AFM and DSI extend competency agreement Posted on December 4, 2024 at 10:54 am.Written by Roeland Jongejan The AFM and DSI have extended their agreement on professional competency. This agreement, in place since 2018, focuses on employees who provide investment advice or information. The extension is tacit and valid for two years, with no changes to the content. Floris Mreijen – Director DSI “The extension of this agreement highlights the importance of professional competency in the investment sector,” says Floris Mreijen, Managing Director of Stichting DSI. “It reinforces our shared commitment to ensuring quality service in the sector. By joining DSI, organizations can rely on us to take care of compliance requirements.” DSI-Certified professionals are demonstrably competent The agreement aligns with MiFID II requirements and guidelines from the European regulator ESMA. These standards stipulate that relevant persons—employees who inform or advise on investments—must be demonstrably and continuously competent. The AFM views competent personnel as essential for careful customer treatment and high-quality services in the investment sector. “We are very pleased with the continuation of this agreement,” Mreijen continues. “DSI certifications are an industry initiative aimed at building trust. The AFM’s recognition confirms the quality and added value of DSI registration.” Always up-to-date with ‘Continuing Professional Education’ Under the agreement, the AFM and DSI have stipulated that only individuals meeting ESMA guidelines are eligible for inclusion in the DSI ESMA registers. After registration, professionals are required to maintain their knowledge. DSI supports this through the ‘Continuing Professional Education’ program, based on annually updated learning objectives. Training providers develop their programs based on these objectives, ensuring that certified professionals continuously meet the required standards. The AFM acknowledges that professionals listed in the DSI ESMA registers meet competency requirements. Currently, approximately 4,100 professionals are certified in one of DSI’s seven ESMA registers. Broad responsibility for organizations For financial institutions, DSI registration demonstrates that their employees are competent. However, ESMA guidelines also impose broader organizational requirements, such as implementing internal policies and procedures and ensuring employees adhere to them. DSI registration is not mandatory. Organizations opting not to register with DSI can demonstrate their employees’ competency directly to the AFM. However, the DSI-AFM agreement simplifies compliance with ESMA guidelines for businesses in the sector. Most organizations subject to ESMA guidelines are affiliated with DSI. Additional Information AFM Press Release – click here AFM-DSI Agreement – click here ESMA Guidelines – click here MiFID II – click here
The DSI Public Register has been updated Posted on November 28, 2024 at 11:36 am.Written by Roeland Jongejan The DSI Public Register website is now faster, more user-friendly, and features improved search functionalities. You can easily find the registration number, certification status, PE-status, and the organization of DSI-registered professionals. Explore all updates through the DSI Public Register. In the DSI Public Register, you can check if a professional is DSI-certified. This allows you to easily verify if a professional who works in the financial sector meets our standards in terms of knowledge, competence and integrity. You can also see the organisation they work for and if any disciplinary actions have been taken against them. In this way, the register contributes to a transparent, trustworthy and competent financial sector. In collaboration with the sector The Public Register has been developed in close cooperation with businesses and trade associations within the financial industry. Since 1999, DSI has listed professionals across various registers, which are frequently updated to meet the shifting demands of the market and new regulatory standards. This ensures the register is a trusted and up-to-date resource for both professionals and consumers. Who can be found in the register? The register includes both certified and candidate-certified professionals. Both groups comply with the DSI Code of Conduct, committing themselves to the highest standards of integrity and competence. What does a DSI certification involve? A DSI-certified professional meets the entry requirements of one or more DSI registers. DSI maintains a total of 12 registers, each focused on specific disciplines within the financial sector. Certified individuals are always up-to-date on the latest laws and regulations, are equipped to handle integrity issues and possess the required education and work experience. To keep their knowledge current, they participate in the annual DSI Continuing Professional Education program. What is a candidate-certified professional? A candidate-certified professional adheres to the DSI Code of Conduct but may still need to complete (part of) the educational and/or experience requirements necessary for a full DSI certification. Why work with a DSI professional? Choosing a DSI-certified professional means working with someone who meets the highest standards in knowledge, skills and integrity. These professionals undergo thorough screening, have the necessary work experience and complete mandatory training to keep their expertise up to date. Any sanctions imposed by the DSI Disciplinary Committee are also listed in the register, ensuring you are always fully informed and can trust a professional who operates with integrity and expertise.
