Book excerpt: A practical, informative guide to banks’ major weakness Legal Data for Banking defines the legal data domain in the context of financial institutions, and describes how banks can leverage these assets to optimise business lines and effectively manage risk. Legal data is at the heart of post-2009 regulatory reform, and practitioners need to deepen their grasp of legal data management in order to remain compliant with new rules focusing on transparency in trade and risk reporting. This book provides essential information for IT, project management and data governance leaders, with detailed discussion of current and best practices. Many banks are experiencing recurrent pain points related to legal data management issues, so clear explanations of the required processes, systems and strategic governance provide immediately-relevant relief. The recent financial crisis following the collapse of major banks had roots in poor risk data management, and the regulators’ unawareness of accumulated systemic risk stemming from contractual obligations between firms. To avoid repeating history, today’s banks must be proactive in legal data management; this book provides the critical knowledge practitioners need to put the necessary systems and practices in place. Learn how current legal data management practices are hurting banks Understand the systems, structures and strategies required to manage risk and optimise business lines Delve into the regulations surrounding risk aggregation, netting, collateral enforceability and more Gain practical insight on legal data technology, systems and migration The legal contracts between firms contain significant obligations that underpin the financial markets; failing to recognise these terms as valuable data assets means increased risk exposure and untapped business lines. Legal Data for Banking provides critical information for the banking industry, with actionable guidance for implementation.