What are the risks that could cause the demise, or at least a significant drop in the share value of an enterprise? Are those risks given significant attention by the board, executive leadership, risk management, and audit professionals?

Yesterday, I attended a meeting of the National Association of Corporate Directors and heard some excellent guidance from an experienced panel of directors on board effectiveness.

Okay, we have another report that talks about how corporate governance failed and led to major issues for financial institutions — with recommendations for fixing the system.

OK, it’s time for a rant. And this one is sure to upset some people. For some time, thought leaders (such as PwC and certain individuals within our profession) have been talking about the need for "balance" in the audit plan. For example, I just read this from an IIA paper: “Internal audit plans are reflecting much more balanced coverage among operational, financial, and compliance risks than was in evidence for much of the past decade.”

I recently read how more than half the CAEs in a survey planned to move into a management role, perhaps in the next two years or so. Doesn't that present a significant risk to their independence and objectivity?