Emilio Pera

Member of the Executive Committee with focus on strategic initiatives in areas of Quality, Governance and Risk.

As Head of Audit for the UAE and Oman took responsibility for the the transformation of the business with key focus on Audit Quality. This required a restructuring of the operating model (in phases), review and de-risking the client portfolio, effect changes to the team which included recruitment of specialist resources, implementation of technology tools and significant cultural change initiatives.

As Financial Services Sector Leader for the UAE and Oman, in addition to personally delivering Audit and Advisory solutions to clients, also developed the FS Strategy, profiling the team and solutions enabling growth and increased market eminence for KPMG.

Financial Services Leader, EY Africa for 6 years and also member of EMEIA Financial Services extended leadership team. During this time I developed a focused strategy to grow the business sustainably and profile the sector and firm across the African continent. Built strong relationships with teams across Africa, profiled the firm in the media and also delivered on engagements in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Lead partner on the external audit of Barclays Africa Group Limited (BAGL) with Primary focus in South Africa, but also oversight on entities across the rest of Africa. Played key role on BAGL to retain the audit following an external re-proposal process in 2005 and again in 2015. Also lead partner on a number of other audit clients, including Albaraka Bank, the largest dedicated Islamic Bank in South Africa. Leader on Advisory engagements which included effectiveness reviews of Internal Audit and Compliance functions; ERM frameworks and credit portfolios. Deputy Chair of the South African Chartered Accountants (SAICA) Banking Project Group and IFRS9 industry forum. Both forums include representatives from the industry, regulators and the profession. Member of IAASB ISA540 Task Group (previously Financial Institutions Working Group) with a focus to revise the standard in preparation of the audit of IFRS9.

Internal Audit in London, reporting directly to the Regional Head. Performed various audits in Equities, Fixed Income and Corporate Finance in London and across mainland Europe.

Internal Audit Director in Johannesburg and London. Experience in audits of the banking, treasury operations in Johannesburg, London, New York and Hong Kong as well as the fund management operations in Jersey.