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Banking Essentials - Part I

This pathway will walk us through the basics of banks, starting with some of the different types and their main functions, then starting to look at the regulation faced by the banks, both before and after the Global Financial Crisis.

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Greenwashing is the act of distributing false information about something being more environmentally friendly than it actually is.

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+1,000 expert presented, on-demand video modules

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In this video, Max discusses the cost-of-living crisis currently enveloping the UK. He examines its impact on households as well as the overall economy.

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In the first video of this two-part video series, Elisa introduces us to sustainability. She begins by looking at the difference between sustainability and corporate social responsibility, two terms that can be easily confused.

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Board Risk Committees I

Board Risk Committees I

Natalia Nicolaidis

30 years: General Counsel

In this video, Natalia explains why boards are focusing on risk governance, as well as the vital need for risk committees, the resources they require and who should be allowed to sit on the committee.

In this video, Natalia explains why boards are focusing on risk governance, as well as the vital need for risk committees, the resources they require and who should be allowed to sit on the committee.

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Board Risk Committees I

11 mins 1 sec

Key learning objectives:

  • Understand why Risk Committees (RCs) have emerged

  • Outline effective risk management

  • Outline the resources required by the Risk Committee and its composition

Overview:

Boards of directors focus on risk governance due to the shift from tangible to intangible risks such as reputation and cybersecurity risks to name a few. Risk committees (RCs) are increasingly common, overseeing risk management in corporations. Effective risk oversight involves three levels of escalation, culminating in the RC, which assesses risks, monitors infrastructure, evaluates risk culture, and oversees compliance. Risk committees should receive necessary information from management reporting, legal/regulatory updates, and professional advice. Composed of experienced individuals, including a risk expert, RCs should draw on diverse experiences and prioritise a strong ethical culture to enhance a company's reputation.

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Summary

Why have Risk Committees been established?

Risk Committees have emerged as a response to the shift from tangible measurable risks to intangible risks, such as reputational and cyber risks. 

Since the Global Financial Crisis, financial institutions have faced heightened scrutiny and public expectations, leading to increased focus on risk governance. Establishing separate risk committees allows boards to effectively oversee these evolving risks and adhere to the changing societal expectations and regulations, ultimately enhancing corporate governance.

What does effective risk management entail?

The responsibility for monitoring the effectiveness of risk management and internal control systems may be delegated by the Board to the RC.

In the UK, the 2018 Corporate Governance Code, principle O, states that:

“The board should establish procedures to manage risk, oversee the internal control framework and determine the nature and extent of the principal risks it is willing to take in order to achieve its long-term strategic objectives.”

Effective risk management involves a three-level escalation process, with frontline management addressing risks, a central risk team ensuring adherence to policies, and business unit risks escalated to senior management and company-level risks to the Risk Committee (RC). 

The RC assesses and advises the board on risks, monitors risk management infrastructure, and ensures the company's culture aligns with risk strategy and appetite. Additionally, the RC engages in compliance oversight, adapting to the company's risk profile and conducting systematic reviews while emphasising employee training and a compliance mindset.

What resources are required by the Risk Committee (RC)?

Risk Committees (RCs) help establish and disclose risk appetite and tolerance, aligning risk oversight with a company's objectives and require various resources to effectively fulfil its duties. 

These include management reporting, which serves as the main information channel, covering enterprise risk appetite, risk tolerance, and risk exposures. 

RCs also need updates on legal and regulatory developments and investigations, typically provided by the company's general counsel or external counsel. 

Furthermore, professional advice is essential, particularly regarding legal, tax, listing, and regulatory changes, as well as access to industry experts for sound benchmarking and best practices.

What should the composition of the RC be?

A well-composed Risk Committee (RC) requires members with expertise and experience in managing risks. The chair should be independent, and members should have diverse backgrounds, including experience in finance, accounting, and risk management methodologies. The RC should anticipate future vulnerabilities, promote a strong ethical culture, and enhance the company's reputation through effective risk oversight.

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Natalia Nicolaidis

Natalia Nicolaidis

Natalia Nicolaidis has spent 30 years in the financial services industry, including General Counsel to Investment Banking & Capital Markets and Head of Global Risks & Controls. She has founded Dynamic Counsel Ltd, a corporate governance and risk consultancy, and has a portfolio of non-executive board roles in four listed companies. She is a founding member of the Climate Governance Initiative - Greece, an organisation that addresses climate change from the boardroom prespective.

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