As interest in debt conversions for nature continues to grow globally, so does the need for detailed case studies that help sovereigns, financial stakeholders, and conservation practitioners understand how these structured transactions come together.
The Nature Conservancy(TNC) has pioneered a sovereign debt refinancing model, under the Nature Bonds Program, that helps countries unlock sustainable long-term financing for national conservation and climate priorities while advancing their financial, economic, and development goals. Since launching its Nature Bonds Program, TNC has successfully closed six Nature Bonds transactions – unlocking ~$1 billion for conservation, communities and climate, raising more than $2 billion of new financing, and refinancing more than $3 billion of existing debt.
Over the past decade, TNC has built an interdisciplinary team of dedicated finance, legal, science, safeguards, and trust fund experts to advance this growing asset class. Drawing on TNC’s deep technical expertise in originating, structuring, negotiating, and executing debt conversions, we have published a new case study on The Bahamas Debt Conversion Project for Marine Conservation. The publication provides an in-depth overview of the financial structure and credit enhancement package, how funding was unlocked, and the role of the conservation trust fund.
The innovative project refinanced $300 million of The Bahamas’ external sovereign debt, creating $132 million of funding to improve ocean conservation and management over 15 years. Building on earlier Nature Bonds transactions, this project introduced a first-of-its-kind credit enhancement package that combined private guarantees and insurance with a public-sector anchor guarantee. In this instance, in collaboration with TNC, the IDB played a pivotal role in de-risking the transaction by crowding in a co-guarantee from Builder’s Vision and co-insurance from AXA XL.
Cascale is pleased to welcome four new members to its membership community in the second quarter of 2026.
Spanning brands, retailers, and manufacturers across AMER, APAC, and EMEA, these organizations join a network of more than 300 corporate and affiliate member organizations working toward a more equitable and restorative consumer goods industry.
Organizations that joined Cascale between April and June 2026 include:
Shahi Exports — Manufacturer, Corporate Member
Bemis Associates — Manufacturer, Corporate Member
Pepco Poland (part of Pepco Group N.V., WSE: PCO)— Brand & Retailer, Corporate Member
Celio France — Brand & Retailer, Candidate Member
The new members join at a time when consumer goods companies face intensifying pressure to demonstrate credible progress — from regulators tightening due diligence and reporting requirements, from customers, and from supply chains that overlap across the same countries and facilities. Those pressures are largely shared, and Cascale’s belief is that the response should be coordinated as well.
Cascale membership is built around that logic. Organizations bring their hardest operational questions to peers who have already worked through them, and take on the systemic challenges collectively, drawing on industry data, expert guidance, and training to move from measuring performance to improving it. The work runs in both directions: the frameworks and methodologies Cascale stewards and governs are shaped by the organizations that use them, and members set priorities through Cascale’s councils, task forces, and governance bodies. For manufacturers in particular, that is a route into industry decision-making that has not always been open.
Cascale will support the new members’ participation across its programs, events, and member-led initiatives throughout 2026 and beyond.
Please join us in welcoming Bemis Associates, Shahi Exports, Pepco Poland, and Celio France to the Cascale community.
Interested in learning how Cascale membership can support your organization’s sustainability journey?Explore what membership offers and find out how you can be part of driving industry-wide change.
In 2026, sustainability continues to be a major value system that impacts the way we design our kitchens. Designers and homeowners are increasing their alignment with eco-friendly brands and products, while embracing design trends that project environmental wellness. While this isn’t confined to the kitchen, the room in which we cook our foods and nourish our families is perhaps closest at heart to our growing concern for the planet.
Bringing eco-friendly materials into the kitchen
When measuring kitchen design sustainability, eco-friendly material use is an important parameter. According to Idit Maayan Zohar, Caesarstone’s Chief Marketing Officer, it has become an essential part of the material selection process:
“In certain markets, for example in Europe, North America and Australia, choosing a sustainable material for home and kitchen design goes almost without saying. Designers and homeowners do their research, examining potential materials in terms of their incorporation of recycled elements, lifecycle assessments, and more.”
