The exclusive ‘Masterclass Board of Directors’ comprises several stand-alone topics aimed at raising the competences of experienced directors on actual board level topics. The Masterclass facilitators are selected for their ability to facilitate a deep dive into specific areas of competence. The Masterclasses thrive on sharing perspectives and experiences in groups, and debates on different viewpoints are to be expected.

CONTENT

Introduction : The masterclass will open with a keynote delivered by Mr. Tom Dechaene (Deputy Governor of the National central Bank of Belgium)

Session 1 : Governance Outlook 2026: Trends & projections for Boards

Lecture by speaker: Mrs. Sandra Gobert (Executive Director - Lead Public & Social Governance of GUBERNA)

• A forward-looking overview of key governance trends shaping board dynamics in 2026, including societal expectations, regulatory evolutions, and strategic challenges 

Session 2 : Regulatory update : Evolutions on sound governance rules.

Lecture by speaker: Mrs. Caroline Veris (Partner FSI Governance, Regulation and Compliance at Deloitte)

• Explore the latest regulatory update on sound governance rules. This concise overview delves into the evolving regulatory landscape, offering insights into key governance principles to ensure your organization's compliance and resilience in a dynamic regulatory environment.

Session 3 : Integrity in Boards: Ethics, Trust & Moral Leadership.

Lecture by speaker:  Mr. Maarten Van Knippenberg (Partner at Belfort Law. Certified Fraud Examiner. Independent Board member) & Mrs. Gudrun Vandewalle (Executive director Transparency International Belgium; Professor Ethics in Public Administration - Ghent University; Senior Integrity Advisor - Belfort Law)

• How boards can foster a culture of integrity, manage ethical dilemmas, and strengthen stakeholder trust through principled leadership.

Session 4 : The temptations of Leadership: Saying No to the 7 Sins  (Interactive session)

Workshop by speaker :  Prof. dr. Martin Euwema (Full professor organizational psychology  KU Leuven & President International Association for Conflict Management)

• This keynote playfully exposes the seven leadership sins we all fall for. With sharp insights, it shows how to turn each pitfall into a source of strength.

Session 5 : Cybersecurity & Board Responsibility: Strategic priorities

Lecture by speaker: Mr. Marc Vael (Digital Security Expert)

• Cyber risk from a board perspective: governance mechanisms, oversight essentials, scenario thinking, and key questions directors must be able to ask

Session 6 : Human Leadership in an AI-Driven World

Keynote by speaker: Mrs. Ann Caluwaerts (Board director IMEC & BPost, chairwoman STEM-platform)

• This keynote explores how leaders can navigate the rapid rise of artificial intelligence while maintaining clarity, direction, and human focus. It provides practical insights on aligning strategy, workforce design, culture, and ethics to guide organisations through technological transformation.

Closing summary by Febelfin Academy : key takeaways

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• Programme
  • 08:45 Welcome, registration, breakfast 
  • 09:00 Start programme
  • 12:30 Lunch
  • 13:30 Programme
  • 16:45 Reception
  • There are several breaks scheduled.

• Duration: 1 day of training 
• Hours: 08:45 to 17:00
• Location: Cardo Brussels Hotel : Avenue du Boulevard 14, 1210 Brussels (Cardo Hotels - Cardo Group)
• Language: This training will be given in English

You follow a ‘Classroom training’ in a group. You, the other participants and the teacher are all present in the same classroom at an agreed time. There is an opportunity for interaction and feedback, both from the participants to the teacher and vice versa. The teaching material consists as a basis of a presentation via the MyFA learning platform, supplemented with various other items (such as digital syllabus, presentation, audiovisual fragments, etc.).

Course material: PowerPoint presentation (slides);

• Acquire knowledge from top experts
• Learn in a group, in a motivating and targeted way
• Deepen your knowledge and obtain recognized continuing professional development hours

• Be on time for the training. It’s best to arrive 10 minutes before it starts.
• Unexpected delay? Inform your on-location contact.
• Febelfin Academy’s reception desk can be reached at +32 (0)2 507 69 61.
• We recommend to review the learning material in advance and prepare your questions.

• To receive your (CPD) participation certificate for a classroom training, your presence and active participation are required throughout the entire session. Interaction is key to our trainings.
• Your (CPD) participation certificate will be published on your MyFA account the day following the course.
• Febelfin Academy wishes you a great learning experience.

The course can be followed by experienced directors and board members.

We limit the number of participants in this course to 35. Moreover you will be able to benefit optimally from the knowledge and experience of our lecturers. In addition, you will interactively test your own practical situation against those of your colleagues.