Meganathan Govender

• Convenor of the ASISA Forensic Standing Committee for the period 2021-23 and in addition, I was the spokesperson for the annual fraud and claims stats
• Engaged with the media on a number of segments discussing insurance fraud
• In July 2022, I hosted a panel interview on insurance fraud at the annual ICFP conference
• In October 2022, I spoke about the potential of greylisting of South Africa on the private sector at the Western Cape ACFE year end function at Distell in Stellenbosch
• In November 2022, I participated in an ACAMS panel discussion on the key components of a robust AML Risk Management Program
• Led a team of forensic investigators focused on investigations, fraud detection and fraud prevention
• Support the business areas in the Life and Savings cluster to mitigate fraud
• Prepare and present forensic activity reports to risk forums and audit committees on a quarterly basis
• Develop a capability model to understand the gaps within the forensic unit
• Implement new processes in the department together with changing report formats
• Redevelop the fraud operating model for the business
• Acted as the money laundering reporting officer for 32 of the Accountable Institutions within Sanlam
• Review suspicious activity reports and make recommendations
• Review of the AML program and input into policy development
• Oversight of the insurance fraud risk management policy.
• Delivered services to customer locations within specific timeframes.
• Acted as a team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback.
• Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
• Developed strong organizational and communication skills through coursework and volunteer activities.
• Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
• Gained extensive knowledge in data entry, analysis and reporting.
• Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
• Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
• Developed strong communication and organizational skills through working on group projects.
• Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
• Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
• Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
• Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
• Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.

• Develop and define the methodology for high profile investigations in Liberty Group
• Conduct all high profile investigations
• Managed all investigations emanating from Group Whistleblowing Hotline
• Delivered services to customer locations within specific timeframes.
• Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
• Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
• Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
• Oversight of the Forensic budget
• Roll out of the fraud control strategy
• Adhoc forensic projects
• Oversee the development of the forensic case management system
• Last twelve months was seconded to the Group Arrangements division to undertake all forensic activity in this area – encompassing Corporate and the Africa business areas
• Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
• Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
• Worked flexible hours across night, weekend and holiday shifts.

• Managed investigation team time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
• Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution from investigations.
• Developed strong organizational and communication skills through coursework and volunteer activities.
• Acted as a team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback.
• Managed the fraud investigation team
• Ongoing stakeholder engagements
• Governance forum attendance
• Business unit partnering
• Identifying key areas for investigations
• Conducting high priority investigations
• Roll out of first line of defence resources within business units

• Responsible for prevention and detection initiatives across Liberty Holdings Limited
• Anti-fraud surveys
• Monthly business unit and GFS dashboards
• Quarterly forensic risk reporting to relevant Liberty Holdings Limited Board committees
• Training and awareness – general and specific
• Customer surveys
• Implementation of the fraud champion program in the Retail SA business unit
• Strategic planning of fraud prevention
• Management of the fraud hotline and follow up of all reported cases and ensure compliance with the relevant legislation
• Marketing of the forensic function
• Fraud risk assessments to identify key processes and ultimately develop a fraud heat map for the organisation
• Oversight of forensic policies
• Review of the whistleblowing policy
• Develop a Forensic scorecard with key performance areas aligned to the Anti-Fraud Strategy
• Managing forensic projects

• Manage a team of investigators initially focussing Marketing and Distribution and since January 2007 focussing on all Operational investigations
• Part of the team is based in Johannesburg and in Durban
• Integrated strategic planning
• Establish and maintain strategic networks
• Manage work allocation with team of investigators comprising senior forensic consultants and forensic specialists (currently 4 with a maximum of 6)
• Allocation of investigations according to complexity of case and experience
• Follow-up on pended cases to ensure that appropriate actions has been resolved
• Implement and manage changes
• Manage teams performance – bi-annual appraisals
• Maintain customer relations with business units
• Develop an adequately resourced team of investigators
• Manage and track all investigations and ensure that control breakdowns are adequately addressed
• Quality review of investigation files to ensure that evidence has been acquired according to standards
• Develop and implementing the fraud champion concept within the business unit
• Fraud Awareness training
• Fraud Prevention and detection
• Management of the fraud hotline and follow up of all reported cases and ensure compliance with the relevant legislation
• Fraud risk assessments to identify key processes and ultimately develop a fraud heat map for the organisation
• Consulting for Audit, Compliance and Risk
• Development of professional standards applicable to Group Forensic Services
• Management of Administration system and database
• Preparation of reports for Exco, GROC, GAAC and business units
• Application of Group Fraud and Code of Ethics Policies
• Application of technology in investigations – surveillance, interviews
• Ensuring that compliance with applicable legislation, e.g
• Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, Long term insurance Act
• Mapping the effects of POPI on forensic activities within Liberty
• Liaising with long term insurers in terms of sharing of information
• Benchmarking the forensic practices within the long term insurance sector
• Developed a forensic best practice questionnaire that is currently on the ACFE (SA) website
• Liaising with prosecuting authorities as necessary, SAPS, NPA, SIU
• Develop a Forensic scorecard with key performance areas aligned to the Anti-Fraud Strategy
• Previously a member of the ASISA Forensic Standing Committee that aims to drive industry initiatives
• Monitor costs in terms of budgets
• Provide leadership to team of investigators to ensure that their full potential is utilised – linked to the Leadership Charter
• Application of fraud risk management principles within the Operations business unit
• Development of the fraud strategy for the Group
• Enhanced the financial crime and whistleblowing policies for the Group
• During this period I have developed my negotiation skills, people skills, stress management, presentation skills, crisis interventions and being a good listener
• During this period I reported to Mark Wonfor, Clayton Thomopoulos, Bogale Molefe, Thiru Pillay, Nirvash Dowlath and finally to Trevor Damon.
• Evaluated hiring, firing, and promotions requests.
• Managed large-scale projects and introduced new systems, tools, and processes to achieve challenging objectives.
• Reviewed and analyzed reports, records and directives to obtain data required for planning department activities.
• Developed and implemented new filing systems to improve organizational efficiency and productivity.
• Ordered new equipment and inventory and scheduled repairs for damaged equipment.
• Provided strong leadership to enhance team productivity and morale.
• Developed proposals and presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Carried out and developed social media, e-blast and public relations campaigns.
• Produced staffing matrix to provide adequate coverage of department.
• Boosted team member productivity by enhancing performance monitoring and instituting motivational approaches.
• Held monthly meetings to create business plans and workshops to drive successful business.
• Identified cost improvement changes and cost savings plans to increase company savings.

