Insight
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ESG strategy, 5 June, 2019
ESG catalysts: how consumers can change corporations
Some companies encounter obstacles to full integration of ESG principles. It may be that consumers have more power than they imagine to change corporate behaviours for the better.
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Financial services, 29 May, 2019
Banking on better cybersecurity
Boards are bolstering their expertise as they look to tackle one of the biggest business threats facing financial services firms: the risk of cyber-attacks. But experts warn that resilience needs to be hard-wired into the business itself.
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Corporate governance, 26 May, 2019
Organisational models: why teal is the new colour of business
Is corporate governance being used to resolve the agency problem and shift companies to new organisational models? Recent reforms suggest this is happening, even if it is not intended—and the future looks teal.
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Corporate sustainability, 8 May, 2019
ESG reporting: what is the endgame?
Non-financial reporting is a challenge for issuers, investors and standard-setters on both sides of the Atlantic. The task ahead is to develop a coherent vision and unified agenda.
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Trends, 3 May, 2019
The outlook for governance in 2019
Governance concerns for boards to focus on in 2019 include data breaches, inclusivity, new codes and managing engagement. Board Agenda hears from the experts and looks at the strategic questions boards should be asking.
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Trust in business, 30 April, 2019
Executives: the new social leaders
The public are losing faith in politicians to solve their problems and are increasingly looking to employers and business leaders to take a stand on societal issues, according to the latest Edelman Trust Barometer.
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Global risk, 29 April, 2019
Risk hotspots: a global roundup
Pressure grows on social media companies, the economy slows in South Korea, France and Italy fall out, while Alphabet and Shell go fly a kite.
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Economy, 11 April, 2019
Country profile: Canada
Despite trade spats with the US, there is optimism in Canada about the country’s prospects. Cannabis is expected to provide an economic boost, while construction is set to expand massively under a government initiative.
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Diversity, 10 April, 2019
The gendered corporation
Many campaigners advocate an “add women and stir” approach to fixing corporate governance. But this ignores the broader role of particular types of masculine business culture.
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Regulation, 29 March, 2019
What boards need to know about whistleblowing
Following a raft of corporate scandals uncovered by whistleblowers, the business risks associated with an individual revealing wrongdoing should not be underestimated in the boardroom.
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Regulation, 29 March, 2019
Promoting SME growth markets
Small and mid-cap companies need a better regulatory framework, which recognises that their needs differ distinctly from SMEs, and which will enable them to compete and thrive on a fairer playing field.
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Board expertise, 28 March, 2019
Taking control of cyber risk
Cybercrime is an escalating problem that demands constant attention to mitigate against financial and reputational risk. But what should boards do to ensure their organisation is protected?
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Board expertise, 27 March, 2019
Performance and accountability: the changing role of the chair
The role of the board chair has changed dramatically in the past decade, with chairs increasingly held responsible for corporate governance failures. How can board leaders ensure they are prepared for the challenges ahead?
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Reputational risk, 8 March, 2019
Why boards need to support whistleblowers
The recently revised UK Corporate Governance Code has re-emphasised the importance of whistleblowing. Resources are available to help boards ensure they are well placed to support the process.
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Sustainable investment, 6 March, 2019
The growth of impact investing and the role of boards
The market for impact investing is now worth around $1.3trn. It is an opportunity for boards to steer their companies towards work that returns social or environmental benefits.
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Board expertise, 1 March, 2019
Ethical business in the age of AI
Artificial intelligence is causing a revolution in business, but how should boards respond to the implications of technologies they don’t understand? The answer is to take an ethical approach and ensure human accountability.
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Technology, 25 February, 2019
Why poor cybersecurity is a ticking time bomb
Regardless of where a threat to cybersecurity comes from, board members need to be clear on how their organisation’s data and infrastructure mechanisms are being protected.
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Compliance, 14 February, 2019
How information overload can threaten board effectiveness
An increased focus on risk and compliance for financial services firms has led to a rise in committees, reporting and key performance indicators. But boards must ensure that short-term targets do not hamper long-term strategic vision.
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Corporate governance, 14 February, 2019
Establishing vision and values in financial services
The boards of global financial institutions must have the expertise, diversity and operational understanding to ensure effective oversight, but they must start by setting the company's culture and strategy.
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Financial services, 14 February, 2019
Why integrating ESG is the key to sustainable business
Investors are placing environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues at the top of their agendas, and they expect the companies they invest in to do likewise. But financial services firms need to ensure that ESG commitments are reflected in robust policies.