Wednesday, 3 April 2013

3 Steps to a Compliance Risk Management Approach - Manage ...

Federal and state regulatory compliance requirements have grown exponentially and touch all operational areas. Compliance has become very complex and expensive with extensive new regulations, multiple overlapping information sources, and operational impacts that are difficult to identify and track. Financial Institutions typically manage compliance work flows manually, which is difficult in multiple branch or interstate operations, and across multiple lines of business. As a result, compliance and operational costs are high, compliance requirements and timelines are missed, exam and audit exceptions occur and liability risk increases.Streamlining Compliance

A risk-based approach to compliance involves identifying the areas of high risk within your organization's compliance universe and building and prioritizing your compliance monitoring program around these risks. Compliance risk management will focus your organization, and your compliance resources, on the areas which are most likely to cause concern. This risk based approach also re-positions compliance from a function executed in a vacuum to one that provides real value, reaches into each part of the business supported by relevant analysis, understanding, and documentation. A risk-based?compliance monitoring program will assist you in identifying, managing, monitoring, and reducing the compliance risks key to your business and make board and regulatory reporting easier to conduct and maintain with less work.
Below are the 3 steps you can take to implement compliance risk management at your organization:

  1. Prioritize activities: Identify the areas of high risk, consolidate compliance required risk assessments
    Compliance required risk assessments, using common evaluation criteria, provide a score to quantify the vulnerability and business impact of non-compliance so that business activities can be prioritized. Knowing what is important makes it easier to know what to monitor and at what frequency to keep the board and regulators informed about risks that can lead to non-compliance in the enterprise. You can streamline the work involved in these risk assessments because regulations have overlapping and redundant risks that they are attempting to mitigate (i.e. fraud, consumer protection) with a?consolidated assessment framework. To do this, create a common risk registry and map risks from this common registry to the applicable compliance requirements and policies, or use software that has already done this mapping exercise. With a consolidated risk assessment framework, all the separate, silo'd and often redundant risk assessments required by compliance mandates, can be covered in a single risk assessment. You can reorganize and report the same assessment information by any regulation.

  2. Make regulatory alerts and updates actionable
    Rather than have large volumes of highly technical and obtuse regulatory documents, work towards a clear executive summary that interprets the key action items, identifies what needs to be done, the deadlines for action, impacted business areas, and those accountable in your organization, such as whether board approval is needed for changes in policies. This makes it easier to link compliance to your organization's internal structure, roles & responsibilities and promote understanding of obligations among the key stakeholders. Because risks related to regulations are assessed, when changes occur, organizations can easily prioritize activities that need resources the most.

    Moreover, instead of having this critical information, like key dates, forms, impacts, accountability, and procedures, buried within word documents or emails, make them fields in?ERM software?so that they are searchable and connected to task activities with automated workflows, alerts, and updates that are tracked and reported on. This makes communication and interaction, along with monitoring and response, a streamlined exercise to reduce the burden of compliance on business areas.


  3. Business Impact: Connect regulations with policies, impacted business processes and related resources
    Internal control procedures are related to internal policies, and by integrating regulatory changes with the internal policies they impact, it is immediately clear what areas of the business are impacted and what action needs to be taken. Workflow tasks can automatically be triggered to the right people in the right business areas and risk assessments, which are also linked to internal policies, will provide prioritization of which changes are most important and what operational controls need to be updated to remain in compliance.

    Organizations can no longer maintain a set of internal policies for each regulation, but rather, they need to maintain a consolidated set of internal policies that can be linked to the multiple regulations that they satisfy. Organizations that are not able to quickly determine which business areas are impacted by?regulatory compliance changes, and connect those responsible for activities within a business process for implementing change, will continue to be burdened with compliance costs and will suffer higher risk of non-compliance as a result.

Success in compliance risk management begins with designing workflows that connect the relationships between compliance policies and the business processes, resources and regulatory standards. These relationships then need to be used to generate and track tasks when regulatory changes take place.?

Watch this 30 minute video?to see a solution for a risk based regulatory compliance approach for banks and credit unions with a case study on the consumer protection agency bureau mortgage disclosure rule change.

Source: http://www.ebizq.net/blogs/chief_risk_officer/2013/04/3_steps_compliance_risk_management.php

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Tuesday, 2 April 2013

Florida bill would create ?innovation schools? (tbo)

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Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/296050732?client_source=feed&format=rss

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2015 Subaru BRZ: all-wheel drive, twin-turbo diesel hybrid ...

After incessant pressure from the automotive media, Subaru?says they have decided to do the right thing and build an all-wheel drive twin-turbocharged diesel hybrid convertible.

