BCCP Blog

Hot off the Press: SEC Issues Alerts on Social Media Risks for Investors and Firms

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:19:00 +0000

Hey, A-Team & Friends! THIS JUST IN:
SEC Charges Illinois-Based Adviser in Social Media Scam
Please check out the SEC Press Release below and the hyperlinks to Additional Materials. Of particular importance to investment advisers is the following SEC Alert:

Agency Issues Alerts on Social Media Risks for Investors and Firms

One of the alerts issued today – a National Examination Risk Alert titled “Investment Adviser Use of Social Media” – provides staff observations based on a review of investment advisers of varying sizes and strategies that use social media. In growing numbers, registered investment adviser firms are using social media to communicate with existing and potential clients, promote services, educate investors, and recruit new employees.

Below is the full text of the Press Release:

SEC Charges Illinois-Based Adviser in Social Media Scam

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2012-3

Washington, D.C., Jan. 4, 2012 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged an Illinois-based investment adviser with offering to sell fictitious securities on LinkedIn and issued two alerts in an agency-wide effort to highlight the risks investors and advisory firms face when using social media.

Additional Materials

The SEC’s Division of Enforcement alleges that Anthony Fields of Lyons, Ill. offered more than $500 billion in fictitious securities through various social media websites. For example, he used LinkedIn discussions to promote fictitious “bank guarantees” and “medium-term notes.” The postings resulted in interest from multiple purported potential buyers.

“Fraudsters are quick to adapt to new technologies to exploit them for unlawful purposes,” said Robert B. Kaplan, Co-Chief of the SEC Enforcement Division’s Asset Management Unit. “Social media is no exception, and today’s enforcement action reflects our determination to pursue fraudulent activity on new and evolving platforms.”

According to the SEC’s order instituting administrative proceedings against Fields, he made multiple fraudulent offers through his two sole proprietorships – Anthony Fields & Associates (AFA) and Platinum Securities Brokers. Fields provided false and misleading information concerning AFA’s assets under management, clients, and operational history to the public through its website and in SEC filings. Fields also failed to maintain required books and records, did not implement adequate compliance policies and procedures, and held himself out to be a broker-dealer while he was not registered with the SEC.

“As investment advisers increasingly utilize social media to communicate with clients and potential clients, firms need to be mindful of the applicable standards governing those communications,” said Carlo di Florio, Director of the Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations (OCIE).
The alert reviews concerns that may arise from use of social media by firms and their associated persons, and offers suggestions for complying with the antifraud, compliance, and recordkeeping provisions of the federal securities laws. The alert notes that firms should consider how to implement new compliance programs or revisit their existing programs in the face of rapidly changing technology.

The SEC also issued an Investor Alert titled “Social Media and Investing: Avoiding Fraud” prepared by the Office of Investor Education and Advocacy. The alert aims to help investors be better aware of fraudulent investment schemes that use social media, and provides tips for checking the backgrounds of advisers and brokers. A new Investor Bulletin titled “Social Media and Investing: Understanding Your Accounts” contains best practices including privacy settings, security tips, and password selection aimed to help social media users protect their personal information and avoid fraud.
“More and more, investors are using social media to help them with investment decisions. While social media can provide many benefits for investors, it also makes an attractive target for fraudsters. The Investor Alert provides some useful tips to help investors look out for securities fraud online,” said Lori J. Schock, Director of the Office of Investor Education and Advocacy.

For additional information on avoiding securities fraud, visit the SEC’s website for individual investors: www.investor.gov.

The SEC’s investigation of Anthony Fields was conducted by Donna K. Norman and Julie M. Riewe. The SEC’s litigation effort will be led by Duane K. Thompson. The National Examination Risk Alert was prepared by Mavis Kelly and George Kramer of OCIE in consultation with other Commission staff, notably Catherine A. Courtney and Natasha Vij Greiner. The Investor Alert was prepared by M. Owen Donley III and Rahman Harrison.

# # #

For more information about the enforcement action, contact:
Robert B. Kaplan (202) 551-4969 and Bruce Karpati (212) 336-0104
Co-Chiefs of the SEC’s Asset Management Unit
Julie M. Riewe
Assistant Director, Asset Management Unit
(202) 551-4546

http://www.sec.gov/news/press/2012/2012-3.htm

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 22:30:00 +0000

Hey, A-Team & Friends! As we move into the New Year, I’d like to share with you An Old Irish Blessing, compliments of A-Teamer Janet Ryan, who shared it with me earlier today.

I can certainly identify with this Blessing, as my dear Mom is a Fitzgerald, so I have Irish blood coursing through my veins (along with Italian and German).

Thanks so much, Janet! You are an inspiration to us all! You too, Mom!

Best wishes to each and every one of you that 2012 ushers in a Fresh New Year -- ripe with possibilities, adventures, contentment, success, love, and good health!

Cheers,

Carrie & Robert (Bobby) Bekker

An Old Irish Blessing

May love and laughter light your days and warm your heart and home. 

May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam. 

May peace and plenty bless your world  with joy that long endures.

May all life's passing seasons  bring the best to you and yours!

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BCCP Blog: From Carrie: Ramadan Kareem!

