Connecting More Than Markets: From Access to Intelligence

The securities industry is changing faster than ever. Settlement cycles are shortening. Market infrastructures are evolving. Automation, digitalization and artificial intelligence are reshaping operating models. Regulatory expectations continue to increase, while clients expect broader market access, greater efficiency and solutions that scale with growing business volumes. For many market participants, the challenge is not only accessing markets – but also understanding how these developments will shape future opportunities and risks.

Supporting clients in adapting to a changing landscape is at the heart of what we do within Group Securities Services Operations (GSSO).

Every securities service starts with a simple principle: assets must be protected.

Our unit is responsible for RBI's depositary bank function, network management activities, and safeguarding framework. Protecting client assets and supporting investor confidence form the foundation of our expertise. This perspective naturally extends beyond investment funds and has shaped how we approach market access, custody services and market infrastructure developments across the bank.

Today, our expertise supports not only depositary activities but also Global Custody, Capital Markets and other business areas that rely on secure market access and global infrastructure connectivity.

Traditionally, Network Management focuses on maintaining custody networks and ensuring reliable access to markets around the world. Those responsibilities remain essential. However, the role has expanded significantly.

Topics such as market infrastructure transformation, T+1 readiness, regulatory change and increasing automation have moved firmly onto the agenda. Clients increasingly rely on partners who can not only provide access to markets but also help them understand how those markets are evolving.

Beyond maintaining market access, GSSO continuously evaluates and optimizes its global custody network to ensure scalability, resilience and readiness for future market developments.

In many ways, Network Management has evolved from providing market access to connecting market developments with business opportunities.

This broader perspective allows GSSO to help RBI and its clients prepare for structural changes across the industry.

Recent years have seen a strong focus on post-trade transformation, future settlement readiness and expanding access to markets where investor interest continues to grow. This includes supporting scalable market-access frameworks like our model across Africa and the Middle East, as well as preparing for major changes in market infrastructure and settlement models.

At the same time, growing transaction volumes and regulatory requirements are increasing the need for automation, data-driven processes and scalable operating models. Artificial intelligence is expected to become an important enabler, supporting automation, improving data-driven insights, and helping create more scalable operating models. Understanding these developments and translating them into practical solutions is becoming an increasingly important part of creating value for clients.

The next chapter of securities services will be shaped by greater market harmonization, increasing automation, artificial intelligence, evolving market infrastructures, and changing client expectations.

Success will depend on more than technical expertise alone. It will require the ability to connect market developments, investor protection, and innovation into a coherent strategy.

For GSSO, that is exactly where we see our role. Not simply as guardians of today's infrastructure, but as partners helping clients and RBI navigate the future of securities services. Because while markets continue to evolve, one principle remains unchanged: Assets can only create opportunities when they are protected, connected and trusted.