Data Privacy Day: Protecting trust in a new era

Data Privacy Day, observed globally on 28 January, serves as an annual reminder that safeguarding information is a cornerstone of organisational trust. In an environment shaped by rapid change, increasing regulation and rising expectations, data privacy and security have become a defining measure of trust. 

John Doublard, Group Data Protection Officer shared:

“For Opera, it is a core responsibility that underpins how we are building a modern, resilient platform to support our portfolio companies today and into the future”. 

Stewardship, not ownership 

Across Opera, we are responsible for safeguarding highly sensitive information relating to individuals, businesses and partners. This is not data we own. It is data we are trusted to protect. 

That responsibility shapes how we design systems, set governance standards and make decisions at both our group and business portfolio level. It also reflects a broader mindset: progress does not come from preserving legacy outdated approaches, but from evolving them intelligently and deliberately. 

Privacy by design 

For Opera, privacy is not an afterthought or a compliance checkbox. Data privacy is built into how we operate, not added on after the fact. 

Our approach focuses on: 

• Responsible collection, processing and storage of information 

• Embedding security and privacy into systems and processes from the outset 

• Clear governance, accountability and oversight across the group 

  
  

This is not the remit of a single function. Protecting data is a shared discipline that spans technology, risk, operations, finance, client services, people and leadership across Opera and its portfolio companies.

Everyone contributes to building an environment of trust. 

Enabling confidence across the portfolio 

Our portfolio companies operate in regulated, trust-based environments where reputation and confidence are critical. Clients expect their information to be handled with discretion, precision and consistency. 

Strong data privacy practices help to reduce risk, support regulatory compliance and reinforce long-term trust. By taking a coordinated, group-wide approach, Opera provides a secure foundation that enables each business, including Accuro (pending regulatory approval), Amber (now Oak Bahamas), HFL, Meritus (pending regulatory approval) and Oak, to operate with resilience and confidence. This is why extending our ISO 27001 certification across the organisations that recently joined the Opera family is a priority.  

From principle to practice 

Our broader policy landscape reinforces this commitment. Effective data privacy depends on action, not intent alone. 

Across Opera, this is supported through: 

• Group-level governance and risk management frameworks 

• Ongoing training and awareness so people understand their responsibilities 

• Regular assessment of threats, vulnerabilities and emerging risks 

• Continued investment in secure, resilient technology platforms 

Group Head of Information Security, Keshav Ramrecha said:

“Independent assurance plays an important role in validating this approach. Achieving ISO 27001 certification last year demonstrates how these principles can be applied in practice, while recognising that each business progresses and evolve on its own security and compliance journey.” 

Looking forward 

Data privacy is no longer a niche topic reserved for security and legal teams. Customers, regulators, partners and employees all expect organisations to demonstrate integrity in how they handle data. Threats evolve, regulations change and expectations rise. 

At Opera, protecting information is treated as a strategic priority because trust is foundational to long-term progress. By embedding strong privacy and security practices into our culture, systems and governance, we aim to support intelligent progression across generations of businesses and technologies. 

Protecting data is not about standing still. It is about building confidence in what comes next. 

A shared mission 

As we mark Data Privacy Day, let us reaffirm a simple truth:  

Data protection is everyone’s responsibility. 

Every decision we make, every system we design and every interaction we have with information contributes to the trust others place in us. And in today’s world, trust is one of the most valuable assets any organisation can hold.