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:18:00 +0000

BCCP Blog: From Carrie: Ramadan Kareem!

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From Carrie: Ramadan Kareem!

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:17:00 +0000

To Our Esteemed Clients, Colleagues, A-Team & Friends!

Kul 'am wa enta bi-khair!

("May every year find you in good health!")

All the best,
Carrie

BCCP in the News! Featuring A-Teamer Chuck Adams!

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 03:02:00 +0000

Hey, A-Team & Friends! Please check out this article from BusinessWorld Research. A-Teamer Chuck Adams is quoted in the article, as is BCCP!

Many thanks to Rob for sending this article to us, and many thanks for Chuck for contributing to the article!

All the best,
Carrie

December 10, 2010 | Manila, Philippines

Popular Economics

Understanding the Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP)

While much criticism are already raised regarding the latest international banking regulation dubbed as the “Basel 3”in the global arena, it is actually not the immediate concern yet of the local banking industry. Philippine banks are rather currently faced with the challenge of defending that their capitals are credible as they are required to complete their Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP) designs until January next year.

What is ICAAP?

When one thinks of Basel regimes, a common misconception is that they are all about setting higher capital requirements without even realizing that they are actually aimed at ensuring that banks practice risk management, experts said.

“Whether in Basel 1, 2 or 3, the objective is not really to set capital buffers for the corresponding risk because if we think solely of capital buffer as a solution, clearly that is not how business is done,” Christian G. Lauron, partner and head of banking group at audit firm SGV, said in an interview.
“Banking business requires rigorous business planning and strategy as well as risk management,” he added.

Risk management in Basel 2 is highlighted under the ICAAP – a requirement for banks and financial institutions to assess the extent of total stockholder funds required to meet their strategies and maintain minimum capital requirements, and ensure that material risks are understood by their board, and that there is sufficient and appropriate risk management.

It is basically in line with Basel 2’s view that an international standard can help protect the international financial system from the problems that might arise if a major bank or a series of banks collapses. In particular, Basel 2 attempts to accomplish this through rigorous risk and capital management requirements designed to ensure that a bank holds capital reserves appropriate to the risk a bank exposes itself to through its lending practices.

“Designing ICAAP may not be as easy as it sounds though,” Charles S. Adams, executive consultant at California-based consulting firm Bekker Compliance Consulting Partners (BCCP), said on Wednesday at the onset of a two-day asset liability management seminar in Manila.

The expert noted four crucial elements that banks must consider in designing. First is assessment, which involves identification and measurement of the risk a bank is, or maybe, exposed to. Second is application of mitigation techniques that may help to lower capital requirements. Third is the development of stress-testing techniques and finally, describing the role of the board of directors and management.

Nevertheless, developing an ICAAP plan must be seen as “less of a burden and more of a sensible process,” Mr. Adams said.

For one, the expert said ICAAP is an opportunity to strengthen capital and risk management practices as it integrates capital management in business planning and strategy.

More importantly, ICAAP ensures that the bank’s board and senior management understand their ICAAP duties.

SGV’s Mr. Lauron, meanwhile, said that as banks prepare their ICAAP plans, they are already “embarking on an economic capital management” that ensures sustainability of profits beyond the current period.

Under ICAAP, banks now look at four types of capital namely: growth capital, funding capital, regulatory capital and economic capital.

Growth capital refers to capital meant for strategic and business purposes. Funding capital pertains to the means of funding treasury strategies, while regulatory capital is the one being required by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in its Circular 538, or the revised capital adequacy ratios.

Economic capital, meanwhile, is more of a measure of banks’ risk, according to Mr. Lauron.
“Economic capital involves assessing and where applicable, quantifying all the major risks of the banks that are linked to capital,” he said. — Gloria Krisana L. Gallezo

http://www.bworldonline.com/Research/populareconomics.php?id=0185

Color Meanings by Culture

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 19:52:00 +0000

Hey, A-Team & Friends! Below is a website URL with excellent resources and references about color and global branding.

Enjoy!

Carrie

Color Meanings by Culture

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From Carrie Bekker: 2010 Retrospective: The Year in Pictures, First Installment

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 23:50:00 +0000

Hey, A-Team & Friends! With 2010 drawing rapidly to a close and a fresh, shiny New Year lurking right around the corner (thank goodness!), I'd like to share with each of you this special Holiday gift that keeps on giving:

2010 RETROSPECTIVE: OUR YEAR IN PICTURES

Each Installment will include pix of our A-Team & Friends taken during the year -- PLUS some travel pix from my USAID gig in West Bank, the GCC Regulators Summit in Qatar, and my visit to Amman, Jordan in Q1 2010.

Inaugural Installment:

Here's a photo of A-Teamer & Friend Ted Leszczynski and me in Manhattan during my recent visit to New York in October. Earlier this year Ted became the Proud Papa of two lovely twin boys who I'm sure are having a helluva "Baby's First Christmas" Holiday season.

Cheers to all,
Carrie

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Operational Risk - Consultative Papers Issued by the Basel Committee TODAY!

