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< Back Professor Dr Henricus J. Snijders Snijders Law and Leiden University Arbitrator Biography Professor Dr Henricus Joseph (Henk) Snijders is an Emeritus Professor of Civil Law and Civil Procedure, with a distinguished career in academia and legal practice. Prof. Snijders serves as an arbitrator for prestigious institutions including the Netherlands Arbitration Institute (NAI) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). He is also a legal advisor and legal expert, often issuing legal opinions in both state court and arbitral procedures. He represents the Netherlands in the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) and in particular Working Group IDR of this commission. He is deeply involved in legal scholarship as an author and editor of numerous books and articles, and he holds key editorial roles in several legal publications. He is a chairman and board member of various legal and academic organizations, contributing to the development and regulation of civil law and arbitration practices. His previous positions include lawyer and barrister at the Dutch Supreme Court, Professor at Erasmus University Rotterdam and Leiden University, Scientific Director of the Leiden Institute of Private Law, deputy judge at the District Court of The Hague and deputy judge of the Court of Appeal at Arnhem, member of the Working Group for the revision of the Dutch Arbitration Act 1986 and chairman of the Advisory Board of the Netherlands Arbitration Institute. Prof. Snijders' contributions to legal scholarship and practice are complemented by his roles as a patron and board member of multiple legal associations and his continued engagement in teaching and course coordination especially in the field of arbitration. In his spare time, he enjoys playing the violin and traveling. Contact Details Netherlands +31 (0)64 828 0773 law@hjsnijders.com Additional Links Link About ICC Netherlands We ensure that Dutch business interests are heard and represented in international policymaking. We deliver tools and standards that simplify cross-border business like model contracts or Incoterms®. We support fair and efficient dispute resolution . Become a member Upcoming events Learn more Check our latest news! News Languages Spoken Dutch, English, German, French Specialisation Arbitration Law, Civil Procedures, Contracts, Property Law, Tort Law Bar Admission(s) Credentials CV

< Back Jeremy LACK LAWTECH Mediator Biography JEREMY LACK is a lawyer and ADR neutral admitted to the bars of England & Wales (1989), New York, USA (1990), and Geneva, Switzerland (2003). He specializes in commercial, technology, life sciences, IT, intellectual property, and complex international disputes. Jeremy founded LAWTECH.CH and INNOVADR Ltd. , and is a Door Tenant with QUADRANT CHAMBERS (GB) and counsel to HELVETICA AVOCATS SARL (CH). He serves as an Ombudsperson for DRUGS FOR NEGLECTED DISEASES INITIATIVE (CH) and has held key executive and legal roles in several companies. A certified IMI mediator and practicing arbitrator, he is ranked by WHO’S WHO LEGAL as a Global Elite Thought Leader (2019-2024). Jeremy holds an MA (Oxon) from Oxford University and works in English, French, and Spanish. He lives in Geneva, Switzerland, and designs bespoke international commercial dispute resolution processes. He holds Swiss, British, US, and Israeli citizenships. For more information, please visit: www.lawtech.ch and www.innovadr.com . Contact Details Switzerland (International) +41792471519 jlack@lawtech.ch Additional Links Link About ICC Netherlands We ensure that Dutch business interests are heard and represented in international policymaking. We deliver tools and standards that simplify cross-border business like model contracts or Incoterms®. We support fair and efficient dispute resolution . Become a member Upcoming events Learn more Check our latest news! News Languages Spoken English, French, Spanish, Hebrew Specialisation Competition, Consultancy Services (Other than Legal), Corporate Law / M&A, Distribution, Information and Communication Technologies, Intellectual Property, Investment / Public International Law, Joint Ventures, Pharmaceutical, Sales, Sports, Arts, Employment, Energy and Natural Resources Bar Admission(s) Credentials IMI, CEDR, Other CV

Explore the Digital Economy and how digital transformation is reshaping our world. Learn about emerging trends that are revolutionizing the business landscape and unlocking new opportunities. Discover the Commission's key initiatives driving innovation and growth in the digital age. Digital Economy Digital transformation is rapidly changing how people live. Emerging trends have significant influence in re-shaping the business landscape, opening uncharted potential that can unlock new opportunities. Discover the Commission's Key Initiatives Digitalisation for People, Planet and Prosperity Download Digital Economy work streams Digital Standards Initiative (DSI) DSI accelerates the development of a globally harmonized, digitized trade environment, as a key enabler of dynamic, sustainable, inclusive growth. Learn more Cyber Business insight and experience on new ICTs and the impact of regulations on their use Learn more Internet Governance Creating opportunities and addressing challenges through ICTs and the Internet. Learn more Data Flows Harnessing the opportunities of the digital economy and support the trade of goods and services through data flows. Learn more

