CPD Webinar Series – Managing Board Effectiveness

ECSE-PBC Governance CPD Webinar Series

Managing Board Effectiveness

Summary/Purpose: We live in a world of VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity). In today’s ultra-competitive landscape, organizations and the Boards that lead them are under the microscope. There is no room for complacency. We have often heard the phrase “The Board sets the tone at the top,” but what does it mean in practice? The Board, both as a collective and the individuals within it, need to ensure that they have the tools and strategies that can optimize their effectiveness. As the ISO 37000 Standard states, boards need to demonstrate competence, diversity, independence of thought and action, capacity, probity and commitment. Anything less is a failure in governance for which boards and their members risk personal liability and damage to their reputation and careers.

Therefore, it is critical that the board does not fail itself and its stakeholders by compromising its independence and objectivity, failing to educate itself, to learn and evolve, or fall prey to negative board dynamics that can derail the most experienced and knowledgeable board. This session is designed to discuss activities that form the foundation for a learning board that consistently reviews its processes with a view to improvement and evolution.

Content: This session will cover a range of tools that boards need to ensure that they are able to meet the demands of their stakeholders. It is imperative to use these tools effectively and so we examine the following activities and how they can serve the board to become an adaptable, agile and evolving team that acts as a role model for purpose driven governance and culture integrated throughout the organization.
• Processes for building an effective board structure composed of the right people, skills and attributes.
• New director onboarding and orientation that gets the new director off to the best possible start by building knowledge, confidence and familiarity with the board and the wider organization.
• We examine the value a board assessment can bring, and the key characteristics of successful assessment which if administered well, can be a major leap in the board’s effectiveness.
• Objectivity is crucial to effective decision-making. We consider processes to ensure conflicts of interest are managed so that independence is maintained.
• How a program of Continuing Professional Development can create a framework for a learning board that responds and adapts to its operating environment, and retains its ability to lead the organization from the front.
• The benefits of a positive boardroom culture and how to achieve it, recognising that boardroom dynamics is one of the primary tools to support effective decisions and ultimately protect the board’s reputation.

Benefits:  Participants will gain a strong appreciation of the importance of supporting and empowering the board through effective tools and activities and gain an insight into how those tools can be applied in practice to optimise board performance. With an emphasis on the practical application of these tools, participants can benchmark them against their own boards and walk away with valuable insights and strategies they can utilise in their organization. In doing so, they can contribute enormously to empowering their boards in the pursuit of excellence.

Who should attend: : Board chairs, company directors, company secretaries, chief executives and any executive working with or supporting the board, and those who wish to empower their Board to optimise their performance through building a framework for board effectiveness.

Registration: The webinar will be delivered Wednesday May 7, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am (UTC-4).

Fees: A Registration Fee of EC$295 (US$110) per participant is payable to the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange Ltd by Credit Card, Wire Transfer or Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) by 2nd May 2025.
Discounted Rate for ECSE Affiliates and CGIC Members – EC$270 (US$100)
(CGIC members must include their membership number to benefit from this discount)

To register, click here:

Your Facilitator:

Paul Dubal LLB, FCG, GPC.D.
Founder Perfect Balance Consulting, Toronto.

Paul has 25 years of corporate secretarial, corporate governance and regulatory experience both in house and as a professional services consultant in the United Kingdom, Canada, Caribbean and the Middle East. He has worked for KPMG LLP and PwC in leadership roles and served in senior in-house roles for several listed financial services companies. He has also provided governance services to Mid-Cap and Large-Cap companies in Europe, North and South America and the Caribbean region. Paul has worked extensively with a diverse range of boards and senior management teams on governance matters.

Prior to starting his business, he was Head of Corporate Governance at First Abu Dhabi Bank, the largest bank in the Gulf region, where he developed the Bank’s corporate governance framework, advised the Board and executive management on the new UAE Corporate Governance Regulations, refined the Bank’s management committee, and developed its international governance structure across twenty jurisdictions globally.