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 16:49:00 +0000

Good morning, everyone! Below is a very important Press Release issued TODAY by BIS. You can download these brand-new Consultative Papers by clicking on the first two links in the Press Release:

Operational Risk - Consultative Papers Issued by the Basel Committee

10 December 2010

The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision today issued for consultation two papers on operational risk: Sound Practices for the Management and Supervision of Operational Risk and Operational Risk - Supervisory Guidelines for the Advanced Measurement Approaches.

Sound Practices for the Management and Supervision of Operational Risk updates the Committee's 2003 paper on this topic. The updated version highlights the evolution of operational risk management since 2003 and is based on best industry practice and supervisory experience. The principles outlined in the report are discussed within the context of three overarching themes: governance, risk management and disclosure.

The Committee also issued for consultation Operational Risk - Supervisory Guidelines for the Advanced Measurement Approaches. The regulatory capital adequacy framework envisages that, over time, the operational risk discipline will continue to mature and converge towards a narrower band of effective risk management and measurement practices. The guidance seeks to better achieve this by setting out supervisory guidelines relating to governance, data and modelling.

Comments on the reports should be submitted by 25 February 2011 by e-mail (baselcommittee@bis.org) or post (Secretariat of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, Bank for International Settlements, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland).

Happy holidays to one and all!

Carrie

BCCP & LUBRINCO IN THE NEWS! IGNITES Q&A: What Should Employee Social Media Policies Stress?

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 02:03:00 +0000

Hello, everyone! Below is an article published in IGNITES' Q&A section. Both BCCP and Lubrinco, one of our Global Alliance Partners, are quoted in this article.

Enjoy!
Carrie
Founder & CEO
BCCP/BCI

With Us It's All About You^SM

Your Q&A

What Should Employee Social Media Policies Stress?

Posted on September 17, 2010

Your Q&A is your opportunity to get your questions answered by industry leaders.

Q: What should mutual fund companies emphasize in designing and implementing policies on their employees’ use of social media tools? -- Attorney, Service Provider, Boston

From Shaun Hassett:

Shaun Hassett, CAMS is a compliance consultant and a business development executive at The Lubrinco Group and is part of the Bekker Compliance Consulting Partners network.

When it comes to social media and how its use may impact an organization, it is advisable that financial institutions, including mutual fund complexes, put a comprehensive social media policy into effect. Such policies should encompass both the corporate use of social media (as applicable) and the individual 's use of social media tools.

By doing so, all will better know and understand the guidelines and processes to be followed, as well as the processes in place to address issues that may arise.

Some common guidelines for such policies may include the following:

Remember the Internet is not anonymous, nor does it forget. Each person who posts a comment, tweet, blog entry or other form of communication is responsible for the content posted. As the author or poster of social media content, this responsibility is yours and yours alone. Unless otherwise stated, the social media tools you use are not official vehicles of your company.

Illegal activities and copyrighted materials. Do not post materials that violate the privacy rights of others. This may include, but not be limited to, posting of information that may violate the intellectual property rights or copyright of another, unless you own the copyright or intellectual property rights in question, or have express written permission of the copyright or intellectual property rights owner to post such material. If you have any questions on this, be sure to double-check with compliance and legal counsel before posting any such materials.

Avoiding hazardous materials. The do-not-do list needs to emphasize the following:

Do not post materials that are obscene, defamatory, threatening, abusive, hateful, embarrassing, or harassing to another party.

Do not post any materials that contain viruses, Trojan horses, worms, or any other code that may damage, interfere with, serendipitously intercept or expropriate any system, data or other information.

Exercise caution regarding exaggeration, colorful language, guesswork, profanity, legal conclusions, characterizations or other forms of questionable information.

It’s also key to identify your affiliation with whatever firm you work for as appropriate. This helps to provide transparency and mitigate concerns that your posts have a hidden agenda, or are "below board" in a manner that may hurt your firm.

Protect confidential information. Confidential, proprietary or trade secret information is strictly off limits for any posts via social media. The only exemptions would be if the company approved such communications as part of the firm’s overall corporate use of social media tools. This confidential information will include any details about: the company’s dealings, clients, business practices, trade practices, business strategy, product plans and road maps, revenues or other financial information; or other information concerning management or business decisions.

The policy’s priorities also need to make clear that employees:

Do not approve recommendations or testimonials in personal posts outside of work using social media tools.

Do not offer or appear to offer legal, financial or other professional forms of advice through any individual posts using social media tools. There are strict prohibitions on this applicable to both financial firms as well as gatekeepers.

Do not "return fire." Should another party post a negative comment about the firm or about you or another person affiliated with the firm, do not respond in kind. Please consult with compliance and/or internal counsel about such posts. This will allow your firm’s management to respond in an appropriate manner.

While a number of other components may be incorporated into the drafting of such policies, these are good starting points. It is advised that you also make sure that your social media policies are in line with other corporate communications policies as well.

IGNITES is a wonderful publication! Please check it out@ www.ignites.com

Related Content on Ignites

September 7, 2010 Can Company E-Mails Be Allowed on Social Networks?

September 1, 2010 How Do Firms Archive Social Media Posts?

BCCP Blog: Preview "BCCP & LUBRINCO IN THE NEWS! IGNITES Q&A: What Should Employee Social Media Policies Stress?"

