31 Days to a More Effective Compliance Program

Welcome to a special podcast series on the Compliance Podcast Network, 31 Days to a More Effective Compliance Program. Over these 31 days of the series in January 2025, Tom Fox will post a key part of a best practices compliance program daily. By the end of January, you will have enough information to create, design, or enhance a compliance program. Each podcast will be short, at 6–8 minutes, and will include three key takeaways you can implement at little or no cost to help update your compliance program. I hope you will join us each day in January for this exploration of best practices in compliance.

In this final episode of our 31-day series, we dive into the importance of using root cause analysis for remediation in compliance programs. Emphasized by the ECCP and DOJ, an effective compliance program includes thorough root cause analysis to address misconduct and implement corrective actions. The process involves understanding who should perform the remediation, emphasizing independence and objectivity, integrating the information into solutions, and addressing deficiencies in internal controls. Key takeaways include using objective root cause analysis, effectively utilizing the information gathered, and implementing data-driven, repeatable solutions to prevent future issues. This episode provides valuable insights for compliance officers aiming to enhance their programs by focusing on root causes rather than just symptoms.

Key highlights:

• Integrating Root Cause Analysis into Solutions
• Regulatory Expectations and Internal Controls
• Performing Effective Root Cause Analysis
• Developing and Implementing Solutions

Resources:

Click here to receive a 20% discount on The Compliance Handbook, 5th edition, for listeners to this podcast.

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The 2023 ECCP re-emphasized the need for both performing a root cause analysis but equally importantly using it to remediate your compliance program. It stated, “a hallmark of a compliance program that is working effectively in practice is the extent to which a company is able to conduct a thoughtful root cause analysis of misconduct and timely and appropriately remediate to address the root causes.” It went on to state, what additional steps the company has taken “that demonstrate recognition of the seriousness of the misconduct, acceptance of responsibility for it, and the implementation of measures to reduce the risk of repetition of such misconduct, including measures to identify future risk.” 

When you step back and consider what the DOJ was trying to accomplish with its 2023 ECCP, it becomes clear what the DOJ expects from the compliance professional. Consider the structure of your compliance program and how it inter-relates to your company’s risk profile. When you have a compliance failure, use the root cause analysis to think about how each of the structural elements of your compliance program could impact how you manage and deal with that risk.

 Three key takeaways:

1. The key to using a root cause analysis is objectivity and independence.

2. The critical element is how did you use the information you developed in the root cause analysis?

3. The key is that after you have identified the causes of problems, consider the solutions that can be implemented by developing a logical approach, using data that already exists in the organization.

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Welcome to a special podcast series on the Compliance Podcast Network, 31 Days to a More Effective Compliance Program. Over these 31 days of the series in January 2025, Tom Fox will post a key part of a best practices compliance program daily. By the end of January, you will have enough information to create, design, or enhance a compliance program. Each podcast will be short, at 6–8 minutes, and will include three key takeaways you can implement at little or no cost to help update your compliance program. I hope you will join us each day in January for this exploration of best practices in compliance.

On Day 30, we discuss the Foreign Extortion Prevention Act (FEPA), a significant piece of legislation that fills a critical gap in the FCPA. FEPA criminalizes not only the payment of bribes but also the solicitation and acceptance of bribes by foreign officials, thereby providing a more comprehensive framework for combating global corruption. This law protects American workers abroad, promotes fair business competition, and upholds ethical practices internationally. However, it also introduces challenges, such as the complexity of extraditing foreign officials and potential impacts on international relations and companies operating overseas. Compliance officers must reassess internal controls and develop response plans to navigate the implications of FEPA effectively.

Key highlights:

• Filling the Gap in Anti-Corruption Laws
• Key Features and Implications of FEPA
• Challenges in Implementing FEPA
• The Name and Shame List

Resources:

Click here to receive a 20% discount on The Compliance Handbook, 5th edition, for listeners to this podcast.

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The compliance community has long recognized the gaping hole in the FCPA. As a supply-side law, it criminalizes the payment of bribes, not the demand to pay a bribe or extortion. The gap was recently filled by the Foreign Extortion Prevention Act (FEPA), which extended crucial protections to Americans working abroad and provided the DOJ with a potent new tool. By criminalizing both the giving and demanding of foreign bribes, FEPA seeks to level the playing field for American workers while fostering ethical business practices globally. FEPA represents a promising solution to protect Americans working overseas, promote fair business competition, and combat corruption on a global scale. With its potential to bring about meaningful change, FEPA is a vital step in safeguarding American values and interests in the international arena.

