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Compliance : key component to a clean administration 22 May 2014 Compliance best practice Generally Accepted Compliance Practice Framework (GACP) – Compliance Institute Southern Africa King Report and Code on Corporate Governance, 2009 (King III) – Institute of Directors Significant Legislation that requires compliance function/activities 2 Brief History of Compliance in SA 1989 South African Futures Exchange Rules require member firms to appoint a registered compliance officer to ensure compliance with SAFEX rules 1994 King I highlighted the importance of governance and compliance 1995 The Johannesburg Stock Exchange Rules required member firms to employ a registered compliance to ensure that the member firm complied with the JSE Rules. 1999 Strate Rules required the appointment of a registered compliance officer. 2000 Regulation 47 to the Banks Act introduced. This regulation required all South African banks and foreign banks with South African branches to appoint a compliance officer and establish a compliance function. 3 Brief History of Compliance in SA 2001 The Policyholder Protection Rules issued under the Long-term Insurance Act and the Short-term Insurance Act require insurers to appoint a compliance officer to monitor compliance with the rules. 2001 Introduction of the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA), aimed at combatting money laundering. FICA requires accountable intitutions to appoint a compliance officer to ensure compliance by the institution with the Act and by its employees with the Act and the institutions internal rules. 2002 King II highlighted the importance of corporate governance and compliance, but does not yet formally recommend that organisations consider establishing a compliance function. 2002 The Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS) requires all licensed financial services providers to appoint an approved compliance officer. The compliance officer can be either an employee or an outsourced independent compliance practitioner. This requirement becomes effective in 2004. 4 Brief History of Compliance in SA 2009 King III – Code of Governance for South Africa is an updated version of King II that is aligned to the Companies Act and extends its application to all entities, both public and private. King III has significantly strengthened requirements for organisations to develop and implement an appropriate compliance policy and framework to manage compliance risks, and recommends that all organisations consider establishing a compliance function. 2011 Regulation 49 to the Banks Act came into existence - replacing the old Regulation 47 5 GACP: Core Principles & Standards 1. Governance 2. Compliance Policy 3. Responsibility of Management 4. Establishment of a Compliance Function 5. Status 6. Independence 7. Roles and Responsibilities 8. Head of Compliance 6 GACP: Core Principles & Standards 9. Fit and Proper 10. Resources 11. Appointment and Termination 12. Compliance Culture 13. Outsourcing 14. Independent Review 15. Materiality 16. Compliance Process 7 GACP: Applicability • Increasingly gaining recognition as the primary source of compliance best practice • Being used more frequently to guide the evaluation and assessment of organisations’ compliance structures, frameworks and activities by: o Regulators, o Internal audit functions, o External compliance practitioners, and o Organisations themselves 8 King III: Overview • King III is owned by the Institute of Directors in Southern Africa (IoD) and is the primary source of corporate governance best practice • Focuses on corporate governance as a whole (of which compliance is a part) so does not address compliance as extensively as GACP (which is specifically focused on compliance) • Is also another important source of compliance best practice and guidance for organisations across all industries and sectors • Released in September 2009 and became effective in March 2010 9 King III: Compliance Aspects • Chapter 6 of King III deals with “Compliance with laws, rules, codes and standards” • When considering the compliance chapter it is also important to understand how it inter-relates with other chapters • Each version of King has placed more emphasis on compliance as an essential element of good corporate governance. In King III, the compliance principles and recommendations have been significantly enhanced and it is recommended that organisations consider appointing a compliance officer/establishing a compliance function 10 King III: Applicability • Applies to “all entities regardless of the manner and form of incorporation or establishment and whether in the public, private sectors or non-profit sectors” • The terms ‘company’, ‘boards’ and ‘directors’ should be substituted with the relevant terms of those with functional responsibility for governance in entities other than companies as appropriate e.g. a Public Entity under PFMA should substitute ‘board’ with ‘accounting authority’ 11 Applicability of Compliance Best Practice • Last few years has seen a significant shift in compliance being primarily a feature of the financial services industry to many other industries and sectors • GACP and King III are applicable across all sectors and industries • Despite having initially been developed based on the needs and experiences of the financial services industry, compliance best practice was developed based on generic and widely accepted principles and practice e.g.: 12 Applicability of Compliance Best