Paul is a certified life coach, group coach and certified emotional intelligence (EQ-i) assessor and practitioner, and provides governance solutions to small/mid-Cap organizations, board training in governance strategy, risk and compliance, and one-to-one executive coaching to mid-senior level professionals with a focus on leadership and EQ. Paul is the global lead facilitator for the ISO37000 Governance of Organizations certification, the leading program on governance thought leadership. He is an influential thought leader on EQ, leadership and sustainability in the corporate governance field and a highly sought after speaker, coach and consultant on a range of governance matters.

Paul is a Fellow of the Chartered Governance Institute of Canada (CGIC) and holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Middlesex University (UK) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from Leicester De Montfort University (UK).

DEAP INPERSON

DIRECTORS’ EDUCATION & ACCREDITATION PROGRAMME (DEAP)

The Directors’ Education and Accreditation Programme (DEAP) has been developed for directors of public and private companies, and not-for-profit or governmental organisations, and those considering becoming a director of such an organisation. It provides a forum for a frank, incisive and insightful discussion on the duties and responsibilities of a director, and the exploration of the requisite skills for, and the legal ramifications of, being a director.  

DEAP is a sharply focused program, delivering critical content in a condensed period. It is designed for busy people who want to get what they need in a timely fashion.  

Shortly after pre-registering for DEAP, participants will receive a link to register with the Chartered Governance Institute of Canada (CGIC) to access the course material for each of the modules for pre-course preparation. The workshop will be three days in duration and will be a mix of presentations, discussions, case studies and a knowledge assessment (quiz) for each module.  

Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded the Accredited Director designation (Acc.Dir.) by the CGIC and be granted membership in CGIC’s Affiliate Group. As an Affiliate Group member, you will have a subscription to Corporate Governance Quarterly, CGI of Canada’s premier publication on good governance practice; access to special rates for seminars, workshops, and other continuing professional development opportunities; and the same benefits package extended to its other professional members. 

The details of the course are as follows: 

Programme: The course will be delivered in three modules, namely, i) Governance for Directors, ii) Strategy and Risk Management, and iii) Finance for Directors 

Duration: 3 days, with 1 full day learning workshop for each module, consisting of presentations, discussions, and case studies. 

Assessment:  At the end of each day there will be a knowledge assessment exercise (completed in class). Participants must be successful on each module’s knowledge assessment to be granted the accreditation. 

Faculty: Facilitators will be drawn from a team of experienced Canadian and regional academics and practitioners. 

Material: The course material will be provided to participants in electronic form after full registration. 

Location: La Vue Boutique Inn, Back Street, South Hill, Anguilla. 

Date: 11^th – 13^th June 2025 

Fee: ECSE Affiliates and CGIC Members – EC$6,300 (US$2,333) Non-Members – EC$6,750 (US$2,511) 

Early Bird Discounted Rates (Payment by or before 9^th May 2025) 

ECSE Affiliates and CGIC Members – EC$5,670 (US$2,100) Non-Members – EC$6,075 (US$2,260) 

Registration for the DEAP may be done by completing and submitting the on-line registration form on our website at www.ecseonline.com, by 21 May 2025. Payment should be made to the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange by Credit Card, Wire Transfer, or Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). Wire transfer and EFT payment instructions are provided on the online registration form. Proof of payment must be submitted to the ECSE at DEAP@ecseonline.com. 

Early registration is recommended, as registrations will be accepted on a first-in-time basis. Payment must be received by the ECSE to confirm registration. 

Overseas participants requiring accommodation in Anguilla for the period of the programme, can make reservations DIRECTLY with the hotel, La Vue Boutique Inn, at reservations@lavueinn.com or by calling +1 264 497 3000. The office hours are Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM. The contact person is Marianne Guico, Reservation Manager. 

You are encouraged to book early to secure a room at the hotel. 