Incorporating sustainable materials can be accomplished in a number of ways. For starters, when designing a kitchen with wood elements – from flooring and cabinetry to butcher blocks – some wood solutions are more eco-friendly than others. Traditional wood is often unsatisfactory from a sustainable perspective, but alternatives such as natural cork and bamboo fare much better in that department, and can be used for flooring, cabinetry and more – with dazzling effects. Wood lovers can also use reclaimed wood – which was used in previous structures – to design modern kitchens instead of going to waste.
Speaking of material, countertops play an important role in kitchen design. Luckily, homeowners can choose high-quality surfaces for their kitchens, islands and splashbacks that are mostly made from recycled materials. Caesarstone’s ICON™ collection, for example, features a dazzling array of designs for today’s modern kitchens, which are made with ~85% recycled materials, including recycled industrial glass. Caesarstone ICON’s advanced fusion surfaces open up breathtaking design possibilities in terms of depth, dimension and color play, due to their unique material composition.
“Caesarstone ICON™ is made primarily from post-industrial recycled glass”, says Ido Winer, Caesarstone’s Head of Materials & Research. “We chose this option over post-consumer recycled glass because it creates a balance between sustainable values and the high-quality raw materials our surfaces require. Our industrial glass originates from local factories situated relatively close to the Caesarstone ICON™ production site, which reduces transportation and lowers our carbon footprint.”
Energy efficiency in the kitchen
Sustainability is synonymous with energy and resource conservation, and today’s kitchens can practice eco-efficiency in so many ways. Here are several prominent examples:
Low-flow faucets and smart taps can save significant amounts of water, without compromising on elegant design.
High-quality LED lighting not only saves a ton of electricity, but also comes in a dizzying array of designs, from sleek spotlights to vintage light bulbs.
The power of natural light can be harnessed to flood kitchens with wonderful sunlight, reducing electricity use. Appropriated window size and placement, which takes the kitchen’s geographic direction into account, can do wonders in this regard.
Ventilation: Optimized airflow can reduce energy consumption in the kitchen (AKA: less AC!). Smart window design and demand-control fans can not only minimize electricity use, but also improve air quality.
Recycling systems: Many of today’s sustainable kitchens include a designated storage space for waste sorting prior to recycling. Designers can position these systems far from sight, in a cabinet or a large drawer.
Durable countertops: Countertop durability translates into an eco-friendly edge. Long-lasting surfaces mean less replacements, less maintenance and less hassle that requires transportation and installations. It’s that simple.
Transportation emissions: From wood to ceramics, locally sourced materials ensure delivery that emit less greenhouse gases and waste less energy.
Biophilic design: Kitchens filled with nature
Sustainability and environmental friendliness are associated with nature, and in recent years, nature has become an indoor staple, galvanizing kitchens and other spaces with vibrant energy. Recognizing nature’s positive effects on human well-being, home design trends have responded with countless nature-inspired trends. Suffice to say, kitchens are leading the way – embracing green wellness in design and beyond.
Large windows and skylights: If you’re living in the countryside, in the suburbs, or even in the city overlooking a park, large kitchen windows can open a gate into some of that wonderful outdoor greenery. Skylights bring ample natural sunlight into the kitchen, and perhaps more importantly, situate a slice of blue sky (or starry night tapestry) right above your cooking station.
Plants and herbs: Herbs and kitchens go hand in hand, and recent design trends are amplifying this joyous connection to the max. Alongside herbs gardens on kitchen windowsills, the internet is flooded with ideas for possible plant assortments in kitchens – from wall, beam and ceiling installations to dedicated shelving.
Countertop shades: Rocks and stones are an important part of nature, and nothing brings their allure into the kitchen better that work surfaces. Today’s countertops feature colors and designs that offer dazzling interpretations of natural stone. Caesarstone’s Porcelain Collections feature designs that capture the imperfect, unrefined beauty of natural stones and minerals such as onyx, travertine and fossilized elements. Caesarstone ICON™ surfaces include designs inspired by sea foam and seaweed, oxidized patina and clay, and luxurious Calacatta marble.
