Governance & company secretarial

The intensity of supervisory scrutiny over the governance practices of regulated entities and listed companies is becoming increasingly palpable. This momentum is expected to increase, not only due to initiatives adopted in this sphere both locally and at EU level, but more fundamentally, because of the general recognition that sound governance practices are the keystone of any reputable organisation. An effective governance framework enhances the ability of the Board to exercise oversight, provides senior management with a mechanism defining their roles and responsibilities, and aligns the interests of Board and management with the interests of all stakeholders.

As a market leader in the financial services and capital markets sectors, Ganado Advocates has brought together a team of interdisciplinary legal and regulatory professionals, with in-depth knowledge and years of experience in these industries. Our job is primarily to advise and assist entities in the setting up and maintenance of robust governance frameworks and in the development of governance practices that address regulatory requirements, standards expected from the sector as well as the individual needs of the corporate customer.  We adopt a comprehensive approach which considers corporate, compliance, risk, financial crime, ICT, ESG and audit requirements, as applicable. Furthermore, our governance offering is complemented by the provision of a full range of company secretarial services to support the Board in the efficient carrying out of its functions, thus ensuring compliance with the ever-increasing statutory obligations.

Our governance team can assist you with:

Governance board advisory services

• The development of a governance framework that meets regulatory requirements and best practice and which addresses the scale, corporate set up and nature of the business of the institution.
• Drafting and/or reviewing of governance manuals, including Board charters, codes of ethics, and other policies and procedures.
• Advising on Committee structures and their respective terms of reference.
• Gap analysis, remediation plans, risk assessments and testing of current governance arrangements.
• Assistance with Board succession planning.
• Assistance with the conduct of individual suitability assessments or periodic assessments and facilitating of collective suitability assessments of Board or Committee members.
• Evaluation of Board performance.
• Ad hoc advice on governance matters to the Board or an individual director.
• Drafting or review of Governance Compliance Statements and other governance related regulatory reporting
• Assistance with and preparation for supervisory interactions or reviews and with representations and submissions to regulators.

Induction and training

• One-on-one or collective customised induction and ongoing training of directors, members of executive management and of the control functions, including training requirements recommended by the regulator, covering areas such as corporate governance, company law, financial services regulation, financial crime and the Market Abuse Regulation.

Company secretarial services

• The lawyers and managers who provide these services are well-versed in company secretarial duties and procedures and ensure that a company holds effective Committee, Board and Shareholders meetings through the preparation of agendas, Board and Committee packs as well as AGM or EGM documents. Particular attention is given to the minuting of meetings in line with regulatory expectations. It is also ensured that the company meets any statutory reporting, filing obligations and record keeping requirements arising under the applicable laws.

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