Learn how to build a solid GRC foundation for fintech growth in the EU. We break down governance, risk management, and compliance essentials to help startups scale, earn investor trust, and meet PSD2, GDPR, DORA, MiCA, AML expectations from day one.

In this episode, we answer to:

How do you set up an effective GRC framework for a fintech startup in the EU?

Why must European fintechs prioritize compliance, risk, and governance early to scale safely?

What roles, processes, and oversight are essential to meet PSD2, GDPR, DORA, AML requirements?

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

European Central Bank (ECB) website, article "The PSD2 supports innovation and competition in retail payments … and enhances the security of payment transactions and the protection of consumer data.", link https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/intro/mip-online/2018/html/1803_revisedpsd.en.html?

Deloitte website, article "The Revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2)", link https://www.deloitte.com/lu/en/Industries/banking-capital-markets/research/psd2-revised-payment-services-directive.html?

European Parliament website, article "GDPR: Overview of the EU General Data Protection Regulation", link https://europa.eu/youreurope/business/dealing-with-customers/data-protection/data-protection-gdpr/index_en.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com

German BaFin website, article "Prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing", link https://www.bafin.de/EN/Aufsicht/Geldwaeschepraevention/geldwaeschepraevention_node_en.html?

ESMA website, article "Official summary from authoritative EU sources: Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA)", link https://www.esma.europa.eu/esmas-activities/digital-finance-and-innovation/digital-operational-resilience-act-dora?

ESMA website, article "Official overview by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA): Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA)", link https://www.esma.europa.eu/esmas-activities/digital-finance-and-innovation/markets-crypto-assets-regulation-mica?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Connect with me on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theitsmpractice/

Website: http://www.theitsmpractice.com

And if you want more tips and guidance, follow me on LinkedIn. I am sharing daily posts regarding Enterprise Service Management, IT Service Management, and IT Security.

Credits:

Sound engineering by Alan Southgate - http://alsouthgate.co.uk/

Graphics by Yulia Kolodyazhnaya

A deep dive into BSI Grundschutz technical measures, systems, networks, applications, monitoring, and evidence-based security. Learn how to move from compliance to operational resilience and why German clients expect proof, not promises.

In this episode, we answer to:

How do BSI Grundschutz technical measures strengthen system, network, and application security?

What evidence-based controls are required to prove resilience and compliance?

How does Grundschutz compare to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework for SaaS and cloud environments?

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Eena 112 website, whitepaper "Cybersecurity Practical Approach", link https://eena.org/wp-content/uploads/2020_05_06_Cybersecurity_PracticalApproach.pdf

BSI - German Federal Office for Information Security, publication "BSI Magazin", link https://www.bsi.bund.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/EN/BSI/Publications/Magazin/BSI-Magazin_2021-01.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=5

ACC Management Consulting, article "BSI - IT Baseline Protection: A Method for Information Security", link https://www.acc-management-consulting.de/bsi-grundschutz-isms

BSI - German Federal Office for Information Security, WiBa tool, link https://www.bsi.bund.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/BSI/Grundschutz/WiBA/WiBA_Tool_Excel.xlsx?__blob=publicationFile&v=2

Dr. Datenschutz website, article "The path to basic security for your IT", link https://www.dr-datenschutz.de/der-weg-in-die-basisabsicherung-fuer-ihre-it/

BSI - German Federal Office for Information Security, article + videos "Getting Started - Guidance and videos for raising awareness of cyber security", link https://www.bsi.bund.de/EN/Themen/Unternehmen-und-Organisationen/Informationen-und-Empfehlungen/KMU/leichter_Einstieg/leichter_Einstieg_node.html

Connect with me on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theitsmpractice/

Website: http://www.theitsmpractice.com

And if you want more tips and guidance, follow me on LinkedIn. I am sharing daily posts regarding Enterprise Service Management, IT Service Management, and IT Security.

Credits:

Sound engineering by Alan Southgate - http://alsouthgate.co.uk/

Graphics by Yulia Kolodyazhnaya

BSI Grundschutz is the hidden gatekeeper for U.S. companies entering Germany. This episode breaks down the organizational measures, from ISMS design to governance, staff security, and incident evidence, that shape compliance, build trust, and strengthen IT security maturity.

In this episode, we answer to:

What is BSI Grundschutz and why does it matter for U.S. companies expanding to Germany?

How do organizational measures like ISMS, governance, and role clarity improve security and compliance?

How does documenting incidents and responsibilities increase trust with German clients and regulators?

