Adaptive Zero Trust Architecture for Securing Financial Microservices

Abstract

The rapid expansion of cloud-native financial platforms has amplified both operational efficiency and cyber risk exposure. Traditional perimeter-based security models no longer align with the distributed, API‑centric nature of financial microservices. This paper introduces an industry oriented, adaptive Zero Trust architecture that integrates AI‑driven threat analytics, continuous authentication, and dynamic authorization. The framework addresses the evolving challenges in financial ecosystems, including API abuse, identity compromise, lateral movement, and regulatory pressure. By recreating advanced visual models and presenting a refined methodology, this paper positions Zero Trust as a practical and scalable blueprint for securing financial microservices in modern enterprises.