Introduction

In today's highly regulated and interconnected financial landscape, robust governance, ethics, and compliance (GEC) are not merely legal obligations but the bedrock of institutional stability, market confidence, and sustainable growth. Financial institutions face escalating scrutiny, complex regulatory changes, and the pervasive threat of financial crime, making a proactive and integrated GEC framework essential for mitigating risks and safeguarding stakeholder trust. This comprehensive training course is meticulously designed to equip current and aspiring leaders and professionals within financial institutions with the essential frameworks and practical strategies to navigate this intricate environment.

This 5-day intensive program will empower participants to cultivate a deep understanding of regulatory compliance, master ethical decision-making, and refine their ability to lead with integrity and accountability across all levels of the organization. You will learn to identify and manage financial crime risks, build strong internal controls, and foster a culture of transparency and responsible conduct. By mastering these critical competencies, you will enhance your capacity to protect your institution's reputation, ensure operational resilience, and contribute significantly to its long-term success in a dynamic global market.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Senior Leaders and Executives in Financial Institutions
• Compliance Officers and Managers
• Risk Management Professionals
• Internal and External Auditors
• Legal Counsel in Financial Services
• Board Members and Directors of Financial Institutions
• Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Specialists
• Financial Crime Prevention Professionals
• Regulatory Affairs Managers
• Operations Managers in Banking and Finance

Objectives

• Understand the core principles of governance, ethics, and compliance in financial institutions.
• Develop a strategic mindset for navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
• Master techniques for identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial crime risks.
• Learn to design and implement robust internal controls and compliance programs.
• Cultivate ethical decision-making and leadership in a highly regulated environment.
• Enhance transparency and accountability mechanisms within financial organizations.
• Understand key international financial regulations and standards.
• Develop strategies for fostering a strong compliance culture and ethical conduct.
• Create a personalized action plan for strengthening GEC within your institution.

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of GEC in Financial Institutions

• Defining Governance, Ethics, and Compliance (GEC) in the financial sector.
• Understanding the strategic importance of GEC for financial stability and trust.
• Exploring the unique regulatory environment of financial institutions.
• The role of ethical leadership in setting the tone from the top.
• Case studies of GEC failures and their consequences in finance.

Module 2: Corporate Governance for Financial Institutions

• Key principles of corporate governance tailored for banks, insurance, and investment firms.
• Understanding the roles and responsibilities of the board, committees, and senior management.
• Board composition, independence, and diversity in financial entities.
• Risk governance frameworks and the board's oversight of financial risks.
• Ensuring effective internal audit and control functions.

Module 3: Regulatory Compliance Frameworks

• Overview of major financial regulations (e.g., Basel Accords, Dodd-Frank, MiFID II).
• Understanding anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) regulations.
• Data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) in financial services.
• Consumer protection laws and fair lending practices.
• Navigating cross-border regulatory requirements.

Module 4: Ethics and Conduct in Finance

• Developing a strong ethical code of conduct for financial professionals.
• Understanding conflicts of interest and market abuse.
• Promoting a culture of integrity, honesty, and fairness.
• Whistleblowing policies and protection for ethical reporting.
• The importance of professional standards and fiduciary duties.

Module 5: Financial Crime Risk Management

• Identifying and assessing risks related to money laundering, fraud, and cybercrime.
• Implementing robust Know Your Customer (KYC) and Customer Due Diligence (CDD) processes.
• Strategies for transaction monitoring and suspicious activity reporting (SARs).
• The role of technology in detecting and preventing financial crime.
• Case studies of financial crime typologies and prevention.

Module 6: Internal Controls and Assurance

• Designing and implementing effective internal control systems for financial processes.
• Understanding the three lines of defense model in risk management.
• The role of compliance functions in monitoring and testing controls.
• Leveraging technology for automated controls and continuous monitoring.
• Ensuring audit readiness and responding to regulatory findings.

Module 7: Building a Culture of Compliance and Ethics

• Strategies for embedding GEC principles throughout the organization.
• Developing effective training and awareness programs for all employees.
• Fostering psychological safety to encourage speaking up and reporting concerns.
• Measuring the effectiveness of GEC programs and cultural indicators.
• Creating a personalized action plan for championing GEC excellence in your financial institution.

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.