< Back Koorosh H. Ameli Ameli Intenational Arbitration Arbitrator Biography Judge Ameli specialises in international arbitration disputes involving issues of public international law, international investment law, bilateral and multilateral treaty law, sanctions law, Iranian law, as well as related commercial and contract law. He has particular experience in the oil and gas sector, major infrastructure projects, expropriations, telecoms, and other investment disputes. He has acted as arbitrator in more than 100 cases conducted under the UNCITRAL, ICC, LCIA and ad hoc arbitration rules. He also regularly acts as legal expert, counsel and legal consultant in major international arbitration and litigation cases. For more, see Ameli International Arbitration (ameliarbitration.com) Contact Details Netherlands +31 70 205 1298 k.ameli@ameliarbitration.com Additional Links Link About ICC Netherlands We ensure that Dutch business interests are heard and represented in international policymaking. We deliver tools and standards that simplify cross-border business like model contracts or Incoterms®. We support fair and efficient dispute resolution . Become a member Upcoming events Learn more Check our latest news! News Languages Spoken Persian, English Specialisation International Arbitration, Investment / Public International Law, Treaties, Contracts, Oil & Gas, Infrastructure, Telecoms, Expropriation, Sanctions, Iranian Law Bar Admission(s) Credentials CV

Team Members Brian Chung VP Product This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Read More Kelly Parker HR Representative This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Read More Ashley Amerson Product Manager This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Read More Marcus Harris Account Director This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Read More Brad Grecco Marketing Associate This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Read More Camilla Jones Content Manager This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Read More

< Back < Previous | Next > Circular Plastics and Dutch Leadership: An Interview with Willemijn Peeters, founding director of Searious Business Tom Scott 6 Oct 2025 "The Netherlands stands at a crossroads. If we embrace circularity at scale, we can future-proof our economy, strengthen our resilience, and prove that sustainability and competitiveness can go hand in hand". Circular Plastics and Dutch Leadership: An Interview with Willemijn Peeters, founding director of Searious Business Willemijn Peeters, founding director of Searious Business Could you introduce Searious Business and explain what you mean by circular plastics solutions? Searious Business is a social enterprise created with one goal – to prevent plastic pollution. We focus on preventing plastic waste before it becomes pollution, before it becomes waste. Instead of following the traditional linear take-make-waste model, we look upstream to circular plastic solutions that keep materials in the loop and out of the waste stream. We support major companies to transform how they use plastic, reducing environmental impact, and unlocking the economic potential of circular plastics. Our work spans packaging, furniture, and consumer electronics, where we develop innovative products and business models to create reusable packaging systems, move away from virgin plastics, and enable effective recycling. Circularity isn’t just an environmental necessity – it’s also a huge business opportunity for innovation, competitiveness and resilience. In short, our mission is to keep plastics inside our economy, and outside of our environment. What are your takeaways from the recent United Nations treaty negotiations? What’s needed to reach an agreement? And what’s the situation in the European Union – is there room for improvement? Obviously it was a massive disappointment to leave without an agreement. The draft text tried to please everyone but by doing so, it ended up pleasing no one. In some ways it is reassuring that we didn’t settle for something weak and ineffective. Now the red lines are all visible, negotiations can resume from a clearer position. It’s going to take real political courage to not water down standards and layout strong implementation mechanisms. Companies will be helped by harmonised rules, binding targets and transparent reporting There must be sufficient support for countries and companies making the transition – a robust financial package could be the lynchpin that brings more countries on side. We also have to face the reality that full global consensus may be impossible. With over 120 countries ready to act and a handful unwilling to move, the world cannot be held hostage to inaction. That’s why the ambitious majority must show bold leadership. It could be that voting may be needed to break the deadlock and create a treaty that countries can actually implement. At the EU level, we already have a strong foundation – policies like the Circular Economy Action Plan and the Single-Use Plastics Directive are pushing the market in the right direction. But there’s still room for improvement, particularly in harmonising rules across member states and speeding up enforcement. As the United States retreats from some climate commitments and environmental policies, the EU can use the circular economy as a strategic advantage: boosting resilience, reducing resource dependency, and increasing value-for-money. “Made in the EU” should come to signify not just high quality, but also high sustainability. A strong, circular European market would also safeguard us against growing global supply chain disruptions driven by geopolitical tensions. What is the most common misconception people have about circular plastics? One misconception I often hear is that circular plastics simply means “more recycling”. It doesn’t. Recycling is only one piece of the puzzle – and not the most efficient one. True circularity means redesigning products and systems from the ground up: that starts with design – creating products that are reusable and recyclable (and that incorporate recycled material), setting up take-back systems, closing material loops, and developing new business models that focus on reuse, repair, and shared ownership. This isn’t about doing more of the same. It’s about doing things differently. That’s why collaboration