In partnership with

Introduction to Blockchain and Cyber Security in Financial Markets and Artificial Intelligence 

SAIFM is pleased to announce a series of free 2.5-hour CPD-accredited webinars on Blockchain and Cyber Security in the financial markets and Artificial Intelligence (AI). These sessions are offered exclusively to employees of FASSET-registered entities (levy and non-levy paying).

Each webinar is designed to equip attendees with practical knowledge and insights into technologies shaping the future of financial markets. To register, please ensure you have your certified ID copy (not older than six months) ready, and click on the link for your preferred date and time.

For any questions or assistance, please contact
precious@saifm.co.za, melissa@saifm.co.za, or hayley@saifm.co.za.

Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to expand your expertise in Blockchain, Cyber Security within the financial markets and Artificial Intelligence.Please note: Candidates must attend a minimum of one hour of any webinar to qualify for a CPD certificate.

Dates:

20 January 2026 (10h00-12h45) Artificial Intelligence (Registration closes on 16 January 2026)

29 January 2026 (10h00-12h45) Artificial Intelligence (Registration closes on 27 January 2026)

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

Introduction to blockchain

Technological innovations and developments have transformed financial markets. One such revolutionary innovation is blockchain with its ability create decentralized, transparent, and secure systems that can operate without the need for a central authority or intermediary. The training will introduce blockchain and its components and highlight use cases in financial markets.

The outline of the training is as follows:

  • Define blockchain technology and describe how it works
  • Describe the evolution of blockchain from its introduction in 2009 to today
  • Highlight the use cases for blockchain and the major adoption of blockchain technology in financial markets

Introduction to cyber security in financial markets

Today’s financial markets are complex and sophisticated, reflecting the repeated interaction of millions of people, institutions, and systems. Technology-rich and interconnected ecosystems like financial markets are susceptible to cyber-attacks. Cyber security threats are recognised as a significant risk to market integrity, investor protection, and the orderly functioning of markets. The training will introduce the cyber security landscape in financial markets and present good practice approaches to cyber security that can reduce the likelihood and impact of cyber attacks.

The outline of the training is as follows:

• Cyber security terminology
• Cyber risk and the types of cyber threats in financial markets
• Key components of effective cyber security and risk management frameworks
• The response of international bodies, standard setters, and regulators
• The response of South African regulators

Artificial Intelligence 

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) – is it a pending apocalypse or a useful innovation that will free humans up to focus on higher level tasks?

AI is a general term for software that mimics human cognition or perception and can simulate human learning, understanding, problem solving, decision making, and creativity.

So-called narrow (or specialised) AI is responsible for many useful tools that have already become mainstream: speech and image recognition, search engines, spam filters, navigation systems, fraud detection, portfolio management and high-frequency trading. However it has been abused by malicious groups by for example automating hacks and cyberattacks, allowing mass surveillance through facial recognition and social data mining, and generating fake videos for fraud and political propaganda.

And then there’s artificial general intelligence (AGI). AGI is a theoretical form of AI capable of learning intellectual tasks as humans are i.e., have an intelligence equal to humans. It would have a self-aware consciousness with the ability to solve problems, learn, and plan for the future. The possibility of AGI is uncertain, but some futurists believe its unchecked consequences could be apocalyptic.

This AI webinar introduces AI and its evolution. It attempts to provide insight into AI’s constructs and catalysts, benefits and dangers, and applications in financial markets. The webinar will also outline the regulatory framework developing around AI internationally and domestically.

OUTLINE

  • What is AI?
  • AI terminology
  • Catalysts of AI: advanced software, big data, computational power
  • Progression / evolution of AI
  • Benefits, dangers and risk management of AI
  • Applications of AI in financial markets
  • The response to AI of
    • International and standard-setting bodies
    • UK and EU regulators
    • South African regulators