Never before has the economy been characterised by so much dynamism and so much uncertainty. Companies find themselves in an increasingly complex environment that harbours significant risks, but also many opportunities. In addition, the implementation of the Green Deal increases the demands on corporate governance and requires reliable data and systems. This is where effective management and close monitoring of the measures put in place can help. Or to put it briefly: effective corporate governance.
Identify risks, create security
KPMG supports you in identifying risks and opportunities in order to give you the security to make decisions for the future of the company, also from a liability law perspective - from the establishment or optimisation of preventive management systems, the ongoing internal auditing of processes and controls to audits in accordance with IDW auditing standards or ISO certification of effectiveness.
Our range of services
Modular KPMG support according to governance system
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Implementation
Communication
IT deployment
Documentation
Appropriate and effective corporate governance systems
More insights on corporate governance consulting
Your contact
Kathrin Becker
Partner, Audit, Regulatory Advisory - Sustainability Reporting & Governance, Head of Governance, Risk, Compliance & Forensic
KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
Corporate governance consultancy for integrated corporate management
Corporate governance consultancy combines strategic objectives with clear responsibilities, robust decision-making processes and effective oversight mechanisms. This provides companies with a consistent framework for responsible corporate governance. The Executive Board, Supervisory Board and other stakeholders receive the information they need to make informed decisions and exercise effective control.
The German Corporate Governance Code, amongst other things, provides guidance. It sets out principles, recommendations and suggestions for the management and oversight of listed companies. Even unlisted companies can use the Code as a reference for their corporate governance development and apply suitable principles to their own organisational and ownership structure.
KPMG analyses the interplay between risk management, compliance, the internal control system and internal audit at the relevant interfaces. The focus is on the quality of governance data, the allocation of responsibilities and the question of whether the Management Board and Supervisory Board receive information relevant to decision-making in a timely manner. The One Governance approach creates a shared vision for this and integrates individual functions into a coordinated governance model.
From an assessment of the current situation to a sustainable governance model
Governance maturity level and target vision
To begin with, KPMG assesses structures, processes, roles and technological support using a coordinated maturity model. This assessment also takes into account requirements set out in the Code, the expectations of key stakeholders and company-specific conditions. The results highlight overlaps, governance gaps and unnecessary complexity. Building on this, a prioritised roadmap is developed that aligns corporate strategy, regulatory requirements and available resources.
Executive Board, Supervisory Board and Decision-Making Processes
Effective corporate governance requires clearly defined mandates, rights to information and escalation procedures. KPMG supports companies in designing governance and committee structures, as well as in allocating responsibilities between the Executive Board, the Supervisory Board and specialist functions. Meaningful reporting formats make it easier for governing bodies to assess risks, measures and deviations from targets consistently.
Stakeholders, data and reporting
Corporate governance consulting takes into account not only internal bodies but also the information needs of relevant stakeholders. These may include shareholders, employees, business partners, regulatory authorities and other external parties. KPMG supports the harmonisation of risk taxonomies, control information and key performance indicators. Digital GRC solutions can reduce the need for manual reconciliations and improve transparency for management, the supervisory board and other stakeholders.
Implementation and independent assessment
A governance model only comes into its own during the company’s day-to-day operations. KPMG supports the implementation process, develops training and communication strategies, and assists with ongoing corporate governance development. A corporate governance audit can also assess whether the established structures comply with the company’s requirements and the relevant principles of the Code, and whether they are effectively embedded.
KPMG supports you in establishing corporate governance as a robust foundation for corporate management, oversight and dialogue with relevant stakeholders.
Frequently asked questions
Corporate governance advice examines how management, control and oversight are organised within a company. It takes into account the responsibilities of the Executive Board and Supervisory Board, the interaction between governance functions, and the information needs of relevant stakeholders.
The German Corporate Governance Code contains principles, recommendations and suggestions for responsible corporate governance and oversight. It is primarily aimed at listed companies, but can also serve as a guide for other companies in developing their corporate governance.
The need for adaptation may arise from regulatory changes, new business models, growth or a change in the group structure. Unclear divisions of responsibility between the Executive Board, the Supervisory Board and specialist functions, as well as inconsistent reporting lines, may also necessitate further development.
Stakeholders may include shareholders, employees, customers, business partners, investors and regulatory authorities. Which groups are particularly relevant to a company depends on its business model, legal form, ownership structure and regulatory environment.
The supervisory board monitors and advises the executive board within the scope of its statutory and statutory duties. To do so, it requires timely, comprehensible and decision-relevant information on strategy, risks, controls and the company’s financial performance.
Corporate governance consultancy supports companies in designing and further developing their governance structures. A corporate governance audit, on the other hand, assesses, on the basis of defined criteria, whether existing processes, responsibilities and oversight mechanisms are appropriately designed or effectively implemented.