across sectors is so essential. What’s the most exciting development or trend you see right now in circular plastics? For me, one of the most exciting developments right now is the rise of reusable packaging systems. We are seeing innovative pilots emerge – from digital product passports that track materials, to take-back schemes and closed-loop logistics. Collaboration between universities, start-ups, and established companies is creating fertile ground for breakthroughs. The Netherlands has all the right ingredients: advanced infrastructure, strong consumer awareness, and a collaborative innovation culture. And yet, here is the paradox: the Netherlands is often seen as a world leader in circular solutions and recycling innovation, but when it comes to actual deployment and upscaling of reusable packaging, we lag behind France and Germany. If ever there was a country more suited to scaling reusable systems – densely populated, high-income, with short transport distances – it’s ours. This is an area where we urgently need to catch up and show the same leadership we’re known for in other fields. What advice would you give to companies trying to integrate plastic circularity into their business model – especially balancing environmental ambition with commercial realities? My advice is to think long-term and work collaboratively. Start by engaging with partners across your value chain – no company can do this alone. Invest in skills, R&D, and digital systems that allow you to track, reuse and recover materials. And above all, balance your environmental ambitions with commercial realities by building a strong business case: circular solutions can cut costs, create new revenue streams, and open up new markets if designed well. The Dutch context offers huge advantages: technical know-how, a collaborative culture, and growing consumer demand for sustainable products. This is not just about risk management – it’s a competitive opportunity. And perhaps the most important question for Dutch companies: where do you think Dutch businesses are leading the way, and where do they need to catch up? Dutch businesses are already leading the way in areas like recycling technologies, design for circularity, and digital innovation to trace and recover materials. We have a strong reputation for dialogue, consensus-building, and open knowledge-sharing – and that collaborative spirit is one of our greatest strengths. But we must also be honest: dialogue alone is not leadership. True leadership is turning words into action. We need to move faster from pilot to practice, and especially in reusable packaging, we must catch up to our neighbours. If Dutch companies unite behind a shared vision, supported by clear policy incentives, we can position the Netherlands as a global hub for circular plastics expertise – attracting investment, talent and international partnerships. We have the knowledge, the infrastructure and the innovative culture. Now we need the courage to act. Closing Thoughts? The Netherlands stands at a crossroads. The challenges are real, but so are the opportunities. If we embrace circularity at scale, we can future-proof our economy, strengthen our resilience, and prove that sustainability and competitiveness can go hand in hand. That is the future I believe in – and the future we at Searious Business are working every day to achieve. Want to discuss the opportunities for your business? Drop me a line at connect@seariousbusiness.com

< Back < Previous | Next > Trade & Investment Reimagining WTO Dispute Settlement: a business case for mediation 14 May 2025 Mediation under the World Trade Organization (WTO) Dispute Settlement Understanding can help governments resolve trade frictions faster, cheaper and more constructively – if they’re willing to use it. ICC is making the case. Most trade frictions never reach WTO dispute settlement. Many business concerns – licensing delays, technical barriers or opaque procedures – disrupt trade but are too small, sensitive or costly to escalate to formal dispute settlement. That’s where alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and more specifically mediation, comes in. WTO rules already allow for it, but the tool has not been used, among other things, due to a lack of clear procedures. That’s changing. As part of the WTO reform process, WTO Members are discussing procedural rules to make mediation a workable option – and we can help accelerate this process by supporting governments willing to pilot mediation in practice. Why it matters For business Companies face real costs from unresolved trade frictions. Mediation offers a practical and quicker way to resolve issues – and businesses can help identify where it’s needed. For governments Mediation gives WTO Members a lower-risk, lower-cost path to resolve trade issues early. It is especially important for developing countries that may lack resources for litigation. The benefits of WTO mediation Enables early, informal resolution of trade concerns Reduces time, cost, and legal burden Promotes cooperation—not confrontation Offers a flexible and confidential process No imposed ruling —outcomes are mutually agreed What we are doing ICC is advocating for the use of ADR, and in particular mediation within the WTO dispute settlement system as part of broader reform efforts. Drawing on ICC’s extensive experience as the world’s leading institution in cross-border dispute resolution, we’re supporting efforts to make mediation a practical option for resolving trade frictions more effectively. How you can get involved We are actively seeking companies with unresolved trade concerns who are willing to engage their governments in pilot mediation cases. These cases can help demonstrate how WTO mediation can deliver fast, practical outcomes and strengthen trust in the rules-based system. Contact Valerie Picard, Head of Trade, ICC, Valerie.Picard@iccwbo.org to learn more or explore a pilot case.