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Secureframe website, article "BSI IT-Grundschutz", link https://secureframe.com/frameworks-glossary/bsi-it-grundschutz

Hisolutions website, article "BSI IT-Grundschutz", link https://www.hisolutions.com/security-consulting/informationssicherheit/bsi-it-grundschutz

BSI - German Federal Office for Information Security, article "Advanced Protection", link https://www.bsi.bund.de/EN/Themen/Unternehmen-und-Organisationen/Informationen-und-Empfehlungen/KMU/Expertise/Expertise_node.html

BSI - German Federal Office for Information Security, article "IT-Grundschutz", link https://www.bsi.bund.de/EN/Themen/Unternehmen-und-Organisationen/Standards-und-Zertifizierung/IT-Grundschutz/it-grundschutz.html

Secfix website, article "ISO 27001 und BSI-Grundschutz", link https://de.secfix.com/beitrag/iso-27001-bsi-grundschutz

Connect with me on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theitsmpractice/

Website: http://www.theitsmpractice.com

And if you want more tips and guidance, follow me on LinkedIn. I am sharing daily posts regarding Enterprise Service Management, IT Service Management, and IT Security.

Credits:

Sound engineering by Alan Southgate - http://alsouthgate.co.uk/

Graphics by Yulia Kolodyazhnaya

Discover why 70% of ITSM initiatives fail and how a strategic Service Management Office (SMO) transforms ITIL from theory into business value. Learn the six-step SMO blueprint, key metrics, and pitfalls to avoid to elevate ITSM maturity and governance.

In this episode, we answer to:

What is a Service Management Office and why is it critical for ITSM success?

How do you build an SMO with governance, value alignment, and CIO-level sponsorship?

Which metrics and maturity levels define real ITSM performance and business impact?

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Pink Elephant website, whitepaper "The IT Service Management Office", link https://www.pinkelephant.com/uploadedfiles/Resources/PinkPapers/The-IT-Service-Management-Office.pdf

Littlefish website, article "Strategic Power of a Service Management Office (SMO)", link https://www.littlefish.co.uk/insights/service-management-office-smo/

IT Process Maps, article "ITIL Service Strategy", link https://wiki.en.it-processmaps.com/index.php/ITIL_Service_Strategy

Echolon website, article "The importance of an effective ITIL® service strategy for success in IT service management", link https://www.echolon.de/en/blog/itil-it-service-strategy/

Scrumprep website, article "Answering: Which metrics will help a Product Owner determine if a product is deliverying value?", link https://scrumprep.com/answering-which-metrics-will-help-a-product-owner-determine-if-a-product-is-delivering-value/

Value Delivery Metric website, video https://youtu.be/pjnkWgq7I6I

ITSM Tools website, article "The Making of an IT Service Management (ITSM) Maturity Model", link https://itsm.tools/the-making-of-a-maturity-model-an-approach-to-culture-and-client-support/

Navvia website, whitepaper "The Making of an IT Service Management (ITSM) Maturity Model", link https://navvia.com/hubfs/MKTG Folder/Learn center - Courses Slides/SMO Service Management Office -Slides.pdf

Connect with me on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theitsmpractice/

Website: http://www.theitsmpractice.com

And if you want more tips and guidance, follow me on LinkedIn. I am sharing daily posts regarding Enterprise Service Management, IT Service Management, and IT Security.

Credits:

Sound engineering by Alan Southgate - http://alsouthgate.co.uk/

Graphics by Yulia Kolodyazhnaya

In this episode of The ITSM Practice Podcast, Luigi Ferri dives into Financial Modelling for ITIL-based services — the key to shifting IT from a cost center to a value creator. Learn how Activity-Based Costing (ABC), Unit Costing, Lifecycle Costing, and Showback Models can transform IT governance, pricing clarity, and business alignment in IT Service Management (ITSM).

In this episode, we answer to:

How can IT leaders connect services, costs, and value in ITIL-based organizations?

Which financial models (ABC, Unit Cost, Lifecycle) fit your ITSM strategy best?

How can financial transparency turn IT from “too expensive” to a strategic partner?

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

PeopleCert website, article "ITIL 4 Value Streams Doing Right Things for Customers", link https://www.axelos.com/resource-hub/blog/itil-4-value-streams-doing-right-things-for-customers

QRP website, article "ITIL 4 Service Value Chain and Value Stream", link https://www.qrpinternational.be/blog/it-governance-and-service-management/service-value-chain-and-value-stream/

IT Process Map website, article "Financial Management", link https://wiki.en.it-processmaps.com/index.php/Financial_Management

PMI website, article "Activity Based Costing (ABC)", link https://www.projectmanagement.com/wikis/232994/activity-based-costing--abc-

Connect with me on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theitsmpractice/

Website: http://www.theitsmpractice.com

And if you want more tips and guidance, follow me on LinkedIn. I am sharing daily posts regarding Enterprise Service Management, IT Service Management, and IT Security.