Please click here to register

DEAP ONLINE

DIRECTORS’ EDUCATION & ACCREDITATION PROGRAMME (DEAP)
ONLINE

The Directors’ Education and Accreditation Programme (DEAP) is an advanced director training course, aimed at preparing directors for the important role that they play in the governance of corporations.  The DEAP was developed by the Chartered Governance Institute of Canada (CGIC), in partnership with the law firm of Borden Ladner Gervais, and with contributions from AON Canada. 

The DEAP has been offered in the Caribbean since June 2007, by the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange Limited (ECSE), in collaboration with the CGIC, as a part of the ECSE’s efforts to promote good corporate governance standards in the Caribbean.  The ECSE offers the DEAP several times each year, in person across the region, or online.

Registration in the programme is open to all directors, corporate secretaries, CEOs, and other senior executives of public and private companies, as well as public sector (statutory) corporations.  Legal practitioners, accountants, corporate secretaries, and other professional corporate advisers, as well as persons aspiring to directorships are also invited to participate.    

The details of the course are as follows:    

Programme: The course will be delivered in three modules, namely,
        i) Governance for Directors,
       ii) Strategy and Risk Management      
       iii) Finance for Directors

Duration: 3 days, with 1 full day learning workshop for each module, consisting of presentations, discussions, and case studies. Full attendance and participation are required.

Assessment: At the end of each day there will be a knowledge assessment exercise (completed in class). Participants must be successful on each module’s knowledge assessment to be granted the accreditation. 

Faculty: Facilitators will be drawn from a team of experience Canadian and regional academics and practitioners.

Material: The course material will be provided to participants in electronic form after full registration.

Location: On-Line. The programme is being held online to enable participation from any geographic location. 

Date: 10 – 12 March 2025

Fee: ECSE and CGIC members – EC$5,570/US$2,050
   Non-members – EC$5,975/US$2,200
Early Bird Discounted Rates (Payment by or before 14th February 2025):
   ECSE and CGIC members – EC$5,160/US$1,900
   Non-members – EC$5,570/US$2,050

Registration for the DEAP may be done by completing and submitting the on-line registration form on our website here, by 21 February 2025. Payment should be made to the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange by Credit Card, Wire Transfer, or Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). Wire transfer and EFT payment instructions are provided on the online registration form. Proof of payment must be submitted to the ECSE at DEAP@ecseonline.com.

Early registration is recommended, as registrations will be accepted on a first in time basis.  Payment must be received by the ECSE to confirm registration.

AI Governance 101 – Oversight of Artificial Intelligence within the Organization

ECSE-PBC Governance CPD Webinar Series

AI Governance 101 – Oversight of Artificial Intelligence within the Organization

Summary/Purpose: It is hard to avoid the ubiquitous presence of artificial intelligence (AI) and the increasing influence it has on so many aspects of our lives. This is never truer than the potential impact of AI across all aspects of an organization’s operations, affecting all sectors and sizes and types of companies. The impact of AI will be unique to every organization, but its presence cannot be ignored. Organizations and bodies that fail to embrace AI will inevitably fall behind their competitors and fail to serve their stakeholders effectively.

Understanding AI is therefore critical – board members and executives need to educate themselves about AI and what it can do for their organizations. What are the benefits of AI, how can it be applied to optimize processes, what are the potential threats and how can we overcome them? Developing a risk governance framework that ensures the organization takes full advantage of AI technology whilst mitigating the potential pitfalls is key, and board members in their oversight capacity should gain assurance in that regard.

Equally board members need to understand not just how AI is integrated across the organization, but how AI can impact the work of the board itself, for example through the provision of more comprehensive and accurate data that can inform the board’s decision-making processes.