Celebrating 25 Years of DSI Posted on October 22, 2024 at 2:18 pm.Written by Roeland Jongejan 25 Years of DSI: An afternoon of inspiring talks and innovative (AI) art On Friday, 4 October, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of Stichting DSI, and we proudly look back on an inspiring day filled with insights, engaging discussions, and meaningful encounters. The event, held at the Beursgebouw in Amsterdam, focused on two key themes: the rise of digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the important role of the investment industry in sustainability. With insightful contributions from renowned speakers and experts, we explored the latest trends and discussed the challenges facing the financial sector. Inspiring Keynotes Keynote speakers such as Jos Heuvelman (AFM), Jorissa Neutelings (ABN AMRO), and Erik van Houwelingen (Van Lanschot Kempen) shared their insights with the audience. Jos Heuvelman congratulated us on our 25th anniversary and thanked us for the close collaboration with the AFM, particularly in the area of professional competence and integrity in the financial sector. He discussed new challenges such as digitalisation and the role of AI in finance. Heuvelman warned about the risks of AI, such as bias in algorithms, but also acknowledged the opportunities for fraud detection and improving efficiency. He stressed the importance of skilled and ethical advisors, especially in an increasingly digital world, and praised DSI’s role in promoting quality and trust in the sector. Jos Heuvelman’s full speech can be read here. Erik van Houwelingen shared his personal journey in thinking and acting on sustainability, providing concrete examples of how Van Lanschot Kempen addresses this, such as by working with a fully regenerative agricultural company that produces olive oil. He challenged the audience to reflect on what personally drives them, considering the importance of future generations, and to act on that. This could also be on a small scale, within one’s personal sphere of influence. Jorissa Neutelings engaged the audience in a discussion about the major trends that everyone in the financial sector should follow to remain successful in serving clients. The development of AI plays a key role here, from conversational AI to generative AI. Automation must be central in service models, where clients increasingly demand hyper-personalised service, based on experiences from other digital services. Security is paramount, with the bank as a vault for all your data offering opportunities. Finally, the sector needs to think more in terms of ecosystems, where parts of the service can be integrated in collaboration with third parties. In a time of increasing polarisation and decreasing trust in large institutions, integrity and a spotless track record are crucial. Panel Discussion on Sustainability At the anniversary event, an inspiring panel discussion on sustainability in the financial sector was held, based on the recently published DSI whitepaper “Greenwashing: Let’s be Real”, released in October this year. An expert panel, consisting of Harald Walkate (Route 17 / University of Zurich), Carola van Lamoen (Robeco / Eumedion), and Erik van Houwelingen (Van Lanschot Kempen), explored some thought-provoking questions: What exactly do we mean by greenwashing? How can we effectively integrate elements such as “additionality” into labels or disclosure regulations? And how do we create an honest dialogue with consumers about what they can expect from the financial sector in addressing societal issues? Event Highlights For those who missed the event or wish to revisit it: presentations and photos are now available on our website www.dsi.nl/jubileumevent. We also presented three fantastic AI artworks from the AI Gallery in Amsterdam, creatively portraying our themes: integrity, sustainability, and digitalisation in the financial sector. Explanations of these works can be found at www.dsi.nl/ai-artworks.