Credits:

Sound engineering by Alan Southgate - http://alsouthgate.co.uk/

Graphics by Yulia Kolodyazhnaya

Regional banks face extinction if they don’t evolve. In this episode, Luigi Ferri explains how AI, automation, and customer-driven innovation are redefining digital banking. Learn from Luigi Ferri why “trust” is no longer enough and how agentic banking will shape the future of finance by 2035.

In this episode, we answer to:

Is AI driving banking transformation, or are customers in control?

What is the future of regional banks in the age of agentic AI?

How can traditional banks survive digital disruption and customer flight?

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Spherical Insights, article "Global AI Agents In Financial Services Market To Exceed USD 19890.2 Million By 2035 | CAGR 40.03%", link https://www.sphericalinsights.com/press-release/ai-agents-in-financial-services-market

Global Banking and Finance website, article "Banking in 2035 How Emerging Technologies Will Transform the Way We Bank", link https://www.globalbankingandfinance.com/banking-in-2035-how-emerging-technologies-will-transform-the-way-we-bank/

CIO Africa website, article "How Edge Computing Is Transforming Banking", link https://cioafrica.co/how-edge-computing-is-transforming-banking/

World Economic Forum website, article "How Agentic AI will transform financial services with autonomy, efficiency and inclusion", link https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/12/agentic-ai-financial-services-autonomy-efficiency-and-inclusion/

Money Vehicle website, article "Digital Banking 2024: Exploring the Evolution and Its Impacts", link https://yourmoneyvehicle.com/banking/digital-banking-2024-exploring-the-evolution-and-its-impacts/

Connect with me on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theitsmpractice/

Website: http://www.theitsmpractice.com

And if you want more tips and guidance, follow me on LinkedIn. I am sharing daily posts regarding Enterprise Service Management, IT Service Management, and IT Security.

Credits:

Sound engineering by Alan Southgate - http://alsouthgate.co.uk/

Graphics by Yulia Kolodyazhnaya

In this episode, Luigi Ferri compares two pillars of cloud security compliance: BSI C5 (Germany) and NIST SP 800-53 (USA). Discover how global banks can harmonize compliance, cut costs, and focus on real security over bureaucracy. Learn how ITSM and IT security teams can transform audit frameworks into governance tools that truly add value.

In this episode, we answer to:

How can global banks manage cloud compliance across BSI C5 and NIST SP 800-53 without duplicating effort?

What are the key differences and overlaps between BSI C5 and NIST SP 800-53?

Does compliance really improve security — or just increase documentation?

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

German Federal Office for Information Security website, article "Criteria catalogue C5", link https://www.bsi.bund.de/EN/Themen/Unternehmen-und-Organisationen/Informationen-und-Empfehlungen/Empfehlungen-nach-Angriffszielen/Cloud-Computing/Kriterienkatalog-C5/kriterienkatalog-c5_node.html

Securance website, article "What is BSI C5?", link https://audit-professionals.de/bsi-c5/

CyberSaint Security website, article "What is NIST SP 800-53?", link https://www.cybersaint.io/blog/what-is-nist-800-53

6 Clicks website, article "Comparison between NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) and NIST SP 800-53", link https://www.6clicks.com/resources/comparisons/nist-cybersecurity-framework-csf-vs-nist-sp-800-53

Connect with me on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theitsmpractice/

Website: http://www.theitsmpractice.com

And if you want more tips and guidance, follow me on LinkedIn. I am sharing daily posts regarding Enterprise Service Management, IT Service Management, and IT Security.

Credits:

Sound engineering by Alan Southgate - http://alsouthgate.co.uk/

Graphics by Yulia Kolodyazhnaya

AI is transforming banking, but so are the rules. In this episode, Luigi Ferri explores how the Artificial Intelligence Control Matrix (AICM) helps financial institutions navigate complex compliance frameworks like ISO 42001, NIST AI RMF, and the EU AI Act, while staying secure and cost-efficient. Discover how to simplify AI governance, reduce audit fatigue, and protect your organization from model poisoning and adversarial risks.

In this episode, we answer to:

How can banks use AI while managing overlapping regulations and compliance frameworks?