Content: In this engaging and interactive session, we will provide an overview of AI from a governance perspective, explaining what AI is and how it is impacting organizations and the work of the board, recognizing that board members need not be subject matter experts, but conversant enough to ask the right questions to gain assurance that management has it in hand. In this respect we will Identify some key questions that board members should ask to gain the level of assurance that will help them satisfy their duty to provide oversight.

It is important to get a balanced view of AI in terms of its benefits and the opportunities for its application to the work of the board. This session will provide some examples of how it can optimise board processes including the facilitation of board materials and logistics that can streamline the work of the board. The opportunities presented by AI are extensive, but using AI is not without risk. For example, using AI raises concerns of data privacy and cyber security. We consider the elements of a risk governance framework and internal control that can help alleviate some of these concerns, and thereby harness the potential of AI while mitigating potential pitfalls and ensuring its responsible and ethical use.

Benefits: Participants will gain a sound understanding of what AI involves and an appreciation of the potential opportunities it presents to their organization. They will get some useful pointers on how to apply and integrate AI into their organization, whilst having the risk awareness to do so in a responsible and ethical manner.

Who should attend: Board chairs, company directors, company secretaries, chief executives and any executive working with or supporting the board, as well as Chief Technology Officers, Chief Information Officers or equivalent.

Registration Fees:
EC$295 (US$110) payable to the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange Ltd by Credit Card, Wire Transfer or Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) on or before Friday 10 May 2024, to confirm participation.

Discounted Rate for ECSE Affiliates and CGIC Members – EC$270 (US$100)
(CGIC members must include their membership number to benefit from this discount)

Registration: The webinar will be delivered on May 15, 2024, at 9:00am to 10:30am (UTC-4). To register click here

Your Facilitator:

Richard is a C-Suite Growth Leader and Board Director with 25 years of leading companies in domestic and international marketplaces. Richard has both a science/technical and business management background which provides a unique combination to help organizations create and execute growth strategy while balancing risk. A strategist and change agent providing strategic direction, diverse perspectives and ensuring DEI. Richard is currently the CEO of Mind Tech Group which provides consulting to Board of Directors and Senior Management for the Governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and related Training, Recruiting and Risk Management. Richard’s previous experience includes C-Suite Sales & Marketing, General Management, P&L, and Operations at BridgePoint Financial, Computershare, Rogers, Celestica, Nortel, and IBM. Richard has served on 4 Boards since 2013 and currently serves on the Canadian Professional Sales Association and the Governance Professionals of Canada. Previously, Richard served on the Board of Scientists in School, which is one of Canada’s largest Science Education charities for children. Richard also served on a Toronto Chapter of the Boys & Girls Club including the role of Vice Chair (VP). Richards Board/Committee Experience includes Human Resources & Governance, Board Nomination, Board Secretary, Audit & Risk, and Fundraising

RSIC REGISTRATION

Regional Schools Investment Competition Guidance and Competition Rules

Regional Schools Investment Competition

Latest Press Releases

I.        Introduction

The Regional Schools Investment Competition is a dynamic learning experience for high school and first-year college students as future investors. The investment game introduces the students to investing and more specifically to investing via the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange. The initiative provides the opportunity for students to experience securities market activity firsthand. Participants will have the opportunity to test their knowledge while gaining useful investing insights and skills.

The Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange (ECSE) and its partners, consisting of six licensed member broker dealers (Grenada Co-operative Bank Ltd, Bank of Nevis, Bank of Saint Lucia, First Citizens Investment Services Ltd, St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank, and Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines), along with the Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission (ECSRC), are dedicated to promoting education and awareness among young individuals. The aim is to encourage and guide young investors in contributing to the growth and development of the money and capital markets in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union.

II.     Competition Objectives

• To excite and inspire young people across the ECCU to learn more about investing as an avenue for wealth creation and to become active market participants in the future.
• To spread awareness to the youth of the existence of the ECSE, the Eastern Caribbean Securities Market (ECSM), the Regional Government Securities Market (RGSM), the ECSRC and the ECSE licensed member broker dealers.
• To introduce and educate the youth population about Investing in Securities and the process of purchasing and selling securities on the Eastern Caribbean Securities Market.