In a prepared statement a Subaru spokesman said: ?Having just launched the current model to widespread critical acclaim, we are tired of fighting off the constant speculation about what?s ?next? and so we are just giving in and delivering all the speculation in one vehicle.?

Though Subaru hasn?t definitively outlined the new powertrain, it?s sure to be based upon the system powering the Viziv concept shown in Geneva last month.

The already highly acclaimed BRZ will be available in only one paint color: ?noseeum.? Subaru plans to build the new BRZ at its Brigadoon facility.

Despite its technological features, the new BRZ will not feature a backup camera ? but for good reason. ?After shoehorning two convertible switches (up and down) onto the fascia there just wasn?t room for any more instruments.?

Though automotive enthusiasts have been overjoyed by the announcement, the virtually unanimous automotive media response could be summarized thusly, ?What, no wagon variant with metallic brown paint??

Source: http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/subaru-surrenders-and-confirms-awd-turbo-convertible-two-seater-diesel-hybrid-brz/

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Can synthetic biology save wildlife? From re-creating extinct species to the risk of genetically modified super-species

Apr. 2, 2013 ? What effects will the rapidly growing field of synthetic biology have on the conservation of nature? The ecological and ethical challenges stemming from this question will require a new and continuing dialogue between members of the synthetic biology and biodiversity conservation communities, according to authors of a new paper.

According to the paper, the field of synthetic biology -- a discipline that utilizes chemically synthesized DNA to create organisms that address human needs -- is developing rapidly, with billions of dollars being invested annually. Many extol the virtues of synthetic biology as providing potential solutions to human health problems, food security, and energy needs. Advocates also see in synthetic biology tools for combating climate change and water deficits. Critics warn that genetically modified organisms could pose a danger to native species and natural ecosystems. The paper's authors assert that, in any scenario, a dialogue on how to use and restrict synthetic biology methods and products must be initiated for the benefit of the world's societies and decision makers.

The authors of the essay -- published in the online journal PLOS Biology -- include: Kent Redford of the Wildlife Conservation Society and Archipelago Consulting; Bill Adams of the University of Cambridge; and Georgina M. Mace of University College London (UCL).

"At present, the synthetic biology and conservation communities are largely strangers to one another, even though they both share many of the same concerns and goals," said Kent Redford, lead author of the article. "An open discussion between the two communities is needed to help identify areas of collaboration on a topic that will likely change the relationship of humans with the natural world."

The authors of the paper, along with other scientists and conservationists, will discuss the potential implications that synthetic biology may have on the natural world and conservation at the Synthetic Biology and Conservation Conference, convening at Clare College in Cambridge, England, on April 9-11.

John Robinson, WCS Chief Conservation Officer, said: "Synthetic biology is an extremely important and burgeoning field, but its consequences to biodiversity and conservation are currently poorly understood. By bringing together the best thinkers in these two disciplines we hope to gain a better understanding on synthetic biology's opportunities -- and potential impacts -- to conservation."

Co-author Bill Adams of the University of Cambridge, said: "Our strategies for conserving ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity, formulated over the past century, are profoundly challenged by synthetic biology. The implications of this emerging field must be incorporated into conservation theory and practice if efforts to save biodiversity are to be effective."

The authors explain the need for new strategies in the conservation community to cope with the challenges of synthetic biology. They highlight five emerging issues requiring discussions and policy decisions by conservation scientists and practitioners. They include:

  • The possibilities of recreating extinct species.
  • How synthetic organisms will interact with existing species.
  • Our current definition of what "natural" is.
  • Using synthetic biology to produce natural services for humans (e.g. carbon sequestration, pollution control).
  • The use of synthetic life for private benefits, as in the applications for industrial processes, agriculture, and aquaculture; how will a balance be struck between private risk and gain vs. public benefit and safety?

Co-author Georgina M. Mace of the Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, UCL, said: "The discussion between conservation and synthetic biology is a necessary one. We need to have a clear-eyed examination of the issues and decisions that could alter life on Earth."

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Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Wildlife Conservation Society.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.


Journal Reference:

  1. Kent H. Redford, William Adams, Georgina M. Mace. Synthetic Biology and Conservation of Nature: Wicked Problems and Wicked Solutions. PLoS Biology, 2013; 11 (4): e1001530 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1001530

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/most_popular/~3/EaGD56y-tUM/130402182502.htm

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Monday, 1 April 2013

Column: Other issues in focus as war, economy fade (The Arizona Republic)

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Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/295876076?client_source=feed&format=rss

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Try a progressive art partyArt Musings | Art Musings

Children gathered with their families March 23 for an opening reception to celebrate the ?What I Want To Be When I Grow Up? exhibit that runs through?today (March 31)?at the Herberger Theater Art Gallery in downtown Phoenix. Guest curator for the exhibit is Peter Bugg.

