ICT multi-vendor strategy

ICT multi-vendor strategy

Context within the ICT Risk Management Framework (Article 6(9) DORA)

  • The ICT multi-vendor strategy is an optional component of the digital operational resilience strategy that forms part of the ICT risk management framework.
  • Financial entities may define such a strategy at group or entity level.

Purpose and Scope (Article 6(9) DORA)

  • The ICT multi-vendor strategy must provide a holistic view of:
    key dependencies on ICT third-party service providers, and
    – the rationale behind the procurement mix of ICT third-party service providers.
  • The strategy may be adopted to complement the digital operational resilience strategy by providing structured guidance on vendor diversification and dependency management.

Relationship to the Strategy on ICT Third-Party Risk (Article 28(2) DORA)

  • Where a financial entity has defined an ICT multi-vendor strategy under Article 6(9), the strategy on ICT third-party risk under Article 28(2) must take this multi-vendor strategy into account.
  • The integration must occur as part of the regular review and implementation of the financial entity’s third-party risk governance.

Application Requirements (Article 28(2) DORA)

  • The multi-vendor strategy, where defined, must be reflected on an individual basis and, where relevant, on a sub-consolidated and consolidated basis in the broader strategy on ICT third-party risk.
  • The management body must ensure that its review of contractual risks concerning ICT services supporting critical or important functions incorporates the dependencies and procurement rationale set out in the multi-vendor strategy.

Article 28 (2) i.c.w. Article 6 (9) DORA