III.  Eligible Participants

• 3^rd form through 5^th form (grades 9-11) high school students and 1^st year 6^th form/college students in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (i.e., Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis,
  St. Vincent and the Grenadines).
• A maximum of ONE group per school. The number of students per group can range from 4 to 6 students competing in the Investment Game. For countries with only one school participating, the school may opt either to i) forego the Intra-Country stage and enter directly into the regional stage of the competition; or ii) enter up to three groups from that school in the Intra-Country portion of the competition.

Please note that:

• The school administration would determine the composition of the competing group(s) and which teacher(s) will be assigned to lead the competing group(s). There should be a minimum of one teacher assigned to assist each competing group.
• Teams are encouraged to create their own unique group names and have fun. They are to be creative and use good judgment. Team names may not contain or connote any offensive, vulgar or inappropriate language or idea.

IV. Format of Competition

• The competition will be administered in two parts:
  • 1^ST Phase – Intra-Country Competition: 
    • The competing school groups will compete among the groups in their respective country and the top performer in each country will be adjudged the Intra-Country winner to represent their country in the Regional Phase of the Competition.
  • 2^nd Phase – Regional Competition:
    • The eight winners of the Intra-Country phase of the competition will move on to compete to vie for the top prize of Regional Investment Champion.

V. Competition Timeline

• Click here to view the full timetable of events

VI. Competition (Performance) Evaluation – To Determine winning group/school.

Phase 1: Intra-Country Investment Competition:

• 60% weighting – portfolio valuation
  • The cash on hand + the value of the securities in the portfolio at the end of the trading period.
  • 40% weighting – Evaluation of Trading Notes. Each group will need to prepare a note for each purchase or sell order. The note should specify the rationale/investment strategy for the purchase/sales orders.

The group in each of the eight ECCU member countries with the highest overall score will be adjudged the winner for that country. The top performing group per country will move on to participate in the Regional Competition.

Phase 2: Regional Investment Competition:

• 60% weighting – portfolio valuation
  • The cash on hand + the value of the securities in the portfolio at the end of the trading period.
  • 40% weighting – investment competition presentation (to be recorded and submitted in mp4 format by each competing group).

The Presentation should include the following:

• Team Introductions
• How did you decide on what to buy, and how much to buy?
  • Include all factors that impacted your decisions.
• How did you decide on what to sell, and how much to sell?
  • Include all factors that impacted your decisions.
• What would you have done differently if you were to be afforded the opportunity to compete again?
• What did you learn from participating in the Investment Challenge?

The group with the highest overall score will be declared the winner.

NOTE: The evaluation criteria will be provided to the Competing groups prior to the competition.

VII. Prize Giving

• Intra-Country Winners will receive:
  • A plaque in recognition of their win, to showcase at their respective schools.
  • Participating students and their teacher guide(s) would receive certificates of achievement and a gift bag.
• Overall Regional Competition Winner will receive:
  • Monetary prize of EC$5,000 for the school.
  • A cash prize of EC$150.00 for each of the students in the group.
  • A certificate of achievement for each of the student members and a certificate of recognition for the role the teacher(s) played in assisting the students.
  • A Rotational Champion Trophy.

View Interview on the Regional Schools Investment Competition

CPD Webinar Series – Succession Planning: Developing Leadership for a Sustainable Future

ECSE-PBC Governance CPD Webinar Series

Succession Planning: Developing Leadership for a Sustainable Future

Summary/Purpose: One of the key challenges facing Caribbean organizations is ensuring that they have the human capital, to ensure effective performance that will support the Board to deliver ongoing sustainable success.

It is important to review your leadership team to assess whether you have the right all round capabilities, particularly for the CEO or equivalent, who is required to lead the organization in accordance with its strategic vision.