Sam Rubenfeld, cited Scott Greytak, the director of advocacy for Transparency International US, for the following: “FEPA is a landmark, bipartisan law that holds the potential to help root out foreign corruption at its source. It is arguably the most sweeping and consequential foreign bribery law in nearly half a century.”

Three key takeaways:

1. FEPA changes the game for ABC.

2. Make sure your policies and procedures capture any extortion attempts made illegal under FEPA.

3. Determine your external reporting for FEPA violations.

For more information on Ethico and a free White Paper on top compliance issues in 2024, click here.

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Welcome to a special podcast series on the Compliance Podcast Network, 31 Days to a More Effective Compliance Program. Over these 31 days of the series in January 2025, Tom Fox will post a key part of a best practices compliance program daily. By the end of January, you will have enough information to create, design, or enhance a compliance program. Each podcast will be short, at 6–8 minutes, and will include three key takeaways you can implement at little or no cost to help update your compliance program. I hope you will join us each day in January for this exploration of best practices in compliance.

Traditional compliance reporting methods, often reliant on manual processes like Excel spreadsheets, are time-consuming and prone to errors. This episode explores how Chief Compliance Officers and compliance professionals can enhance their programs through automation. By adopting data-driven solutions and leveraging regulatory operations (Reg Ops), it’s possible to provide near real-time reporting and improve decision-making efficiency. The focus is on integrating existing security and compliance tools, gathering real-time evidence, automating compliance gap tickets, and generating comprehensive reports for stakeholders. However, challenges like balancing data accuracy and security and the cultural transformation required for adopting these new practices are critical considerations. Embracing data-driven compliance can help organizations modernize and keep pace with the evolving regulatory landscape.

Key highlights:

• Challenges in Traditional Compliance Reporting
• The Role of Reg Ops in Compliance
• Integrating Tools for Real-Time Compliance

Resources:

Click here to receive a 20% discount on The Compliance Handbook, 5th edition, for listeners to this podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Implementing AI in compliance requires strategic considerations and decision-making. Understanding the impact of AI, maintaining an inventory of tools, considering cost efficiency and risk avoidance, involving all business sectors, and utilizing AI for better data usage are key factors to consider. Balancing exploration and rules, as well as selecting the right AI tools, are challenges that need to be addressed. By carefully navigating these considerations and challenges, companies can leverage AI to enhance their compliance programs and stay ahead in an ever-evolving regulatory landscape.

 Three key takeaways: 

1. What are the key factors that impact these strategic considerations for implementing AI in compliance?

2. Compliance professionals need to stay updated with the latest AI developments and trends, which requires continuous learning and keeping abreast of industry news and insights.

3. Understanding the impact of AI, maintaining an inventory of tools, considering cost efficiency and risk avoidance, involving all business sectors, and utilizing AI for better data usage are key factors to consider.

For more information on Ethico and a free White Paper on top compliance issues in 2024, click here.

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Welcome to a special podcast series on the Compliance Podcast Network, 31 Days to a More Effective Compliance Program. Over these 31 days of the series in January 2025, Tom Fox will post a key part of a best practices compliance program daily. By the end of January, you will have enough information to create, design, or enhance a compliance program. Each podcast will be short, at 6–8 minutes, and will include three key takeaways you can implement at little or no cost to help update your compliance program. I hope you will join us each day in January for this exploration of best practices in compliance.

On Day 28, we look into the crucial importance of data governance in compliance and cybersecurity. As data generation increases, businesses must enhance their efforts in managing, organizing, and preserving data to meet regulatory obligations and ensure accuracy, accessibility, and adherence to legal standards. We discuss the growing trend of converging compliance, data governance, and cyber security and the necessity of breaking down organizational silos for effective collaboration. Business and legal teams rely on well-managed data to make informed decisions, analyze trends, and measure key performance indicators.

The episode also covers the challenges in gaining buy-in from the ELT and the vital process of transforming corporate culture to prioritize data governance and cybersecurity. We touch on the complexities of regional data privacy laws inspired by GDPR and emphasize the importance of understanding specific regulations for compliance. With key takeaways, including the significance of data preservation, the intertwined nature of compliance, data governance, and cybersecurity, and the urgency for organizations to prioritize data governance, this episode is packed with essential insights for compliance professionals.

Key highlights:

• The Role of Data Governance in Compliance and Cybersecurity
• Data Governance and ESG
• Understanding Data Privacy Laws

Resources:

Click here to receive a 20% discount on The Compliance Handbook, 5th edition, for listeners to this podcast.

