Key Topics:Governance Risk & Compliance
Location:Addis Ababa, Ethopia
Bio:A Governance Risk Management and Compliance professional passionate about solutions that are mutually beneficial to the implementors, customers receiving service and the spirit behind the requirement. I believe rules for the most part aren't an impediment to getting things done, but rather a framework within which we can excel in a sustainable manner. If it doesn't make sense by all means call it out, if it does make sense do it.
How did you get to become an expert in your key topics?
I got into compliance when I started working at a bank in Zimbabwe and found the field very enjoyable and fascinating, haven’t looked back since. From there my interest broadened into the greater risk management field, especially as I subsequently got to work closely with the operational risk management team. The corporate governance aspect I brought with me from my time working in a law firm prior to entering the financial services spaces as that was the portfolio I was responsible for.
What sub-topics are you most passionate about?
Conduct risk, ethics, regulatory analysis and enforcement, policy formulation and implementation.
Who influences you within these topics?
Alison Taylor, Matt Kelly, Liz Ryan, Adam Turtletaub.
What challenges are brands facing in this space?
Translation of what is in the vision/mission/values statement into tangible actions that are transformative for staff, customers and investors alike. That disconnect creates a trust deficit and hampers the efficacy of internal controls.
Internal policies that are catch-all for regulatory guidance and not an informed interpretation of what needs to be done and why, and building that into the way things are done. Compliance is treated as separate to operations, as opposed to being how the entity operates.
Lack of clarity on how to maximise risk management and compliance for competitive advantage, and demonstration of the monetary contribution of those activities to the bottom line.
What do you think the future holds in this space?
Regulatory oversight is going to increase in both reach and intensity and a lot of sectors experiencing high growth as greenfield sectors are going to find themselves under more and more scrutiny as their business models become the norm and not the exception. Having a solid grasp of governance, risk and compliance is not a nice to have, it’s central to sustainability going forward.
What brands are leading the way in this space?
Citibank, Booking, Coca Cola, Netflix have developed some very interesting policies that are allowing them to maximise both operational effectiveness and sound control environments.
If a brand wanted to work with you, which activities would you be most interested in collaborating on?
Webinars, speaking opportunities, policy and strategy review, training.
What are your passions outside of work?
Farming, I really enjoy being on the land watching things grow. It’s very peaceful. Funny enough, farming is how I first got a taste of compliance helping a farming entity understand the various requirements that needed to be met to enter the export market and working with them to implement those requirements. I’m working with my older brothers on our own farming venture and it’s quite the journey. Sports are also a keen interest for me, I love rugby, cricket, basketball and motorsport.
What would be the best way for a brand to contact you?
Email.
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