Highlights 2023: DSI annual report Posted on June 13, 2024 at 10:36 am.Written by Roeland Jongejan The year 2023 was a year of executing our new strategy at DSI. Established at the end of 2022, this strategy consists of three pillars: operational excellence, broadening and deepening of our registers, and awareness & thought leadership. These pillars aim to develop DSI into a sector platform for integrity and competence. Download infographic 2023 Operational excellence In 2023, we continued enhancing operational excellence within our organization. Early in the year, we implemented Office365 and completed office reorganization. Following customer satisfaction surveys, we identified and implemented various improvements to the certification process and Continuing Professional Education. We are delighted to see increased appreciation for DSI’s services in the survey results, providing us with encouragement to continue our current trajectory. Additional initiatives included introducing a brochure for new participants and developing a landing page for our major clients. In the summer, we launched digital certificates for each certified professional, facilitating easy validation of professional skills, such as sharing on LinkedIn. In September, we held the inaugural meeting of the “DSI Klankbordgroep”. This group provides constructive criticism on organizational development and shares experiences with our services. Efforts were also directed towards further modernizing DSI’s IT infrastructure, with preparations underway for the introduction of a new CRM system in early 2024. Expansion and deepening of Registers Our focus on expanding and deepening our registers primarily centered on revamping the integrity module, mandatory for all new certifications at DSI. The content of this module was entirely revised in the first half of the year in collaboration with the Integrity Advisory Committee. From September 2023, this new module is offered through the Compliance Institute. Additionally, the Accreditation Committee evaluated the 2022 PE program and updated the compliance register’s learning objectives. Preparations were also made in 2023 for the introduction of a new register in 2024, specifically for AML professionals. (This register has since been launched in June 2024.) Awareness & Thought Leadership Positioning DSI within the realms of awareness and thought leadership constitutes the third pillar of our strategy. Throughout June, September, and November, we organized three roundtable discussions on the theme of greenwashing. Gathering input from legal/compliance, marketing/communication, and investment perspectives, the outcomes were compiled into a whitepaper published in early 2024. In 2023, our use of LinkedIn was also intensified to purposefully disseminate relevant content to our audience. Download infographic 2023 Governance and funding As a culmination of the reorganization undertaken in 2021 and 2022, the DSI board decided in 2023 to adjust both governance and funding structures. From October 2023, DSI operates with a managing director and a supervisory board. This new governance model introduces a streamlined and agile governance structure better suited to our organizational size. Furthermore, industry associations, previously represented on the DSI board, now hold a more logical position within this model. They are statutorily designated as key stakeholders with whom annual discussions are held on ongoing activities, as well as future policies and budgets. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the board members for their dedication to DSI over the past years. The new Supervisory Board comprises Tanja Nagel (Chair), Jaco Aardoom, Theo Andringa, Erik Luttenberg, and Daniëlle Melis. Together, they bring significant sector experience, forming a crucial part of our new governance structure. In 2023, efforts were also focused on implementing a new funding model effective January 1, 2024. Under this model, certification fees are now paid annually per participant based on their average number of certifications over the past three years. Customers receive only one invoice per year under this new system, eliminating additional charges for new certifications or changes throughout the year. Explore the full year overview and all highlights via the 2023 Annual Report Infographic. Floris Mreijen Managing Director DSI
Celebrating a milestone: 25 Years of DSI Posted on June 7, 2024 at 10:23 am.Written by Roeland Jongejan In 2024, we are celebrating a special milestone: DSI turns 25. Since our establishment in 1999, we have dedicated ourselves with great energy to fostering a reliable and integral financial sector. Together with our partners, dedicated professionals, and enthusiastic volunteers, we have witnessed the sector evolve and have actively contributed to the growth and enhancement of integrity and expertise. To mark this occasion, we invite you to explore a unique collection of personal stories and videos. On our special anniversary page, www.dsi.nl/25jaar, we have highlighted the milestones of our journey over the years. Here, you will find a rich timeline filled with inspiring stories, videos, and old media reports illustrating 25 years of DSI’s development. Take a look at the past, where we laid the foundation for improving trust in the financial sector. Experience the present, where we continue to work daily on integrity and expertise. And discover our vision for the future, where we strive for a sector where trust and professionalism are central. Curious about the highlights of 25 years of DSI? Explore the stories and videos at www.dsi.nl/25jaar. Our special thanks go to George Möller, Margherita Noto, Maurice Wiersma, Rein Pijpers, Mark van der Lecq, Clemens Spoorenberg, Wim Mijs, Floris Mreijen and Tanja Nagel for their valuable personal contributions to this wonderful collection. Celebrate DSI’s 25th anniversary with us on October 4th! This year, we are also celebrating our 25th anniversary with a special event. On October 4th, we invite professionals from the financial sector to the historic Beursgebouw in Amsterdam. With only 100 available places, we are creating an intimate setting where interaction and collaboration take center stage. Don’t miss this unique opportunity! Register now via this link for our anniversary event and celebrate 25 years of Stichting DSI with us.
