Establishing a Full-Fledged Security Program for a Cloud-Native Digital Bank

Client Background:
The client, a fintech startup based in Singapore, set out to build a fully digital, cloud-native bank to disrupt the financial services landscape. With plans to launch within a year, they needed to move quickly—not just to build the platform, but also to establish a strong security foundation that would meet the expectations of regulators, investors, and future customers.

The Challenge:
Operating in the highly regulated banking sector, the client needed to ensure end-to-end cybersecurity and compliance readiness ahead of their go-live date. However, they lacked in-house security leadership and did not yet have the full team or processes in place to manage security operations. The leadership team wanted a progressive, fast-moving security partner that could embed itself into the business and execute rapidly without compromising on quality or compliance.

Scybers’ Approach:
Scybers was engaged as the client’s strategic security partner to establish a comprehensive security program from the ground up. We deployed a seasoned virtual CISO (vCISO) and assembled a specialized team of cloud security and application security professionals to work as an extension of the client’s internal teams.

We began by working closely with the client’s executive and technology leadership to define security goals, assess regulatory requirements, and align the security roadmap with the overall product and launch timelines. Our approach was pragmatic and agile, designed to deliver real security outcomes under tight deadlines.

Key Actions Taken:

• Appointed a dedicated vCISO to lead the security initiative and provide executive-level guidance.
• Built a cloud security architecture tailored to the bank’s cloud-native infrastructure, incorporating secure-by-design principles.
• Established application security practices, including secure SDLC, static and dynamic testing, and developer awareness.
• Deployed a robust endpoint security solution to secure employee and contractor devices across a distributed workforce.
• Developed and implemented a comprehensive set of security policies, processes, and controls aligned with ISO 27001 and guidelines.
• Conducted risk assessments and gap analyses to identify and prioritize security improvements across infrastructure and operations.
• Enabled audit readiness by implementing documentation, monitoring, and reporting practices required for regulatory review.

Ongoing Partnership:
‍Even after the successful launch of the digital bank, Scybers continues to serve as a trusted partner, supporting compliance maintenance, platform enhancements, and security operations. We provide regular executive-level security reviews and help scale the program as the bank grows and expands its offerings.

Outcome:The client successfully launched its digital banking platform on schedule, with a fully operational security program in place that met both internal expectations and external regulatory requirements. With Scybers’ support, the digital bank was able to build trust with customers and stakeholders from day one—proving that security and speed can go hand in hand.