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Introduction

In today’s interconnected financial ecosystem, the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) plays a critical role as the backbone of secure and standardized financial messaging between more than 11,000 institutions in over 200 countries. Its network enables the global flow of capital, trade, and liquidity - making its security vital to the stability of the financial system. 

To address the rising complexity and scale of cyber threats, SWIFT introduced the Customer Security Programme (CSP) - a global initiative aimed at reinforcing the cybersecurity posture of all member institutions. For financial organizations, CSP compliance is not only a technical or regulatory requirement; it represents a firm commitment to operational resilience, trust, and the protection of the global financial ecosystem. 

Understanding the SWIFT CSP Assessment

At the core of the programme lies the Customer Security Controls Framework (CSCF) - a structured set of controls that defines how institutions must protect their SWIFT-related environments. These controls are categorized as mandatory and advisory, covering areas such as secure infrastructure, access control, and incident response. The framework is updated annually to reflect evolving risks and technological developments. 

Each SWIFT user is required to submit an annual attestation via the KYC-Security Attestation (KYC-SA) portal, confirming compliance with the latest CSCF version. This process ensures transparency across the network and demonstrates a shared commitment to security. Missing deadlines or submitting incomplete attestations can expose institutions to reputational and operational risks. 

To enhance the reliability of the attestation process, SWIFT recommends that institutions engage independent assessors - either internal functions that are independent of operations, or external SWIFT-certified assessors. Independent validation strengthens confidence in the results, ensures compliance accuracy, and supports better risk management practices. 

Certified assessors must meet strict criteria, including professional qualifications such as CISA, CISSP, or ISO 27001 Lead Auditor, and demonstrate independence and technical expertise. Their role is crucial in providing objective assurance and maintaining consistency across the global SWIFT community. 

The Benefits of CSP Compliance and Certified Assessments

Institutions that undergo SWIFT CSP assessments - particularly those validated by certified assessors - gain multiple benefits that go beyond compliance. 

  • Confidence and Credibility: Independent verification demonstrates strong cybersecurity governance and builds confidence with regulators, counterparties, and correspondent banks. 
  • Consistency and Global Standards: The CSP framework ensures that all participants are assessed against the same global benchmarks, improving comparability and collaboration across markets. 
  • Transparency and Accountability: SWIFT’s official directory of certified assessors allows institutions to select trusted partners with proven capabilities, fostering openness and accountability. 
  • Risk Mitigation: Early identification of control gaps helps institutions prevent potential regulatory, operational, and reputational issues associated with non-compliance. 

Ultimately, certified assessments create a higher level of assurance within the global financial system - ensuring that all participants operate securely and responsibly. 

KPMG’s Strength in SWIFT CSP Assessments

KPMG is proud to be among the official SWIFT CSP Certified Assessors, listed in SWIFT’s Certified Assessors Directory. This recognition reflects KPMG’s technical expertise, independence, and commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality assessments worldwide. 

With certified Lead Assessors across multiple regions and deep experience in financial sector cybersecurity, KPMG combines global reach with local insight. Our teams work closely with clients to ensure that assessments are not only compliant but also practical, helping institutions strengthen internal controls and operational resilience. 

KPMG’s approach is built on three core pillars: 

  • Global Consistency: With a unified methodology and presence in more than 140 countries, KPMG ensures every assessment meets the same high standards of quality and integrity. 
  • Adaptability and Foresight: As the SWIFT CSP framework evolves, KPMG continuously aligns its assessment methods with the latest requirements and best practices - ensuring clients stay ahead of emerging threats. 
  • Expertise and Partnership: KPMG’s certified assessors combine technical depth with industry experience, helping institutions translate compliance efforts into long-term security improvement. 

Through this commitment, KPMG supports financial institutions in achieving and maintaining robust cybersecurity standards - enhancing trust and resilience across the SWIFT network and the broader financial ecosystem.