Corporate Governance Principles for Banks (BCBS)
Effective corporate governance is critical to the proper functioning of the banking sector and the economy as a whole. Banks perform a crucial role in the economy by intermediating funds from savers and depositors to activities that support enterprise and help drive economic growth. Banks’ safety and soundness are key to financial stability, and the manner in which they conduct their business, therefore, is central to economic health. Governance weaknesses at banks that play a significant role in the financial system can result in the transmission of problems across the banking sector and the economy as a whole.
KING V CODE ON CORPORATE GOVERNANCE FOR SOUTH AFRICA (Draft)
The King V Code on Corporate Governance for South Africa establishes a comprehensive framework for ethical and effective leadership, emphasising integrated thinking and sustainable value creation within economic, social, and environmental contexts. It defines corporate governance as the pursuit of four main outcomes—ethical culture, performance, conformance, and legitimacy—through the actions of the governing body. Critical principles include ethical leadership, balanced governing body composition, clear delegation, and robust risk and compliance management. The Code advocates stakeholder inclusivity and responsible corporate citizenship grounded in Ubuntu philosophy, guiding organisations to create value for both themselves and broader society. Governance practices are structured around steering the organisation, approving policies, overseeing management, and ensuring accountability. The Code mandates an outcomes-based, “apply and explain” disclosure approach, allowing for proportional adaptation based on an organisation’s size and complexity. It addresses essential domains: ethics, strategy, reporting, risk, compliance, stakeholder management, information governance (including emerging technologies like AI), assurance, and remuneration. Organisations are encouraged to implement leading practices, foster diversity and competence, and ensure independent oversight of committees, with transparency and continuous evaluation central to its application.