< Back < Previous | Next > Digitalisation Get your business ready for digital trade: meet the ICC Digital Trade Navigator 11 May 2026 With the Netherlands’ new electronic bill of lading law in force, this exclusive ICC member benefit could not be more timely. Join one of the onboarding sessions on 28 May. Get your business ready for digital trade: meet the ICC Digital Trade Navigator With the Netherlands’ new electronic bill of lading law in force, this exclusive ICC member benefit could not be more timely. Join one of the onboarding sessions on 28 May. Digital trade is reshaping how goods, documents and data move across borders. Electronic bills of lading, digital trust frameworks, interoperable standards, evolving legal regimes — the building blocks are coming together quickly. For most businesses, the question is no longer whether digital trade matters, but how to get ready for it without taking a wrong turn. That is exactly what the ICC Digital Trade Navigator is built for. Developed by the ICC Digital Standards Initiative (DSI) together with our national committees, the Industry Advisory Board and the Legal Reform Advisory Board, the Navigator brings the entire landscape of digital trade into one structured, easy-to-use space. Think of it as a Wikipedia for digital trade, ICC style, and it is reserved exclusively for ICC members. Following our recent national committee briefings, we are inviting you to one of two onboarding sessions on 28 May, where we will walk through the platform live and show you how to put it to work in practice. A Dutch milestone for digital trade On 22 April 2026, the Netherlands took a defining step into the digital trade era. The Act amending Book 8 of the Burgerlijk Wetboek to introduce the electronic bill of lading (elektronisch cognossement) was published in Staatsblad 2026, no. 86, placing the eBL on equal legal footing with its paper counterpart under Dutch law. It is a foundational change that opens the door to fully digital sea-freight transactions involving Dutch parties. For Dutch exporters, importers, banks, freight forwarders and in-house legal teams, the question shifts from “is this allowed?” to “how do we actually do it?”. That is precisely where the Navigator comes in. The legal foundation is necessary, but it is not sufficient on its own: companies still need to understand the standards that make eBLs interoperable across counterparties, the trust frameworks that prove a document is authentic, the data behind the documents, and how all of this connects to trade finance. The Navigator brings those pieces together so Dutch businesses can move from legal possibility to operational reality with confidence. Read the law: Staatsblad 2026, 86. A single home for digital trade knowledge The Navigator (previously referred to as the “Sandbox”) has evolved into something far more useful for the membership. It pulls together the best of DSI’s guidance, ICC standards and the practical tools developed with our partners, organising them into a clear A-to-Z pathway. Whether you are stepping into digital trade for the first time or have been following developments for years, the Navigator helps them see how the concepts, legal frameworks, standards, documents, data, trust and interoperability, and trade finance fit together. At its core, it is a learning and preparation platform. It is designed to help organisations assess their readiness, master the building blocks and ask questions in a safe environment before attempting implementation. Three pillars that work together The learner journey is a self-paced curriculum covering the foundations of digital trade, legal and compliance frameworks, standards, documents and data, trust and interoperability, and trade finance. Each topic includes curated reading, a glossary of unfamiliar terms and an embedded AI assistant that can point a learner to the right module when they have a specific question. Users decide what to skip, what to revisit and how quickly to move; HR teams can track progress and use the platform as a structured capability-building tool for their people. The resource library is the single source of truth — every relevant document, standard, white paper and tool, both from DSI and from trusted partners, made fully searchable by topic and keyword. Practical instruments such as data-mapping tools, interoperability enablement utilities and implementation support all live here. The mentor forum is where members engage directly with the experts who shaped this work. Questions are posted to topic-based threads, and assigned mentors are notified when new questions appear. Because the forum is open and threaded, members benefit from each other’s questions as well as their own as the body of guidance grows over time. Mentors are there to help your people make sense of the harder questions as they arise. Why should you care? The Navigator concentrates years of work, knowledge that you might otherwise pay seasoned consultants to assemble, into a single, structured platform. It is free to ICC members, accessible by company domain name, and designed to scale across teams: trade, legal, compliance, finance, procurement, supply chain, IT and HR. It is crucial to know that this serves as preparation, not theory. Later this year we will activate the matching functionality so member companies can find counterparties, importers with exporters, manufacturers with freight forwarders, banks with corporates, to run real digital trade pilots together. Companies whose teams have completed the learner journey will be