Cyber threats are rising. Can your fragmented risk program keep up?

Michael Franklin is Protecht’s global Cyber Security Lead, with more than two decades of experience across cyber security, technology risk, and controls assurance in highly regulated environments.

He has held senior roles at Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Macquarie Group, and major universities including UNSW and the University of Sydney, where he has been directly accountable for translating cyber and technology risk into clear, defensible assurance for executives, boards, and regulators.

With a background that spans IT operations, audit, and enterprise risk, Michel has a practical view of where cyber programs break down during incidents and audits. He holds an MSc in Information Technology, a Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security, and industry certifications including CISM, CISA, and CDPSE.

Michael Howell is Protecht’s Head of Risk Research & Knowledge, leading risk research, thought leadership, training through Protecht Academy, and Protecht’s industry responses to regulatory consultations.

Before joining Protecht, Michael spent more than a decade in risk and compliance roles with companies including MyBudget and RAA, including oversight of enterprise risk profiles, chairing a Risk Audit & Compliance Committee, and leading internal audit as a second line of defence.

A Certified Practicing Risk Manager, Michael has managed enterprise risk frameworks, assurance programs, incident management, policy, business continuity, and internal audit, giving him a practical understanding of how risk governance holds up when organisations are under pressure.