CERTFIn

CERTFIn is a multinational alliance of computer emergency response teams and financial sector stakeholders dedicated to strengthening cyber resilience across the financial services industry. The initiative coordinates threat intelligence sharing, incident response, and best-practice development to protect banks, payment networks, insurers, and regulators from cyber threats.

The program focuses on rapid threat intelligence exchanges, coordinated incident response, vulnerability coordination, and security standards for financial IT systems and supply chains.

CERTFIn originated from discussions among central banks, regulators, and industry groups seeking a formal platform for cross-border collaboration. A charter established it as a membership-driven, non-profit alliance with a shared code of conduct.

Membership includes banks, payment processors, insurers, technology vendors, and supervisory authorities. Governance is provided by a steering committee, a secretariat, regional chapters, and working groups focused on threat intelligence, incident response, risk assessment, and policy alignment.

Key activities include maintaining a secure information-sharing platform, conducting joint cyber exercises, coordinating vulnerability disclosures, publishing security standards and best practices, and offering training and awareness programs for member organizations. An annual conference facilitates collaboration.

Information shared within CERTFIn is anonymized where possible and handled under strict access controls and data-protection agreements. Cross-border data transfers follow applicable laws and enable rapid, privacy-preserving collaboration during incidents.

Evaluations focus on time to detection, containment, and recovery, as well as resilience improvements across sectors. Challenges include aligning incentives, managing sensitive data, and ensuring sustained participation across jurisdictions.

See also: CERT, FS-ISAC, information sharing and analysis centers.