ABN Australia’s Director of Corporate Secretarial Strengthens Global Governance Expertise
As global business dynamics evolve, ABN Australia’s Director of Corporate Secretarial, Ian Pelayo, joined governance leaders in Sydney to explore how purposeful leadership can navigate uncertainty, technology shifts, and evolving compliance demands.
By Ro Elvinia
Held yesterday at the Hilton Sydney and streamed globally, the Governance Leadership Conference 2025 brought together senior leaders, directors, and governance specialists under the theme “Leading purposefully through global headwinds.” The event explored how boards and executives can navigate mounting geopolitical tensions, talent shortages, and rapid technological change while maintaining resilient governance frameworks.
Ian, who leads corporate secretarial services for ABN Australia’s international client base, said the conference reinforced the pace of transformation sweeping corporate governance, particularly the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into compliance practices.
“Almost every speaker highlighted the growing presence of AI in our field,” Ian said. “AI offers significant potential to reduce time spent on administrative compliance tasks, freeing professionals to focus on higher-value work. But there are still critical questions around data security, reliability, and the ethical implications of adopting these tools.”
He noted how quickly AI has become central to governance dialogue. “Five years ago, AI wasn’t even part of the agenda. Today, it’s at the centre of nearly every conversation, a sign of how quickly our industry is evolving.”
Beyond technology, sessions highlighted the need to rethink productivity in governance. Ian said this shift is vital as leaders adapt to tighter regulations and new expectations.
With decades of expertise supporting overseas corporations, ABN Australia plays a central role in helping international clients manage governance, corporate secretarial functions, and regulatory obligations. Ian said insights from the conference will further strengthen the firm’s ability to guide clients through emerging challenges.
“As a corporate governance leader in my firm, I remain committed to staying informed on how AI and technology can be responsibly integrated into compliance and governance practices. The conversation is only beginning, and the years ahead will be pivotal in shaping how our profession leverages these tools for better outcomes,” Ian said.
Published: 09th Sept 2025 | Last updated: 09th Sept 2025
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