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A successful Initial Public Offering offers a sense of pride for a firm. Watching your publicly traded company’s symbol flash across the ticker is an elevating experience. But what additional risks does your company face after an IPO?

Changing from a private to public company status will have additional risks that your organization may need to be aware of and it is important to develop a solid risk management strategy that can help your company adapt successfully after an IPO.

Accountability and scrutiny must be taken into account after a company goes public. The amount of exposure involved with an IPO is enormous and senior management must adjust to their new risk profile.

A successful IPO extends your reach from initial investor interest to public stakeholders. Investors and stakeholders must feel confident in your strategic plan and your ability to manage a wide range of risks. In addition, those firms experienced in turning risk into opportunity will be rewarded. Remember your company is now comprised of public as well as private funding and with great power comes great responsibility. Sound strategies for nurturing investor and stakeholder confidence are essential for an IPO’s success.

Here are 5 tips on transitioning your risk management program, as you move from private to public company status.

  1. Start from the top: Your board needs to be in position for successful development of a risk management strategy. Encourage your CFO and your CRO to work in conjunction. Compliance between these positions will successfully build the necessary framework for risk avoidance. This in turn, will set the pace for senior management strategy planning.
  2. Set the stage for effective and robust board governance: Your board governance will need to adapt to your new planning techniques. Since investors are watching more closely, it is time for your board to shine. Make sure you have key players in place that have versatile talents which will enhance rich governance techniques.
  3. No alarms and no surprises: The public market hates surprises. Surprising your investors can cause alarm which will affect confidence. New ideas and strategies should be carefully vetted. This will ensure that new product launches goes smoothly. Make a practice of including risk management in all of your core business unit discussions.
  4. Stay ahead of regulation: Regulations are constantly impacting the market. After an IPO — stay ahead of the curve as much as possible. Keep you investors informed about these changes and share your plans for compliance. This lets investors know your board is effectively keeping your firm on track.
  5. Stop watching everyone else: During the immediate period after an IPO, focus on understanding your unique risk profile and building mitigation strategies to manage the risks. This will provide a solid platform for discussing “risk” with public shareholders.

Adjusting your insurance and risk management program as your firm goes from private to public is important. Contact a TechAssure Association member to learn more about the support they can provide as your build your risk management program.

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