WORKSHOPS

This specialized training program is designed to provide participants with a deep and practical understanding of corporate governance frameworks and compliance practices across the MENA region. Through a structured series of sessions, the course offers a benchmarking perspective on regional governance effectiveness, explores regulatory approaches, and examines innovative alternatives and emerging global trends in governance and corporate responsibility.

This program is ideal for professionals involved in regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and risk management within financial institutions, regulatory bodies, and publicly listed companies across the MENA region.

Certificate of participation issued by the UASA & SCA Professional Training & Examinations Centre.

15:00 - 16:20 Session 1

16:20 - 16:30 Break

16:30 - 17:50 Session 2

17:50 - 18:00 Break

18:00 - 19:00 Session 3

SESSION 1: REVIEWING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES IN MENA

A benchmarking and comparative assessment of current corporate governance practices in MENA to include:

•World Economic Forum Competitiveness Results (2016)

•World Bank Doing Business Results (2016)

•Ibrahim Foundation African Corporate Governance Assessment Results (2016)

SESSION 2: MANDATING CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

An overview of current corporate governance laws and regulations in MENA to include:

•Benefits and disadvantages

•Bright line definitions

•Enforcement practices

•Lessons concerning the impact of European and US Financial Sector Fines

SESSION 3: ALTERNATIVES TO MANDATING CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

An overview of alternatives to mandating corporate Governance in MENA

•Voluntary Corporate Governance Codes - Principles, Practices, Effectiveness

•Diverse Approaches in Codes – Is “comply or explain”, “apply or explain” or “apply and explain” appropriate?

•Benefits and disadvantages

•Code compliance monitoring – “the adequacy of explanations”

•The role of the regulator

•The role of scorecards

SESSION 4: NEW TRENDS

•Board structure, composition and practices to include board diversity

•Corporate reporting best practices

•Integrated Reporting

•Sustainable Development

•Remuneration reporting

•Whistleblowing / speak up

•Stewardship Codes – The UK Stewardship Code (2010) and the Code for Responsible Investors in South Africa (2011)

•Accounting and Auditing Standards and Practices