Practice o Best practice around compliance structures, governance and oversight is based largely on general corporate governance principles that are also applicable to other risk management and assurance disciplines e.g. risk management functions and internal functions; and o The compliance risk management process is based on a general risk management approach of identify, assess, manage and monitor. This approach has been widely accepted and applied by many different types of organisations universally 13 Compliance & Ethics: Compliance Culture & Definition: Compliance Culture “The culture of shared values, beliefs, assumptions and behaviours existing within an organisation that characterises the organisation, especially in relation to compliance obligations.” - GACP • Compliance culture is critical to the success of overall compliance risk management programme 14 Compliance & Ethics: Compliance Culture Compliance Culture Responsibility of Top Management Facilitated & emphasised by Governance Structure Promoted by Compliance Function 15 Compliance & Ethics: Compliance Culture • Compliance culture needs to be emphasised at all levels of the organisation – not only the top • Establishing and re-inforcing should include consideration of, inter alia: o Clear expectations of all levels of staff regarding their compliance responsibilities; o Training and awareness of compliance matters; o Appropriate disciplinary policies and procedures that are effectively, consistently and fairly applied; and o Compliance as an element of the performance measures and the remuneration/incentive/reward systems of all relevant levels of staff 16 Identifying Applicable Regulatory Requirements Legislated Requirements National Laws Actual laws e.g. Acts of Parliament Subordinate legislation e.g. Rules, Regulations and Codes Provincial Laws Municipal By-Laws Supervisory requirements e.g. Notices, Directives and guidelines etc. License conditions if applicable 17 Complex and Changing Regulatory Environment • Organisations are challenged with regulatory requirements that are increasing in volume and complexity • Between 1994 and 2012, South Africa introduced >1150 new Acts (including Amendment Acts but excluding subordinate legislation) • Regulatory oversight and enforcement is evolving and improving 18 Complex and Changing Regulatory Environment • Not unusual for organisations to identify anywhere between about 50 and a few hundred applicable regulatory requirements, depending on factors such as: o The industry within which they operate; o Their size; o The nature and complexity of their business operations, transactions and activities; and o The geographic spread of their business 19 Complex and Changing Regulatory Environment • Large volumes and complexity poses challenges for organisations: o Consequences of non-compliance o Cost of compliance e.g. Implementing new processes and systems; Training staff o Correctly interpreting and applying new requirements o Inconsistent application across industry/ies o Competitive challenges 20 Some Major Influences on Regulatory Development • Government Policy • International developments • Corporate failures • Questionable Market Conduct and Business Practices 21 Examples of Stakeholders whose Interests are protected by Regulation Consumers/ Customers e.g. Consumer Protection Act and FAIS The State Investors e.g. Securities Services Act and Companies Act e.g. Income Tax Act and Value-Added Tax Act. Public Interest Society as a whole or specific sections thereof e.g. The Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act and Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act Individual laws may be aimed at more than one group Communities e.g. National Environmental Management Act Employees e.g. Labour Relations Act and Basic Conditions of Employment Act Other industry organisations e.g. Competition Act 22 Objectives of Regulation Responsibility Accountability Regulation aims to ensure adherence to key principles Transparency Fairness 23 Objectives of Regulation • Identify objectives of specific legislation whose interests it seeks to protect from preamble or within the legislation itself e.g. The preamble to the Occupational Health and Saftey Act states: “To provide for the health and safety of persons at work and for the health and safety of persons in connection with the use of plant and machinery; the protection of persons other than persons at work against hazards to health and safety arising out of or in connection with the activities of persons at work; to establish an advisory council for occupational health and safety; and to provide for matters connected therewith.” 24 Compliance is Mandatory • The need for organisations to comply with legislation is not new • From a legal standpoint, organisations do not have a choice as to whether or not they should comply with the law o As recognised legal persons, compliance with all laws that apply to them is mandatory o Failure to comply renders the entity liable to any fines, penalties, civil liabilty and other of non-compliance • Using compliance functions (imposed by law or voluntarily) and frameworks to assist in addressing compliance risks is a relatively recent development 25 Compliance is Mandatory • Many organisations comply (or try to) with many laws even if they don’t have a compliance function and/or framework • Consider: Before your own organisation had a compliance function: o Did your organisation never meet any of it’s tax obligations in terms of the VAT Act and Income Tax Act? o Did your organisation not have any regard for the requirements of the Labour Relations Act and Basic Conditions of Employement Act in dealing with employees and their recognised representative organisations? o If you belong to a company, did your organisation not meet any of the Companies Act requirements? 