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Compliance programs play a crucial role in ensuring that companies adhere to legal and ethical standards. In today’s digital age, where data is abundant and easily accessible, the importance of data-driven compliance programs cannot be overstated. This message was driven home very forcefully in a speech in November by Nicole Argentieri, acting assistant attorney general for the Criminal Division. She stated, “I’d like to now turn to our use of data. In the Criminal Division, we too are going above and beyond in our effort to combat white collar crime. We are not just waiting for companies to self-report, or witnesses to come forward, or for anomalies to reveal themselves on a one-off basis. Let me be the first to tell you that we have proactively used data to generate FCPA cases, and we’ve only just gotten started.”

Data-driven compliance programs have moved from cutting edge and are now seen as best practices. Soon, they will simply be table stakes for companies to effectively manage compliance risks. By actively monitoring and analyzing data, companies can identify potential compliance issues, mitigate risks, and maintain their reputation and integrity. Collaboration between different departments and a formal risk assessment are key factors in establishing a robust compliance program. As technology continues to advance, the role of data analytics and AI in compliance monitoring is expected to become even more significant. It is crucial for compliance professionals to stay informed, continuously learn, and adapt to the evolving landscape of data-driven compliance.

Three key takeaways:

1. Nicole Argentieri, acting assistant attorney general for the Criminal Division, said, “Let me be the first to tell you that we have proactively used data to generate FCPA cases, and we’ve only just gotten started.”

2. . Compliance professionals must actively analyze the data for trends, anomalies, and potential compliance risks.

3. Data-driven compliance programs have moved from cutting edge and are now seen as best practices. Soon, they will simply be table stakes for companies to effectively manage compliance risks.

For more information on Ethico and a free White Paper on top compliance issues in 2024, click here.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a special podcast series on the Compliance Podcast Network, 31 Days to a More Effective Compliance Program. Over these 31 days of the series in January 2025, Tom Fox will post a key part of a best practices compliance program daily. By the end of January, you will have enough information to create, design, or enhance a compliance program. Each podcast will be short, at 6–8 minutes, and will include three key takeaways you can implement at little or no cost to help update your compliance program. I hope you will join us each day in January for this exploration of best practices in compliance.

On Day 27, we explore the growing importance and responsibilities of the compliance function within corporations, emphasizing the need for adequate staffing, resources, and independence. The 2020 FCPA Resource Guide outlines key factors that the DOJ considers indicative of an effective compliance program, including the quality of personnel, authority, compensation, and reporting structure. We delve into the necessity of properly funding compliance initiatives and ensuring the organization empowers and sufficiently supports compliance professionals. The updated Corporate Enforcement Policy emphasizes the prevention of retaliation against compliance investigators and the need for a robust structure supporting the compliance program. We conclude with three key takeaways for enhancing compliance functions: evaluating their treatment in the budget process, ensuring management respects compliance decisions, and considering the implications of outsourced compliance services.

Key highlights:

• DOJ’s Expectations for Compliance Programs
• Funding and Resources for Compliance
• Compliance Program Structure and Authority

Resources:

Click here to receive a 20% discount on The Compliance Handbook, 5th edition, for listeners to this podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a special podcast series on the Compliance Podcast Network, 31 Days to a More Effective Compliance Program. Over these 31 days of the series in January 2025, Tom Fox will post a key part of a best practices compliance program daily. By the end of January, you will have enough information to create, design, or enhance a compliance program. Each podcast will be short, at 6–8 minutes, and will include three key takeaways you can implement at little or no cost to help update your compliance program. I hope you will join us each day in January for this exploration of best practices in compliance.

On Day 26, we ponder the evolving stature and authority of the CCO within organizations, as highlighted by recent guidelines and regulations. The 2020 FCPA Resource Guide emphasizes the importance of the CCO’s direct reporting line to the board and senior management status. The DOJ’s updated Corporate Enforcement Policy has further enhanced the prestige and role of the CCO, introducing key factors like the quality, experience, authority, independence, compensation, and reporting structure of the CCO. The episode also touches on the significance of the Delaware Court of Chancery’s decision in the McDonald’s case, which formalized the oversight duties of corporate officers, positioning the CCO as the second-most important role in an organization. Key takeaways include demonstrating real authority for the CCO, evaluating their professional qualifications, and assessing their actual status within your company.

Key highlights:

• Key Inquiries Around the CCO and Compliance Function
• Importance of CCO Certification and Court Decisions
• Critical Takeaways for Compliance Professionals

Resources:

Click here to receive a 20% discount on The Compliance Handbook, 5th edition, for listeners to this podcast.

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