ISSN: 2226-3624
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The banking sector, as a cornerstone of national economies, faces unprecedented challenges due to the rapid digitalisation of financial services. While digital tools have revolutionised loan management processes, enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making, they have also introduced significant risks, including cyber threats, fraud, and data breaches. This conceptual paper explores the critical intersection of professional competency and data security in the evolving role of banking loan officers, focusing on how digital tools can support their decision-making capabilities. Loan officers play a pivotal role in mitigating fraud risks through informed judgement and risk assessment, but their efficacy depends on the integration of advanced information technology systems and robust internal controls. This paper examines the behavioural and technological factors influencing loan officers' effectiveness and highlights the importance of aligning professional expertise with digital innovations to strengthen banking operations. It underscores the need for continuous competency enhancement and strategic IT integration to safeguard sensitive information and ensure secure, efficient loan management. The findings offer valuable insights for banks, regulators, and policymakers aiming to enhance the resilience of financial institutions in the digital age. The paper concludes by identifying research gaps and outlining directions for empirical studies on the relationship between professional competency, data security, and digital tool utilisation.
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