DSI launches the AML register Posted on June 2, 2024 at 8:47 pm.Written by Roeland Jongejan Today, June 3, 2024, DSI will launch the DSI Anti Money Laundering (AML) register. With this, we are taking an important step towards increasing the trust and competence of professionals in the AML sector. This initiative is the result of close collaboration between AML professionals in the financial sector, leading educators, and DSI. “With the launch of this new DSI register, we provide a uniform solution for registering the knowledge and integrity of AML professionals working in the financial sector. Certified professionals thus demonstrate their competence,” said Floris Mreijen, Executive Director at DSI. DSI Accredited Educators: VU Amsterdam and ACAMS To complete a registration, AML professionals must have completed training with a DSI-accredited educator. The DSI Accreditation Committee, in collaboration with experts from the DSI Advisory committee on Compliance Professionals, has accredited two educational institutions: VU Amsterdam and ACAMS. Other educators may follow in the near future. Floris Mreijen, managing director of DSI, signs the DSI accreditation for the FEC-Risk Expert program at VU Amsterdam together with Tom Loonen, professor and program director of FEC-Risk Expert. VU Amsterdam: Certified FEC-Risk Expert “This accreditation is an important recognition by the DSI Accreditation Committee that our program meets stringent quality criteria,” says Tom Loonen, Program Director of FEC-Risk Expert at VU Amsterdam. “We are therefore pleased that our students can be directly admitted to this register.” Click here for more information about the FEC-Risk Expert program at VU. ACAMS: CAMS-Certificering “It is a distinct honor and responsibility for ACAMS to be appointed an accredited DSI educator. This designation provides ACAMS-trained anti-financial crime professionals in the Netherlands with further recognition, demonstrating their high level of competency and commitment. We applaud the launch of the DSI Anti-Money Laundering (AML) register, which sets a new industry benchmark, and thank DSI for entrusting ACAMS with this important mandate.” – Neil Sternthal, CEO of ACAMS. Click here for more information about the CAMS certification from ACAMS. Demonstrable competence via the DSI AML Register Registration in the AML register confirms that a professional meets the high uniform competence requirements of both DSI and the sector itself. Additionally, registration offers various benefits to both the professional and their employer: Recognition: With DSI certification, professionals distinguish themselves as qualified AML experts in the financial sector. Demonstrable competence: With certification from DSI, you are demonstrably competent to clients and colleagues via the DSI Public Register. Integrity: DSI stands for integrity in the financial world, and our certification highlights the professional’s commitment to this important principle. Career opportunities: With DSI registration, professionals enhance their chances for career development and new growth opportunities in the financial sector. Professional development: Certified individuals continue to develop through access to the DSI Continuing Professional Education program. How can professionals register? The certification process at DSI is simple and transparent. Registration is always done via our website. Interested parties can also read the conditions that a professional must meet to be fully DSI certified. Interested? For more information about the register or to sign up, please contact DSI via email at certification@dsi.nl or call us at (+31) 020-620 12 74. You can also find all the details on our website: www.dsi.nl/en/aml.
