A framework for strengthening corporate governance resilience in financial institutions: a case study of CABS, Old Mutual Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study examines the influence of board effectiveness, risk governance, internal control systems and compliance mechanisms on corporate governance resilience at CABS Zimbabwe. Grounded in the need to understand how financial institutions can withstand governance disruptions within volatile economic and regulatory environments, the research adopts a focused conceptual framework that integrates internal control, compliance, board effectiveness and risk governance as core determinants of resilience. The study is delimited to the banking sector, specifically CABS Zimbabwe, and is situated within the contextual realities of Zimbabwe’s financial services landscape. Methodologically, the research relies on governance-related disclosures, institutional documents, and the perspectives of selected participants, ensuring a targeted yet robust qualitative inquiry. The findings are expected to contribute to theory by refining the understanding of governance resilience mechanisms, while offering practical implications for board oversight, regulatory compliance, and internal control strengthening. The significance of the study extends to multiple stakeholders, including boards and management, investors, regulators, employees, policymakers, and academia, each of whom stands to benefit from evidence-based insights into how governance pillars can be fortified to promote institutional stability and sustainable performance.