ETHICAL LEADERSHIP
Ethical leadership and human capital empowerment are the cornerstone of Trustco’s risk management process as they ensure operational competence, entrepreneurial aptitude and sound governance. An effective risk management system together with the strong commitment of the board is crucial for the assessment, monitoring and mitigation of risk, determination of risk appetite and risk tolerance for which the board of Trustco remains accountable. The board has reviewed the Group Risk Management Policy which has been implemented by management and the policy ensures continuous identification, assessment, management, treatment, internal control embedment as well as risk mitigation, reduction and strategies.
As an investment entity, the portfolio companies that Trustco invests in have their own independent boards responsible for the risk management process and systems of internal control in their companies. Regulated portfolio companies also have audit and risk committees appointed by their boards. The board is responsible for the oversight of risk management, which includes monitoring the actual effectiveness of the risk management process, the adequacy of the risk policies and the systems of internal control in the operations of the company. Management is accountable to the board for the design, implementation, maintenance, monitoring and integration of the process of risk management in the day-to-day activities of the company. The following measures are in place to assist with risk management to ensure the group achieves its strategic and investment goals.
RISK REVIEW
Trustco is an investment holding company and the risk and opportunities management process takes cognisance of risks and opportunities within the company as well as those within its investment portfolio. Effective risk management is achieved through the risk management process, internal controls and an assurance framework based on adherence to King IV, the NamCode, the JSE and NSX LR, the Namibian and South African Companies Acts. The group aims to remain compliant with the applicable laws and regulations. There is a formal process of identifying, assessing, managing, monitoring and reporting risks throughout the group. The risk management process comprises the arrangement of resources to achieve objectives aligned with strategy and business plans, as well as the exploitation of available opportunities that meet the risk appetite and criteria set by the board. Risk profiles inherent to investment activities are maintained within approved tolerance levels considered by the board to optimise return parameters for sustainable investment returns and growth.