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As an uncertain business environment persists, board directors face multiple obstacles: new regulatory changes, issues related to globalization and digital acceleration, the rise of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors being linked to company performance, and more. They are also grappling with the expanding roles and responsibilities. This survey explores the strategies public company boards of directors are considering, including how they plan to pursue growth and increase transparency around strategic shifts.

Protect your organization against cybersecurity. Be cyber smart and learn more about combatting ransomware in the time of COVID-19, how cybersecurity continues to be a top issue for retirement plans, and how to assess the gaps in your cyber coverage and reduce your exposure.

Recognize that a cyber attack will occur at some point during a business lifecycle. Whether it is through web attacks, email phishing, exploit kits, point of sale, keystroke logging, or ransomware, the bad actors have figured out how to defeat your latest defense against a cyber attack. They know what will make you click on the link that will give them the beachhead into your computer system.

Cloud-based applications, also known as Software as a Service (SaaS), offer significant benefits. They are highly affordable, require minimal IT involvement, have no hardware requirements, and offer great flexibility. Yet there can be significant risks to a firm if it does not review vendors carefully. Unfortunately, security controls vary significantly from one SaaS provider to the next. Knowing what to look for when selecting SaaS vendors and implementing sound security measures will help protect your firm against a data breach and the significant repercussions that come with it.

For decades, families seeking advice on how to invest their hard-earned capital were forced to endure “beauty contests” where potential advisors attempted to demonstrate their supposedly-unique skills and/or access to information. More often than not, it seemed families would choose an advisor only to inevitably experience disappointment when their actual results didn’t uphold the promises made by the advisor.

Business impersonation scams are a large and growing risk for high-net-worth individuals, closely held business owners, and institutions. Scams have claimed victims in all 50 states and more than 100 countries and there is every reason to believe the threat is growing. Learn seven steps that can help you protect yourself and your business from impersonation and other types of fraud.

In May 2014, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), changing the way revenue is recognized. As of January 25, 2017, the FASB has issued ASUs to revise and clarify the guidance on the original Topic 606. In accordance with the core principle of Topic 606, there are five key steps to consider. Virtually all entities will be affected to some extent by the new guidance.

Strong cybersecurity for protecting sensitive client data is a critical capability for any Registered Investment Advisor firm. In 2013, Hardy Reed—one of the first firms to earn the Center for Fiduciary Excellence certification—considered cloud services as an option for its IT needs. They wanted to look at alternate options to replacing their in-house server. Two factors were particularly important: heightened security concerns for protecting client information and the need to enable advisors and staff to serve clients while on the road.

Cybercriminals targets the financial industry 300 times more frequently than any other industry, resulting in mega breaches and millions of records stolen through hacktivism, malware, social engineering, phishing, and other applications. The harsh consequences of remaining vulnerable to cybersecurity breaches are costly, and the number one threat to cybersecurity is the uninformed employee. As cybercrime becomes commonplace, it’s essential to learn about the current cybersecurity landscape, the tools a financial firm needs, and best practices for keeping your firm protected.

Fund groups face disruptive developments, as advances in financial technology, often called fintech, continue at an ever more rapid pace. Even as new efficiencies and opportunities blossom, regulators have pushed financial firms to recognize the dangers of technological failures. To prepare for the changes ushered in by fintech, it is important for fund boards, investment managers and separate account advisers to have a deep understanding of the issues and risks surrounding Fintech developments.