What are Heuristics?

Heuristics are mental shortcuts, or rules of thumb, that can help you make decisions quickly and efficiently. Instead of analysing every situation from first principles, heuristics allow you to simplify complex problems by looking for patterns. They can be especially useful in situations with incomplete information, or when time is limited, however using them comes with its own risk. Why Are Heuristics Useful in Risk Management? In risk management you are by definition dealing with uncertainty, and often with limited data and time to analyse. Heuristics can help by: ...

2 min

What are non-financial risks?

Non-financial risk (NFR) refers to the potential for losses arising from factors other than financial. These risks can come from a variety of sources, including failures in operational processes, environmental or climate issues, cybersecurity and regulatory changes. Managing non-financial risk is crucial for maintaining the overall stability and reputation of an organisation. Overview of non-financial risks (CA ANZ) Non-financial risks include (but are not limited to): environmental risks (including climate-related risk) social risks (including understanding changing social norms) supply chain transparency and other supply chain risks health and safety risks technology risks (including business continuity) cyber security risks and data privacy breaches compliance failure misconduct โ€“ Guide to non-financial risks, CA ANZ ...

1 min

What are the three lines of defence (3LOD)?

Context In regulated industries โ€” particularly financial services, energy, and critical infrastructure โ€” the Three Lines model is the standard vocabulary for governance. It is the primary mechanism organisations use to segregate duties and prevent conflicts of interest. For the professional, understanding this framework is a practical necessity: it clarifies the boundary between operational management and independent oversight. The Three Lines of Defence (3LOD) is a framework used to structure risk management within an organisation. It separates those who own the risk from those who oversee it, and those who provide independent assurance. ...

3 min

What does it mean to list on the stock market?

Companies may choose to sell parts of their business to the public by listing themselves on a stock market. This process is known as an Initial Public Offering (IPO). By listing on a public stock market, an IPO allows companies to raise capital from a wide range of investors. Some of the main stock markets globally include the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), NASDAQ, London Stock Exchange (LSE), Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE), and Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE). These markets provide platforms for companies to list their shares and for investors to trade them, facilitating the flow of capital and contributing to economic growth. ...

1 min

What is a BISO?

Context For the mid-career security professional, the Business Information Security Officer (BISO) represents a pivotal shift from purely technical execution to strategic governance. It is a role that demands high political aptitude and the ability to translate technical concepts into financial and operational language. If you are considering this path, you must be prepared to leave the command line behind and enter the boardroom. As organisations expand, a natural tension arises between the central mandate for security and the local demand for speed. The centralised security function sets policy, but the business units โ€” whether they are regional divisions or distinct product lines โ€” often find these policies obstructive or irrelevant to their specific context. ...

3 min