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 01:56:00 +0000

BCCP Blog: Preview "BCCP & LUBRINCO IN THE NEWS! IGNITES Q&A: What Should Employee Social Media Policies Stress?"

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NEWS ALERT! "SEC Examines Funds of Hedge Funds" - WSJ.com

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 16:56:00 +0000

Hello, everyone! For those of you whose firms are regulated by the SEC or FINRA, you should read this article and start preparing . . .

Please click on link for the full article: SEC Examines Funds of Hedge Funds - WSJ.com
Below is an excerpt:

"The Securities and Exchange Commission is examining whether firms that collect fees for funneling investors into hedge funds are properly overseeing client money and dealing with potential conflicts of interest, people familiar with the matter said.

The inquiry has identified about a dozen investment-advisory firms for questioning but could expand, according to people familiar with the matter, making it one of the SEC's broadest examinations ever of funds of hedge funds and advisers specializing in hedge funds."

Please contact me if we may be of assistance to you in any way.

All the best,
Carrie

Founder & CEO
BCCP/BCI

With Us It's All About You(sm)

Excellent WSJ article about stronger oversight of employees utilizing technology

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 20:13:00 +0000

WSJ.com - Monitoring the Monitors

Enjoy!

Carrie

A-Teamer Rob McDonough is teaching in Kuala Lumpur this week! Photos attached . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 21:22:00 +0000

Hey, A-Team & Friends! Attached are photos that A-Teamer Rob McDonough sent me.

Rob is in Kuala Lumpur this week teaching a course for one of our clients: 3-DAY FINANCE MBA: DEVELOPING HIGH-PERFORMANCE MANAGERS

Photos below include:
Kuala Lumpur skyscrapers
Photos of (left to right) Rob's wife, Rob, and Ross Mohlawi
& photo of Rob & Ross

Guyz, many thanks for sharing these photos with us!

All the best,
Carrie Bekker
Founder & CEO
BCCP & BCI
cbekker@bccp-llc.com

With Us It's All About You(sm)

RISKY BUSINESS: DON'T GET CAUGHT WITH YOUR BRITCHES DOWN! Please join us on April 21 @ 2:00 p.m. ET. Please watch our video and register now!

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 23:14:00 +0000

WSJ: Answering the SEC’s New Questionnaire -- Does anyone have a copy of this questionnaire?

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 00:52:00 +0000

April 7, 2010, 10:58 AM ET
Answering the SEC’s New Questionnaire
By Richard Joyce

The SEC recently began sending a questionnaire to newly-registered hedge fund advisers. Guy Talarico, chief executive of Alaric Compliance, talks to columnist Suzanne Barlyn about what to expect and how advisers should respond.

If you have a copy of this new questionnaire, please reply to this post and send us a link or other source where we can find and download it. The questionnaire is not on the SEC website, and many of us have hedge fund clients who want to see it.

Many thanks for any assistance you can provide to our readers,
Carrie

Click here to post your comments

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My visit to Jerusalem and engagement in Ramallah, West Bank earlier this year

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 07:40:00 +0000

From January to March 2010 I was working on a USAID engagement in Palestine and had the pleasure of residing at the American Colony Hotel during my engagement. During that time, I also traveled to Qatar for the GCC Regulators Summit in mid-February; and I also went to Amman, Jordan to meet up with friends.

This slideshow highlights this very unique time in my life that I will keep in my heart always. I hope to return one day very soon.

Please click here to check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqXprX0xbrQ

RISKY BUSINESS: DON'T GET CAUGHT WITH YOUR BRITCHES DOWN! Please join us on April 21 @ 2:00 p.m. ET for Part I of this Risk Management Series

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 22:35:00 +0000

Thank you so much for joining us last Wednesday, March 24 for: IT WASN'T RAINING WHEN NOAH BUILT THE ARK!

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 08:38:00 +0000

Thank you so much for joining us last Wednesday, March 24 for:

IT WASN'T RAINING
WHEN NOAH BUILT THE ARK!

Featuring:

Carrie F. Bekker, Founder & CEO of BCCP

Robert Conlon, Business Continuity Planning and Management Expert & Senior Consultant of BCCP

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Rudy ShouShany, Senior Consultant
of BCC Management

It is never to late to protect your business . . .
until IT IS TOO LATE

BE LIKE NOAH -- MAKE A PLAN!

But you are not alone -- we can help!
Please call us TODAY @ +1.818.836.1291 for a complimentary 30-minute consultation with Bob & Rudy

Also please visit our websites:
www.bccp-llc.com & www.bccpmanagement.com
for details about the customized business continuity, risk management, compliance, and training solutions that we provide to our esteemed global clientele

Please click here to download your personal copy of last week's presentation

We look forward to serving you soon!

All the best,

CARRIE F. BEKKER, Founder & Chief Executive Officer
cbekker@bccp-llc.com
+1.818.836.1291

ROBERT J. CONLON, Senior Consultant
rconlon@bccp-llc.com
Direct: +1.908.334.8619
BEKKER COMPLIANCE CONSULTING PARTNERS, LLC (BCCP)

RUDY SHOUSHANY, Senior Consultant
rudy@bccmanagement.comDirect: +1.800.961.7592BUSINESS CONTINUITY CONSULTANCY AND MANAGEMENT

With Us It’s All About YouSM

BCCP -- in Partnership with BCC Management -- Presents: It Wasn't Raining When Noah Built the Ark!

