Introduction

In today's highly regulated and transparent financial markets, robust corporate governance and stringent compliance are paramount for publicly listed companies to build investor confidence, mitigate risks, and ensure sustainable growth. The heightened scrutiny from regulators, shareholders, and the public demands that listed entities operate with impeccable integrity, adhere to complex disclosure requirements, and maintain the highest standards of accountability. This comprehensive training course is meticulously designed to equip current and aspiring leaders with the essential frameworks and practical strategies to champion effective governance and compliance in the public domain.

This 5-day intensive program will empower participants to cultivate a deep understanding of listing rules, master regulatory reporting, and refine their ability to lead with transparency and ethical conduct in a publicly scrutinized environment. You will learn to navigate complex legal obligations, manage shareholder relations, and foster a culture of compliance that safeguards reputation and attracts responsible investment. By mastering these critical competencies, you will enhance your capacity to protect your organization's value, ensure market integrity, and drive its long-term success.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Board Members (Executive and Non-Executive) of Listed Companies
• Company Secretaries
• Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and Finance Directors
• Legal Counsel and Compliance Officers
• Investor Relations Professionals
• Internal and External Auditors
• Senior Executives in Publicly Traded Companies
• Governance Professionals
• Aspiring Leaders in Listed Companies
• Professionals managing regulatory affairs

Objectives

• Understand the unique governance and compliance landscape for listed companies.
• Develop a strategic mindset for navigating stock exchange rules and regulations.
• Master key disclosure requirements and financial reporting standards for public entities.
• Learn to manage shareholder relations and investor expectations effectively.
• Cultivate ethical leadership and anti-corruption strategies in a public context.
• Enhance transparency and accountability mechanisms for public reporting.
• Understand the role of regulatory bodies and enforcement actions.
• Develop strategies for managing market risks and maintaining investor trust.
• Create a personalized action plan for strengthening governance and compliance in a listed company.

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Governance for Listed Companies

• Defining corporate governance in the context of publicly traded entities.
• Understanding the strategic importance of good governance for market confidence.
• Exploring the roles and responsibilities of the board, committees, and management.
• The impact of board independence, diversity, and composition on governance.
• Key governance principles and codes for listed companies.

Module 2: Listing Rules and Regulatory Compliance

• Overview of major stock exchange listing rules and requirements.
• Understanding ongoing disclosure obligations and continuous reporting.
• Compliance with market abuse regulations and insider trading rules.
• The role of regulatory bodies (e.g., SEC, stock exchange authorities) and their oversight.
• Navigating cross-border listing requirements and international standards.

Module 3: Financial Reporting and Disclosure Integrity

• Key financial reporting standards (e.g., IFRS, GAAP) and their application for listed companies.
• Ensuring the integrity and accuracy of financial statements.
• Understanding audit committee oversight of financial reporting.
• Best practices for annual reports, quarterly filings, and other public disclosures.
• Preventing and detecting financial fraud and misrepresentation.

Module 4: Shareholder Engagement and Investor Relations

• Understanding shareholder rights and the dynamics of investor activism.
• Strategies for effective communication with institutional and retail investors.
• Preparing for and managing Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and Extraordinary General Meetings (EGMs).
• The role of proxy advisory firms and their influence on voting.
• Building long-term trust and relationships with the investment community.

Module 5: Ethical Leadership and Anti-Corruption

• Upholding the highest ethical standards in a publicly scrutinized environment.
• Developing and implementing robust anti-corruption and anti-bribery policies.
• Managing conflicts of interest and related-party transactions.
• The importance of whistleblowing policies and protection mechanisms.
• Fostering a culture of integrity and compliance throughout the organization.

Module 6: Risk Management and Internal Controls

• Identifying and assessing enterprise-wide risks relevant to listed companies (e.g., market, operational, reputational, cyber).
• Implementing robust internal control systems over financial reporting and operations.
• The role of the audit and risk committees in overseeing risk management.
• Crisis management and communication during high-stakes events.
• Ensuring compliance with data privacy and cybersecurity regulations.

Module 7: Board Effectiveness and Continuous Governance Improvement

• Strategies for conducting effective board and committee evaluations.
• Developing action plans for enhancing board composition and dynamics.
• The importance of continuous learning and professional development for directors.
• Adapting governance practices to evolving market expectations and regulatory changes.
• Creating a personalized action plan for championing governance and compliance excellence in your listed company.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.