Speaker, U.S. Treasury Under Secretary for International Affairs, Brent McIntosh discussed the impact of data connectivity and cross-border data flows in financial services on economic growth and financial stability. The ability to hold and transfer financial information securely has always been essential to the safe and efficient provision of financial services – and thus to economic growth. Data connectivity is critical to driving the productivity growth that is a key source of higher living standards in the future. Cross-border data flows are also essential to supporting financial stability, to ensure financial regulators have access to the information required to fulfill their mandates and promote the safety and soundness of the financial system. When data connectivity is imperiled, firms, consumers, and regulators are all worse off, and we risk losing out on the benefits of today’s digital economy. Under Secretary McIntosh discussed how policymakers can address these new and complex issues and why greater cooperation among financial authorities is key to ensure we all achieve the benefits of enhanced data connectivity in financial services.
