REPUTATION RISK
Reputation risk is the risk of loss or harm to our brand or reputation. It may arise even if other operational risks are effectively managed and includes the risk arising from non-conformance with ethical standards.
Damage to our reputation and negative public perception could be an outcome of operational risk events that result from breakdowns in internal processes, deficient systems, actual or alleged misconduct of employees or external partners representing non-conformance with our ethical standards, or external events. Significant reputation risk events typically lead to questions about business ethics and integrity, competence, corporate governance practices, quality and accuracy of financial reporting disclosures, or quality of products and service. Negative public opinion could adversely affect our ability to attract and retain clients and/or employees and could expose us to litigation and/or regulatory action. We manage risks to our reputation by considering the potential reputational impact of all business activities, strategic plans, transactions and initiatives, product and service offerings, as well as day-to-day decision-making and conduct. Responsibility for managing the potential impact of operational (and other) risks on our reputation extends to all of our teams, including senior management and the Board of Directors. All directors, officers and employees have a responsibility to conduct their activities in accordance with our personal code of conduct policies, in a manner that minimizes operational risks and aligns to our three lines of defence framework. We actively promote a culture that encourages employees to raise concerns and supports them in doing so. OTHER RISK FACTORS In addition to the risks described above, other risk factors may adversely affect our businesses and financial results. LEVEL OF COMPETITION Our performance is impacted by competition in the markets in which we operate. Client retention may be influenced by many factors, including relative client experience, the relative price and attributes of products and services, changes in products and services, and actions taken by competitors. ACCURACY AND COMPLETENESS OF INFORMATION ON CLIENTS AND COUNTERPARTIES We depend on the accuracy and completeness of information about clients and counterparties. In deciding whether to extend credit or enter into other transactions with clients and counterparties, we may rely on information furnished by them, including financial statements, appraisals, external credit ratings and other financial information. We may also rely on the representations of clients and counterparties as to the accuracy and completeness of that information and, with respect to financial statements, on the reports of auditors. Our financial condition and earnings could be negatively impacted to the extent it relies on financial statements that do not comply with standard accounting practices, that are materially misleading, or that do not fairly present, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the customer or counterparties. ADEQUACY OF CWB’S RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK The Risk Management framework is comprised of various policies, processes and tools for managing risk exposure. There can be no assurance that the framework to manage risks, including the framework’s underlying assumptions, will be effective under all conditions and circumstances. If the Risk Management framework proves ineffective, we could be materially affected by unexpected financial losses and/or other harm. CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES The IASB continues to change the financial accounting and reporting standards that govern the preparation of our financial statements. These types of changes can be significant and may materially impact how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. Where we are required to retroactively apply a new or revised standard, we will restate prior period financial statements. OTHER FACTORS We caution that the above discussion of risk factors is not exhaustive. Other factors beyond our control that may affect future results include changes in tax laws, technological changes, unexpected changes in consumer or business spending and saving habits, timely development and introduction of new products, and the anticipation of and success in managing the associated risks.
CWB Financial Group 2023 Annual Report | 57
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