ready to engage mentors with the right questions, choose the right pilot platforms and avoid costly missteps. In short, the Navigator gives you a way to build internal capability now, so that when they step into a live pilot, they take that step with confidence. Who is it for? The Navigator is designed for any organisation involved in cross-border trade: large multinationals running global supply chains, mid-sized exporters, SMEs participating in those supply chains, and the financial institutions that support them. Within those organisations, it speaks to a wide audience: operational teams who need to understand standards and documents, finance teams thinking about reconciliation and trade finance, legal teams tracking reform, and senior leaders who want to understand what is coming. Although it is not a certification, member companies who want one should check out the ICC Academy's Certified Digital Trade Specialist course. However, for many learners, completing the Navigator will make passing that test much easier. Join us on 28 May The Navigator goes live this month, and we are running two live onboarding sessions on 28 May to walk you through the platform, explain how registration and member verification work, and answer any questions you have about deploying it inside your member organisations. 28 May, 09:00 CET — register here 28 May, 16:00 CET — register here Both sessions cover the same material, so pick whichever time suits you best. Sessions will be recorded for anyone unable to attend live. We look forward to seeing you there.

< Back < Previous | Next > Partners ICC NL has a new collaborative partner: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Tom Loonen and Jacco Wielhouwer 5 Apr 2025 ICC Netherlands has partnered with Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam to enhance stakeholder engagement and share insights on integrity, compliance, and anti-corruption. The collaboration merges academic research with ICC’s global business network to drive practical, evidence-based solutions. Tom Loonen and Jacco Wielhouwer We are pleased to announce the start of a new collaboration. From now on, ICC NL will be working closely with the Compliance & Integrity Management programme of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) to broaden stakeholder engagement and share knowledge on several key subjects. We spoke to Tom Loonen and Jacco Wielhouwer to find out more. Tom is a professor in Financial Law and Integrity at the VU. He is responsible for the educational programmes focusing on Compliance and Integrity Management and Financial Economic Crime. Jacco is a professor at the VU’s School of Business and Economics and the Academic Director of the Executive Master of Compliance and Integrity Management. How did you come into contact with ICC NL? Tom: We knew, of course, about the Week of Integrity that ICC NL organises. The content of this week is very important for the VU, especially in the context of our Executive Master of Compliance and Integrity Management programme. This gave us the idea to work closer together. Jacco: If you look at the goals of ICC NL – they focus a great deal on integrity, fighting corruption, compliance and ESG. These subjects are very close to the goals of our education. Moreover, we regularly carry out scientific research together with companies; this yields results that are both relevant and practical to companies. Can you give some examples of your research at the VU? Jacco: To name just a few subjects... We look at international tax planning: the use of Incoterms by business units to shift costs between countries to influence taxes. Another example is where we look at how illegal or unethical behaviour develops and grows within organisations. This is very relevant in the fight against corruption. A third example is our research on how certain AI tools and processes can lead to discrimination. Why is this research relevant to the business community? Tom: What is interesting for ICC members is what we see very often; this is that regulators issue guidelines on a lot of legal topics. And instead of treating these purely as guidelines, many corporates deal with these more as ‘pseudo laws’ and stop thinking critically and just automatically tick the boxes of the guidelines. I would say our research is relevant for ICC members because it can help them think critically in order to be more effective when it comes to following regulations. Our research and training programmes based on up-to-date academic insights can guide and steer organisations towards good, efficient and effective conduct instead of just ‘ticking the boxes’ How do you see ICC NL and the VU helping each other? Tom: We really differentiate ourselves by taking a scientific approach to our training. To that end, we can give ICC NL access to interesting, relevant and accessible scientific material. And ICC has interesting access for us to the international business community which we would love to be in contact with for research or to welcome in our executive education. We are trying to link these two strong labels to help each other in a positive way. What’s the next step? Jacco: We are going to start pragmatically – seeing where we can help each other. ICC NL is quite small, but it has a big reach. The Netherlands also has a very important position in international trade and taxation. We hope to reach international companies with our programme. And on the other hand, we hope that we can help ICC NL by providing scientific insights to the companies and possibly in