20th September 2014
SHARJAH, UAE: The Pearl Initiative, the GCC-based, private
sector-led, not-for-profit organisation developed in collaboration with the
United Nations Office for Partnerships to promote transparency, accountability,
corporate governance and best business practices in the GCC, hosted high profile guest
speakers and over 40 Finance students to discuss the business case for integrity
and trust within the finance and investments sector.
The event, held
in collaboration with the American University of Sharjah, was an interactive discussion
sharing the perspectives and experiences of business leaders in areas such as
financial reputation, integrity, risk, and responsible investing.
The event featured
key speakers Ahmed Saeed, Managing Director and Head of Public Sector, MENA, JPMorgan
Chase, John Williams, Senior Manager and Head of Risk, Bank of Sharjah, and
Tushar Singhvi, Vice President – Corporate Development and Investments,
Crescent Enterprises.
Sharing examples of best practices and good
governance, John Williams, Senior Manager and Head of Risk, Bank of Sharjah,
said: “For the banking and
financial sector to continue to build the trust with stakeholders, good
corporate governance and a strong code of ethics and conduct are essential for
generating and preserving value. These values must be part of a clear strategic
plan that is initiated both at a Board and Executive level, with every facet of
the business buying into the principles. Trust and integrity in this sector
means to be clear, concise, compliant, and above all transparent in your
engagements.”
Tushar Singhvi, Vice President – Corporate
Development and Investments, Crescent Enterprises pushed for businesses to instil
corporate governance from within: “As the business environment in the GCC region adapts and develops to
become an international marketplace, we have the unique benefit of hindsight.
Being able to capitalize on the downfalls and lessons learned from other
nations, and ensure we do not make the same mistakes, is an exceptional
opportunity.
Over 80% of
GCC businesses are either family owned or controlled, indicating these
firms have a huge impact on our regional economy. These family firms will go
through important changes in the next 5 to 10 years, and now is the time to take
this opportunity, instil and implement these best practices and concepts. At
Crescent Enterprises we aim to ensure the ethos of integrity, accountability
and best practice is upheld across our group of companies."
Commenting on the new discussions, Imelda Dunlop,
Executive Director of the Pearl Initiative said:
“The event has brought together experience, knowledge and key learnings from our speakers, in addition to passion, enthusiasm and excitement from the 40 plus students in attendance. What we have learnt is that good corporate governance, transparency, and integrity are values that are essential for building a healthy and competitive business environment that fosters economic growth. It is exciting to think these students will put this knowledge to work one day, and make a difference.”
“The event has brought together experience, knowledge and key learnings from our speakers, in addition to passion, enthusiasm and excitement from the 40 plus students in attendance. What we have learnt is that good corporate governance, transparency, and integrity are values that are essential for building a healthy and competitive business environment that fosters economic growth. It is exciting to think these students will put this knowledge to work one day, and make a difference.”
