We have been in motion since we exist, the only constant is change. Transitions are fundamental changes in the structure, culture and practices of societal systems. Two current transitions are the sustainability (green) transition and the digital transition.
Transitions require a reconsideration of existing behaviour and patterns. European and national legislators help determine the behavior of companies and the playing field within which they operate. The legislator sets standards, regulates who is responsible for what and provides parties involved with instruments to fulfill their responsibilities. The translation of this within a company is challenging. It is that dynamic where you as a group, as a system and as an individual can make a difference.
First of all, this means understanding social developments, the resulting legal and regulatory framework and the stakeholders involved. It also means making choices. What must the company comply with, what is expected of us? Do we want to take a compliance approach or do we want to achieve more and if so what? How do we do this and when or in what order?
Technology plays a crucial role in this. On the one hand as a tool within the organisation to support the implementation of changes and legislative requirements. Our own AI platform RegAI, that supports the regulatory change management process, is a good example. On the other hand, technology is increasingly regulated and may have profound impact on people and the environment. Insight into the effects of technological innovations and the discussion about how to deal with them within the organisation is necessary. Partially this means complying with laws and regulations, but it also means thinking about how the organisation wants to deal with ethical aspects of emerging technologies, its impact on the environment and what governance is appropriate. This is where the digital transition meets the sustainability transition. And also in this domain, financial institutions are under pressure of many ESG rules and regulations. At the same time, the question arises of how the organisation wishes to deal with these aspects from a value and strategic perspective in addition to the legal requirements and how to subsequently implement this in the organisation.
At ACE I am involved in regulatory change and regulatory strategy in the field of technology and sustainability. With my expertise, I can support financial institutions in mapping the impact of these social developments and the resulting laws and regulations for the organisation and subsequently implementing the required actions within the organisation.
In my spare time I enjoy being with my family, being outside and performing all sorts of sports activities. I also like to create things where it doesn’t really matter what this is.
Iris in short
Iris is a dedicated professional with a multidisciplinary background in economics and law. She has experience as a tech entrepreneur (energy management), a lawyer (finance, corporate governance and litigation at Stibbe), board member and she was professor of company law at Leiden University for more than 12 years. She focuses on responsible AI and sustainability. She is also, a member of the Monitoring Committee Code Pension Funds, a member of the editorial board of the Tijdschrift Ondernemingsrecht (Journal of Corporate Law) and a board member of the Harry Honée Fund.
- Previously: Lawyer at Stibbe and COO at Plugwise
- Expertise: Responsible AI | Corporate governance | Technology & law | Sustainability
- Education: Economics (Management & Organisation specialization, Erasmus University Rotterdam) | Law (Corporate law specialization, Erasmus University Rotterdam) | Ph.D in the field of Business Law and Legal Economics (Erasmus University Rotterdam) | INSEAD (digital strategy) | Mediation (Center for Conflict Management, Haarlem)