26 Regulators: Overview • There are many different regulators covering a large variety of industries, sectors, professions and activities • Their specific role and objectives are derived from their legislated mandate. Individual roles may vary significantly • Regulators may be established as departments/functions/agencies of government or as independent bodies • For non-legislated regulatory requirements, the “regulator” could be the relevant industry body, association, organisation etc. 27 Regulators: Roles & Objectives Developing regulatory requirements (or assisting/ advising) Promoting, monitoring, and enforcing compliance Issuing appropriate guidance notes and/or directives Regulator roles and objectives may include Maintaining stability, confidence and competitiveness Licensing/ authorising Protecting or assisting affected stakeholders 28 Engagement with Regulators • Many regulators would rather work constructively with regulated organisations to pre-empt and resolve challenges and problems in a manner that is in the best interests of all stakeholders • Organisations should maintain a professional and courteous relationship with relevant regulators • Develop trust communication through open and • Demonstrate co-operation. Assurances regulators should be backed by action honest given to 29 Non-Compliance: Enforcement & Sanctions Non-compliance may result in: • • • • • Fines, Imprisonment, Administrative penalties, Other Administrative sanctions, Loss of authorisation to operate e.g. a license suspension/ withdrawal. • Liability for losses suffered by affected parties 30 Non-Compliance: Enforcement & Sanctions • Regulator’s approach to applying or seeking the imposition of a penalty or sanction may be influenced by: o The extent of non-compliance and the specific results thereof, o Organisations track record in respect of compliance, and o Willingness and commitment to co-operate and resolve the matter in the interests of affected stakeholders and in accordance with the regulator’s mandate 31 Non-Compliance: Enforcement & Sanctions • Challenges for regulators: o Administrative sanctions and penalties may be subject to prescribed appeal processes or challenged through the courts o Some sanctions/measures are subject to lengthy and uncertain judicial processes e.g. criminal liability (fines & imprisonment) – Need to be referred to NPA for decision to prosecute, followed by trial and imposition of penalty by a court 32 Non-Compliance: Enforcement & Sanctions • Increasing statutory establishment of alternative dispute resolution and complaints handling bodies: o Ombuds, commissions, tribunals etc. o Quicker and cheaper means for affected parties to seek recourse and recover losses from regulated entities 33 Non-Compliance: Impact on Reputation Noncompliance Publicity Negative impact on reputation • In addition to a regulators response to non-compliance organisations should also be concerned about the response of other relevant stakeholders such as investors, customers/clients, employees, community members etc. 34 Non-Compliance: Impact on Reputation • Information is spread quickly in todays digital age • Reputational impact may in some instances have far greater consequences for the organisation than the penalties, fines or other consequences that could be imposed • Reputation may be impacted by actual or perceived non-compliance 35 The Need for Compliance Functions Legislated Requirement Other High Profile Legislation e.g. Banks Act e.g. CPA FAIS FICA PFMA Why have a compliance function? Business Ethics King III 36 Structure of the Compliance Function may Differ Across Organisations GACP “The structure, nature and extent of the compliance function should be appropriate to the organisation’s business, considering the nature, scale and complexity of the business with regard to: – Product and service offerings; – Structure and diversity of the organisation’s operations; and – Risks associated with the different product and service offerings.” King III “Each company should consider the suitable structure and size of its compliance function, considering what is appropriate for the adequate management of the compliance risk of the particular company and having regard to the legislative requirements that apply to the compliance function. The structure of the compliance function, its role and its position in terms of reporting lines, should reflect the company‘s decision on how compliance is integrated with its ethics and risk management.” 37 Independence “Principle and standards 6 : Independence” of the GACP states: “Principle: The compliance function should be sufficiently independent of business activities to be able to discharge its responsibilities objectively. Explanation: The required independence includes the ability to operate and communicate in an unhindered manner. This level of independence must be clearly specified and formalised in the compliance policy and/or charter.” 