Northern Trust and Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop digital and fintech talent and strengthen academic-industry collaboration in Brunei Darussalam. This initiative aims to provide Bruneian students with practical knowledge and global best practices in digital and fintech innovation.
The MoU establishes a framework for Northern Trust and UBD to collaborate on research and development in areas such as digital assets, the application of artificial intelligence, and emerging financial market trends.
Justin Chapman, Group Head of Strategic Partnerships, Digital Assets and Financial Markets at Northern Trust, stated, “Northern Trust is proud to work with UBD to help nurture the next generation of Bruneian professionals. This initiative reflects our deep commitment to advancing education and innovation globally and builds on our ongoing academic collaborations. By sharing our expertise and insights, we aim to empower local talent to succeed in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.”
Dr. Wardah Azimah Sumardi, Dean at UBD School of Business and Economics, commented, “This MoU with Northern Trust will provide our students with invaluable insights into global financial practices and emerging technologies, helping them build the skills and perspectives needed to contribute meaningfully to the future of digital finance.”
Yang Mulia Dayang Hajah Rashidah binti Haji Sabtu, Managing Director of Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB), who was the Guest of Honour at the signing ceremony, noted, “Brunei’s long-term competitiveness depends on our ability to embrace advanced technologies. This collaboration between Northern Trust and UBD supports the nation’s shared commitment to nurturing talent and building a resilient, innovation-driven financial sector.”
Northern Trust’s Digital Assets and Financial Markets group unifies digital and traditional market functions to support clients navigating the evolving digital markets and the complexities of investing in digital assets alongside traditional asset classes. This global group provides access to expertise, industry insights, and continuous innovations for Northern Trust clients.
Northern Trust Corporation (Nasdaq: NTRS) is a provider of wealth management, asset servicing, asset management, and banking services to corporations, institutions, affluent families, and individuals. Established in Chicago in 1889, Northern Trust operates globally with offices in 24 U.
S. states and Washington, D.
C., and across 22 locations in Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region. As of June 30, 2025, the company reported assets under custody/administration of US$18.1 trillion and assets under management of US$1.7 trillion.