Celebrate the DSI anniversary event Posted on March 25, 2024 at 8:41 pm.Written by Roeland Jongejan On October 4, 2024, we celebrate a milestone: the 25th anniversary of Stichting DSI! For a quarter of a century, we have been dedicated to strengthening and maintaining public trust in the investment sector. And we’re going to celebrate that! Expertise and integrity: our pillars for your success In a world where the financial sector is constantly evolving, one thing remains constant: the crucial role of the professional. At Stichting DSI, expertise and integrity have been at the forefront for 25 years. This forms the solid foundation of our upcoming DSI event on October 4 at the Beursgebouw in Amsterdam. Sign up for the event here! Register here! Discover the future of investing: digitization and sustainability During our anniversary event, we will focus on two key themes: the rise of digitization and Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the role of the investment industry in sustainability. We have three inspiring keynote speakers: Jos Heuvelman from AFM, Jorissa Neutelings from ABN AMRO, and Erik van Houwelingen from Van Lanschot Kempen. Together with them and an interactive panel, we will delve into current developments with a strong emphasis on integrity and ethics. As AI and algorithms take over the role of investment advisors, questions arise: how do you ensure ethics? And how can you be certain that investment products are genuinely green and not just greenwashing? These pressing questions will be at the heart of our discussions. Meet our key-note speakers Jos Heuvelman joined the AFM Board on September 1, 2018. He is responsible for overseeing the retail market, including lending, saving, investing, insurance, and pensions, as well as asset management. Heuvelman is also active at ESMA. Previously, he spent over thirty years at De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), where he held various management positions and supervised large banks. His extensive experience in financial supervision now strengthens the AFM. Jorissa Neutelings is the Chief Digital Officer (CDO) at ABN AMRO Bank. She is responsible for Digital Customer Experience, Digital Innovation, Data & Analysis, and the Design & Build of all digital channels. The common thread in her career is the customer. Her mission is to build lasting customer relationships in a sustainable way to optimize value for both the customer and the organization. She views digitization as the key route to helping customers more simply, quickly, and personally. Erik van Houwelingen is on the Executive Board of Van Lanschot Kempen and is Chairman of the Executive Board of Kempen Capital Management. Additionally, he is Vice-Chairman of Dufas. He has extensive experience in asset management and pensions, with a strong focus on the transition to sustainable investing being a major priority for him. We will soon announce the names of the panel members. An intimate setting for valuable interaction With only 100 available spots, we provide a setting where interaction is key. Each attendee can make a valuable contribution to the discussions and work together on the challenges within our sector. Seize this unique opportunity to participate and sign up now for our anniversary event on Ocotber 4 and celebrate 25 years of Stichting DSI with us!
25th anniversary DSI Posted on January 11, 2024 at 2:17 pm.Written by Roeland Jongejan 25 years of integrity and expertise With the very best wishes for the new year, we proudly announce our anniversary year. In 2024, it will mark the 25th anniversary since the establishment of the DSI Foundation as a self-regulatory initiative within the financial sector to promote integrity and expertise. The past 25 years have often been turbulent times for the financial sector, where expertise and integrity (or sometimes the lack thereof) were crucial. The DSI Foundation has consistently contributed to advancing integrity standards and providing guidelines to enable professionals to serve their clients optimally, thereby strengthening trust in the sector. In a constantly evolving world, professionals must not only stay informed about regulations but also possess technical knowledge through continuous education. A moral compass requires regular recalibration. Through our commitment to certification, guideline development, awareness, and collaboration with stakeholders, we aim to contribute to promoting integrity in the financial sector. At its core, our mission remains true to our founding principles in 1999: advancing an upright and knowledgeable financial sector. What can you expect from us in the anniversary year? Publication of a whitepaper on Greenwashing: Analysis based on various roundtable discussions conducted in collaboration with EY on the current issue of Greenwashing and its impact on integrity in the financial sector – more information Event on Integrity and Expertise: In the second quarter, we will be organizing an event focused on integrity and expertise, bringing together professionals in the financial sector to discuss current issues and celebrate our 25th anniversary. Introduction of the AML Register: DSI will introduce a new register focused on Anti Money Laundering. For the professionals working daily on identifying and addressing financial crimes and promoting an integral business operation. Integrity Week: As part of our commitment to promoting integrity, we, as a partner, participate in the Integrity Week. During this event, we share our insights and experiences to increase awareness of integrity and disseminate information to our stakeholders. Among other initiatives, we continue to dedicate ourselves to integrity and expertise within the financial sector. On behalf of the DSI Foundation, we invite you to celebrate the anniversary year with us and participate in our activities and initiatives in 2024. We will keep you informed through our website, LinkedIn, and (quarterly) newsletters!
