IFSWF Santiago Principles

Santiago Principles Self-Assessment

MIC 2019

    Institutional Framework and Governance Structure.
    Principle 6

    6. The governance framework for the SWF should be sound and establish a clear and effective division of roles and responsibilities in order to facilitate accountability and operational independence in the management of the SWF to pursue its objectives.

    Mubadala’s Board of Directors (the Board) and an executive committee of the Board (the Board Executive Committee) have oversight over Mubadala’s affairs. The Board is composed of a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, a Managing Director, and other Board members who are appointed by a Decree of the Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. 

    The Board has delegated various powers to the Board Executive Committee, led by the Vice-Chairman and comprised of other Board members.  The Board Executive Committee is responsible for Mubadala’s strategic direction, oversight and corporate governance, and reviews and approves Mubadala’s business plans and strategic direction on behalf of the Government.

    Mubadala’s Managing Director, who is also the Group CEO, together with the Investment Committee, has responsibility for executing on Mubadala’s strategy and affairs. This includes investments to achieve a sustainable and diversified economy in line with the Abu Dhabi Government’s mandate.

    Mubadala has a delegation of authority (DOA) that grants authorities to various management committees and personnel.

    A number of key committees support the governance framework, including:

    The Audit Risk and Compliance Committee (ARCC), with oversight of financial reporting in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, systems of internal control, financial compliance, the appointment of external auditors and internal audit processes.

    The Investment Committee, which approves or endorses, in line with the DOA, all major investment decisions made by Mubadala. 

    The Management Committee, which is responsible for reviewing, considering and approving certain corporate, organizational and operational matters.

    Mubadala’s corporate structure, as well as the composition of the Board of Directors and Investment Committee, are disclosed on Mubadala’s website. The role and responsibilities of the key committees are documented in their respective committee charters.

    7. The owner should set the objectives of the SWF, appoint the members of its governing body(ies) in accordance with clearly defined procedures, and exercise oversight over the SWF’s operations.

    As detailed above in Principle 1 and 2, Mubadala’s purpose is to invest and re-invest funds to further the public interest of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.  Mubadala’s strategy is to grow and manage a resilient and diversified portfolio with a mandate to create sustainable risk-adjusted financial returns. 

    The Managing Director and all Board members are appointed by a Decree of the Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. In line with the authorities granted to the Board of Directors, the Board establishes the strategy of the Company and determines and appoints the senior management of the Company. There are no predetermined conditions or requirements related to the appointment of the senior management beyond being deemed to have the relevant skill set and experience to perform their respective roles.

    Mubadala’s Managing Director (who is also the Group CEO) heads the Investment Committee, comprised of 9 other senior Mubadala executives that head its platforms and corporate units.

    8. The governing body(ies) should act in the best interests of the SWF, and have a clear mandate and adequate authority and competency to carry out its functions.

    Mubadala is managed by its Board of Directors and Board Executive Committee, which have adequate authority and autonomy to safeguard Mubadala’s assets and ensure it carries out its function in line with its mandates.

    The Board of Directors is delegated wide authorities and discretion to manage the Company under the Articles of Association and the establishing law. The Board has approved the formation of various committees at a Board and management level and has ensured that adequate delegations are in place for the management of the affairs of Mubadala.

    Mubadala’s Managing Director (who is also the Group CEO) together with the Investment Committee (comprised of the Managing Director and 9 other senior Mubadala executives), have responsibility for the execution of Mubadala’s strategy and administering its affairs, including all decisions related to investments within the guidelines set by the Board of Directors.    

    Investment decisions are based solely on economic objectives, to create sustainable risk-adjusted financial returns for the greater benefit of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. 

    9. The operational management of the SWF should implement the SWF’s strategies in an independent manner and in accordance with clearly defined responsibilities.