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 05:51:00 +0000

Full-Time Position in Kuwait #2: Director, Risk & Compliance

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 03:33:00 +0000

Grade: Director
Department: Advisory

Title: Director, Risk & Compliance
Reports To: Partner, Advisory
Reports On: IARCS and AAS Team

Any nationality
Must be age 45 or younger*
*[Note: This is a non-US job for a non-US employer in non-US countries where the labor laws do not prohibit age limits and where it is a commonly accepted business practice to impose age limits on potential candidates.]

Must have RECENT BIG 4 EXPERTISE

· Package – KD 2700-3100 (US$9,436.27 - US$10,834.24)
· Bonus Scheme
· Relocation Package
· Mobile Allowance
· Tkt & Private medical – self and family

Position Overview
Develop the strategy for the Internal Audit and Risk Compliance Services and the Accounting Advisory Services in line with overall Advisory strategy. Develop market opportunities, driving penetration of market across private and public sector organizations to grow both business lines. Full responsibility for Risk Compliance across all lines of business.

Main Responsibilities
IARCS/AAS

Assisting in developing the IARCS and AAS strategy and planning the operation to deliver sector specialization such as Banking & Finance, Telecoms, and Manufacturing Services etc.
Directing and managing IARCS/ AAS mandates, ensuring a quality service and the timely dispatch of the deliverables.
Leading on delivery of specialist, large mandates.
Management
Providing strong leadership and direction to designated teams.
Mentoring, coaching and management of the teams.
Assisting with the setting of measurable goals for employees and providing feedback to employees on their performance against such goals.
Facilitating employees’ development to help them realize their full potential and assistance with career management plans.
Keeping partners up to date with all developments on various issues falling within job description.
Monitors and upholds a high quality of service and deliverables to clients (internal and external).
Act as an ambassador and champion of the firms’ values to employees and clients alike.
Play an integral role in the Firm’s drive to become an Employer of Choice, by leading the team in a manner and style that inspires and drives them in a positive way.

Business Development & Client Management

Leading the business development activity within the designated region.
Being the first choice point of contact for clients. Manage fee negotiations, project costs, fee increase and agreeing dates for cash collection.
Actively seek new business opportunities for the firm across all service lines with new and existing clients.
Reviewing and presenting key deliverables to clients.
Keeping up to date with IT’S's products and service offerings and identifying sales opportunities that will help IT’S grow its audit / tax / advisory work.
Build the reputation and Brand Image of KMPG through proactive and professional conduct, quality of work, knowledge and experience.
Assist with the preparation of marketing materials, brochures, updates/alerts, press articles, etc.
Prepare for and present seminars and conferences.
Develop a strong network of clients, both existing and new from which the firm can develop strong revenue opportunities.
Ensure that teams are efficient in their output and utilization rates are in line with Firm policies.

Key Interfaces

Engagement teams
Wider Firm employees
Client employees
Regulatory authorities
IT’S colleagues in other divisions and other practices

Competencies

IARCS / AAS
High level of attention to detail.
Able to understand and interpret all relevant regulations and laws.
Able to take a commercial view on advice.
Highly analytical.
Be a subject matter expert in all IARCS / AAS matters.
Able to process large volumes of information quickly and efficiently.
Able to assess and quality check IARCS /AAS deliverables.
Able to understand and assess all areas pertaining to risk management, independence and compliance.

Communication

Fluent in English, written and verbal.
Able to clearly communicate in a concise manner.
Able to confidently present.
Proven ability of good listening skills.
Able to provide honest and constructive feedback.

Interpersonal

Confident and friendly approach.
Excellent team playing ability.
Ambitious and totally professional.
Accountable and business focused.
Capable of building relationships and developing people.
Prepared to work the hours required of the role.
Flexible and adaptable.
Sustain a high level of drive and resilience
Demonstrate enthusiasm and a positive attitude when coping with pressure at work.
Continuously learn from experiences.
Seek out feedback and development opportunities.

Management

Able to manage multiple teams.
Capable of setting clear team objectives and ensuring they are achieved.
Able to set out in depth concurrent project plans.
Capable of supporting and mentoring employees.
Capable of taking full responsibility for own and teams’ work.
Able to manage in a motivational and respectful way.

Business Development

Able to develop strong and meaningful business relationships.
Capable of identifying and gaining access to new clients and business opportunities.
Able to close sales opportunities.

Experience Required

Degree educated from a reputable institution, ideally with a further post graduate qualification in finance
A qualified accountant ACCA/CA/CPA
A Senior Manager/Director in Big 4 audit firms in similar roles or have been the head of internal audit at a bank/insurance company/Telco/Large corporate.
A strong understanding of financial, operating policies/procedures and risk management and compliance principles.
Sound understanding of IFRS / GAAP

Deliverables Short Term

Develop the Risk & Compliance strategy, set budget, targets and team requirements
Identify the recruitment strategy.
Identify key target client list and assign them to the team.

