about us

Established in 2015 through a collaboration between ESA Business School (ESA) and Banque du Liban (BDL), in its premises at La Villa Rose, Institute for Finance and Governance (IFG) operates under the management of ESA. Founded in 1996 via a French-Lebanese intergovernmental agreement, ESA focuses on training future leaders in Lebanon and the Middle East. IFG is the national center for governance and aims to become a regional hub of expertise and advocacy in good governance principles, as well as in ethical and sustainable finance. Institute for Finance and Governance offers a diverse range of activities including raising awareness, state-of-the-art corporate governance training and certification programs, research and publications, advisory services to corporations, banks, and family businesses, as well as many networking events through its clubs.

Our Purpose

Our purpose is rooted in the conviction that sustainable economic growth requires deliberate planning and a profound understanding of regulatory, corporate, and business dynamics. Through fostering awareness and advocating for good governance practices, we aim to empower corporations to enhance their performance. Our goal is straightforward yet ambitious: to become the trusted partner of choice for key players in Lebanon and the region in the domain of governance. We lead the development and implementation of good governance. Our purpose is defined as a niche advisory and research institute, collaborating closely with decision-makers to build institutions that foster business integrity, enhance governance, and promote transparency.

Our Initiatives

Since its inception, IFG has consistently offered complimentary Awareness Events, workshops, and training sessions for board members and C-suite positions. IFG collaborated with Tamayyaz, aiming to deliver the training programs of the International Finance Corporation – IFC. IFG is keen to become a Trusted Advisory Partner in Governance for corporations, leading Corporate Governance Development, and Implementation, and providing networking abilities to all recipients of the Institute’s Services within the institute’s Clubs.

Milestones

In 2011, La Villa Rose began its construction journey with the laying of its foundation stone, marking a significant milestone in its history.

2014, marked the completion of the constructions.

The year 2015 witnessed the launch of IFG, serving as a national institute for finance and governance.

Over the years, IFG has successfully enrolled over 1000 candidates in its programs and engaged numerous clients for governance assessments and tailored programs and more than 2000 participants engaged in its awareness events.

In 2017, IFG proudly developed along with GOVERN two flagship reports on Corporate Governance in Lebanon and on the Banking Sector in the Middle East and North Africa.

In 2020, IFG signed a cooperation agreement with ISACA Lebanon Chapter, to deliver training programs related to IT Governance. ISACA is a Global association helping individuals and enterprises achieve the positive potential of Technology.

In 2022, the "Club des Secrétaires" was established as a space for exchange and brainstorming, to enforce the role of Board Secretaries.

In 2023, a pivotal moment occurred with the establishment of a strategic partnership with Tamayyaz, to merge the activities of their Governance Divisions, "Institute for Finance and Governance (IFG)" at ESA and "Excellence in Governance in Lebanon" (EIGL) at Tamayyaz, enabling IFG to offer IFC programs, in collaboration with Tamayyaz.

After the merger, IFG started rebuilding its own governance, by successfully setting up its Advisory Board, and continuously working on setting its Board of Trustees.