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Board governance for publicly listed companies in Finland

Objectives:

  • Equip participants with foundational knowledge of the regulatory and governance environment for listed companies in Finland.

  • Provide insights into financial oversight, investor relations, and legal compliance tailored to the Finnish market.

  • Share best practices in strategic communications, legal risk management, and financial trends through expert speakers.

Session 1: Finnish regulatory landscape and governance essentials

10:00 - 11:00 Finnish regulatory framework & compliance basics

Introduction to Finland’s regulatory environment for publicly listed companies, with an overview of the Helsinki Stock Exchange, the Financial Supervisory Authority (FIN-FSA), and EU regulations. Practical focus on key compliance responsibilities, reporting, and how they differ from international expectations.

Session 2: Financial trends and oversight essentials

11:00 - 11:45 Finland’s economic landscape & market expectations

Overview of Finland’s economic and financial landscape. Covers current market trends, financing options, and macroeconomic factors affecting strategy for listed companies in Finland. This session will also discuss navigating economic shifts and understanding Finnish financial expectations.

11:45 - 12:30 Financial oversight for board members

Fundamental practices in financial oversight, focusing on reviewing financial statements, understanding audit processes, and recognizing key financial health indicators. Tailored for board members without deep local knowledge, with tips on identifying red flags and questions to ask. |

12:30 - 1:15 Lunch Break

Networking opportunity for board members to exchange international governance insights.

Session 3: Corporate strategy and long-term value creation

1:15 - 2:00 Strategic role of the board in Finland

Exploring the board’s role in developing and overseeing corporate strategy in Finland. Covers balancing short-term performance with sustainable shareholder value, with insights on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices in Finnish companies and how they align with international trends.

Session 4: Investor relations and strategic communications

2:00 - 2:45 Best practices in investor relations and communications

This session will explore transparent communication, managing investor expectations, and crisis communication. It includes tools for navigating Finnish media environments and aligning messages with corporate strategy, especially valuable for those unfamiliar with local practices.

2:45 - 3:00 Afternoon Coffee Break

Opportunity for informal discussion and networking.

Session 5: Legal essentials for foreign executives in Finnish public companies

3:00 - 3:45 | Key Legal Responsibilities and Compliance Issues | Guest Speaker: Hannes Snellman. This session will focus on essential legal considerations for publicly listed companies in Finland, including insider trading regulations, disclosure requirements, and legal liability. The speaker will provide a practical perspective on how board members can stay compliant and safeguard against potential legal risks, including a brief overview of M&A considerations and corporate liabilities.

Session 6: Ethical governance and stakeholder relations

3:45 - 4:30 Transparency, ethics, and reporting obligations

Responsibilities for ethical governance, transparency, and stakeholder relations in Finland. Practical guidance on managing ethical challenges, fostering trust, and ensuring transparent reporting. Includes case studies on ethical dilemmas and maintaining public trust in an unfamiliar regulatory setting.

4:30 - 5:00 Q&A and reflections

Open forum for participants to discuss key takeaways, ask questions, and reflect on Finnish governance practices and how they can adapt them for their home countries.

5:00 - 5:15 Closing remarks & certificates

Summary of key insights from the day, distribution of certificates of participation, and final remarks from course facilitators.

Who should participate?

This course is ideal for board members, senior executives, and governance professionals who have prior board experience and are looking to deepen their understanding of governance in publicly listed companies, particularly within the Finnish context.

Participants may include:

  • International executives and board members: Those serving on boards outside of Finland who seek a practical understanding of the unique regulatory, financial, and governance environment for Finnish publicly listed companies.

  • Aspiring board members in listed companies: Executives or governance professionals who want to expand their expertise to prepare for board positions in publicly listed companies, with a focus on adapting to Finnish regulations and market expectations.

  • Experienced board members seeking knowledge on publicly listed companies: Board members who have served in non-listed or private companies and wish to gain the specialized knowledge needed to contribute effectively on boards of publicly listed companies in Finland.

  • Corporate leaders from regulated sectors: C-suite executives or senior leaders in industries like finance, insurance, and technology who are familiar with corporate governance but require a tailored understanding of compliance and strategic considerations unique to the Finnish market.

  • Investor relations, legal, and compliance officers: Professionals supporting boards and senior management with responsibilities in investor relations, legal compliance, and strategic communications who wish to deepen their knowledge of Finnish governance standards and practices.

Who is this for?

This course is designed for those with solid board experience who are seeking to advance their readiness for governance roles in Finnish publicly listed companies. It is intended to provide:

  • A foundation in Finnish-specific governance: For board members and executives needing a comprehensive grounding in Finland’s regulatory requirements, financial oversight, and compliance practices for publicly listed companies.

  • Essential legal and compliance knowledge: Through sessions, international board members are provided with an overview of Finnish corporate law, disclosure requirements, and risk management specific to listed companies.

  • Guidance on strategic communications: Insights on managing investor relations, media expectations, and crisis communications effectively within the Finnish and EU regulatory environment.

This course is tailored for board members who aim to strengthen their governance capabilities, particularly in publicly listed companies, and gain the specific insights and skills required to take on a board position within the Finnish market. It is an excellent fit for those who are ready to apply their governance experience to meet the unique challenges and opportunities of serving on Finnish boards.