Choosing beauty, with responsibility
When it comes to kitchen design, many eco-conscious homeowners prefer purchasing products from companies that are transparent about their sustainability actions, and which actively promote environmental protection through considerate production processes.
To understand whether a product is actually aligned with their environmental values, consumers often seek labels and verifications. Once such example is lifecycle assessment (LCA), a systematic method that evaluates a certain product’s end-to-end environmental impact – from its raw material beginnings to its disposal methods.
“At Caesarstone, we know that many of our consumers are interested in understanding what our surfaces are made of, and what happens to them once they are dismantled”, says Idit Maayan Zohar. “I am happy to report that as of today, after recently adding 68 porcelain models to our EPD-certified portfolio in 2026, we now offer a total of 139 certified models. Additional EPDs are expected for more Caesarstone ICON™ models in the coming months, so there’s a lot to look forward to.”
As hospitals and healthcare systems face growing pressure to reduce environmental impacts while maintaining high standards of patient care, Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) are increasingly being used to evaluate the environmental footprint of products, processes, services, and operations. However, HPRC’s engagement with healthcare stakeholders revealed that while awareness of LCAs is widespread, understanding of how they work and how they should be applied remains inconsistent across the industry.
Our latest resource, HPRC’s Guidance on Life Cycle Assessments and Their Applicability to Healthcare Systems, is designed to help healthcare organizations understand and effectively use LCAs to support sustainability goals and decision-making.
Developed as an educational resource, the guide provides a practical overview of LCA fundamentals, including common assessment approaches, ISO standards, healthcare applications, and key considerations when reviewing or conducting an LCA. The publication also examines real-world healthcare case studies that demonstrate how LCAs can support evidence-based decision-making, identify environmental hotspots, improve resource efficiency, advance circular economy initiatives, and inform policy development.
Among the key takeaways from the whitepaper:
LCAs provide a science-based framework for understanding environmental impacts across a product, process, or service lifecycle.
Hospitals can use LCAs to support procurement decisions, waste management strategies, operational improvements, and sustainability planning.
Real-world healthcare studies demonstrate measurable environmental benefits from initiatives such as medical device reprocessing, circularity programs, and energy efficiency improvements.
LCAs are most effective as decision-support tools that help organizations identify priorities, evaluate trade-offs, and focus efforts where the greatest environmental benefits can be achieved.
Continued development of healthcare-specific data, methodologies, and reporting standards will be important to improving the consistency and usability of LCAs across the sector.
HPRC is a private technical coalition of industry peers across healthcare, recycling, and waste management industries seeking to improve the recyclability of plastic products within healthcare. Made up of more than 30 brand-leading and globally recognized members, HPRC explores ways to enhance the economics, efficiency, and ultimately the quality and quantity of healthcare plastics collected for recycling in support of a circular plastics economy. HPRC is active across the United States and Europe working with key stakeholders, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and participating in industry events and forums. For more information, visit www.hprc.org and follow HPRC on LinkedIn.
In closing its most recent corporate responsibility reporting period spanning 2021-2025, Sands had surpassed all of its environmental targets, and one of the areas in which the company excelled was carbon emissions reduction.
By the end of 2025, Sands had reduced its scope 1 and 2 emissions by 54% from a 2018 base year, achieving its Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)-validated 17.5% reduction target as well as its 1.5°C-aligned 30% reduction target, in line with the United Nations Paris Agreement.
Along with green energy certificate purchases and broader progress in power grid decarbonization, a key factor in achieving this performance was the company’s energy conservation initiatives. Aggregate energy savings totaled nearly 34,000 MWh at Marina Bay Sands and approximately 39,000 MWh at Sands China.