NCI accredited for PE Compliance Professional Posted on December 19, 2023 at 2:59 pm.Written by Roeland Jongejan For the Continuing Professional Education (PE) program of the DSI Register Compliance Professional, the DSI Accreditation Committee has approved the program of the Dutch Compliance Institute (NCI). Previously, the PE-programs of NIBE-SVV and The Ministry of Compliance were also approved for this register. Ready to enroll? Starting from the beginning of 2024, you can do so directly on the websites of the training institutions. Continuing Professional Education 2024 The Continuing Professional Education program for 2024 kicks off on January 1, 2024, covering all registers. We recently unveiled the new objectives for 2024. Once the PE 2024 program is available at the training institutions, you can get started. Enroll directly with the respective training provider. Refer to the list below for all providers of PE programs. Stay informed about the latest developments in your field through PE 2024. Find more information at www.dsi.nl/en/pe2024.
DSI Anti Money Laundering (AML) Register Posted on December 12, 2023 at 10:19 am.Written by Roeland Jongejan In close collaboration with the industry, DSI has decided to launch a new register specifically targeting professionals dedicated to preventing financial crime: the DSI Anti Money Laundering (AML) register. This register provides uniform quality standards for AML professionals actively involved in the fight against financial crimes. Roles in Financial Crime Financial institutions such as banks and investment firms play a crucial role in preventing money laundering and financing terrorism. This is commonly referred to as the gatekeeper function. The number of professionals engaged in combating financial crime has significantly increased in recent years. These individuals work in areas such as Customer Due Diligence (CDD), Know Your Customer (KYC), and Anti Money Laundering (AML). DSI is developing this new register specifically for the AML professionals. What is a DSI AML Professional? The DSI AML professional operates within the financial sector and is tasked with preventing their organization’s involvement in money laundering. The professional focuses on the proper application of the Wwft and possesses in-depth knowledge of customer research (KYC and CDD) and transaction monitoring. The DSI AML professional also has the skills to effectively act in their role as a money laundering combatant. Uniform Quality Standards with an Independent Register A key consideration for establishing this register is that AML professionals need to demonstrate proven expertise. Regulators are increasingly attentive to this requirement. Currently, various training programs are available in this field, varying in depth and assessment. Our discussions with DSI-affiliated businesses reveal a need for uniform quality standards for this professional group. These standards should be set and monitored by an independent and expert certifying authority. DSI believes that such an initiative aligns well with the existing DSI certifications for investment and compliance professionals. Through the new register, DSI aims to ensure a baseline level of expertise and integrity for this professional group. In addition to uniform training requirements for entry into the register, there will also be an obligation for ongoing education. Finally, DSI’s code of conduct and disciplinary procedures will apply. Current Status In January, the final terms for the new registry were approved by the DSI Accreditation Committee. Subsequently, these terms were shared with providers of financial crime training programs. The first accreditation request is currently being processed by DSI. The Compliance Advisory Committee and Accreditation Committee will evaluate this request. It is expected that the registry will launch before the summer of 2024. Contact Information For inquiries about the new register, feel free to contact Mark van der Lecq (Lead Legal DSI) via our contact form.