Chairman of World Association of Compliance takes part at Financial Crimes Forum in Bahrain

Hany Abou-El-Fotouh, The Honorary Chairman of World Association of Compliance (WAC) has delivered a presentation at the forum and chaired a stream on e-crimes

Addressing the delegates, Abou-El-Fotouh said: sound corporate governance framework at financial institutions is very important to safeguard the institution against fraud. It ensures that oversight responsibilities exercised at each layer ensures proper internal controls, transparency and integrity. The layers include shareholders (represented in the Annual General Assembly), Board of Directors, Audit Committee and other board committees, independent auditors, CEO & top management and support business units.

He further added: the application of the four principals of corporate governance i.e. accountability, fairness, transparency and fairness; should help the institution to reduce the likelihood of fraud and other financial crimes.

He underscored the importance of training. In particular, internal auditors must receive specialized training on fraud detection and prevention. However, other employees in the institution should receive adequate training relevant to their job. Coupled with training, is targeted fraud awareness programs.

Abou-El-Fotouh stressed that financial institutions should develop sound custom-made risk-focused compliance ad anti-fraud programs, which involve the development and adoption of procedures, systems and controls to address the risk of financial crimes including money laundering. Additionally, they should understand the latest technological solutions in combating fraud and financial crimes.

Finally, Abou-El-Fotouh called on financial institutions to improve customer data protection and assess their operations accordingly.