“Our regions’ energy conservation initiatives have balanced the world-class experience we offer to guests with our global sustainability commitment,” Katarina Tesarova, senior vice president and chief sustainability officer, said. “We align our emissions-reduction initiatives with the operational complexity and specialized requirements of large-scale integrated resorts. The commitment of our properties to excellence in both areas is why we were able to achieve our environmental goals and still exceed guest expectations.”
Pursuing Excellence
Sands implemented a dual strategy of making strategic infrastructure upgrades, while pursuing operational efficiencies.
In Singapore, Marina Bay Sands realized 51% of its five-year energy savings through retrofits and upgrades to air-side equipment, which entails heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. These improvements spanned operational areas such as the casino; retail spaces; meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) venues; and entertainment zones.
Ongoing LED lighting projects also contributed to total energy savings, with upgrades implemented in the resort’s casino, ArtScience Museum®, company-owned restaurants, and select MICE areas and back-of-house locations.
An air-side optimization project conducted in 2025 allowed Marina Bay Sands to reduce energy consumption by over 4,000 MWh alone, while improving air quality standards through strategies such as adjusting equipment schedules and usage to optimize indoor air circulation in its multi-level casino.
In Macao, Sands China drove energy reduction through enhancements to the company’s central chiller plant, which included cooling tower upgrades, optimization initiatives and adoption of advanced control systems. In the past five years, these efforts accounted for 45% of Sands China’s total energy savings. Operational projects, such as equipment resizing and optimization to better match actual needs, contributed to another 44% of Sands China’s energy savings.
The company’s cooling system initiatives focused on ventilation systems in car parks, The Londoner Macao® and The Parisian® Macao theaters, The Venetian® Macao’s mall and exposition hall, the Shoppes at Londoner retail mall, and back-of-house office areas. In all areas, Sands China ensured that minimization of energy use did not compromise operational standards and air quality.
Looking Ahead
Moving into 2026, Marina Bay Sands has been working to improve ventilation efficiency through fan motor and filter upgrades. Sands China began electrifying kitchen operations by replacing a large gas soup kettle with an electric model and continues to transition equipment in its Team Member dining room and banquet kitchens in 2026.
Global energy conservation strategies are guided by the Sands ECO360 global sustainability program. To learn more about Sands’ environmental initiatives, read the latest ESG report: https://www.sands.com/resources/reports/.
LAGOS, Nigeria–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Moniepoint Inc. (« Moniepoint » ou la « Société »), plateforme africaine d’écosystème financier tout-en-un pour les particuliers, les entreprises et leurs clients, publie aujourd’hui son premier rapport d’impact intitulé « Créer le bonheur financier ». Ce rapport retrace l’évolution de Moniepoint, passé d’un fournisseur d’infrastructures financières à un écosystème financier complet, et aujourd’hui su service de plus de 20 millions d’entreprises et de particulie
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey to date.
I’m currently a Senior Manager at GoDaddy, based in Gurgaon, India. I’m part of the Corporate Strategy team within SEAL (Strategy, Enablement, Acquisitions, Legal), where I focus on growth strategy and helping connect long-term priorities with business execution.
My career has taken me across advertising, technology consulting, strategy, and M&A (mergers & acquisitions). After a brief stint at an ad agency, I spent three years in technology consulting at Accenture, completed my MBA, and then spent five years in Deloitte’s M&A practice.
Those experiences gave me exposure to a wide range of business challenges and industries.
After nearly eight years in consulting, I wanted to move closer to the business and see the impact of my work over a longer period. GoDaddy’s mission of empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses made that decision easy. If I had to describe my career so far, I’d say it has been defined by continuous learning, new challenges and a healthy amount of ambiguity.
What career decisions most accelerated your growth?
The biggest turning point in my career was moving from technology consulting into strategy and M&A. It shifted my focus from solving individual problems to thinking about broader business questions, long-term growth and value creation.
Another important decision was joining GoDaddy after five years at Deloitte. Consulting gave me a strong foundation, but I wanted to work closer to the business, build deeper context and contribute to outcomes over time rather than project by project.
