views
What makes up an effective process to ensure that
boards are adequately fulfilling their compliance oversight
responsibilities? Does your bank (or an independent third
party) review and evaluate the following:
question and challenge management’s recommendations
and decisions? The board should also hold management
accountable to deadlines for resolving compliance
deficiencies, especially significant and/or repeated regulator
identified matters requiring attention.
Compliance Culture
Compliance risk professionals know that evaluating and
improving your compliance program is an ongoing process
and incorporating the evaluation of the board’s oversight
(and related processes) will only strengthen the safety and
soundness of the bank; demonstrate a commitment to
compliance to your shareholders, customers and other
stakeholders and positively influence the bank’s compliance
culture and work environment. These sound business
practices have applicability to other industries besides
banking, and DHG stands ready to assist you in assessing
and evaluating how effective your board is in carrying out
their compliance oversight responsibilities.
It is imperative that the board (and management) set the
“tone at the top” for a positive compliance and ethical culture
at the bank. Their commitment and the compliance culture is
demonstrated not merely through policies and annual training
but also through action by holding those outliers accountable
when they fail to comply and/or act unethically.
Communications with the Board
The board should be actively involved in compliance matters
and this may be tested by reviewing board and audit
committee meeting minutes. To keep the board involved and
informed periodic reports should be provided and discussed
and include the current and forecasted compliance risks
and issues.
Significant self and/or regulator identified issues
should be reported on and discussed in detail and include
the status of corrective actions. The board should also be
briefed and trained on new regulations or organizational
policy requirements. An update on any actions to address
compliance “readiness” for new regulations should also be
provided to the board.
How DHG Can Help
DHG’s team of regulatory compliance professionals can
provide the following services:
• Tailor and conduct a thorough independent assessment
of the effectiveness of the board’s oversight to identify
gaps and recommend corrective action
»» Reporting
Compliance Oversight
»» Training
All of the board’s compliance oversight duties are critical;
however, holding management accountable for adhering
to the compliance governance framework and program
requirements is essential and sends a strong message
to employees, customers, vendors, regulators and the
general public.
Through a review of meeting minutes and/
or memorandum it should be clear and evident that the
board is holding management accountable. Does the board
»» Communications
»» Board Committee Charters
• Develop training materials
• Assess applicable polices, charters and other governing
documents and design the enhancements
1. Banks with more than $50 billion in assets.
2. Remarks by Thomas J. Curry, Comptroller of the Currency before the Prudential Bank Regulation Conference, Washington, D.C.
June 9, 2015
Assurance | Tax | Advisory | dhgllp.com
2
.