Towards a unified security policy framework for Crelan/AXA Bank Belgium
Wim Schuddinck, Director Security at Crelan is responsible for overseeing the entire security domain in the integration of AXA Bank Belgium into Crelan. To bring this migration to a successful end, he works closely together with two external partners, including BDO Belgium. Not just any outside help, but consultants who think along with the colleagues of the Crelan team. According to Wim, that is exactly what is so important in a partnership.
What is your role during the integration of AXA Bank into Crelan?
Wim: "Typically, there are three lines of defence within an organisation's security domain. My team and I monitor the entire second line at Crelan and AXA Bank, which consists of three major areas. First, we define what is needed so that everything is in line with the risks and imposed regulations. We are also a centre of excellence for employees within Crelan and AXA Bank. Anyone with questions about security, e.g. the first line of defence that ensures effective implementation, can come to us. Finally, we also do the necessary checks and reporting to ensure that everything is implemented correctly in terms of regulations and maturity.
An important side note: we not only cover the digital, IT side but also everything regarding the physical security aspect of the organisation. We also make sure that our organisation is maximally prepared to ensure the assurance of our services even in the event of a disaster, the so-called 'operational resilience'."
For which assignment(s) do you work together with partners?
Wim: "One of the big challenges in the PMI (Project for Migration & Integration) project is to establish a unified set of security policies, to move towards one way of working within our department. Not only in terms of policy sets but also in second-line procedures. On the other hand, it is of course also crucial that the rest of the organisation integrates properly in terms of security. For this assignment, we looked for a partner to assist us in this.
On top of that, we are also working with Steven Cauwenberghs (Partner Risk Advisory, BDO Belgium) and his team to coordinate our Business As Usual (BAU). In 2022, we also asked BDO to follow up on our Business Continuity Management initiative and make it run as smoothly as possible."
What does a partnership mean to you and why is it so important for you and your team?
Wim: "A partner has to be in touch with the client's team enough and should take you to the next level. We were really looking for people who want to achieve something together with us. Not a supplier offering its services but a party that becomes part of your organisation to create that 'we-feeling'. That common drive to make a project succeed must definitely be present: we either make it or we fail, but we always do it together.
How is the partnership with BDO Belgium going so far?
Wim: "We are currently working with Steven and his colleagues for nine months now. There are a lot of signs that the partnership is going well in terms of feeling. For example, at the end of last year, BDO Belgium colleagues also participated in the Warmathon together with our colleagues from Crelan.
That is not to say that everything goes smoothly. As with any project, there are struggles, but both teams work hard. After all, a partnership is not something to be taken for granted, but there is real will on both sides to make this collaboration work.”