The skills that have helped me most are storytelling, data-driven decision-making and a customer-first mindset. I’ve also found the “Jobs To Be Done” framework incredibly valuable because it helps uncover what customers are truly trying to achieve, not just what they say they want.
How do you balance long-term strategic thinking with short-term business pressures?
I don’t see long-term strategy and short-term business needs as competing priorities. The short term tells you where attention is needed today, while the long term ensures those decisions are moving the business in the right direction.
As I’ve worked more closely with product and business teams, I’ve developed a stronger appreciation for near-term priorities like revenue, customer needs, and execution timelines. I typically prioritize based on customer impact, business impact, and urgency, while ensuring decisions align with broader strategic goals.
My advice is simple: stay close to both the numbers and the customer. The numbers tell you what is happening, but understanding the customer helps explain why—and that’s often where the best strategic decisions come from.
What’s the most surprising insight you’ve uncovered through experimentation?
Much of my experimentation work has focused on cybersecurity products, helping teams understand performance across customer journeys and go-to-market motions. While I’m not always designing the experiments myself, I work closely with teams to frame and interpret the results.
One insight that consistently stands out is that customers don’t always respond to the features or messages we expect them to. In cybersecurity especially, trust, clarity and relevance often matter just as much as the product itself.
Experimentation has reinforced the importance of challenging assumptions. The most valuable outcome is not always a positive result—it’s gaining a better understanding of customer behavior and using that learning to make smarter decisions.
If you had to describe GoDaddy’s culture in one word, what would it be and why?
I would describe GoDaddy’s culture as empowering.
From day one, I’ve felt supported by people who genuinely want to see others succeed.
There’s a strong sense of ownership, but also a willingness to share knowledge, provide guidance, and help people grow.
My manager, Jen, embodies that culture. She encourages independent thinking while ensuring the team has the context and support needed to succeed. Compared to other places I’ve worked, GoDaddy stands out for its investment in people, its openness to experimentation, and its commitment to helping employees reach their potential.
What’s your motto or personal mantra?
My personal mantra is: Stay curious, but don’t just collect questions—chase better answers.
Curiosity has shaped every major step in my career, from moving into strategy and M&A to joining GoDaddy. I enjoy tackling problems where the answer isn’t obvious and where learning is part of the process.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside work, I have extremely varied interests. I’m passionate about football, fitness, distance running, tennis and swimming, love spending time with my wife and I’ve recently started creating football-related content. It’s a fun creative outlet and another way to keep learning something new.
Are you enjoying this series and want to know more about life at GoDaddy? Check out our GoDaddy Life social pages! Follow us to meet our team, learn more about our culture (Teams, ERGs, Locations), careers, and so much more. You’re more than just your day job, so come propel your career with us.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey to date.
I’m currently a Senior Manager at GoDaddy, based in Gurgaon, India. I’m part of the Corporate Strategy team within SEAL (Strategy, Enablement, Acquisitions, Legal), where I focus on growth strategy and helping connect long-term priorities with business execution.
My career has taken me across advertising, technology consulting, strategy, and M&A (mergers & acquisitions). After a brief stint at an ad agency, I spent three years in technology consulting at Accenture, completed my MBA, and then spent five years in Deloitte’s M&A practice.
Those experiences gave me exposure to a wide range of business challenges and industries.
After nearly eight years in consulting, I wanted to move closer to the business and see the impact of my work over a longer period. GoDaddy’s mission of empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses made that decision easy. If I had to describe my career so far, I’d say it has been defined by continuous learning, new challenges and a healthy amount of ambiguity.
What career decisions most accelerated your growth?
The biggest turning point in my career was moving from technology consulting into strategy and M&A. It shifted my focus from solving individual problems to thinking about broader business questions, long-term growth and value creation.
Another important decision was joining GoDaddy after five years at Deloitte. Consulting gave me a strong foundation, but I wanted to work closer to the business, build deeper context and contribute to outcomes over time rather than project by project.
