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The Business Continuity Plan (BCP)

In a business environment marked by market disruption, globalization, and the risk of terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and technological failures, companies must implement effective business continuity plans (BCPs) if they are to continue to improve performance while meeting the demand for transparency in terms of both strategy and risk management.

Equinox Consulting brings relevant insight into a full range of disaster recovery solutions, plus the skills needed to help businesses plan ahead for and mitigate the impact of major operational incidents.

Ensuring business continuity in an uncertain environment

Business continuity has become a primary concern for financial institutions. In recent years, a number of exceptional events have illustrated how vulnerable businesses are to grave disruptions (natural disasters, terrorist attacks, epidemics, etc.), and the catastrophic effects these events can have on the economy.

Businesses must have a well-documented, tested, and executable BCP

Basel II requires banks to prepare business continuity plans. Although the specific laws and regulations pursuant to Basel II may vary from one country to another, in general banks must implement measures to ensure the availability of essential company services during a crisis. In France, this requirement was transposed by Regulation 97-02 of the French Banking and Financial Regulatory Committee. Equinox Consulting possesses the expertise to help banks comply with this regulation.

Similar obligations now also apply to other industries, including the insurance industry (Solvency II).

Equinox Consulting helps companies develop and implement business continuity plans

Equinox Consulting works with managers to outline business continuity plans, comply with regulations, and prevent serious operational disruptions. We work with clients along every step of the way to develop and implement an adequate, executable business continuity plan.

Equinox uses a proven four-step process for BCP projects.
Develop a BCP culture by raising employee awareness and encouraging involvement

• Identify core operations and evaluate the potential risks and ramifications of an interruption
  
  
• Outline a recovery strategy, including technical, organizational, and employee-related aspects
  
  
• Develop appropriate, upgradeable procedures and set up leading-edge crisis communication tools
  
  
• Establish a BCP culture within the company by raising employee awareness of the importance and goals of the BCP
  
  
• Ensure that the BCP is executable by performing real-life drills to target both systems and users

We are committed to helping companies develop and implement a sustainable BCP that incorporates proven organizational practices for keeping the plan relevant and up-to-date.

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Sample project

We have developed business continuity plans for foreign subsidiaries of French consumer credit and insurance companies, the asset management division of a largebank (including all branches of the division), and a travel services company.