    This is detailed under Principle 1 above.  Mubadala’s management adheres to a structured and disciplined investment process that enables delivery of sustainable risk-adjusted financial returns for the benefit of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

    10. The accountability framework for the SWF’s operations should be clearly defined in the relevant legislation, charter, other constitutive documents, or management agreement.

    Mubadala has strong governance standards, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities that ensure accountability.  Management of Mubadala is vested in Mubadala’s Board Executive Committee, which is responsible for its affairs and the discharge of its business.  The Board Executive Committee meets periodically to consider and review Mubadala’s overall strategy. 

    Mubadala’s Managing Director (who is also the Group CEO) together with the Investment Committee (comprised of 9 other senior Mubadala executives), have responsibility for the execution of Mubadala’s strategy and administering its affairs, including all decisions related to investments within the guidelines set by the Board of Directors. 

    Mubadala’s sector platforms are responsible for building and managing investment portfolios within the parameters set for them by the Investment Committee and through the asset allocation process.  These platforms have discretion over the origination and recommendation of investment proposals which must be approved by the Investment Committee prior to execution.

    The Management Committee is responsible for reviewing, considering and approving certain corporate, organizational and operational matters.

    The ARCC provides oversight of financial reporting in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, systems of internal control, financial compliance, the appointment of external auditors and internal audit processes.

    11. An annual report and accompanying financial statements on the SWF’s operations and performance should be prepared in a timely fashion and in accordance with recognized international or national accounting standards in a consistent manner.

    Mubadala produces its consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards that are endorsed by the ARCC and approved by the Board Executive Committee in accordance with Mubadala’s governance framework.

    Mubadala’s consolidated financial statements are submitted to the Abu Dhabi Department of Finance annually and are also reviewed by the Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority (ADAA). ADDA is the independent Government audit authority.

    12. The SWF’s operations and financial statements should be audited annually in accordance with recognized international or national auditing standards in a consistent manner.

    Mubadala’s consolidated financial statements are audited on an annual basis, in accordance with international standards of auditing (ISAs) by one of the Big4 audit firms, which are further examined, on an annual basis, by the Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority (ADAA). 

    Mubadala’s independent external auditor is appointed every 4 years in accordance with the Statutory Auditor Appointment Rules (SAAR) of the ADAA.

    In addition to the role of the external auditor relating to the financial statements, the Internal Audit Division (IAD) undertakes operational and other audits across Mubadala in line with a risk-based plan approved by the Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee (ARCC). Further information about the purpose, authority and responsibility of the IAD is provided against Principle 22. 

    As discussed in Principle 22, all work undertaken by the IAD is in accordance with the Institute of Internal Auditor’s International Professional Practices Framework, the globally recognized standards for the internal audit profession.

    13. Professional and ethical standards should be clearly defined and made known to the members of the SWF’s governing body(ies), management, and staff.

    Mubadala has developed and implemented a comprehensive and multi-layered Ethics and Compliance program, with its cornerstone being the Code of Conduct.

    Mubadala’s employees are anticipated to operate under the highest ethical standards and with a clear focus on corporate values, one of which is integrity.

    The policies complementing the Code of Conduct cover a wide range of potential risk areas and have been drafted with a consistent view on best practices regarding corporate ethics. The standards outlined are constantly communicated within Mubadala, and the tone at the top is indicative of Mubadala’s ethical culture, with ongoing ethics and compliance initiatives across the organization.

    Throughout the year the Ethics and Compliance Office delivers general and specialized training on various topics, relevant to Mubadala’s operations on a national and international level and there are numerous engagements with leaders and their teams to assess risk status, further develop, enhance and deploy the Ethics and Compliance program.

    All Mubadala employees are required to attend, on an annual basis, a mandatory eLearning on the Code of Conduct and its application to the business.

    Mubadala has received the International Organization for Standardization in Anti-bribery Management Systems (ISO 37001:2016) certification, yet one more element indicating its dedication to remaining at the forefront of setting the standard for ethical action.

