’s CEO, Dave McKay, explains to Joy Macknight how artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics will help see the Canadian bank through the fundamental changes facing the industry.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/World/Americas/Canada/RBC-CEO-Dave-McKay-looks-to-stay-ahead-of-technology/(language)/eng-GB

CYBG COO looks to boost SME digital offering

1/09/2017
Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks’ group chief operating officer, Debbie Crosbie, speaks to Joy Macknight about how the challenger bank is better serving its SME client base by revamping its IT infrastructure.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/World/CYBG-COO-looks-to-boost-SME-digital-offering/(language)/eng-GB

APIs find an opening

1/08/2017
Joy Macknight examines the reasons behind the rash of financial services firms launching – or in some cases relaunching – open application programming interface developer portals over the past two years.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Transactions-Technology/APIs-find-an-opening/(language)/eng-GB

Wirecard vice-president hails the power of paytech

1/08/2017
The vice-president for financial institutions and fintech at Wirecard, Jack Harris, talks to Joy Macknight about the European payments giant’s strategy and its post-Brexit market position.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Transactions-Technology/Wirecard-vice-president-hails-the-power-of-paytech/(language)/eng-GB

Taking the pain out of fintech procurement

3/07/2017
Navigating a way through a bank’s procurement process can kill a fintech start-up – or dampen its innovative spirit. Joy Macknight explores the ways banks are changing their rules of engagement specifically for this community.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Transactions-Technology/Taking-the-pain-out-of-fintech-procurement/(language)/eng-GB

Leveraging PSD2 to open up transaction banking

3/07/2017
While most of the buzz around the updated EU Payments Services Directive has centred on benefits to retail customers, its role in ushering in open banking will create new opportunities in transaction banking. Joy Macknight reports.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Global-Transaction-Banking/Leveraging-PSD2-to-open-up-transaction-banking/(language)/eng-GB

Intraday credit: under the regulator’s microscope

3/07/2017
Deutsche Bank’s Christine Thomas talks to Joy Macknight about the increasing regulatory oversight of intraday credit and how market participants are responding to emerging regulations.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Global-Transaction-Banking/Intraday-credit-under-the-regulator-s-microscope/(language)/eng-GB

How transaction banking is adapting to change

3/07/2017
The historically stable and secure transaction banking business is undergoing great change. Joy Macknight reports on industry initiatives and innovative technologies now coming to the fore.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Global-Transaction-Banking/How-transaction-banking-is-adapting-to-change/(language)/eng-GB

Modernising Citi’s transaction banking capability

3/07/2017
Gulru Atak, the new head of Citi’s global treasury and trade solutions Dublin lab and innovation, talks to Joy Macknight about her innovation programme for growing the bank’s global transaction banking business.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Transactions-Technology/Transaction-Bankers/Modernising-Citi-s-transaction-banking-capability/(language)/eng-GB

Banks join the steady march to the cloud

1/06/2017
Banks have been slow to adopt cloud computing, mainly due to security concerns and a fear of ending up on the wrong side of the regulator. However, cloud is now seeing a groundswell in acceptance across the financial industry, as Joy Macknight reports.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Transactions-Technology/Banks-join-the-steady-march-to-the-cloud/(language)/eng-GB

Benin designs a digital future

1/06/2017
In December 2016, Benin announced its economic transformation plan, including 45 flagship projects addressing the major components of the west African country's economy. Six of the projects are specifically focused on constructing a digital economy. Serge Adjovi, director of Benin’s Digital Economy Agency, speaks to Joy Macknight about the laying the foundations for progress.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/World/Africa/Benin/Benin-designs-a-digital-future/(language)/eng-GB

LeumiTech CEO looks to make life easier for tech start-ups

1/06/2017
Understanding the financial needs of tech companies that lose money but grow fast is LeumiTech’s signature business, its CEO explains to Joy Macknight.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Techvision/LeumiTech-CEO-looks-to-make-life-easier-for-tech-start-ups/(language)/eng-GB

HSBC brings its markets business into the innovation fold

2/05/2017
HSBC’s innovation lead for global markets, Dr Patrick Mang, talks to Joy Macknight about developing an innovation roadmap for the bank’s capital markets group, and how the democratisation of innovation is changing the way it operates. 

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Transactions-Technology/HSBC-brings-its-markets-business-into-the-innovation-fold/(language)/eng-GB

Banks say social media is important – but how many are engaging?

3/04/2017
Many banks are still sitting on the sidelines when it comes to social media engagement, while others are exploring innovative ways to tap the network effect. Joy Macknight reports.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Transactions-Technology/Banks-say-social-media-is-important-but-how-many-are-engaging/(language)/eng-GB

NPP builds Australia’s faster payments future

3/04/2017
Building a real-time national payments infrastructure that promotes diversity and competition in product development may not be easy, but it is worth the effort, of NPP Australia CEO Adrian Lovney tells Joy Macknight.

To read more: https://www.thebanker.com/Transactions-Technology/NPP-builds-Australia-s-faster-payments-future/(language)/eng-GB