their global commissions, whether that’s on tax, integrity or compliance. Want to find out more about the educational programmes for professionals in the area of compliance and integrity management at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam? Here are some useful links. • If you are interested in the Executive Master of Compliance and Integrity Management, or specific trainings on Organizational Culture & Behavioural Risk, Enterprise Risk & Compliance Management, Data, Evidence & Compliance, Regulatory Impact & Organizational Response, see Executive Master Compliance & Integrity Management School of Business and Economics for Professionals - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. • Sign up for an information session. Onsite on 15 May, online on 20 May. Open Evening - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam • Information about the training to become a financial economic crime expert: https://vu.nl/en/ education/professionals/courses-programmes/fec-risk-expert/overview • Feel free to contact us - compliance.sbe@vu.nl

< Back < Previous | Next > Orchestrating the back office of the future: why the human factor is becoming the primary vulnerability 25 Mar 2026 As financial institutions digitalise their back offices, fraud is evolving from technical breaches to human manipulation. What does this shift mean for control, governance and risk in increasingly automated environments? Orchestrating the back office of the future: why the human factor is becoming the primary vulnerability As financial institutions continue to digitalise their operations, the back office is undergoing a profound transformation. This was the focus of the “Orchestrating the Back Office of the Future” executive dialogue, which brought together actors from across the banking and trade finance ecosystem to reflect on how automation, data and AI are reshaping back-office functions. Organised in collaboration with Iron Mountain and Conpend, the dialogue explored how institutions can move from fragmented, manual processes towards more integrated and intelligent operations. Within this broader transformation, one question becomes increasingly important: where does risk sit in a digital back office? A paradox: stronger systems, growing losses Financial institutions have invested heavily in securing systems and strengthening controls. Yet global losses from fraud are estimated at around $5 trillion annually , and a significant share of successful attacks involve a human element. This points to a structural paradox. As technical systems become more robust, fraud does not disappear, it adapts . Rather than attempting to break systems, fraudsters increasingly operate within them. From technical “hacks” to social engineering A key shift highlighted in the discussion is the move from technical attacks to social engineering . This does not necessarily involve sophisticated hacking. Instead, it relies on: impersonation, manipulation of trust, and the creation of urgency or pressure to trigger action. In such scenarios, processes are followed correctly. Transactions are approved. Systems function as designed. The difference lies in intent. This makes detection significantly more complex. Controls are typically designed to identify incorrect processes, but are less effective when correct processes are used for the wrong purpose . The human factor as the primary entry point As highlighted during the session, between 70% and 90% of successful attacks involve a human element . This shifts the focus from systems to behaviour. Fraud today often emerges in situations where: decisions are taken under time pressure, authority is not challenged, or a request appears credible enough to bypass verification. These are not technical failures. They are organisational and behavioural vulnerabilities . Importantly, this also means that fraud is not always external. Insider actions, mistakes, or misjudgements can play a role, further blurring the line between error and intent. Technology accelerates both sides The increasing use of AI adds another layer to this dynamic. While it offers significant opportunities to improve efficiency and detection, it also enables fraudsters to operate faster, at lower cost, and at greater scale . This creates what can be described as a defender’s dilemma : institutions must continuously adapt, while attackers can rapidly leverage new tools to refine their approach. Rethinking control in a digital back office These developments suggest that strengthening systems alone will not be sufficient. As back-office functions become more digital, the main vulnerability is no longer the technology itself, but the interaction between people, processes and systems . This requires a shift in perspective. Controls must not only verify whether a process is followed, but also consider: whether the context is consistent, whether the request aligns with expected behaviour, and whether individuals feel able, and responsible, to challenge anomalies. In practice, this means integrating the human dimension more explicitly into process design, governance and risk management. A shift in mindset The evolution of financial crime ultimately challenges a fundamental assumption: that trust can be embedded solely in systems and procedures. In an increasingly digital environment, trust must be actively managed, across technology, processes and people. As back offices become more efficient and interconnected, resilience will depend not only on how systems are designed, but on how they are used in practice.

