Internal controls and risk management

Internal controls

The company has strict procedures for internal controls. The Board of Management and Executive Committee have established an Internal Control Committee to facilitate and oversee aspects of these procedures. The Internal Control Committee monitors the adequacy and effectiveness of the company’s internal control framework (see diagram on this page). As in previous years, we continued to work on system-embedded controls, standard role design and segregation of duty monitoring. The design of the internal control self-assessment process was adapted to the changes in the company structure and an integrated department for Internal Control (IC) was established to optimize the InControl efforts across all businesses and functions. This included an IC office to centralize and standardize guidance, documentation and tooling and maintain internal and external relationships.

The AkzoNobel internal control framework provides reasonable assurance in achieving business goals, including strategic, operational and reporting goals, in addition to those covering compliance. Internal control is not only about policies and procedures, but also relates strongly to people, culture and behaviors.

Share Dealing Rules and Rules on Disclosure Control

In accordance with Dutch law and regulations (including the European Market Abuse Regulation), the company maintains insider lists and exercises controls around the dissemination and disclosure of potentially price sensitive information. All employees and the members of the Board of Management, the Executive Committee and the Supervisory Board, are subject to the AkzoNobel Share Dealing Rules, which limit their opportunities to trade in AkzoNobel securities. Transactions in AkzoNobel shares carried out by Board of Management, Executive Committee and Supervisory Board members (including their closely associated persons) are, as and when required, notified to the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets.

The Board of Management, Executive Committee and Supervisory Board members require authorization from the General Counsel prior to carrying out any transactions in respect of AkzoNobel securities, even in a so-called “open period”. In relevant cases, the General Counsel can prohibit carrying out transactions in respect of other companies’ securities. In addition, all employees, and in particular members of the Disclosure Committee, are subject to the AkzoNobel Rules on Disclosure Control.

Risk management

Our risk management system is explained in more detail in the Strategic performance section. Reference is made to the Statement of the Board of Management in the Leadership section for the statements relating to internal risk management and control systems.