In an era of increasing public scrutiny and complex regulatory landscapes, a strong commitment to ethics and integrity is the bedrock of sound financial stewardship. This training course provides a comprehensive and strategic guide for professionals who are tasked with upholding these principles within their institutions. We will explore the critical role of ethical frameworks, transparent governance, and a culture of integrity in safeguarding financial stability and public trust. This program is an essential resource for leaders and staff who must navigate the moral and legal challenges of modern finance, ensuring their decisions are not only compliant but also ethically sound.

This intensive five-day program moves beyond theoretical concepts to provide a practical understanding of how to embed a robust ethics and integrity program into an organization's core functions. Participants will gain deep insights into identifying and mitigating conflicts of interest, promoting a speak-up culture, and conducting ethical risk assessments. Through a combination of case studies, interactive discussions, and best-practice examples, attendees will develop the skills to lead by example and build a sustainable culture of ethical conduct. By the end of this course, you will be equipped to act as a guardian of your institution’s reputation and a champion of its long-term integrity.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• Central bank governors and senior management
• Board members and committee chairs
• Legal and compliance professionals
• Internal auditors and risk managers
• Human resources and talent management professionals
• Financial regulators and supervisors
• Executives from private sector banks
• Government officials in finance ministries
• Communication and public relations staff
• Policy advisors at international financial institutions

Objectives:

• Understand the core concepts of ethical leadership and financial stewardship
• Grasp the institutional and personal drivers of ethical behavior
• Formulate a robust ethics and integrity program for a financial institution
• Interpret and navigate conflicts of interest and fiduciary responsibilities
• Assess and mitigate the risks of fraud, corruption, and misconduct
• Develop a framework for ethical decision-making in a crisis
• Evaluate the role of governance and oversight in promoting integrity
• Design a training and communication plan for ethical standards
• Apply lessons from global case studies to local contexts

Course Modules: Module 1: The Foundations of Ethics & Integrity

• The ethical dimensions of financial stewardship
• The role of institutional values and codes of conduct
• The psychological and social drivers of ethical behavior
• The importance of leadership in setting the ethical tone
• The relationship between ethics, reputation, and public trust

Module 2: Governance & Oversight

• The role of the board and senior management in ethical oversight
• Designing a transparent and accountable governance structure
• The importance of a robust internal audit function
• The role of independent oversight bodies
• Ensuring accountability in a complex organization

Module 3: Conflict of Interest & Fiduciary Duties

• Identifying and managing real and perceived conflicts of interest
• The legal and ethical obligations of fiduciary duty
• Developing a policy on gifts, hospitality, and outside activities
• The importance of a formal disclosure process
• Case studies in managing complex conflicts

Module 4: Fraud, Corruption & Misconduct

• The red flags of fraud and corruption
• The role of internal controls and risk management
• Developing an anti-corruption and anti-bribery program
• The importance of a speak-up culture and whistleblower protection
• The use of data analytics to detect misconduct

Module 5: Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks

• Applying ethical frameworks to real-world dilemmas
• The role of ethical reasoning in complex policy decisions
• Navigating competing ethical obligations
• The importance of a clear and consistent decision-making process
• The challenge of groupthink and its impact on ethics

Module 6: Culture & Training

• The building blocks of a strong ethical culture
• The importance of ongoing ethics training
• Tailoring training to different levels of the organization
• The use of communication and storytelling to reinforce values
• Measuring the effectiveness of an ethics program

Module 7: The Regulatory & Legal Landscape

• The role of regulation in enforcing ethical standards
• The legal implications of ethical failures
• The importance of compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) laws
• The challenges of cross-border ethical standards
• The role of legal counsel in ethics and integrity

Module 8: Crisis Management & Reputation

• Developing a crisis communication plan for an ethical failure
• The role of leadership in a crisis
• Managing public perception and media scrutiny
• The importance of transparency and accountability in the aftermath
• Restoring trust and credibility

Module 9: The Future of Ethics & Integrity

• The impact of new technology on ethical challenges
• The role of AI and data in ethical governance
• The challenges of regulating FinTech and digital assets
• The long-term implications for institutional sustainability
• A strategic roadmap for continuous improvement

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.