Medium Term

Complete the initial recruitment of the Risk & Compliance teams.
Have made significant in roads to the target list, having penetrated a minimum of 60%, which means having entered into meaningful dialogue
Be on or surpassing business targets.

Long Term

Have penetrated and made significant in roads to all target clients.
Developed the Risk and Compliance team into a full efficient and effective team, who are at the top of all clients’ lists to call when relevant work comes up.
Be on or surpassed all business targets.
Secured IT’S Risk and Compliance services to be the unquestionable number 1 in the market place, within the big 4.

Full-Time Position in Kuwait #1: Director Performance & Technology

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 03:25:00 +0000

Director Performance & Technology
Reports To Head of Advisory
Reports On IT Advisory & BPS Teams

Any nationality
Must be age 45 or younger*

*[Note: This is a non-US job for a non-US employer in non-US countries where the labor laws do not prohibit age limits and where it is a commonly accepted business practice to impose age limits on potential candidates.]

Must have RECENT BIG 4 EXPERTISE

· Package – KD 2700-3100 (US$9,436.27 - US$10,834.24)
· Bonus Scheme
· Relocation Package
· Mobile Allowance
· Tkt & Private medical – self and family

Position Overview
To develop and implement a growth strategy for the firm in the Performance & Technology departments. Leading and expanding the teams of specialists across the entire field of performance & Technology. To grow the business and expand the client base. Setting the objectives for the function, and cascading these down throughout the teams and business to ensure that the Firm is perfectly positioned to take full advantage of any opportunities in the market.

Main Responsibilities
Strategic

Develop and implement a cutting edge ITA and BPS Advisory strategy that is designed to maximize and harness the full potential of the market in Kuwait.
Ensuring the strategy is focused on the quality end of the market, creating value add for the client and maximum return for the firm.
Develop a business development strategy that focuses on key accounts, both new and existing. Which identifies not only who the key target accounts should be but also how the Firm will break into those accounts and harvest the maximum return from them.
Be a key member of the Advisory senior management team, driving the cross pollination of the advisory services across our client base.

Business Development

Lead the business development activities for each of the functions, target key clients ensuring the firm is well presented, to enable the teams to secure advisory work from them.
Work with the ITA and BPS advisory team and attend client meetings and presentations with them, providing extra weight when required and leading the efforts when necessary.
Ensuring that all ITA and BPS advisory staff are employed effectively, and that they have job rotation, they share the lead and collaborate on the achievement of personal and functional business goals.
Develop a strong network of Executive level contacts in Kuwait and ensure the network is harnessed to deliver results.

Management

Take overall responsibility for the engagement management of the entire ITA and BPS Advisory activities, having ultimate sign off and approval on all engagements. Mitigating risk and ensuring quality.
Day to day management of the department ensuring that the teams have sound yet challenging objectives set and that they are constantly evaluated against those objectives.
Playing a key role in the Advisory teams management function, providing insight, coaching and mentoring to the less senior members of the team.
Hold full profit and loss responsibility for the ITA and BPS Advisory function, ensuring that the business secured is in line with the functions objectives and that the gross margin is in line with the goals set.
Approving all recruitment into the function, ensuring the team members are of the highest quality and have the right skill sets to compliment the existing team and ensure that each function achieves its targets.
Report monthly on the progress of the function, in terms of revenue, profitability, target account successes, issues etc
Take the responsibility for the function’s compliance with the firm’s risk management policies
Representing the firm at local and regional networking events.
Where appropriate represent the firm at IT’S global committees and events.
Play an integral role in the Firm’s drive to become an employer of choice, by leading the team in a manner and style that inspires and drives them in a positive way.

Key Interfaces
· EXCOM
· Head of Advisory
· All Directors
· All Performance & Technology Teams.
· External Clients
· IT’S Global colleagues

Competencies

Business Focus

Clear analytical and strategic thought process
Able to process large amounts of information quickly and efficiently
Able to identify key areas of development in the relevant market
Able to set out a clear and concise vision and strategy
Excellent ability to articulate and implement strategy.

Business Development

Highly developed networking skills
Excellent ability to ‘open doors’
Highly skilled at influencing people.
Excellent negotiation skills.
Excellent ability to identify and clarify client requirements.
Highly skilled in positioning an offer.
Excellent ability to close deals.
First rate ability to develop strong, meaningful and long lasting business relationships.
Results focused.

Developing People

Proven leadership skills
Confident and friendly approach.
Excellent team playing ability.
Ambitious and totally professional.
Accountable and business focused.
Capable of building relationships and developing people.
Prepared to work the hours required of the role.
Flexible and adaptable.
Sustain a high level of drive and resilience
Demonstrate enthusiasm and a positive attitude when coping with pressure at work.
Continuously learn from experiences.
Seek out feedback and development opportunities
Excellent coach and mentor, for developing people
Communication
Excellent communication skills
Fluent in written and spoken English
Highly refined presentation skills
Able to provide honest and timely and constructive feedback
Experience Required
Graduate, ideally with a MBA / Bachelors in a related field.
At least 15 years experience of working in the ITA/ BPS field, of which at least 7 years must have been in an executive level position focused on strategy.
Proven experience in business development, both harnessing existing accounts and developing new ones.
Preferably having extensive experience within a large consultancy company, ideally a ‘Big 4’ firm
Experience of selling ITA and BPS and / or consultancy is essential

Deliverables
Short Term

Develop the Performance & Technology Strategy, set budget, targets and team requirements
Start recruiting the required additional team members, and begin the development of the current team.
Identify key target client list and assign them to the team.