The skills that have helped me most are storytelling, data-driven decision-making and a customer-first mindset. I’ve also found the “Jobs To Be Done” framework incredibly valuable because it helps uncover what customers are truly trying to achieve, not just what they say they want.
How do you balance long-term strategic thinking with short-term business pressures?
I don’t see long-term strategy and short-term business needs as competing priorities. The short term tells you where attention is needed today, while the long term ensures those decisions are moving the business in the right direction.
As I’ve worked more closely with product and business teams, I’ve developed a stronger appreciation for near-term priorities like revenue, customer needs, and execution timelines. I typically prioritize based on customer impact, business impact, and urgency, while ensuring decisions align with broader strategic goals.
My advice is simple: stay close to both the numbers and the customer. The numbers tell you what is happening, but understanding the customer helps explain why—and that’s often where the best strategic decisions come from.
What’s the most surprising insight you’ve uncovered through experimentation?
Much of my experimentation work has focused on cybersecurity products, helping teams understand performance across customer journeys and go-to-market motions. While I’m not always designing the experiments myself, I work closely with teams to frame and interpret the results.
One insight that consistently stands out is that customers don’t always respond to the features or messages we expect them to. In cybersecurity especially, trust, clarity and relevance often matter just as much as the product itself.
Experimentation has reinforced the importance of challenging assumptions. The most valuable outcome is not always a positive result—it’s gaining a better understanding of customer behavior and using that learning to make smarter decisions.
If you had to describe GoDaddy’s culture in one word, what would it be and why?
I would describe GoDaddy’s culture as empowering.
From day one, I’ve felt supported by people who genuinely want to see others succeed.
There’s a strong sense of ownership, but also a willingness to share knowledge, provide guidance, and help people grow.
My manager, Jen, embodies that culture. She encourages independent thinking while ensuring the team has the context and support needed to succeed. Compared to other places I’ve worked, GoDaddy stands out for its investment in people, its openness to experimentation, and its commitment to helping employees reach their potential.
What’s your motto or personal mantra?
My personal mantra is: Stay curious, but don’t just collect questions—chase better answers.
Curiosity has shaped every major step in my career, from moving into strategy and M&A to joining GoDaddy. I enjoy tackling problems where the answer isn’t obvious and where learning is part of the process.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside work, I have extremely varied interests. I’m passionate about football, fitness, distance running, tennis and swimming, love spending time with my wife and I’ve recently started creating football-related content. It’s a fun creative outlet and another way to keep learning something new.
Are you enjoying this series and want to know more about life at GoDaddy? Check out our GoDaddy Life social pages! Follow us to meet our team, learn more about our culture (Teams, ERGs, Locations), careers, and so much more. You’re more than just your day job, so come propel your career with us.
Business owners face a growing threat from corporate account takeover (CAT) scams, a type of fraud in which criminals gain unauthorized access to company bank accounts and initiate fraudulent transactions. Financial institutions, including KeyBank, and cybersecurity professionals warn that these attacks are becoming more sophisticated, often combining technology with psychological manipulation to target employees and business leaders.
Corporate account takeover scams can lead to significant financial losses, operational disruption, and reputational damage. In some cases, fraudsters are able to move funds from business accounts within minutes of gaining access.
How Corporate Account Takeover Works
Corporate account takeover occurs when criminals obtain access to a business’s online banking credentials or banking systems. Fraudsters commonly use phone calls, emails, text messages, or fraudulent websites to trick employees into sharing sensitive information, downloading malicious software, or authorizing payments.
“Most account takeovers start with one thing: manufactured urgency. This could take shape as a frantic phone call, an email labeled ‘high Importance,’ or a fake website link that looks like the real thing,” said John Carney, Head of Commercial Operational Risk at KeyBank. “If you feel at all uncertain or suspicious about any communication you receive regarding any of your accounts, slow down, call your banker, and authenticate everything. Don’t let someone else’s false urgency cost your business money.”
