Risk and Governance

Sound governance is a vital part of every successful organisation. Depending upon the sector in which you operate there may be specific regulatory drivers you must adhere to.

An increasingly regulated UK and international environment calls for business to reflect their honesty, transparency, ethical behaviour and long-term sustainability, as well as identify and manage risks.

Swenta's dedicated team provide an array of corporate governance, risk management and internal audit services. We work closely with your senior management to ensure our work fits with your business circumstances and culture, whilst embracing the latest regulations and guidelines.

Demand for sound governance is increasing with more emphasis placed on reporting information flow than ever before. Goodgovernance is putting the right controls in place with suitable control systems - is the key to a smooth-running operation.

Stability and assurance from good corporate governance practices can improve your shareholder value. A business with good governance and risk processes is more likely to attract finance from global capital markets and overseas trading partners.

The financial sector has many Governance requirements over and above those set out in the UK code of Corporate Governance. Some set by the Walker review or prudential sourcebooks, some by prudential notes and yet others imposed by trading in overseas geographic zones covered by their own regulatory bodies.

The public sector has also developed its governance requirements over the last few years. An increased focus on governance has led to the restructuring of committees, improved risk management and increased involvement from independent directors.

Whether the focus is to meet best practice or adhere to regulatory requirements. Swenta has capability to address these requirements for a wide range of entities, using practical and pragmatic solutions to meet complex needs.

Internal controls

Following corporate failures like Enron, Worldcom and Parmalat, there are more UK and international regulations and guidelines to comply with than ever before.

Meeting these guidelines can often be overwhelming but Swenta can install systems using best practice to help manage your reporting. This allows you to concentrate on the daily running of your business and to use your resources more efficiently.

Swenta can guide you through the information and set up the systems to help you comply with:

The UK Corporate Governance Code . These guidelines for sound governance are now officially part of the London Stock Exchange's listing rules. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX). All organisations registered with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) must now adhere to Section 404. Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE) No. 16 - a US standard set by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) - requires that a company audits its control activities to a required format.

Our internal audit team is greatly experienced in both the public and private sectors and have developed a risk-based approach to internal audit. We can review your internal audit function, assess its effectiveness and refine it to suit your business.

You can choose the level of input you need from us; we can work at a consultancy level, or alongside your in-house team.