Medium Term

Completed the initial recruitment of the Performance & Technology teams.
Have made significant in roads to the target list, having penetrated a minimum of 60%, which means having entered into meaningful dialogue
Be on or surpassing business targets.

Long Term

Have penetrated and made significant in roads to all target clients.
Developed the Performance & Technology team into a full efficient and effective team, who are at the top of all clients’ lists to call when relevant work comes up.
Be on or surpassed all business targets.
Secured IT’S Performance & Technology teams to be the unquestionable number 1 in the market place, within the big 4.

Full-Time: General Management Position in Baghdad

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 03:13:00 +0000

Agriculture / Forestry / Fishing General Management

Salary to US$130,000 Baghdad

Seeking a Senior Regional Manager to work in Iraq on a USAID Agribusiness project. The objective of the program is to promote economic diversification and employment generation, with a clear focus on creating growth in the agribusiness sector.

The Senior Regional Manager is responsible for the implementation of a diversified agribusiness portfolio. The Senior Regional Manager provides leadership and direct supervision to 20 Iraqi advisors in analysis, program design, and implementation management in support to the creation and diffusion of innovative agribusiness opportunities in 14 provinces of Iraq. The Senior Regional Manager relies on expatriate and Iraqi subject matter experts in four value chains: livestock, fish and poultry, fruits and vegetables, and business development. Additional support comes from a training office, engineer staff, and program economists.

Qualifications:

Education: University degree in business, agriculture or life sciences required. Other relevant degrees may be accepted. Master's degree in complementary field desirable.

Required Experience:

1. Ten or more years practical experience in managing successful commercial agribusiness or leadership in a similar development project, with personal responsibility for profit and loss.
2. Seven years work in developing countries on rural business development, production agriculture (except grains or swine), or agricultural marketing.
3. Understanding of production and marketing of livestock, farmed fish, broilers, and a broad range of horticultural products.
4. Demonstrated ability to coordinate and manage complex operations and staff.
5. Familiarity with and ability to manage formal systems of commodities and services procurement.
6. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, adaptable to unforeseeable events, self-motivating, and innovative.
7. Demonstrated ability to manage cross-culturally among Western and non-Western cultures, including issues of work performance and moral hazard.
8. Ability to speak, read, and write English at the USG Foreign Service FSI 4 level or equivalent.
9. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
10. Demonstrated personal commitment to business ethics.

Desirable Experience:
1. Experience in Iraq or Arabic culture.
2. Ability to speak and write Arabic.
3. Ability to design project activities in compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations.

You are cordially invited to join us for our Business Continuity Management web event on Wednesday, December 16 @ 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Please join us. You are invited!

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/127240576

BCCP PRESENTS: BEKKER COMPLIANCE INSTITUTE (BCI) WEB EVENT

PART II: BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLANNING & MANAGEMENT: BE PREPARED!

How to stay in business during an operational crisis

Wednesday, December 16 @ 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

Featuring:

A-TEAMER ROBERT CONLON, BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT EXPERT

CARRIE BEKKER, FOUNDER & CEO OF BCCP/BCI

In today's tough economic times, the workplace is fragile. If your firm is faced with an unanticipated business disruption -- and if you do not have a resilient Business Continuity Plan – it could paralyze your firm’s ability to do business!

IF YOUR FIRM CANNOT CONDUCT BUSINESS, THEN YOUR FIRM MAY NOT STAY IN BUSINESS. IT DOESN'T TAKE MUCH THESE DAYS TO PUSH BUSINESSES TO THE BRINK OF BANKRUPTCY, AND IT DOESN'T TAKE TOO LONG EITHER.

BUT YOU ARE NOT ALONE ... WE CAN HELP!

To register, please click here: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/127240576

In the meantime, please feel free to visit our website at www.bccp-llc.com for additional information about BCCP/BCI and the consulting and education/training solutions we provide to our global financial services clientele.

Happy Holidays to you and your family!

All the best,
Carrie

Carrie F. Bekker

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

BEKKER COMPLIANCE CONSULTING PARTNERS, LLC (BCCP)

BEKKER COMPLIANCE INSTITUTE (BCI)

BEST IN THE WESTSM VIRTUAL OFFICE SOLUTIONS (BITW)

With Us It’s All About YouSM

January 2010 is just around the corner! Don't wait until the last minute to fulfill your 2009 year-end compliance obligations!

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie F Bekker) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:58:00 +0000

Is your Compliance Department shorthanded due to lean staffing?

Are you still grappling with finishing up your 2009 year-end obligations, such as:

Independent AML audit?

1940 Acts 38a-1, 206(4)-7 annual review?

FINRA/NASD 3012/3013 annual review?

OSJ and branch office audits?

Do you have other year-end compliance obligations that you are still challenged to complete?