Creating a balanced, creative and entrepreneurial Board requires a considerable degree of forward planning and talent management. Equally the board of directors will need regular reviews and periodic refresh to ensure that the mix of skills and attributes reflects the strategic vision and the constantly changing environment in which business operates.

Effective performance of a board requires appropriate leadership, composition and independence to optimise its ability to deliver informed decision making and clarity on risks. An effective board can lead the organization forward into an uncertain future with confidence.

Content: In this engaging and interactive session, we will explore the factors for consideration when evaluating whether the CEO may need to be replaced, and the mechanics for doing so. A business will not be sustainable if it is saddled with a CEO that is no longer a good fit for the organization. We explore best practices for dealing with this extremely sensitive, people related problem.

The Nominating Committee is a key board committee, not a poor cousin, as it is tasked with ensuring that the board has the appropriate composition for leading the organization in a world of VUCA – volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity.

We explore the role and function of the Nominating Committee in relation to board succession, and specifically areas they need to consider, such as independence of mind and behaviour, and ensuring the right mix of skills. We look at the purpose and value of the board skills matrix and consider how to determine what types of skills and attributes should be included.

We will also look at the mechanics of board director succession, such as how to replace a vacancy on the existing board, including adherence to term limits/fixed terms. Ideas on how to create a framework that ensures objective recruitment of individuals with the right skills and attributes and delivers all diversities, particularly cognitive diversity.

An effective Nominating Committee negates the need for and influence of shadow directors, which is problematic in relation to accountability and decision making.

Benefits: Participants will gain a strong appreciation of what succession planning should look like at the apex of their organization. Understand what the right questions are to ask to assess whether the existing leadership is fit for purpose, and what to do when changes are necessary.

Delegates will be better informed and more skilled regarding the role and value of the Board Nominating Committee and see the significance of creating a framework that ensures the right people are appointed at the right time.

All the learning will support every director and board to lead their organization forward to a sustainable future.

Who should attend: Board chairs, company directors, company secretaries, chief executives and any executive working with or supporting the board.

Registration Fees:
EC$295 (US$110) payable to the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange Ltd by Credit Card, Wire Transfer or Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) on or before Friday 16 February 2024, to confirm participation.

Discounted Rate for ECSE Affiliates and CGIC Members – EC$270 (US$100)
(CGIC members must include their membership number to benefit from this discount)

Registration: The webinar will be delivered on February 21, 2024, at 9AM AST (UTC-4). To register click here

Your Facilitator:

Sharon, who is based in the UK, is a Chartered Governance Professional and has been a Fellow or Associate of the UK Chartered Governance Institute for over 40 years.

Sharon is also a Chartered Director of the Institute of Directors and holds an MBA and several Financial Services and Regulatory qualifications.

She is on the Court of the Worshipful Company of Chartered Secretaries and has chaired their Membership Committee and is on the Court (NED). She is the Chairman and acting CEO of the South African Chamber of Commerce in the UK and Chairs the Council of Foreign Chambers in the UK.

She is CEO of the Genius Boards governance group of companies and runs foreign exchange risk management services to global corporates that trade internationally.

Sharon listed her first company on the Stock Exchange and is responsible for the creation of a number of complex “software as a service – SaaS” online products address forex risk, governance effectiveness, risk assessment and compliance evidence libraries.

She has lectured for four years for the final Master’s Level 7 exam for the Chartered Governance Institute on Boardroom Dynamics and lectures on Risk Management for the Corporate Governance Institute for their Non-Executive program.
Sharon has authored many pieces on governance focusing on the presence, impact and management of boardroom dynamics, speaks at international conferences, leads on governance webinars and runs workshops and case studies to support turnaround governance learning.

