NYAIR Episode 41
Complexities of the Coronavirus from an Employer Perspective
In this episode, NY-AIR brings together technology, legal, and operational experts to tackle the realities of business continuity and cyber risk in the new remote era. Moderated by Lisa Roitman, the conversation features critical strategies for alternative asset managers, compliance officers, and HR executives to respond, rethink, and reshape business continuity during—and beyond—the COVID-19 crisis.
Featured Guests
Sandeep Kumbhat
Director, Customer Solutions, Okta
A global authority in cybersecurity, identity, and access management, Sandeep Kumbhat advises 8,000 enterprises—including major banks and asset managers—on cloud adoption, Zero Trust, and resilience. Known for his technical acumen and clear communication, he helps clients design, monitor, and stress-test security frameworks during times of heightened vulnerability.
Charles Morgan
Partner, Alston & Bird LLP
Charles Morgan is a leading employment and labor lawyer, specializing in crisis management, internal investigations, and regulatory compliance. As co-head of his firm’s Coronavirus Task Force, he advises national and global clients on workplace safety, remote work policies, and HR risk in disruption.
Robert Akeson
Managing Director Investment Banking at Riverside Management Group
Robert Akeson, a long-time capital markets operations leader, oversees business continuity and global trading infrastructure for one of the world’s largest non-bank financial groups. He has decades of experience guiding alternative managers through operational risk, disaster recovery, and building resilient, compliant platforms.
Key Insights From This Episode
Zero Trust Is the New Cyber Norm
Old “trusted network” models no longer suffice. Zero Trust means always verifying users, devices, and activity—especially for today’s fully remote teams using cloud and SaaS platforms.
Phishing and Social Engineering Threats Surge
COVID-19 uncertainty is fueling targeted attacks as hackers impersonate the CDC, use fake pandemic maps, or deploy sophisticated spear phishing schemes aimed at privileged users and executives.
Rethinking Access, VPNs and Remote Tools
Balancing secure VPN access, granular app controls, and multi-factor authentication is critical. Selective permissioning, not full-network access, is now best practice for all users.
HR, Wellness & the Human Side of the Crisis
Employers must adapt remote-work handbooks, maintain anti-harassment vigilance, and stay sensitive to sick, stressed, and overwhelmed employees—clarity, flexibility, and empathy are essential.
Prime Brokers as Trusted Resources
From enterprise-wide business continuity to connecting with regulatory resources and government relief (CARES Act), prime brokers and other partners can help smaller firms bridge expertise gaps.
Communication & Culture Sustain Business
Weekly town halls, daily check-ins, and video conferencing help maintain team cohesion and replicate a collaborative office environment—essential for resilience and morale.
Access the Full Conversation
Listen to the episode and get the accompanying insights deck covering cyber strategies, HR policy, compliance best practices, and operational lessons. Ideal for managers, COOs, GCs, CTOs, or anyone updating contingency plans or employee handbooks.
Soundbites Worth Saving
“This pandemic made us realize the essentials should be the priority… preparation, investment in technology, security, and actual business continuity are key for optimizing how you run your business and planning for the future.”
— Sandeep Kumbhat
“Your work-from-home labor and employment issues are basically the same as your work-at-office issues—you can’t let your guard down on compliance, risk, or culture.”
— Charles Morgan
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