I’m pleased to report that, as outlined in our Consultation Response Document9 published a week ago, we received wide and consistent support for our proposals. We will be going forward with implementing ISO 20022, via the introduction of the Common Credit Message or CCM – which is central to message harmonization across the UK’s main interbank payment systems, as well as providing compatibility with the emerging international consensus. The Bank’s direct responsibility is for the UK’s high value payment system, CHAPS10, so we will be working closely with Pay.UK as we develop the CCM. But success will also require ongoing input from across the whole payment chain. It is important we implement this change effectively. Both to mitigate the risks that migration brings, but also to ensure we capture this opportunity. I want to emphasise that we must not think of the ISO 20022 implementation as one-off change, to be left untouched in the UK’s payment systems for years and allowed to become outdated. Furthermore, we must work hard to ensure that our implementation of ISO 20022 is not just inwardly focussed but internationally harmonised; international co-ordination will be key to unlocking the potential benefits for users of payment systems globally. Beyond the migration, there will need to be an ongoing evolution, development and enhancement of ISO 20022 and payments data in the UK. We must keep this in mind as we implement the standard; and indeed  9  The Consultation Paper is available at https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/-/media/boe/files/payments/rtgs-renewal-programme/iso20022/iso-20022-consultation-paper.pdf. The Consultation Response Document is at https://www.bankofengland.co.uk//media/boe/files/payments/rtgs-renewal-programme/iso-20022/iso-20022-consultation-response.pdf.
An insurance company like GE Life, which is located in the heart of a dynamic growth region, is well-positioned to capture the growing opportunities. Achieving sustainable long-term growth, however, is highly complex. Among the many segments in financial services, the life insurance industry has probably the longest time horizon. The industry takes on assets and liabilities that literally last a lifetime. Good actuarial data and analysis provide an important basis for risk pricing and management. But future trends and developments such as increasing longevity or medical breakthroughs are harder to predict. Hence, a sound framework on asset-liability management and a continual focus on risk management are critical. At the same time, markets are changing and innovating rapidly. Competition comes from many sources, while the needs of customers will continue to evolve. To keep up with the competition, intermediaries have to continue to invest in research and development, and provide value-adding products and services in risk management, underwriting, actuarial analysis, investment and financial advice. This is especially important in the context of Singapore’s maturing population who will need good retirement planning services in order to remain financially independent through their golden years. Another key implication of the long time horizon is the special relationship with the policyholder. In general, both the insurance company and the policyholders are entering into a long-term financial commitment. In any long-term relationship, the quality of trust is of utmost importance. This relationship of trust can only be sustained by good advisory and sales practices.