What new AI threats (like model poisoning and adversarial inputs) are traditional controls missing?

How does the Artificial Intelligence Control Matrix (AICM) simplify compliance and strengthen AI security?

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Alphasec website, article "CSA AI Controls Matrix: A Sneak Preview", link https://alphasec.io/csa-ai-controls-matrix-a-sneak-preview/

Clarendon Partners website, whitepaper "AI Controls in Financial Services", link https://www.clarendonptrs.com/s/05_03_24_AI_Controls_in_Financial_Services_Clarendon_Partners_GRC_Ebook_Compressed.pdf

Bank for International Settlements website, whitepaper "Regulating AI in the financial sector: recent developments and main challenges", link https://www.bis.org/fsi/publ/insights63.htm

Cloud Security Alliance website, whitepaper "AICM mapping to NIST 600-1", link https://cloudsecurityalliance.org/artifacts/aicm-mapping-to-nist-600-1

Connect with me on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theitsmpractice/

Website: http://www.theitsmpractice.com

And if you want more tips and guidance, follow me on LinkedIn. I am sharing daily posts regarding Enterprise Service Management, IT Service Management, and IT Security.

Credits:

Sound engineering by Alan Southgate - http://alsouthgate.co.uk/

Graphics by Yulia Kolodyazhnaya

Discover how Luigi Ferri explains how Process Mining in ITSM transforms service delivery by revealing real workflows hidden behind your dashboards. Learn how to eliminate bottlenecks, prevent SLA breaches, and align your Service Catalogue with reality. Turn ITSM data into actionable insights for compliance, automation, and continuous improvement.

In this episode, we answer to:

What’s the real difference between Process Mining and Task Mining in ITSM?

How can Process Mining prevent SLA breaches and improve service performance?

How does Process Mining enhance Service Catalogue accuracy and ensure compliance with ISO standards?

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Process Science website, article "Process Mining in IT services", link https://www.process-science.com/use-cases/it-services

Mindzie website, article "Top Benefits of Process Mining: Optimize, Analyze, Automate", link https://mindzie.com/process-mining-software/process-mining-benefits/

Celonis website, article "5 Benefits of Using Process Mining for IT Service Management", link https://www.celonis.com/blog/5-benefits-of-using-process-mining-for-it-service-management/

Atlassian website, article "Process Mining Analyze and Optimize Jira Workflows and Processes", link https://community.atlassian.com/forums/App-Central-articles/Process-Mining-Analyze-and-Optimize-Jira-Workflows-and-Processes/ba-p/2768242

Connect with me on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theitsmpractice/

Website: http://www.theitsmpractice.com

And if you want more tips and guidance, follow me on LinkedIn. I am sharing daily posts regarding Enterprise Service Management, IT Service Management, and IT Security.

Credits:

Sound engineering by Alan Southgate - http://alsouthgate.co.uk/

Graphics by Yulia Kolodyazhnaya

In this episode of The ITSM Practice, Luigi Ferri explores ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Control 5.3 – Segregation of Duties (SoD). Learn how to reduce risk, design accountability, and strengthen your ISMS with actionable SoD strategies, especially in ITIL 4 environments. Master RBAC, role clarity, and audit readiness to build trust into your IT processes by design.

In this episode, we answer to:

How does ISO 27001:2022 Control 5.3 define and implement Segregation of Duties?

What are effective ways to apply RBAC and SoD in small or resource-limited teams?

How can organizations monitor, log, and prove SoD compliance for audits?

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

ISMS-Online, article "ISO 27001:2022 Annex A 5.3 – Segregation of duties", link https://de.isms.online/iso-27001/annex-a/5-3-segregation-of-duties-2022/

Morgan Hill website, template "ISO/IEC 27002:2022 | 5.3 - Segregation of Duties Policy Template", link https://morganhillcg.com/blog/item/iso-iec-27002-2022-5-3-segregation-of-duties-policy-template-2

HighTable, article "The Ultimate Guide to ISO 27001:2022 Clause 5.3: Organisational Roles, Responsibilities and Authorities", link https://hightable.io/iso-27001-clause-5-3-organisational-roles-responsibilities-and-authorities/

Connect with me on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theitsmpractice/

Website: http://www.theitsmpractice.com

And if you want more tips and guidance, follow me on LinkedIn. I am sharing daily posts regarding Enterprise Service Management, IT Service Management, and IT Security.

Credits:

Sound engineering by Alan Southgate - http://alsouthgate.co.uk/

Graphics by Yulia Kolodyazhnaya