38 Independence • Compliance functions should be able to carry out their responsibilities without undue influence, fear of interference or recrimination • Top management should ensure the independence of the compliance function 39 Independence is Facilitated by: Reporting Lines Identifying & Managing Conflicts of Interest Governance Structures Independence of Compliance Function 40 Independence: Governance Structures • Compliance responsibilities of governance structures should be formally established and recorded in their respective mandates • Compliance function should have direct access to top management, governance structures and executive management 41 Independence: Reporting Lines Governance Structure e.g. Audit/ Risk Committee Management e.g. CEO/ CFO etc. Recommended reporting lines Functional Compliance Function Operational Irrespective of actual reporting lines, the compliance function should have direct access to and demonstrable support from the CEO and top management (board or equivalent) 42 Conflicts of Interest • Real and perceived conflicts of interest should be avoided wherever possible • Where they cannot be avoided, they should be identified, disclosed and managed 43 Conflicts of Interest Common causes of conflict of interest for compliance functions: Reporting Lines Conflicting/Dual Roles Remuneration Policies • E.g. When need to report/provide assurance on compliance matters that are responsibility of their own reporting line • May be addressed by dual reporting lines but may not always remove the conflict effectively (see activity) • Ideally, compliance staff should not have any other responsibilities • When they do, conflicts of interest must be avoided, consider: o Will they monitor their own work? o Will they assess/judge decisions made by themselves? • Remuneration/ incentives of compliance staff should not be directly related to the performance of the business area for which they have compliance responsibilities • When linked to performance of of business as a whole, less likely to cause conflict 44 Independence & Advice • The “advice” role of the compliance function does not impair independence, provided that: o Compliance staff member providing the advice is not the decision-maker or implementer i.e. only makes recommendation • Compliance function needs to maintain close working relationship with other areas of the business and not be seen as “outsiders” • Some organisations with larger compliance functions separate roles within the team e.g. Regulatory Analysis, Risk Management and Monitoring 45 Compliance Function: Other Considerations Regulatory requirements which must be met and adhered to regarding the governance, structure, operation or organisation of the compliance function The function should be subject to regular independent review Other considerations in implementing and maintaining a compliance function Compliance should form part of the overall risk management framework Resources & Competencies 46 Resources & Competencies • An effective compliance function requires adequate resources to fulfil its function o Responsibility of top management supported by management • The resourcing of the compliance function should consider: o Human resources; o Financial resources; and o Operational capacity 47 Reviewing Effectiveness of the Compliance Function • Top management should ensure that the compliance function is subject to regular independent review • Review objectives: o Function is operating effectively and as intended o Facilitate the continual improvement • Reviews can be carried out by internal audit, an independent compliance officer or other suitably qualified professionals 48 Reviewing Effectiveness of the Compliance Function • Reviews should include all key compliance processes and areas of activity o Should consider both the adequacy and the effectiveness o Deficiencies identified should be addressed in a timely manner • Also consider informal self assessment based reviews • Consider extending scope of reviews to include all aspects of compliance management across the organisation and not necessarily limit the reviews to the “compliance function” to recognise the key responsibilities of others in managing compliance risks e.g. management 49 Overview of Compliance Roles & Responsibilities Top$Management Management Employees/$Staff Carry out activities in accordance with regulatory requirements • Apply compliance controls and measures • Must adhere to compliance policy, framework, processes and procedures • Should escalate/ report identified/known compliance breaches and exposures Compliance$Func8on • Primary role is to assist top management, management and relevant staff members to discharge their responsibility to comply with applicable regulatory requirements through the provision of compliance risk management services 50 Compliance Documents: Overview Compliance Policy Compliance Framework/Charter Other compliance enabling documents Compliance Process Documents Other compliance guidance/supporting documents Business and operational documents (policies, procedures, rules etc.) addressing compliance with specific regulatory requirements 51 Compliance Policy: The Need GACP “A written compliance policy should exist, which sets out the organisation’s commitment and approach to compliance, as well as what is expected of all employees. The compliance policy should include a compliance policy statement.” King III “The board should ensure that a legal compliance policy, approved by the board, has been implemented by management.” 