(27) Sharon Constançon CDir MBA FCG | LinkedIn
Genius Boards

CPD Webinar Series – Preparing Boards to Oversee Risk in 2023 and Beyond

ECSE-PBC Governance CPD Webinar Series

Preparing Boards to Oversee Risk in 2023 and Beyond

Summary/ Purpose/ Content: Looking to 2024, elevated levels of disruption which intensified in 2023 include dangers from digitalization, talent shortages, the war in Ukraine, high energy prices and inflation, technology and AI, geopolitical and economic uncertainty and other risks putting strains business models. The new war in Israel may further alter the geopolitical landscape. Climate Change may be the biggest risk the world has ever faced. 

Now is the time for boards to employ a best practices approach to overseeing risk. But Are boards equipped, and do they understand enterprise risk management, and are best practices in risk being implemented by management? Can boards oversee a risk program which has not yet been implemented by management? How can management assist boards in being more prepared? 

Attend this session to understand why boards fail in risk oversight, and learn Key Actions boards can take to implement and practice proper risk governance.

Outcomes and Benefits: Participants will receive a greater appreciation of the benefits of instigating an enterprise-wide risk management framework that will provides the holistic data that is needed to ensure that directors can meet their oversight duties in ensuring their organization continues to operate within its risk appetite. For executives, they will have the tools to understand how to develop and maintain an ERM framework and how to monitor ongoing risks in a fluid, constantly shifting risk environment. For directors they will be armed with the right questions to ask so that they can meet their oversight obligations. We look at specific risks as well as the threat of emerging risks and what the board and executive should be doing to proactively respond to as yet unseen threats.

Who Will Benefit by Attending: Corporate and board secretaries, board and committee chairs, individual directors, boards (as a collective), CEOs and any senior management team member or governance professional that is involved with risk identification and management, and who interacts with the board in their organization.

Registration Fees:
EC$295 (US$110) payable to the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange Ltd by Credit Card, Wire Transfer or Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) on or before Friday 24 November 2023, to confirm participation.

Discounted Rate for ECSE Affiliates and CGIC Members – EC$270 (US$100)
(CGIC members must include their membership number to benefit from this discount)

Registration: The webinar will be delivered on Wednesday November 29th, 2023 at 9:00AM – 10:30AM (UTC-4). To register click here

Your Facilitator:

Bio: Stephen (“Steve”) Mallory has served on the boards of two Canadian government federal Crown Corporations. He served from 2012-2017 with VIA Rail, Canada’s national passenger railway where he was Chair of the GRS/Governance, Risk and Strategy Committee, and a member of the Pension Committee, and from 2008-2012 as a director and member of the Audit Committee with the Standards Council of Canada.

Steve is Principal, Directors Global Risk Consulting, providing Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) advice and training to boards and executive teams across Canada and elsewhere. Previously, he served as CEO and Region Head within two of Canada’s largest insurance firms and founded a third firm. He is a graduate of both the Canadian Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.D program), and the Canadian Government School of Public Policy, Directors Program.

His teaching experience includes advising hundreds of directors, executives, and business students, including at the GPC (Governance Professionals of Canada), ICD (Institute of Corporate Directors), and with York University’s MFAC (Master’s in Financial Accountability) program. His papers have appeared in various best-selling business books including the “Handbook of Board Governance” (Wiley Press, 2016, 2020, and pending 2023 versions, LeBlanc Editor).

His charity work includes having led teams funding drilling of 27 water wells in Africa, supplying 27,000 people with fresh water www.directorsglobal.com/.

