How do banks and financial firms send files securely?

[Tor Ress]

I work in a small financial services company, and we often share sensitive files with partners. Right now, we mostly use encrypted email, but I’ve been told there are better, more secure transfer methods. Does anyone know what banks or institutions usually rely on to make sure confidential documents are protected?

 

[Perry Fatima]

That’s a great question — and something I researched when my firm needed a better solution. Banks usually avoid standard email because even with encryption, it’s not always reliable against phishing. I discovered from https://www.edp-award.com/ that many institutions prefer secure file transfer protocols (SFTP), dedicated encrypted portals, or services designed specifically for regulated industries. We switched to an SFTP-based system, and honestly, it gave us peace of mind — plus, it impressed our clients that we take security seriously. It’s worth testing different options depending on your file volume and compliance needs. For smaller operations, even secure online fax solutions can be an excellent alternative when dealing with confidential paperwork.