When it comes to resilience, collaboration and determination are key
On 17 September 2025, DNB hosted the Resilience seminar, which was attended by more than 170 sector representatives. Besides being inspired by a variety of speakers, the goal of fostering connection was also achieved that day. Not only in terms of networking, but most certainly also in terms of exploring how the sector can further strengthen both resilience and financial stability in the payments and capital markets industry. Collaboration and determination are our greatest assets, so there is no doubt that they are key to responding effectively when needed.
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Inge van Dijk opened the TCO Resilience seminar, quoting a former DNB president by saying ‘we live in a time where it is clear that uncertainty is the only certainty’. Inge then referred to recent major disruptions and issued a call to action, stating that the job is never done. There is always something to learn, from each other and from every disruption, whether it is real or part of a test exercise. Nevertheless, our crisis structures are ready for new inbound storms.
The financial sector has had a crisis management structure for many years. In this Tripartite Crisis management Operational Committee (TCO), three parties share the responsibility for managing a crisis in the financial sector: the Ministry of Finance, the Dutch Authority for Financial Markets and the De Nederlandsche Bank. DNB holds the chair position. The TCO coordinates, decides on and implements measures to safeguard financial stability in case of an (imminent) operational disruption or potential threat. The TCO is supported by a consulting group (consisting of C level business representatives) and multiple Advisory groups (consisting of content experts) in the fields of cyber resilience, retail, wholesale and capital markets. The Financial Sector Resilience Committee (FSRC) has also recently been formed in addition to the TCO. This committee aims at fostering a public/private connection in the field of resilience in ‘non-crisis mode’.
The speakers—each a leader in their field—offered complementary yet distinct perspectives on crisis preparedness and adaptive leadership. As a professor of public governance, Arjen Boin brought an academic lens to the discussion. He stressed that resilience is not just about bouncing back, but also about absorbing shocks and learning from them. His keynote challenged attendees to rethink traditional crisis models and embrace complexity as a strategic asset. As the Director of the National Crisis Centre (part of the NCTV), Don O’Floin’s keynote was a call to action. He spoke about geopolitical instability and the fact that critical infrastructure is becoming an increasingly attractive target for state actors, and he urged the sector to practice response, not just plan it. Representing the ECB, Executive Board member Piero Cipollone focused on systemic resilience in the European financial ecosystem. He underscored the need for cross-border coordination, especially in digital disruptions, and called for shared frameworks that allow institutions to respond cohesively in times of stress. His full speech is available on the ECB website: What resilience takes: strengthening the financial system in an era of heightened risk
After some very productive breakout sessions focused on reflection and forward-looking dialogue, Inge van Dijk concluded the day with a clear message: ‘Resilience is not just about bouncing back; it’s about anticipating, adapting, and advancing in the face of uncertainty.’