If your answer is “yes” to any one of these questions:

BCCP CAN HELP! And we’re just a phone call away – 818/836-1291 – or by email cbekker@bccp-llc.com. Also please visit our website at http://www.bccp-llc.com.

We have scores of seasoned, experienced Senior Consultants at all levels – auditing, compliance, risk management, governance, operations, and IT -- located across the USA, Canada, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and other regions around the globe. Whatever your firm’s needs are – whether it’s an extra hand in December, getting that annual AML audit done, or other year-end pressing compliance matters – we have the right Senior Consultant to help you with your firm’s unique requirements.

BCCP also offers affordable year-end regulatory “health checks” that will give your firm a clearer idea of the compliance risks your firm will need to address in early 2010. For example:

Registered Investment Advisers

· IARD Administrative Functions	· Action Plan for Annual Review
· Form 13F Reports	· Code of Ethics Enforcement
· Form U4 Amendments	· Calculation of Assets Under Management
· Employee Certifications and Acknowledgements	· Advertising Reviews
· Solicitors	· Form ADV Reviews
· Records Management	· Testing of Disaster Recovery Plan
· Compliance Training	· Updating IPS or Client Investment Objectives and Risk Tolerances
· Privacy	· Vendor Relationships

Broker/Dealers

· Business Continuity Plan	· Electronic Storage of Books and Records
· Firm Element Plan (CE)	· AML Plan
· Firm Element Training/CE Done to Date	· AML Independent Audit
· Written Supervisory Procedures	· Limited Size and Resources Exemption (if applicable)
· Public Disclosures on Form BD and Elsewhere	· Annual Compliance Meeting
· Registered Representative Limitations	· Membership Agreement Provisions
· Business Line Limitations or Restrictions	· ·State Renewals
· Required Notices to Customers Under GLB, Reg. S-P (or other rules)	· Control/Ownership Changes

PLEASE CALL BCCP TODAY for a complimentary consultation! We’re here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week @ cbekker@bccp-llc.com & 818/836-1291. Also please visit our website at www.bccp-llc.com.

Best wishes for an enjoyable, safe, and compliant Holiday Season!

Carrie

Carrie F. Bekker

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Bekker Compliance Consulting Partners, LLC (BCCP)

Bekker Compliance Institute (BCI)

Best in the WestSM Virtual Office Services (BITW)

cbekker@bccp-llc.com

skype: bccp-llc, +1.818.381.4805

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/bekkercompliance

Senior Consultants, Subject Matter Experts & Instructors Worldwide!

Global Headquarters:

19360 Rinaldi Street, Suite 453

Porter Ranch, CA 91326

Phone: +1.818.836.1291

www.bccp-llc.com

Follow me on Twitter! BCCPbekker

BCCP Blog

Hot off the Press: SEC Issues Alerts on Social Media Risks for Investors and Firms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2012-3

Additional Materials

BCCP Blog: From Carrie: Ramadan Kareem!

From Carrie: Ramadan Kareem!

BCCP in the News! Featuring A-Teamer Chuck Adams!

Popular Economics

Understanding the Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP)

Color Meanings by Culture

From Carrie Bekker: 2010 Retrospective: The Year in Pictures, First Installment

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Operational Risk - Consultative Papers Issued by the Basel Committee TODAY!

Good morning, everyone! Below is a very important Press Release issued TODAY by BIS. You can download these brand-new Consultative Papers by clicking on the first two links in the Press Release:

Operational Risk - Consultative Papers Issued by the Basel Committee

Happy holidays to one and all!

Carrie

BCCP & LUBRINCO IN THE NEWS! IGNITES Q&A: What Should Employee Social Media Policies Stress?

BCCP Blog: Preview "BCCP & LUBRINCO IN THE NEWS! IGNITES Q&A: What Should Employee Social Media Policies Stress?"

NEWS ALERT! "SEC Examines Funds of Hedge Funds" - WSJ.com

Excellent WSJ article about stronger oversight of employees utilizing technology

A-Teamer Rob McDonough is teaching in Kuala Lumpur this week! Photos attached . . .

RISKY BUSINESS: DON'T GET CAUGHT WITH YOUR BRITCHES DOWN! Please join us on April 21 @ 2:00 p.m. ET. Please watch our video and register now!

WSJ: Answering the SEC’s New Questionnaire -- Does anyone have a copy of this questionnaire?

My visit to Jerusalem and engagement in Ramallah, West Bank earlier this year

RISKY BUSINESS: DON'T GET CAUGHT WITH YOUR BRITCHES DOWN! Please join us on April 21 @ 2:00 p.m. ET for Part I of this Risk Management Series

Thank you so much for joining us last Wednesday, March 24 for: IT WASN'T RAINING WHEN NOAH BUILT THE ARK!

BCCP -- in Partnership with BCC Management -- Presents: It Wasn't Raining When Noah Built the Ark!

Full-Time Position in Kuwait #2: Director, Risk & Compliance

Full-Time Position in Kuwait #1: Director Performance & Technology

Full-Time: General Management Position in Baghdad

You are cordially invited to join us for our Business Continuity Management web event on Wednesday, December 16 @ 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

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January 2010 is just around the corner! Don't wait until the last minute to fulfill your 2009 year-end compliance obligations!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2012-3