All the art was created by 2-5 year olds, who surely marveled at seeing their artwork displayed in such fine fashion. Consider spending some time downtown on Sunday so you can enjoy these works ? which might inspire your family to create its own at-home art gallery.

Herberger Theater Art Gallery. Photo courtesy of Herberger Theater Center.

Herberger Theater Art Gallery. Photo courtesy of Herberger Theater Center.

Young artist stands near her work. Photo: Herberger Theater Center.

Young artist stands near her work. Photo: Herberger Theater Center.

More fun with artwork. Photo: Herberger Theater Center.

More fun with artwork. Photo: Herberger Theater Center.

Artist posing with his artwork. Photo: Herberger Theater Center.

Artist posing with his artwork. Photo: Herberger Theater Center.

Artists posing with their work. Photo: Herberger Theater Center.

Artists posing with their work. Photo: Herberger Theater Center.

Families gathering to enjoy children's artwork. Photo: Herberger Theater Center.

Families gathering to enjoy children?s artwork. Photo: Herberger Theater Center.

Exploring "What I Want To Be When I Grow Up." Photo: Herberger Theater Center.

Exploring ?What I Want To Be When I Grow Up.? Photo: Herberger Theater Center.

Opening reception for "What I Want To Be When I Grow Up." Photo: Herberger Theater Center.

Opening reception for ?What I Want To Be When I Grow Up.? Photo: Herberger Theater Center.

Seeing these works?inspired?me to muse a bit about?ways to create a?progressive art exhibit with various friends, neighbors or family members. Invite everyone to create some sort of art exhibit in their home, then spend an evening going from one exhibit to another while you get to know each other better and help kids experience the joys of art making and art exploring.

Some might cover a refrigerator with art, while others string works with clothes pins along a wall. Some might fill a bookshelf with sculptures, while others fill a driveway with chalk art or hang?kirigami (cut paper) works?from tree branches. Have some volunteer to serve healthy snacks and drinks, and others volunteer to host simple art activities like folding an origami animal or decorating a bookmark.

Or?have participating families?buy a certain dollar amount in arts & craft supplies to share with everyone who takes part in a progressive?afternoon of supplies gathering. Have kids bring empty?shoe boxes to decorate at the first house, then carry from home to home as they stock up on different supplies. One family might share scrapbook paper, while another shares fuzzy pom poms.

Consider?arranging an adult version too. Have everyone BYOC (bring your own canvas) then go from house to house painting at each stop with whatever materials?each host provides (I?d give you chocolate syrup and cotton swabs). Plan extra time at your final stop for show-and-tell over wine or coffee.

? Lynn Trimble, Arts Writer

Note: Herberger Theater Center and Center Dance Ensemble recently held the 2013 Arizona Young Artists? Competition ? click here to learn a bit about the winners.

Coming up: The fine art of being earnest

Source: http://69.195.124.66/~artmusin/2013/03/31/try-a-progressive-art-party/

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Thicke's video with nude models gets YouTube ban

FILE - This Sept. 15, 2012 file photo originally released by Point Foundation shows singer Robin Thicke performing at the "Voices On Point" Concert & Gala in Los Angeles. Thicke's, "Blurred Lines," was the most viral track on Spotify from Monday, March 25, to Sunday, March 31. (AP Photo/Point Foundation, Colin Young-Wolff, file)

FILE - This Sept. 15, 2012 file photo originally released by Point Foundation shows singer Robin Thicke performing at the "Voices On Point" Concert & Gala in Los Angeles. Thicke's, "Blurred Lines," was the most viral track on Spotify from Monday, March 25, to Sunday, March 31. (AP Photo/Point Foundation, Colin Young-Wolff, file)

(AP) ? Robin Thicke's new music video is too hot for YouTube.

A representative for the R&B crooner said Monday that his unrated video for "Blurred Lines" was banned from the website. The clip features nude models prowling around Thicke and rappers T.I. and Pharrell.

A rep for YouTube didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment. The video is still playing on the music video website Vevo.

Thicke's unrated clip was released last week and garnered more than 1 million views in days. It became a water cooler topic on the blogs and entertainment websites. The original video was released a week before and has 1.3 million views.

Thicke said in an interview last week that he had sought the approval of his wife, actress Paula Patton, to shoot with nude models.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/4e67281c3f754d0696fbfdee0f3f1469/Article_2013-04-01-People-Robin%20Thicke/id-c63d92de843e42b2b51d2e32bb6f95b0

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