31 August 2023                

In this month’s Risk Insider, we provide insights on the issue of effective ESG reporting, the need for a conflict-of-interest standard, Operational Technology Cybersecurity, Business identity theft and Supply Chain Fraud as well as our point of view on Bribery and Corruption Risks. In particular, we explore business’s culture that prevents organisations from achieving targets and lists pragmatic approaches for your consideration.

I would like to also share my views on the paramount importance of a business strategy refresh, in light of inflationary pressures, economic headwinds, geopolitical risk, cost cutting by government and many conflicting so-called leading indicators. Updating business strategy helps organisations remain competitive by prompting a review of changes in the marketplace, evolving stakeholder expectations, and advances in technology. This allows businesses to better respond to new opportunities and challenges while remaining relevant. The exercise also helps identify opportunities to streamline processes, reduce costs and improve overall efficiency.

A refreshed business strategy is a critical component of long-term success. A well-designed and executed strategy can improve your financial performance, weather the impact of a recession and position your business for growth when the economy recovers, soft landing or not. By focusing on the key drivers of growth, such as innovation, efficiency, and stakeholder engagement, a sustainable and resilient business is built that is well-positioned for future success. Consider refreshing your strategy with the following:

Be (even more) digital

Leverage data and analytics to drive and automate decisions – Invest in data management and analysis tools and processes to inform and automate decision-making, improve Board and stakeholder insights and drive innovation.   
Foster a digital-first mindset – Promote digital literacy, encouraging experimentation and risk-taking. Provide opportunities for employees to innovate and bring new ideas to life.

Embrace ESG

Consumers and investors are increasingly environmentally and socially conscious. Addressing environmental, social, and governance factors improves your reputation and creates new business opportunities. ESG is simply good for business—leading to increased sales, improved pricing, higher margins, better talent acquisition/retention, and higher valuations.

Building strong relationships with local stakeholders, such as government agencies and suppliers, is critical to success in new markets. Understand local business practices and develop a strong network of local contacts.

I hope you enjoy this month's edition of the Risk Insider and would like to thank you on behalf of RSM for subscribing to this newsletter.

                

Warmest regards,                 
Jean-Marc

INTERNAL AUDIT AND RELATED SERVICES TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SECTOR

 

Learn more about RSM's expertise in the Federal Government.

RSM has a long history of providing a wide range of value added internal audit and related services to the federal government.   
 

Download report 

SPOTLIGHT - SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS   

Episode 3: Unlocking the Power of Data for Effective ESG Reporting

In our third episode of Sustainability Matters, we explore the challenges organisations may face along the data maturity curve and gain valuable tips on how to overcome these obstacles to help shape strategic decisions, enhance transparency and embrace progress.    
        
Check out the video now >>

 

ARTICLES AND INSIGHTS

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Does Australia need a conflict-of-interest standard?                        

The continuing controversy over conflict-of-interest and confidentiality breaches in Australia has sharpened public attention on what can go wrong when checks and balances fall short and trust is eroded.          
Continue reading >>


 

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Operational Technology Cybersecurity

The time to protect your critical OT environments is NOW and RSM is uniquely positioned to assess, quantify and manage your OT Cyber risks.

 Continue reading >>                         


 

Cultural audits help identify risks and hit targets

Your business’s culture may be preventing you from achieving targets and increasing risk, but a cultural audit can identify culture strengths and weaknesses and make recommendations for improvement.       
Continue reading >>



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Business identity theft – a growing fraud trend

Business identity theft is a popular and growing tactic that is being used by fraudsters across the globe. Any business can be affected by business identity theft and therefore all businesses should consider any associated risks and control mechanisms that can be used to combat this emerging scheme.

Continue reading >>


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Safeguarding the Manufacturing Industry: Mitigating Supply Chain Fraud and Bribery and Corruption Risks

In today's increasingly complex business landscape, the manufacturing industry faces substantial risks related to fraud and corruption. In fact, according to the ACFE’s 2022 ‘Report to the Nations’, businesses lose 5% of revenue to fraud every year.

 Continue reading >>


  
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Boundaries of the CDR Data Environment

The CDR data environment involves identifying the people, processes and technology that manages, secures, stores, processes, transmits or otherwise interacts with CDR data. CDR data also includes any data derived from CDR data. We describe CDR data as being toxic, contaminating any derived data or systems with the CDR Rules.

 Continue reading >>


 

EVENTS AND SPONSORSHIPS


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MyCISO Webinar      

RSM Australia and MyCISO announce strategic alliance to digitise cybersecurity assessments for the mid-market for data driven audits. RSM's Ashwin Pal and MyCISO Dean Meah presented on how you can lower risk and insurance premiums while increasing your organisation’s resilience.

Watch here >>

 

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13th National Public Sector Fraud & Corruption Congress 
Wednesday,13 September 2023

Roger Darvall-Stevens, Partner and Head of Fraud & Forensic Services and Chris Scott, Manager, Fraud & Forensic Services are presenting on the panel: Utilising Artificial Intelligence for effective fraud and corruption management.

Find out more here >>

 
 
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RSM Australia - Exclusive ACFE Authorised Trainer for the CFE Exam Review Course in Australia 
10 - 13 October 2023

RSM Australia’s upcoming October 2023 CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) Exam Review Course 4-day instructor led training by RSM Australia’s Fraud & Forensic Services Authorised Trainers under contract from the global ACFE (Association of Certified Fraud Examiners).

Find out more here >>

 

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2023 AAWI Conference  | Adelaide 
7th - 8th of September

An upcoming conference panel presentation by RSM Australia’s Fraud & Forensic Services Partner Roger Darvall-Stevens at the ‘AAWI (Australasian Association of Workplace Investigators) 2023 Conference’ on 7-8 September 2023 on ‘Interaction of criminal law, fraud and corruption, and workplace investigations’.

Find out more here >>

 

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ACFE Fraud Conference Asia-Pacific 
20 - 22 September 2023

Milind Sheth, Senior Manager (Fraud & Forensic Services) is speaking on "Conducting Cross-Border Investigations" on the 21st and 22nd of September.

Find out more here >>

 

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Carbon Market Institute’s 10th AER Summit  | Sydney 
14th - 15th of September

We are delighted to be hosting the Wellness Room at the Carbon Market Institute’s 10th AER Summit, held at the ICC Sydney across September 14 & 15. You can register via the link, and we hope to see you there!


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NEW STAFF

Don Holley, Partner, Sydney

Catherine Bell, Partner, Perth

Want to keep reading? View the past editions of Risk Insider here >>