Specialized independent assessment
SWIFT CSP Independent Assessment
We assess implementation of the applicable SWIFT Customer Security Controls Framework controls, taking into account the bank's connectivity architecture, infrastructure, and processes.
The service is often referred to as a SWIFT CSP audit. In official SWIFT terminology, the concept used is independent assessment.
For banks and financial institutions using SWIFT
The assessment is suited to organisations that need to confirm actual implementation of applicable mandatory and advisory SWIFT CSP controls and prepare substantiated results for the annual compliance attestation in the KYC-Security Attestation application.
- Annual independent external assessment
- Pre-assessment of readiness
- Assessment after a change in SWIFT architecture
- Follow-up review of remediated findings
- Independent review of internal assessment results
Assessment composition is defined by architecture and the SWIFT perimeter
- SWIFT connectivity architecture
- Components within the SWIFT environment
- Network segregation and protection of critical systems
- Account and privilege management
- Vulnerability and patch management
- Security event logging and monitoring
- Protection of payment operations and critical data
- Incident management
- Business continuity
- Physical security
- Staff training and awareness
- Other applicable controls of the current CSCF version
Evidence-based assessment of supporting materials
- 01Clarify connectivity architecture and assessment scope.
- 02Prepare the list of requested supporting evidence.
- 03Analyse policies, procedures, diagrams, logs, configurations, and other materials.
- 04Send clarifying questions.
- 05Where needed — online meetings to explain and discuss findings.
- 06Prepare draft results.
- 07Incorporate factual clarifications and additional evidence from the Bank.
- 08Prepare the final assessment report.
What the Bank receives
- Document with the agreed assessment scope
- List of supporting evidence reviewed
- Assessment results against applicable CSCF controls
- Description of identified findings
- Practical recommendations
- Final independent assessment report
- Materials the Bank can use when preparing the annual compliance attestation in the KYC-Security Attestation application
Experience assessing cybersecurity in financial organisations
FintechSoft specialists have multi-year experience in information security, banking automation, and assessing SWIFT CSP control implementation. The lead specialist holds ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor qualification. The company has performed SWIFT CSP independent assessments for financial organisations.
Supporting documents and anonymised project references are available on request.
Service boundaries
The baseline independent assessment does not include deploying security controls, changing the Bank’s system configurations, penetration testing, or remediating identified findings.
A follow-up review of remediated findings and additional advisory support may be agreed separately.
FAQ
How long does the assessment take?
Typically around 2–3 weeks, depending on architecture complexity, the volume of evidence, and the speed of clarifications from the Bank.
What materials need to be provided?
Policies, procedures, architecture diagrams, logs, configuration extracts, and other supporting evidence for applicable controls. The exact request list is formed after clarifying connectivity architecture and assessment scope.
Is access to the Bank’s systems required?
The baseline assessment is evidence-based. Remote access to the Bank’s systems is not a mandatory condition of the engagement.
Can only one site or one BIC be assessed?
Yes. Assessment scope — including sites and BICs — is agreed in advance and fixed in the engagement boundaries.
Does a follow-up review of remediated findings form part of the baseline?
No. A follow-up review is not included in the baseline independent assessment and may be agreed as a separate engagement.
Does FintechSoft help complete the attestation in the KYC-Security Attestation application?
FintechSoft provides assessment results and materials the Bank can use when preparing the annual attestation. Completing and submitting the attestation remains the Bank’s responsibility.
Is a SWIFT-certified assessor mandatory?
SWIFT allows an external independent assessment to be performed either by a SWIFT CSP Certified Assessor or by another independent assessor with experience assessing cybersecurity against recognised industry standards and with relevant professional qualifications. FintechSoft acts as an independent external assessor and does not claim SWIFT CSP Certified Assessor status.
In which language is the report prepared?
By agreement — typically in Russian and/or English.
Let’s discuss architecture and assessment scope
Share your connectivity architecture, number of sites, BICs, and the intended assessment window. We will prepare a proposal with fixed scope, timeline, and fee.