For Immediate Release

TORONTO, March 28, 2019 – The Canadian Bankers Association (CBA) is today hosting the Cyber Security Summit in Toronto, one of the largest annual gatherings of cyber security experts in Canada. Now in its 16th year, the event welcomes almost 1,000 senior information and cyber security professionals from the country’s banking and financial services sector, government officials, academics and other key stakeholders to share their insights on the latest developments in cyber security threat management.

“Cyber security and resiliency are collaborative priorities for all banks in Canada, the financial sector more broadly and, indeed, society as a whole,” said Neil Parmenter, President and CEO, Canadian Bankers Association. “All parts of Canada’s information security ecosystem must work together to ensure our country’s cyber security framework is strong and resilient in the ever-evolving digital economy. The CBA’s Cyber Security Summit is both an incubator of ideas and a platform for discussion as we work together to protect Canada’s financial system and the personal information of Canadians from cyber threats.”

The event kicks-off with a discussion between Mr. Parmenter and Scott Jones, Head of the new Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (Cyber Centre). The conversation will highlight the importance of ongoing collaboration between the banking sector and government agencies in protecting Canada’s financial system from both domestic and global threats. Announced as part of the 2018 National Cyber Security Strategy, the Cyber Centre is Canada’s authority on cyber security matters.

Canadian banks were active participants in the consultation to develop the National Cyber Security Strategy and are strongly supportive of an integrated public-private sector approach to cyber security and resiliency in Canada. The banking industry is at the forefront of the prevention and detection of cyber security threats and works in collaboration with regulators, law enforcement and all levels of government to share best practices and other information to address the growing challenges posed by cyber crime.

Parmenter adds: “With a centralized agency and a national strategy, constant knowledge sharing and effective regulations for all companies that play a role in our digital economy, including banks, Canada is well-positioned to protect cyber systems for citizens and lead on a global scale.”

About the Canadian Bankers Association

The Canadian Bankers Association is the voice of more than 60 domestic and foreign banks that help drive Canada’s economic growth and prosperity. The CBA advocates for public policies that contribute to a sound, thriving banking system to ensure Canadians can succeed in their financial goals. www.cba.ca