Another increasingly common tactic involves phishing websites that closely resemble legitimate bank login pages. Unsuspecting users who enter their credentials on these sites may unknowingly provide fraudsters with direct access to company accounts.
Cybercriminals may also attempt to establish remote access to computers or mobile devices, enabling them to observe banking activity and conduct unauthorized transactions.
A Business Example
One scenario that shows how CAT could be executed involves a business owner who received a phone call from an individual claiming to represent the owner’s bank. The caller stated there was an issue with the company’s account and instructed the owner to provide login credentials to resolve the problem. The criminal then uses the access to transfer a substantial amount of money from the business account.
This highlights how some CAT scams often rely on trust and urgency rather than technical hacking alone.
Steps Businesses Can Take to Reduce Risk
While no organization is immune from cybercrime, financial security experts recommend several measures to help protect against account takeover schemes.
Educate Employees Employee awareness is one of the strongest defenses against fraud. Businesses should provide regular cybersecurity and fraud-prevention training to help staff recognize phishing attempts, suspicious phone calls, and social engineering tactics.
Verify Identities Independently Unexpected requests for passwords, account details, software downloads, or payment authorization should be treated with caution. Businesses should independently verify the identity of any individual requesting sensitive information by using trusted contact information rather than links or phone numbers provided during the interaction.
Strengthen Authentication Companies should use strong, unique passwords for online banking and financial systems. Multifactor authentication (MFA), biometric authentication, and other layered security measures can provide additional protection against unauthorized access.
Access Banking Platforms Directly Fraud prevention specialists advise businesses to navigate directly to their financial institution’s website by typing the web address into their browser. Users should avoid clicking links from unsolicited emails, text messages, or online advertisements and should not rely on search engine results when accessing online banking services.
Monitor Accounts Frequently Regularly reviewing account activity can help businesses identify unusual transactions early and respond before additional losses occur.
Consider Cyber Insurance Cyber insurance policies may help offset financial losses associated with fraud, cyberattacks, and data breaches. Businesses should consult with insurance professionals to determine whether coverage aligns with their risk profile.
What to Do If You Suspect a Scam
Time is critical when responding to a suspected corporate account takeover incident.
Businesses that believe they have been targeted should immediately:
Contact their bank’s fraud department.
Request that affected accounts be reviewed or restricted if necessary.
Change online banking passwords and other potentially compromised credentials.
Review account activity for unauthorized transactions.
Monitor business credit reports and related financial records for signs of fraudulent activity.
For KeyBank clients, suspected fraud should be reported immediately to the Fraud Client Service Center at 1-800-433-0124 or 711 for TTY/TRS services.
Acting Quickly Can Limit Losses
As cybercriminals continue to refine their tactics, businesses of all sizes face increased exposure to corporate account takeover scams. Experts say that employee education, cautious verification practices, strong authentication controls, and rapid incident reporting remain among the most effective ways to reduce risk and limit financial losses.
Organizations that build a culture of cybersecurity awareness are better positioned to recognize threats before they become costly incidents.
Stay up to date on the latest scams, common hoaxes, and fraud trends at key.com/fraud.
This material is provided as general information only; the information contained herein may not apply to all situations. Nothing in this material shall be regarded as an offer or solicitation by KeyBank or its affiliates. This is not intended to be a recommendation or advice for your specific situation (including financial, accounting, legal, or tax advice). Consult appropriate professionals for your specific circumstances.
Business owners face a growing threat from corporate account takeover (CAT) scams, a type of fraud in which criminals gain unauthorized access to company bank accounts and initiate fraudulent transactions. Financial institutions, including KeyBank, and cybersecurity professionals warn that these attacks are becoming more sophisticated, often combining technology with psychological manipulation to target employees and business leaders.
Corporate account takeover scams can lead to significant financial losses, operational disruption, and reputational damage. In some cases, fraudsters are able to move funds from business accounts within minutes of gaining access.
