10 May 2012

Singapore: Corporate Governance Council releases Risk Governance Guidance for Listed Boards


The Corporate Governance Council (Council) has today released its Risk Governance Guidance for Listed Boards (Guidance).

Global events since the 2008 financial crisis have underscored the importance of companies taking an integrated, enterprise-wide perspective of their risk exposure. There is heightened concern and focus on risk governance, and it has become clear that companies should have a sound system of risk management and internal controls to identify, assess, manage and mitigate risk. In this regard, following its review of the Code of Corporate Governance (Code), the Guidance is another key initiative by the Council to strengthen the corporate governance practices of listed companies in Singapore.

The Council intends the Guidance to provide key information on risk governance to all Board members. This would include factors which the Board should collectively consider when overseeing the company’s risk management framework and policies. The Guidance also spells out the Board's and Management’s respective responsibilities in managing the company's risks. The Guidance is not meant to be a new rulebook or to prescribe additional standards. Its purpose is to enhance the awareness of Board members, and spur them to work towards strong corporate governance in their companies.

Mr Alan Chan, Chairman of the Council, said, “The Guidance, with its focus on risk management, acts as a complement to the Code and enhances the framework for corporate governance of Singapore-listed companies. Along with other existing materials such as the handbook for directors published by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, the Guidance will contribute to better awareness of Board responsibilities within Singapore companies. This will in turn enhance investor confidence and Singapore’s reputation as a trusted financial and business hub."

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