CISI Training: Corporate Governance and Its Interpretation
Relevant to the following CISI qualifications: ICWIM, ICAWM, Risk in Financial Services
DEFINITION
Corporate governance is the system by which organizations are directed and controlled. The defects of poor corporate governance have recently been very visible in financial institutions around the world. Since the endorsement of Sarbanes–Oxley, companies have set up audit committees, added financial experts to their boards, improved financial whistle-blowing capacity, and enhanced corporate transparency in financial statements and shareholder disclosures. However, are there any benefits from all of these requirements and best practices, and do they pay any dividends?
For good corporate governance to work, open and honest communication is necessary, with transparent policies and practices, clear lines of authority, and strong internal controls and audit functions, backed by a board that can act with clear independence from management.
A board has to identify with the business and its competition, focus on strategic problems and risk management, and establish high, yet pragmatic, standards of performance. The board directs the plans of the company but does not manage the company. The board must pick first-rate people to run the business while retaining its role to confront, evaluate, and hold managers accountable.
To do this, the board must develop and approve a strategic plan, establish specific and measurable goals, establish risk parameters (which should be reviewed regularly in light of the strategic objectives), encourage and preserve open lines of communication, select competent management, measure managers’ performance, and hold management responsible using compensation and continued employment.
In contrast, management has the responsibility to implement the board’s strategy, risk tolerances, and policies; keep directors fully informed; deal with the day-to-day operations of the business and its staff; and operate the information systems, procedures, and reports that keep the lines of communication open.
The costs of poor corporate governance have been very evident in the present financial crisis. Firms that engage in unscrupulous and risky behavior will generally fail, while those that have enhanced corporate governance will have higher valuations, greater profitability, and better sales. The recent market turmoil suggests that buying shares in firms that score highly in corporate governance may yield positive returns.
ADVANTAGES
• Good corporate governance is part of good risk management. It brings problems and concerns to light, allowing them to be addressed promptly.
• Good corporate governance helps businesses to focus on strategic issues and risk management, and establishes realistic standards of performance.
• Decision-making is improved by thorough analysis under good corporate governance. Management is held accountable, and management compensation is linked to shareholder value.
• The board can select good managers to run the business while maintaining its role to challenge, measure, and hold managers responsible.
DISADVANTAGES
- A board that lacks independence may not be willing to address poor performance by a line of business or even hold the management accountable.
- The dual loyalty that many board members feel to the management and to the institution is normally resolved in favor of the institution.
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Tadawul Academy is an Accredited CISI Training Partner that delivers training in English and Arabic. You can learn more at www.tadawul.academy
Tadawul owns and operates the first bilingual learning portal for CISI in the world: www.TadawulExams.com
Tadawul delivers CISI training in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Tadawul’s portfolio includes: CISI IISI, CISI ICWIM, CISI ICAWM, CISI IFQ, CISI Securities, CISI Risk, CISI Derivatives, and many more.
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Other exam articles that you might find useful:
Derivatives Markets – Their Structure and Function
Methods for Dealing with Inflation Risk
An Overview of Shariah-Compliant Funds
Understanding Key Financial Terms and Statements
Managing the Time Value of Money
Identifying and Managing Exposure to Interest and Exchange Rate Risks
The Structure and Function of the Foreign Exchange Market
Inflation, Interest Rates & Forex
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Some video lectures from our YouTube Channel:
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