52 Compliance Policy: Responsibilities Develop & Maintain Approval & Review • Management responsibility • In practice done by compliance function in consultation with management • Top management • At least annually • Should be board or equivalent itself & not governance structure e.g. risk/audit committee • Management Implementation & Adherence 53 Relationship Between Policy & Framework Compliance Policy • Principles • High level Compliance Framework • Principles & standards • More detailed level • Framework includes charter – terms often used interchangeably (Some organisations even have both) • Different approaches across organisations e.g. o Short policy supported by more detailed framework (the basis followed by this material), or o Lengthy policy and no framework o Somewhere inbetween 54 Content of Compliance Policy & Definition: Compliance Policy “A policy which establishes the principles of, and commitment to, the management of compliance risk by an organisation. It also sets out the expected performance of all staff members in relation to the maintenance of compliance procedures and overall governance of the organisation.” - GACP 55 Compliance manual • The compliance function should develop a compliance manual or other suitable reference documents/sources that is readily accessible and guides the organisation and staff on all aspects of compliance management • Compliance manual is essentially a collection of the documents described above together with relevant compliance risk management plans 56 CRMP Overview • Formats, content, structure, detail & complexity may differ across organisations • CRMPs form the basis for risk-based compliance monitoring • CRMPs consider compliance risks and apply the key activities at a more detailed level i.e. the specific provisions, sections, rules, regulations etc. that are contained and set out within applicable regulatory items 57 CRMP Overview Compliance Risk Identification • Identify all applicable provisions that have a compliance obligation for the, Industry Codes etc. • Analyse and interpret provisions • Restate in simple language for business purposes (if required) Compliance Risk Assessment • Identify existing controls in place to meet the requirement/s • Estimate the adequacy and effectiveness of existing controls • Apply risk assessment scales to the various requirements • Prioritise items for further attention Compliance Risk Management • Identify control enhancements required • Allocate responsibility and timeframes for control enhancements CRMP • Agree plans with management • Track and monitor implementation of the plan. Report and escalate where required (based on materiality levels) • Maintain based on regulatory developments and changes in business environment 58 CRMP: Basic Example Ref Requirement Interpretation Existing Controls Residual Risk Ser Reg 4 Every employer with five or more persons in his employ shall have a copy of the act and the relevant regulations readily available at the work place: provided that, where the total number of employees is less than five, the employer shall, on request of an employee, make a copy of the act available to that employee Because we have more than 5 employees, the act and relevant regulations need to be readily available and not just made available on request. 1. A copy of the act and relevant regulations is available on the company intranet site (An inspection identified that not all staff have access to the intranet and that some staff who do have access are not aware of the act being on the intranet) M Prob H Control Enhancements Responsible & Target Over H 1. Posters of the printed act and regs to be obtained and placed in strategic locations throughout the premises 2. Posters will be regularly checked to ensure that they have not been removed or damaged 3. Staff to be made aware through e-mail and verbal communication by managers of both the posters (and their locations) and the intranet link to the act and regs Health & Safety Officer (Insert date) Health & Safety Officer – Monthly Check Health & Safety Officer – prepare communication and email (Insert date) All managers – Communicate verbally (Insert date) 59 Compliance Monitoring • Critical component of the compliance process • King III requires boards to both monitor and receive assurance on compliance • Compliance monitoring should be carried out in accordance with a risk-based compliance monitoring programme agreed with and approved by top management and management • Monitoring results should form part of compliance reporting • Organisations should develop an appropriate monitoring approach and process 60 Compliance Monitoring • Compliance monitoring can take on various forms depending on factors including: o o o o The monitoring objectives; The monitoring scope; The level of assurance to be obtained; Who is carrying it out 61 Compliance Training: What should it Cover? • Compliance training for staff should cover all aspects of compliance, including, but not limited to: o The compliance policy, framework, and processes; o Compliance roles and responsibilities, both in general as well as their own specifically; o Applicable regulatory requirements; o Consequences of non-compliance, to both the organisation and the staff; o Relevant controls, business processes and operating procedures related to compliance with regulatory requirements within their area of responsibility; o How to identify, report and resolve compliance breaches and exposures; and o Where and how to seek guidance on compliance matters 62 Compliance Reporting • Essential for effective oversight, governance and management of compliance risks • Each organisation should develop its own reporting framework • A process should also be developed for overseeing and managing all regulatory reporting requirements 63