Governance Unplugged – Internal Audit, Risk & Controls
Governance Unplugged - Internal Audit, Risk & Controls
Podcast Description
Governance Unplugged is a podcast dedicated to exploring the essential pillars of sound governance to help organizations thrive in today’s dynamic business environment. Designed for internal auditors, risk managers, senior management and board members, the podcast delves into how robust governance, risk management, and internal controls lay the foundation for organizational safety and prosperity. By providing meaningful insights and practical strategies, the podcast aims to equip listeners with interesting insights supporting their needs to safeguard their organizations and ensure long-term success.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores themes such as internal audits' evolving role, risk management strategies, and governance principles. Notable episodes include discussions on the transformation of internal audit with insights from industry leaders like Nicolas Steyaert and Cynthia Boumann, focusing on topics like internal audit’s strategic influence and integrating AI into auditing processes.
Governance Unplugged is a podcast dedicated to exploring the essential pillars of sound governance to help organizations thrive in today’s dynamic business environment. Designed for internal auditors, risk managers, senior management and board members, the podcast delves into how robust governance, risk management, and internal controls lay the foundation for organizational safety and prosperity. By providing meaningful insights and practical strategies, the podcast aims to equip listeners with interesting insights supporting their needs to safeguard their organizations and ensure long-term success.
Governance Unplugged – Episode 12
From Trustless Code to Trusted Governance: Why Crypto Needs Boards and (Internal) Audit
Guest: Marieke Flament: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariekeflament/
Episode Summary
Crypto was built on “don’t trust people, trust the code.” But code is written, maintained, and exploited by people. In this episode, Thomas sits down with Marieke — a crypto-governance expert and industry leader — to explore the paradox at the heart of Web3: trustless architectures still require trusted structures. We unpack how Bitcoin and Ethereum took different paths, what DAOs have actually taught us about decision-making, why “trustless ≠ riskless,” and how boards, risk management, and internal audit can bring credibility, resilience, and scale to this fast-maturing space.
You’ll hear concrete examples (FTX, Terra/Luna), practical boardroom questions for M&A and partnership decisions, and a clear playbook for founders who want governance to be a growth multiplier, not a brake pedal.
What We Cover
• Bitcoin vs. Ethereum: two governance philosophies, one shared lesson
• DAOs: transparency, participation—and the human layer that never disappears
• “Trustless ≠ Riskless”: why accountability and oversight still matter
• What TradFi can learn from Web3 (traceability, on-chain analytics)
• What Web3 can learn from TradFi (boards, controls, audit discipline)
• The role of Internal Audit in crypto: from “after-the-fact” to “at-the-table”
• Crisis readiness: scenarios, controls, and board behaviour when things break
• Founder–Board dynamics: co-creation over compliance theatre
• A day-one governance checklist for crypto founders
Key Takeaways
• Governance is a capability, not a constraint. In crypto, it’s the difference between hype and scale.
• DAOs increase transparency, not infallibility. Human incentives and bias remain—just more visible.
• Internal Audit belongs at the table. Anticipate risks early, shape controls, and strengthen credibility.
• Convergence is here. TradFi gains traceability; Web3 gains board discipline and structured assurance.
• Trust is built before the storm. Scenario planning and control design are non-negotiable.
Memorable Lines
• “Trustless doesn’t mean riskless.”
• “Founders who treat boards as partners unlock real, sustainable growth.”
• “Governance isn’t the enemy of innovation—it’s a multiplier.”
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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