Board Services – Our services in detail

Evaluation

Self-assessments according to D.12 GCGC and valuations according to section 25d KWG

The German Corporate Governance Code recommends the regular evaluation of the activities of the Supervisory Board and its committees (Recommendation D.12). The Code gives the Supervisory Board considerable discretion in how it implements this recommendation. We work with you to shape this flexibility and ensure that the evaluation is more than just a formality – namely, a real lever for sustainably improving the quality of the board’s work.

How we proceed:

• Confidential one-on-one interviews with Supervisory Board members and Management Board members, or surveys using a user-friendly and secure online tool
• Observation of meetings and targeted review of documents
• Concise, meaningful reporting: a clear assessment of the board's current status plus concrete recommendations for further development

What we prioritize:

• An assessment approach tailored individually to the company
• Focus on issues that truly impact efficiency and effectiveness
• Clear analysis highlighting both positive and negative feedback in a balanced manner, without false precision
• Comparison with best practices and market experience
• Practical recommendations that can be implemented directly

What sets us apart:

• In-depth corporate governance expertise and a solid understanding of the key issues and priorities of the Supervisory Board
• An efficient approach for a straightforward and regular evaluation
• Close collaboration with Supervisory Board members of many companies of various sizes and ownership structures
• Years of experience with evaluations in companies of all sizes and industries – always with high client satisfaction

For credit institutions, we ensure that the evaluation also meets legal (Section 25d(11)No.3 and 4 of the German Banking Act (KWG)) and regulatory requirements (BaFin Fit-and-Proper Circular and EBA Suitability Guidelines) – without unnecessarily complicating the evaluation. You benefit from our many years of experience in supporting the supervisory bodies of credit institutions of various sizes and ownership structures.

Corporate Governance

Economic and regulatory issues, liability prevention and expert opinions on directors’ and officers’ liability

Regulatory requirements and expectations regarding corporate governance are on the rise – we have the right solution.

Whether it involves implementing new legal requirements, applying the German Corporate Governance Code (GCGC), refining the substance of Supervisory Board work, or clarifying specific issues – we support you with our in-depth corporate governance expertise and translate challenges into concrete, actionable solutions.

Here’s how we specifically help:

• Implementation of new governance structures
• IPO and GCGC readiness checks
• Development of competency profiles/qualification matrices for the Supervisory Board
• Implementation of banking supervisory requirements regarding governance
• Optimization of internal reporting to the Supervisory Board
• Preparation and optimization of external corporate governance reporting
• Liability issues – both preventative and in the event of a crisis (e.g., expert assessment of potential claims and their enforceability¹)

Our comprehensive range of services is designed for companies of every industry, size, and ownership structure.

¹ Should legal advice under the Legal Services Act be necessary, we will engage PwC Legal AG, a law firm.

Trainings

Individual introduction and training seminars for Supervisory Board members and whole bodies

The demands and expectations placed on Supervisory Board members are constantly growing – standing still in terms of knowledge is not an option. For this reason, the German Corporate Governance Code also recommends that companies support Supervisory Board members during their induction and continuing education (D.11 DCGK). For credit institutions, this is a legal requirement (Section 25d(4) of the German Banking Act (KWG)).

We offer tailored workshops and seminars on relevant Supervisory Board topics – ranging from foundational training for new board members to (regulatory) updates and in-depth sessions for experienced board members.

Topics we cover:

• Corporate Governance (fundamentals of Supervisory Board work, key rights and obligations, organization, and personal liability)
• Accounting and Auditing
• ESG and Sustainability
• AI and Cybersecurity
• Specifically for Credit Institutions: Supervisory Law, Risk Management, and Fit-and-Proper

Do you have a training request on another topic? We would be happy to accommodate this for you by involving further relevant experts from our firm.

Here’s how we design your customized training:

• as an exclusive one-on-one session or an event for the entire board
• with professional training materials
• interactive and practical
• if desired: in collaboration with in-house presenters
• virtually or on-site
• in German or English

Board Office Support

Relief for your Board Organisation through our qualified experts

The demands on board offices are growing – more regulation, greater need for support for Supervisory Boards, more issues, and more coordination. At the same time, time and resources remain limited.

We provide targeted relief during temporary bottlenecks or on a long-term basis. Our expert consultants, with in-depth corporate governance expertise, support you with all tasks arising in the board office.

Here’s how we specifically support you:

• Preparation and follow-up of Supervisory Board and committee meetings
• Preparation of clear, decision-relevant documents
• Minuting of meetings
• Support with corporate governance reporting (e.g., Supervisory Board report, declaration of conformity with the German Corporate Governance Code, sustainability report)
• Corporate governance processes, such as checking for conflicts of interest and Supervisory Board mandates
• Preparation of new regulatory topics
• Strategic input on the further development of the Board Office