Governance Research

Supporting long-term corporate success through a strong board

IMD Global Board Center undertakes pioneering research into the diverse dimensions of governance challenges. We address real-world issues in ways that can be used by boards to improve their performance and play a strategic role in their company’s success. Our insights and thought leadership not only provide innovative material for our board education programs, but help set the agenda for better board practices and governance.

Most governance research and education focuses on executive control – but misses the active role of boards in contributing to company management and governance. IMD Global Board Center takes a different approach, with the express aim of developing boards into the competitive advantage that the complexity of today’s world requires.

Our approach is not abstract or rules-based, nor wedded to any particular governance system. It is about developing boards into a key asset for sustainable success.

April 2022

Commonwealth Bank of Australia: Accommodating ATMs

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When Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) installed intelligent deposit machines (IDMs) it did so to make banking more convenient and save time for customers. Cash deposited was counted...

April 2022

Credit Suisse: Lackadaisical about risk

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When Archegos, a low-profile family office, lost money on its holding of ViacomCBS shares in March 2021, it faced margin calls it could not meet, forcing it to unwind its positions. Banks with...

April 2022

Barclays: Culture is more than just a word

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During the financial crisis of 2007-2008, Barclays manipulated LIBOR down by submitting artificially low rates to make itself look less risky. Traders also manipulated the rate for personal gain...

April 2022

Wells Fargo: When eight wasn't great

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When former Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf pushed his employees to sell eight Wells Fargo products per customer through cross-selling – he no doubt assumed it would be done with customers...

May 2021

Board Oversight of Geopolitical Risks and Opportunities

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Geopolitics is “the study of the effects of Earth’s geography (human and physical) on politics and international relations.” Geopolitical risk refers to situations involving power struggles such...

May 2021

Board Oversight of Cyber Risks and Cybersecurity

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Conflicts of interest abound at the board level. They constitute a significant issue in that they affect ethics by distorting decision making and generating consequences that can undermine...