< Back < Previous | Next > Integrity & Culture Integrity & Culture: Understanding How Culture Shapes Ethical Behaviour Inspired by Lee Cronk’s research on culture & behaviour 14 Feb 2025 Culture is often cited as a driving force behind human behaviour, influencing everything from social norms to business ethics. However, as anthropologist Lee Cronk points out, “Although behavioural scientists often use culture as an explanation of behaviour, we have little understanding of why culture sometimes powerfully shapes behaviour and at other times seems to have no effect on it.” This raises an important question in the realm of integrity: how does culture influence ethical behaviour, and why do individuals sometimes act against cultural norms? Culture as a Social Coordination Tool Cronk’s research suggests that culture plays a significant role in shaping behaviour through social coordination conventions. These conventions create shared expectations and provide individuals with a framework for decision-making. Ethical norms, which form the foundation of integrity, can be seen as a type of social coordination mechanism. For example, widely accepted ethical principles—such as honesty in business transactions—help facilitate trust and cooperation within societies. A critical insight from Cronk’s work is that people are more likely to conform to cultural norms when those norms provide a clear structure for coordination. Ethical standards function similarly, establishing a shared understanding of acceptable behaviour. However, when ethical norms are ambiguous or in conflict with other cultural influences (such as economic pressures), individuals may deviate from them. As Cronk states, “people may claim that they value a certain trait or behaviour but fail to act accordingly when other factors, such as economic incentives or social pressures, come into play. When Culture and Behaviour Diverge One of Cronk’s key observations is that people do not always follow cultural norms, especially when those norms are not tied to social coordination. He provides an example from the Maasai culture, where traditional gender preferences expressed by parents did not align with their actual behaviour. Maasai parents often state a preference for sons over daughters due to traditional societal values that emphasize the role of men as providers and warriors. However, when researchers observed their real-life actions, they found that parents often invested just as much—if not more—into their daughters’ well-being and education. Cronk explains this discrepancy by highlighting the difference between stated cultural values and actual decision-making behaviours. While Maasai parents verbally uphold traditional gender norms, their practical decisions are guided by evolving social and economic realities, such as the increasing importance of education for all children. This illustrates a broader issue in ethics: individuals and organizations may publicly support ethical norms but act differently when competing incentives come into play. In corporate settings, this explains why some organizations publicly endorse ethical standards yet engage in questionable business practices. The mere presence of an integrity policy does not guarantee ethical behaviour. Instead, ethical norms must be integrated into an organization’s coordination mechanisms, ensuring they guide everyday decision-making. Integrity as a Cultural Construct From a cultural perspective, integrity is not just about individual moral choices—it is about shared beliefs and practices that shape behaviour. Ethical cultures within organizations are most effective when they function as social coordination conventions. For example, when companies make ethical behaviour a fundamental part of their corporate culture—embedded in training, performance evaluations, and leadership expectations—employees are more likely to follow ethical guidelines. Conversely, when ethical policies are seen as mere formalities without meaningful reinforcement, they are likely to be ignored or overridden by other influences, such as financial incentives or peer pressure. This aligns with Cronk’s argument that culture’s influence on behaviour is strongest when it provides clear guidance on how to act in specific situations. “Cultural rules that are clearly tied to tangible benefits are more likely to be followed than those that exist primarily as abstract ideals,” he explains. Lessons for Businesses and Organizations Cronk’s insights offer valuable lessons for organizations aiming to foster a culture of integrity: • Make Ethical Norms Actionable : Ethical guidelines should not be abstract ideals but practical rules integrated into daily business operations. • Ensure Common Knowledge : Ethical standards must be widely known and understood within an organization. Transparency and communication are essential in reinforcing these norms. • Align Incentives with Integrity : When employees perceive ethical behaviour as a requirement for success, rather than an optional guideline, they are more likely to adhere to ethical standards. • Create Accountability Mechanisms : Social coordination relies on mutual expectations. Establishing clear accountability structures ensures that ethical breaches are addressed effectively. Conclusion Culture is a powerful force in shaping behaviour, but its influence depends on how norms are embedded in social structures. Ethical behaviour thrives when integrity is not just an individual choice but a collective expectation reinforced through cultural coordination. As organizations and societies continue to navigate ethical challenges, understanding the relationship between culture and behaviour is crucial for fostering a sustainable and integrity-driven future. AU - Cronk, Lee T1 - Culture’s Influence on Behaviour: Steps Toward a Theory JO - Evolutionary Behavioural Sciences