    14. Dealing with third parties for the purpose of the SWF’s operational management should be based on economic and financial grounds, and follow clear rules and procedures.

    Mubadala’s Business Partner Due Diligence policy and procedures are outlined in a content-specific policy. The approval of business partners for operational purposes is the result of a rigorous screening procedure with the use of advanced software solutions and relevant procurement processes.

    As a global business, Mubadala’s due diligence program aims to implement a holistic and risk-based approach through transparent and secure practices and with the constant monitoring from a dedicated and competent team.

    Mubadala’s Supplier Code defines the standards of acceptable conduct by third parties when performing work for or on behalf of Mubadala.

    15. SWF operations and activities in host countries should be conducted in compliance with all applicable regulatory and disclosure requirements of the countries in which they operate.

    Mubadala complies with the appropriate regulatory and disclosure requirements in the countries in which it operates.  Mubadala’s investment and sector teams collaborate closely with both the Legal and Governance unit and the Ethics and Compliance unit to manage legal, regulatory and compliance risks arising from Mubadala’s investment activities.

    From a compliance point of view, Mubadala’s operations adhere to the national and international legal and regulatory frameworks applicable to the business.

    The various requirements are monitored and assessed on an on-going basis, so that the organization constantly remains compliant in all aspects of its operations and activities, both at the entry point and throughout the investment period.

    16. The governance framework and objectives, as well as the manner in which the SWF’s management is operationally independent from the owner, should be publicly disclosed.

    Mubadala’s website discloses its governance framework, investment objectives, operational independence, management and investment structure and broader corporate structure. This information is also publicly disclosed in Mubadala’s GMTN program prospectus.

    17. Relevant financial information regarding the SWF should be publicly disclosed to demonstrate its economic and financial orientation, so as to contribute to stability in international financial markets and enhance trust in recipient countries.

    All Mubadala’s relevant financial information is disclosed in Mubadala’s Annual Review, which is available on Mubadala’s website. Such financial information includes:

    • Total Assets under Management;
    • Total Comprehensive Income;
    • Total Divestments;
    • Total Investments;
    • Significant milestones; and
    • Investments.
    Principle 18

    18. The SWF’s investment policy should be clear and consistent with its defined objectives, risk tolerance, and investment strategy, as set by the owner or the governing body(ies), and be based on sound portfolio management principles.

    18.1. The investment policy should guide the SWF’s financial risk exposures and the possible use of leverage.

    18.2. The investment policy should address the extent to which internal and/or external investment managers are used, the range of their activities and authority, and the process by which they are selected and their performance monitored.

    18.3. A description of the investment policy of the SWF should be publicly disclosed.

    Mubadala’s investment policy is to make sustainable, long-term financial returns.

    Mubadala invests in a variety of assets, employing both active and passive strategies, with a preference for direct investments where Mubadala can actively work with the management of the asset to create value. 

    As outlined in Principle 2 above, Mubadala funds its capital and investment expenditures and its financial obligations through operating cash flow, borrowings from third parties and asset monetizations where appropriate.  Mubadala invests in line with its mandate in compliance with applicable laws and the values of its shareholder.

    Mubadala’s portfolio of assets is reviewed on a regular basis by the Portfolio Strategy and Enterprise Risk Management divisions, who recommend capital allocation levels to the Investment Committee.

    19. The SWF’s investment decisions should aim to maximize risk-adjusted financial returns in a manner consistent with its investment policy, and based on economic and financial grounds.

    19.1. If investment decisions are subject to other than economic and financial considerations, these should be clearly set out in the investment policy and be publicly disclosed.

    19.2. The management of an SWF’s assets should be consistent with what is generally accepted as sound asset management principles.

