We nevertheless have reasons to cheer: in 2021 around EUR 100 billion were invested in the European technology ecosystem, almost three times the previous record of 2020, with around 100 new unicornsi. Furthermore, although technologies have not yet shown their full potential in terms of productivity, we may be at a turning point with the latest advances in artificial intelligence, biotechnologies or telework-related reorganisations - after a lag which corresponds to the process of appropriating these technologies by the economic fabric (investment, training, etc.). Page 7 sur 9 These disruptions are also reflected in the monetary, financial and payments spheres – which we scrutinise as central banks and supervisors –, where digitalisation is bringing about a triple revolution – and it is far from over: (i)  First, the arrival of new players: new actors born from the tech world – Fintechs and Bigtechs – are challenging historical players with radically new approaches to financial services and at present much less regulation;  (ii)  Second, the emergence of new assets: crypto-assets from the blockchain universe in the form of tokens: they will never according to me be credible as “crypto-currencies”, but could be used as settlement means – think of stablecoins for instance;  (iii) Lastly, the emergence of decentralised market infrastructures: new technologies tend to reduce the use of proven centralised settlement systems. These revolutions offer the potential for increased market efficiency while reducing costs and time.
G7 2019 Conference – Banque de France, 10 May 2019 Cybersecurity: Coordinating efforts to protect the financial sector in the global economy Conclusion by François Villeroy de Galhau Governor, Banque de France  Press contact: Mark Deen (mark.deen@banque-france.fr). Page 1 sur 6 Ladies and Gentlemen, First, I would like to thank the moderators and the panelists for their very rich comments and the very useful ideas. We are all convinced that cybersecurity of the financial sector will remain on our agenda for a long time. The challenge is no longer about gaining awareness anymore, but to find ways to intensify and rationalise our action. Based on the discussions today, let me start with one pre-requisite – coordination - and then propose concrete steps and tangible actions to improve our coordination in three areas: I. Regulation and supervision; II. Information; III. Preparation. A. Global threats, coordinated action Panel 1 questioned the importance of cyber threats for the financial sector. There is a consensus that the level of cyber threats has never been so high, but at the same time, we must acknowledge that the capacity to anticipate attacks needs to be reinforced. Following an attack, we need to address the potential contagion issues to the entire financial system or the entire economy. This is why coordination is a pre-requisite, not an easy one but a necessary one. While remaining realistic, there will not be a “world organization for cybersecurity” for obvious reasons, including trust. Hence, coordination should be cross-jurisdictional.