At BdC, risk management is not only the responsibility of the Risk Department it is a shared responsibility across the entire organization. Every decision we make, every process we perform and every client relationship we manage carries some level of risk.
By strengthening awareness, encouraging transparency and embedding risk management into our daily activities, we contribute to a resilient, trustworthy and sustainable Bank
With the launch of this magazine, we intend to inform and engage you on a quarterly basis, sharing risk insights and developments in different and engaging ways. Through articles, practical tips, real-life examples and highlights from across the organization, we aim to make risk management more accessible, relevant and part of our everyday work.
This quarterly magazine highlights key initiatives, insights and upcoming activities that support our mission of building a culture of risk readiness.
We would like to take this opportunity to warmly welcome our new team member, Gwendeline Martha to the Risk Management team. We are excited to have her join us as we continue working together to strengthen our risk initiatives across the Bank.
Shaping a Culture of Awareness and building a Culture of Risk Readiness A look back at
Last year we proudly hosted our first annual Risk Awareness Week The initiative emphasized the importance of risk awareness and how it protects not only our organization but also our clients and each other. Throughout the week, we shared knowledge in different formats and organized a successful seminar featuring inspiring presentations focused on strengthening our internal risk culture.
This presentation reminded us that exceptional client service starts internally. When we foster trust, transparency and collaboration, we naturally build stronger and more trustworthy relationships with our clients
Client Centricity Starts Within Risk Culture
A powerful message emphasizing that risk awareness begins with personal responsibility. Building a healthy risk culture means making conscious decisions every day that reflect integrity, accountability and professionalism.
Ban Papia Risk! Ban Papia Risk! Ban Papia Risk!
Another highlight of the week was our interactive podcast series, where colleagues from different departments shared their perspectives on key risk themes.
“Compliance tey pa nos tur”: Reinforcing that compliance is everyone ’ s responsibility.
“Di bon kredito pa eksito”: Sound credit practices contribute to sustainable success.
“Integridad komo bo kompas”: Integrity should guide every action and decision
“Di KYC pa kèsh”: Strong processes from client onboarding to daily operations.
“Mas ayá ku ink”: Looking beyond the transaction and understanding the broader risk perspective.
We concluded the week with an interactive quiz: “Boost Your Risk Smarts!”Two enthusiastic winners demonstrated outstanding risk knowledge and engagement
One of the most encouraging outcomes of Risk Awareness Week has been the growing awareness and engagement among colleagues.
We are seeing more conversations about risk, more thoughtful decision-making, stronger understanding that risk management is an enabler of success.
Staff Engagement exercise
In November 2025, we conducted a Staff Engagement exercise bank-wide.
A big thank you to all who shared their feedback. Your trust, participation and openness are truly appreciated and helps us improve together.
These exercise helps to:
• Identify opportunities for improvement
• Strengthen communication, culture and collaboration
• Support a healthy and productive work environment
Opportunities for Improvement
• Increased engagement with employees
• More approachable communication
• Additional training and development opportunities for the staff
What colleagues value most?
• HR responsiveness and support on payroll, leave, and benefits
• Policies and procedures are clear and accessible
• HR is trusted to maintain confidentiality and comply with laws and ethics
*The survey process was reviewed by Internal Audit to ensure accuracy and reliability
ERM ERM
When you hear the term ERM, you might wonder what it means
ERM stands for Enterprise Risk Management. Simply explained, ERM is the framework that integrates the Bank’s culture, capabilities, and practices when executing its strategy.
Benefits of a Strong ERM Framework
• Expands strategic opportunities
• Identifies and manages risks across the organization
• Increases positive outcomes while reducing surprises
• Improves resource allocation
• Enhances organizational resilience
Why ERM Matters for You?
Some of you may have participated in our Risk Assessments.
These assessments use Risk Classification Scores, which were based on the ERM framework since July 2021. We are now updating these scoring models to reflect:
• Current regulations
• Updated financial figures
• Latest risk developments
This will ensure more accurate and realistic risk ratings
The updated scoring model will be also in the last assessments, including:
• Physical Security Risk Assessment
• HR Risk Assessment
Let’s continue applying the ERM Framework bank-wide to build a stronger and more resilient organization.
Cybersecurity:
As our world becomes increasingly digital, cybersecurity has become an essential part of protecting the Bank, our clients and the trust placed in our institution.
To support this awareness, the HR Department recently organized an engaging Cybersecurity Training for half of the organization, including employees from Curaçao, Bonaire and Sint Maarten to learn more about today’s evolving cyber threats. The remaining group will participate in the next training session next quarter. Stay tuned!
Key Cyber Risks Highlighted
Phishing attacks
Malware and ransomware
Cybersecurity is not only a technical topic. From a Risk Management perspective, cyber threats are recognized as an important enterprise risk that can affect operational continuity, financial stability and the Bank’s reputation For this reason, the Risk Department continuously monitors cyber-related risks and works closely with other departments to ensure that the Bank remains resilient in an increasingly complex digital environment.
“Because when it comes to cybersecurity, awareness is our first line of defense”.
Always verify suspicious emails and report unusual activity to IT.
As many of you may know, we recently started the processes review cycle to collect and organize all processes across departments.
This cycle forms part of our Process Risk Management framework, which helps identify operational risks within key processes and ensures that appropriate controls are in place.
• Improves efficiency and transparency
• Strengthens internal controls
• Reduces operational risk
• Supports business continuity
We thank all departments for their collaboration in supporting this important review cycle. Why Process Risk Management is essential:
Every employee plays a role in protecting this trust by speaking up when something does not seem right
If you observe situations that may:
• Compromise integrity
• Violate policies
• Expose the Bank to risk
We encourage you to raise your concerns through the appropriate channels, including the Whistleblowing Policy process available on Sharepoint.
The whistleblowing framework part of the Compliance department policies provides a safe and confidential way for employees to report concerns, ensuring that potential issues can be addressed in a timely and responsible manner
Q2
Sint Maarten - SARA Assessment
A visit to the Sint Maarten branch is planned in Q2 to conduct the Systematic Analysis of Risk Assessment (SARA).
These assessments support the continuous strengthening of our risk management framework across the Bank.
Bonaire - SIRA Assessment
In Q2, the Risk & Compliance team will visit the Bonaire branch to perform the Systematic Integrity Risk Analysis (SIRA).
BdC goes to the
We are looking forward to an exciting experience as BdC N.V. family travels together to the World Cup in Houston
Large group events require careful planning and coordination. Risk Management is involved in ensuring that operational and logistical risks are properly considered, supporting a safe and well-organized experience for everyone.
Together We Build A We Build A Together We Build
Risk management works best when everyone participates
By staying informed, collaborating and speaking up, we continue strengthening the resilience, integrity and future of Banco di Caribe N V !