< Back < Previous | Next > Trade & Investment Major banks set industry milestone with endorsement of ICC’s Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance 13 Jun 2025 A group of leading Trade Finance banks have announced their endorsement of the International Chamber of Commerce’s (ICC) Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance (ICC PSTF). This group, and further supporting banks, collectively represent as much as 25% of the global trade finance market by volume. A group of leading Trade Finance banks have today announced their endorsement of the International Chamber of Commerce’s (ICC) Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance ( ICC PSTF ). This group, and further supporting banks, collectively represent as much as 25% of the global trade finance market by volume. The work, led by ICC, with support from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and newly announced endorsement by Commerzbank, ING, Santander, and Standard Chartered aims to provide clear, transparent, and consistent guidelines to enable banks, corporates and investors to effectively channel capital towards sustainable and inclusive trade finance facilities. Unlike for many other financial products, trade finance practitioners have historically not had a clear, consistent and consensus definition on what constitutes sustainable trade finance, limiting its application. The principles, launched in October 2024, therefore provide a robust methodology for evaluating sustainable trade finance transactions, including a globally acceptable approach for assessing use-of-proceeds in trade finance transactions, proposed due diligence protocols for sustainability verification and unified reporting standards to ensure consistency across financial institutions. As a next step, with support of these banks, ICC plans to further build on the principles including defining legal terms and extending its coverage to social sustainability, while also working with the broader trade ecosystem – including banks, corporates and regulators – to expand further endorsement. ICC welcomes any users who also wish to endorse the PSTF to an additional endorsement announcement in circa Q3 2025. “We welcome the endorsement of the ICC Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance by four leading banks. This is a strong signal of market alignment behind a common framework to scale sustainable trade finance in a practical, credible and commercially viable way. We look forward to more banks endorsing the ICC principles ahead of COP30 in November – sending a clear signal that trade is a core part of the solution to climate change.” Philippe Varin, ICC Chair Raelene Martin, Head of Sustainability at ICC, added: “We are thrilled to welcome the banks’ endorsement of ICC’s Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance, which marks an important step in aligning the industry around common methodology for the assessment of sustainable trade finance. We are thankful for their tremendous support in providing thought leadership and guidance that is fit for purpose for industry globally. We believe that the ICC Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance present an important milestone in embedding sustainability at the heart of global trade in a practical and robust way.” The first ICC member banks to endorse the ICC principles shared their initial thoughts: “At Santander CIB, we are committed to empowering our clients with innovative trade and working capital solutions aligned to their sustainability goals that promote resilience across global supply chains. To that end, we are happy to endorse the ICC principles, a landmark initiative in sustainable trade finance, and to continue to pave the way for more original solutions that deliver positive financial and sustainable impacts to businesses everywhere.” — Pablo Ballesteros, Head of GTB Cross Solutions at Santander CIB “Standard Chartered introduced its sustainable trade finance proposition in 2021 and as a pioneering advocate for sustainable trade finance standards across the industry, we are pleased to adopt ICC’s principles. We are committed to offering our clients innovative solutions that empower them to achieve their sustainability goals while effectively managing associated risks. We applaud ICC for leading the way in setting the international guidelines for the industry and we look forward to continuing our partnership with them to shape the future of sustainable trade finance globally.” — Sofia Hammoucha, Global Head of Trade & Working Capital at Standard Chartered. “Commerzbank, as a leading bank for foreign trade particularly for Germany and Europe, welcomes the publication of ICC’s Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance and actively contributed to them. They are suitable for establishing a consistent approach among international market participants and are referenced in our ESG framework.” — Sven O. Schmidt, Head of International Trade Finance Operations, Commerzbank AG “ING is proud to have contributed to ICC’s new Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance, which set a clear and actionable framework specifically tailored for the unique nature of trade finance transactions. These principles align with ING’s commitment to supporting clients in their transition to a more sustainable and resilient ecosystem. We will actively support further development of the framework into Social Trade Principles and further guidance for Sustainability Linked Supply Chain Finance.” — Anthony van Vliet, Head of Product Management Trade – Transaction Services – ING Wholesale Banking “Accelerating sustainable trade is a critical enabler in decarbonising some of the world’s most complex supply chains. Unlike for many other financial products, trade finance practitioners have not historically had a clear, consistent, and consensus definition on what constitutes sustainable trade finance, limiting its application. The formal recognition and endorsement of ICC’s Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance by leading global financial institutions is a huge step forward on this journey.” — Ravi Hanspal, Partner, Boston Consulting Group Boston Consulting Group (BCG) is a long-term strategic partner of ICC, co-leading ICC’s Sustainable Trade programme since its inception, including the working group that developed the most recent Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance. Read more about the ICC Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance, and ICC’s broader work on sustainable trade.