How Corporate Account Takeover Works
Corporate account takeover occurs when criminals obtain access to a business’s online banking credentials or banking systems. Fraudsters commonly use phone calls, emails, text messages, or fraudulent websites to trick employees into sharing sensitive information, downloading malicious software, or authorizing payments.
“Most account takeovers start with one thing: manufactured urgency. This could take shape as a frantic phone call, an email labeled ‘high Importance,’ or a fake website link that looks like the real thing,” said John Carney, Head of Commercial Operational Risk at KeyBank. “If you feel at all uncertain or suspicious about any communication you receive regarding any of your accounts, slow down, call your banker, and authenticate everything. Don’t let someone else’s false urgency cost your business money.”
Another increasingly common tactic involves phishing websites that closely resemble legitimate bank login pages. Unsuspecting users who enter their credentials on these sites may unknowingly provide fraudsters with direct access to company accounts.
Cybercriminals may also attempt to establish remote access to computers or mobile devices, enabling them to observe banking activity and conduct unauthorized transactions.
A Business Example
One scenario that shows how CAT could be executed involves a business owner who received a phone call from an individual claiming to represent the owner’s bank. The caller stated there was an issue with the company’s account and instructed the owner to provide login credentials to resolve the problem. The criminal then uses the access to transfer a substantial amount of money from the business account.
This highlights how some CAT scams often rely on trust and urgency rather than technical hacking alone.
Steps Businesses Can Take to Reduce Risk
While no organization is immune from cybercrime, financial security experts recommend several measures to help protect against account takeover schemes.
Educate Employees Employee awareness is one of the strongest defenses against fraud. Businesses should provide regular cybersecurity and fraud-prevention training to help staff recognize phishing attempts, suspicious phone calls, and social engineering tactics.
Verify Identities Independently Unexpected requests for passwords, account details, software downloads, or payment authorization should be treated with caution. Businesses should independently verify the identity of any individual requesting sensitive information by using trusted contact information rather than links or phone numbers provided during the interaction.
Strengthen Authentication Companies should use strong, unique passwords for online banking and financial systems. Multifactor authentication (MFA), biometric authentication, and other layered security measures can provide additional protection against unauthorized access.
Access Banking Platforms Directly Fraud prevention specialists advise businesses to navigate directly to their financial institution’s website by typing the web address into their browser. Users should avoid clicking links from unsolicited emails, text messages, or online advertisements and should not rely on search engine results when accessing online banking services.
Monitor Accounts Frequently Regularly reviewing account activity can help businesses identify unusual transactions early and respond before additional losses occur.
Consider Cyber Insurance Cyber insurance policies may help offset financial losses associated with fraud, cyberattacks, and data breaches. Businesses should consult with insurance professionals to determine whether coverage aligns with their risk profile.
What to Do If You Suspect a Scam
Time is critical when responding to a suspected corporate account takeover incident.
Businesses that believe they have been targeted should immediately:
Contact their bank’s fraud department.
Request that affected accounts be reviewed or restricted if necessary.
Change online banking passwords and other potentially compromised credentials.
Review account activity for unauthorized transactions.
Monitor business credit reports and related financial records for signs of fraudulent activity.
For KeyBank clients, suspected fraud should be reported immediately to the Fraud Client Service Center at 1-800-433-0124 or 711 for TTY/TRS services.
Acting Quickly Can Limit Losses
As cybercriminals continue to refine their tactics, businesses of all sizes face increased exposure to corporate account takeover scams. Experts say that employee education, cautious verification practices, strong authentication controls, and rapid incident reporting remain among the most effective ways to reduce risk and limit financial losses.
Organizations that build a culture of cybersecurity awareness are better positioned to recognize threats before they become costly incidents.
Stay up to date on the latest scams, common hoaxes, and fraud trends at key.com/fraud.
This material is provided as general information only; the information contained herein may not apply to all situations. Nothing in this material shall be regarded as an offer or solicitation by KeyBank or its affiliates. This is not intended to be a recommendation or advice for your specific situation (including financial, accounting, legal, or tax advice). Consult appropriate professionals for your specific circumstances.