CPD Webinar Series: Regional Environmental and Social Governance: Cybersecurity – The Critical Questions for Boards to Ask

ECSE-PBC Governance CPD Webinar Series

Cybersecurity – The Critical Questions for Boards to Ask

Summary/Purpose: Board members need to be conversant in a range of topics, making decisions that have wide-ranging impact for their organizations and the wider stakeholders. It is critical that they make informed decisions, and nowhere is this more important than the growing field of cyber security. Failing to address an organization’s vulnerability to cyber-attacks can be catastrophic for an organization, resulting in lost productivity, probable regulatory fines, reputational damage, and significant loss of trust that will adversely impact future business growth. Regulators worldwide increasingly expect boards to oversee the IT infrastructure of their firms. A board that is not asking the right questions and insisting on evidence to get comfort from the Chief Information Officer or equivalent is derogating from their fiduciary duty. This session is designed to equip boards and those who work with them with an awareness and understanding of the importance of cyber security and the critical questions boards should ask to ensure proper oversight of this critical function to meet their governance accountability. Boards need to understand that the frequency and severity of attacks has never been so pronounced. It is no longer a case of IF your organization gets attacked but WHEN. Preparation is key.

Content: The session will cover the key questions boards need to ask management when assessing the organization’s cyber security arrangements. We consider how the IT infrastructure should contain robust defences and protection against cyber-attacks; we identify the key questions directors should ask to exercise their governance and fiduciary duty in a proactive way, and importantly be conversant enough with the subject matter to understand the answers, understanding that the board cannot assume that management has it covered, and that when data leaks occur, scrutiny inevitably falls on the board. We will briefly look at the regulatory regime that highlights the increased expectations of regulators in this area; we assess the importance of having cyber security insurance whilst recognizing its limitations and how it is a poor substitute for diligent oversight. We also consider the emergence of Artificial Intelligence and how AI represents both an opportunity and a threat to organizations as AI enables the perpetration of more sophisticated and sustained cyber-attacks, and organizational leaders need to be ready for this new reality. We also recognize that the issue of cyber security, while it is not new, is much more urgent than 20 years ago and that an attack on one organization is an attack on the wider industry.

Outcomes and Benefits: Participants will walk away with a renewed perspective and motivation to review their company’s cyber-security arrangements as well as a greater appreciation of their role in ensuring good governance. They will understand how technology and cyber-security form the foundation of the organization’s assets and ability to create value, and so there is a need to take a proactive risk-based approach to oversight of this area. Most importantly, they will leave with useful tools and ideas for educating themselves to ask the right questions and understand the answers. In doing so, they can make informed decisions that will help avoid potentially catastrophic attacks on their IT infrastructure with the subsequent financial, legal, and reputational fallout.

Who Will Benefit by Attending: Corporate and board secretaries, board and committee chairs, individual directors, boards (as a collective), and any senior management team member or governance professional that is involved with sustainability and who interacts with the governance function and/or the board in their organization.

Registration Fees:
EC$295 (US$110) payable to the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange Ltd by Credit Card, Wire Transfer or Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) on or before Friday 8 September 2023, to confirm participation.

Discounted Rate for ECSE Affiliates and CGIC Members – EC$270 (US$100)
(CGIC members must include their membership number to benefit from this discount)

Registration: The webinar will be delivered on September 13, 2023 at 9:00AM to 10:30AM UTC-4.
Click HERE to register

Your Facilitator:

Mr. Bruno Soares
Senior Executive Advisor | Professor
Bruno is an experienced Information and Technology professional with over 20 years of experience in Audit, Consulting, and Advisory. He has expertise in Governance, Risk, Control, Audit, Information Security & Privacy, and Digital Transformation. He worked for KPMG and Deloitte and in 2012 he founded GOVaaS – Governance Advisors as-a-service, where he is currently Senior Executive Advisor, and he actively collaborates with an ecosystem of local and international partners, particularly IDC Portugal where since 2015 he is the Leading Executive Senior Advisor for Digital Transformation, Governance, Strategy, and Security related areas.

He is a certified PMP, CISA, CGEIT, CRISC, COBIT and a LEGO SERIOUS PLAY Facilitator. He teaches at various universities in Portugal and abroad and is the founder and president of the ISACA Lisbon Chapter. In 2019, he was awarded the ISACA John Kuyers Award for Best Speaker. In 2021, he ran for Mayor of Lisbon, Portugal.

CHAT