Upholding Nedbank’s legal and regulatory integrity

In the fast-paced world of banking, the role of a company secretary is vital for maintaining integrity, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and promoting ethical practices. At Nedbank Namibia, this position is filled by Brigitte Nghipandulwa, a seasoned legal practitioner committed to corporate governance and compliance.

With a strong legal background, Nghipandulwa embarked on her journey in the corporate legal arena in 2014. Over the years, she has gained valuable experience in various legal aspects, including risk and compliance, trademarks and patents, labour, governance, and company secretarial matters. Her expertise enabled her to provide consulting services to clients in the banking, asset management, mining, and fishing industries.



A new role

In her capacity as company secretary, Nghipandulwa is responsible for upholding Nedbank’s legal and regulatory integrity. Her oversight is critical in mitigating legal risks and aligning business practices with statutory requirements. Besides compliance, her remit includes advocating for transparency and accountability. This, Nedbank said, is vital for reinforcing the bank’s credibility and facilitating its long-term success by fostering trust among stakeholders and clients.

Nghipandulwa's approach to governance and compliance is forward-thinking and comprehensive. She looks forward to her role as she aims to enhance the governance framework in Nedbank through continuous adaptation of evolving regulatory landscapes and proactive stakeholder engagement.

Her focus is on embedding best practices in governance that align with Nedbank's strategic goals and long-term sustainability, she said.

In a press release, the bank said it understands that good governance reaches beyond the boardroom and across sectors. By applying the necessary compliance approaches to the bank’s corporate and social responsibility initiatives, Nghipandulwa hopes to ensure that these efforts are not just philanthropic gestures, but also operations that are legally compliant.

The insight she brings to the governance framework of the bank is geared towards supporting the strategic objectives of Nedbank.

“Her guidance in ethical conduct and legal compliance will also strengthen Nedbank’s position as a bank of choice, one that has been trusted for its integrity and responsible practices for many decades in Namibia," the bank said.



Highest ethical standards

For professionals aspiring to excel in governance and compliance within the banking industry, Nghipandulwa offers advice, saying it is vital to “cultivate a deep understanding of banking laws; stay abreast of industry trends; develop strong analytical skills, and uphold the highest ethical standards".

Her own career reflects these principles, and her dedication to them has been the cornerstone of her professional success, she added.

Outside the professional world, Nghipandulwa finds solace in swimming, a discipline that has shaped her approach to work and decision-making. The focus required in swimming resonates with her professional demeanor, where meticulousness and commitment are paramount.