• Application of Group Fraud and Code of Ethics Policies
• Case management – including case planning, assimilation of evidence, identification of suspects, disciplinary action, s-reference, criminal action, prevented losses, reporting, and time management
• Managing relationships with staff and management
• Management information
• Risk and control solutions
• Operational planning
• Database management
• During this period I reported to Jane de Klerk, George Barnes and Clayton Thomopoulos

• My position was in the Group Internal Audit Services area
• My responsibilities included working on Audits within the Liberty Group
• As the scopes of the audits were within the group, I was exposed to a wide range of activities
• These included the execution of independent audits of subsidiaries and internal departments, by performing the following: -
• Preparing Pre-Audit Questionnaires
• Arranging preliminary meetings with management of the auditable unit/operation
• Planning the audit - includes risk assessment, identifying the scope of the audit and details relating to the audit plan
• Assessment of risk through detailed analysis of processes
• Arranging the necessary CAAT’s and other relevant reports
• Applying Ms Access and ACL software in sample selection
• Data analysis is performed using ACL software
• Usage of MS Access database to store audit details and findings
• Also used MS access to keep a detailed analysis of time spent on an audit
• Details relating to the budget allocated and time allocated to each audit step
• Preparation of detailed audit programs to test the relevant controls
• Used Data Warehouse to obtain data (CAATS) for audits
• Performing various compliance and substantive testing audits
• Compiling and maintaining information relating to the audit and business unit
• Prepare working papers to acceptable IIASA standards
• Obtaining management comments and feedback
• Following-up on previous and current audit findings
• Preparing and finalizing the Executive and Operational reports
• Extensive use of Ms Word and Ms Excel
• Compiling relevant documentation for team library
• Training of new team members on the use of the Liberty systems and providing input and assistance on audits performed by team members
• Attended Control Self Assessment Workshops for an auditable unit.
• Performed internal audits of financial and departmental operations, developing risk assessments and conducting process walkthroughs for compliance with documented processes.
• Developed auditing program to address risks and evaluate regulatory requirements.
• Performed strategic planning, execution and finalization of audits using data analytics and critical thinking skills.
• Coordinated with external auditors and documented process reviews.
• Recommended new methods to improve internal controls and operating efficiency.
• Planned annual audits, evaluating controls across national and international offices.
• Administered auditing program to address risks and evaluate compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Processing of early retirement benefits, maturities, surrenders, death claims and general inquiries on annuities and investment selection products
• Also had the responsibility for the control, printing and reconciliation of annuity cheques
• I was the team facilitator for the period

• I transferred to Financial Control, where my responsibilities included bank reconciliation, cashbook updating and management of reports
• This also includes extensive use of software packages, namely, MS Excel and MS Word.

Completed degree in Psychology and Urban Planning.

Completed diploma

My 13 modules focused on Managing at a Functional Level, Managing Strategically, Leadership Governance and Ethics and Managerial Environment, Financial Management Decisions (FMD) and Human Capital Management (HCM), Information Knowledge Management (IKM), Strategic Operations Management (SOM), Strategic Marketing and Entrepreneurship, Corporate Finance, Corporate Strategy and Dissertation. My dissertation was based on fraud risk management in long term insurance sector.

Coursework included finding a solution to a business problem.