    Mubadala’s investment decisions aim to maximize risk-adjusted returns whilst supporting the Government’s strategic objective of a globally integrated and diversified economy.  This is achieved by the Investment Committee reviewing prospective investments while taking into consideration guidance of the Portfolio Strategy, Valuations, and Mergers and Acquisitions teams. This process is designed to ensure Mubadala’s portfolio will deliver the risk-adjusted returns expected by the shareholder.

    Each of Mubadala’s platforms actively asset manages its investments to ensure that they are performing in line with the Investment Committees expectations.

    20. The SWF should not seek or take advantage of privileged information or inappropriate influence by the broader government in competing with private entities.

    Mubadala carries out its investment programme and activities independently and with autonomy.

    Mubadala does not have, nor does it seek, access to privileged information or inappropriate influence through the Government to compete with private entities. Mubadala’s compliance function seeks to prevent the misuse of any privileged information.

    21. SWFs view shareholder ownership rights as a fundamental element of their equity investments’ value. If an SWF chooses to exercise its ownership rights, it should do so in a manner that is consistent with its investment policy and protects the financial value of its investments. The SWF should publicly disclose its general approach to voting securities of listed entities, including the key factors guiding its exercise of ownership rights.

    Mubadala is a leading global investment company and endorses the need for a stable global financial system and free flow of capital and investments. As a shareholder, Mubadala exercises its ownership rights in its investments in certain circumstances, to protect Mubadala’s interests or to oppose motions that may be detrimental to shareholders as a whole. Financial considerations guide the general approach to the exercise of Mubadala’s ownership rights.

    Mubadala understands and is committed to, fulfilling its responsibilities as a responsible global investor.  As such, Mubadala seeks to apply best practices to all its disclosure processes and regularly makes disclosures, as required, in relation to its investments in local and global markets in accordance with applicable laws. 

    22. The SWF should have a framework that identifies, assesses, and manages the risks of its operations.

    22.1. The risk management framework should include reliable information and timely reporting systems, which should enable the adequate monitoring and management of relevant risks within acceptable parameters and levels, control and incentive mechanisms, codes of conduct, business continuity planning, and an independent audit function.

    22.2. The general approach to the SWF’s risk management framework should be publicly disclosed.

    23. The assets and investment performance (absolute and relative to benchmarks, if any) of the SWF should be measured and reported to the owner according to clearly defined principles or standards.

    The performance (cash and P&L) of Mubadala’s assets are reported monthly, and investment performance (value creation, absolute returns and returns relative to benchmarks) are measured and reported quarterly.

    Annually, Mubadala undertakes a five-year business plan exercise to understand the projected performance trajectory of its assets and portfolio (return expectations, cash balances and asset P&L).  All processes are undertaken in accordance with clearly defined guidance, policies and standards.  The principal stakeholders to whom this information is reported to the Valuation Committee, Platform and Sector Management, the Investment Committee and the ARCC.

    Mubadala Group Finance manages these processes to ensure the delivery of timely and accurate data and information across all asset classes and provides performance reports to key stakeholders.  Group Finance also provide independent analysis of assets and portfolio performance.

    Additionally, information is provided to Portfolio Strategy and Enterprise Risk Management for the purposes of portfolio evaluation and stress testing portfolio returns and cash balances.

    The Valuation Committee, supported by the Central Valuation Team within the Financial Planning and Business Performance division of Group Finance, determines the Fair Value of Portfolio Investments consistent with the guiding principles of the Valuation Policy and approves investment performance benchmarks to measure against Portfolio Investments.

    Semi-annually, the Valuation Committee, in conjunction with Financial Governance, provides Portfolio Investment valuations to the ARCC for statutory financial reporting purposes.

    Quarterly, the Valuation Committee provides the Investment Committee with a summary of the contribution and impact of Portfolio Investment valuations on Mubadala returns.

    24. A process of regular review of the implementation of the GAPP should be engaged in by or on behalf of the SWF.

    Mubadala will review adherence to the IFSWF Generally Accepted Principles and Practices (GAPP) on a regular basis going forward.