Compliance into the Weeds

The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore a subject more fully. Are you looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this Compliance into the Weeds episode, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly review the recently released 2025 E&C Program Effectiveness Report (Report) from LRN and deeply dive into its findings of a disconnect between top management and employees on ethics and compliance.

Tom and Matt examine the significant findings of the LRN survey conducted among over 1,500 ethics and compliance professionals, which formed the basis for the 2025 Report. They emphasize the widening perception gap about corporate ethical culture between senior executives and lower-level employees and discuss the importance of transparency, consistent disciplinary measures, and engagement of frontline employees to bridge this divide. Matt and Tom also address compliance officers’ challenges in assessing their organizations’ ethical culture and suggest practical steps for fostering a more cohesive environment.

Key highlights:

• Key Findings from the LRN Report
• Assessing and Addressing the Perception Gap
• Building Trust and Transparency
• Involving Employees in Policy Design
• Engaging with Employees and Building Community

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Matt in Radical Compliance

LRN 2025 E&C Program Effectiveness Report

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Compliance into the Weeds was recently honored as one of the Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcast.

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The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore a subject more fully. Are you looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this Compliance into the Weeds episode, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly review the recent astonishing developments at the Justice Department involving the indictment and subsequent attempted dismissal of charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Tom and Matt explore the implications for corporate compliance professionals and the broader message this dysfunction sends about ethics and the role of compliance programs under the current administration. They consider the possible repercussions for future corporate enforcement, drawing important parallels between the Justice Department’s actions and the expectations for corporate compliance. They emphasize the necessity of disentailing the ethical dysfunction at the department from the practical guidelines for compliance programs. The episode critically analyzes how political maneuvers affect the justice system and corporate compliance standards.

Key highlights:

• The Eric Adams Indictment
• Resignations and Internal Conflict
• Separating DOJ Integrity from Compliance Guidance
• Tone at the Top vs. Mood at the Middle
• Future of Compliance Guidelines

Resources:

Matt in Radical Compliance

Tom

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Compliance into the Weeds was recently honored as one of the Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcast.

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The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore a subject more fully. Are you looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this Compliance into the Weeds episode, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly review the Trump Administration’s attempts to end enforcement by the CFPB and corruption under the FCPA.

Last week, significant alterations were made to enforcement policies related to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), resulting in a noticeable reduction in enforcement efforts and a shift in focus towards issues like corporate bribery associated with drug cartels and human trafficking. These actions will create risks for U.S. businessmen in countries like China, who might face false charges due to the de-emphasis on traditional FCPA enforcement, and these policy shifts might expose U.S. companies to anti-corruption investigations leveraged by other countries in retaliation to Trump’s trade policies.

Matt Kelly emphasizes the need for businesses to maintain robust compliance programs despite the enforcement rollback, warning that legal risks remain due to the statute of limitations, and stresses the importance of upholding corporate compliance and ethical standards to prevent corruption. Through their extensive experiences in compliance and corporate governance, both Tom and Matt highlight the complexities and potential repercussions of these enforcement changes on global business operations.

Key highlights:

• Introduction: Unpacking the Current Situation
• Emphasis on Corporate Bribery in Enforcement Changes
• Upholding Compliance Duties Amid Enforcement Changes
• FCPA and CFPB Statute of Limitations
• Global Business Impact of Trump’s Trade Policies

Resources:

Matt in Radical Compliance

Tom

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The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore a subject more fully. Are you looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this episode, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly explore why compliance officers are uniquely suited for public office.

Tom and Matt discuss the inspiring story of Doron Clark, a Medtronic compliance officer recently elected Democratic state senator in Minnesota. This event sparked a larger conversation about why compliance professionals possess a unique skill set that could greatly benefit public office. Matt and Tom consider the various competencies of compliance officers, such as persuasion, investigation, policy development, and ethics, which are highly valuable in governance.

The discussion highlights the role of compliance officers in fostering good conduct and ethical behavior within organizations, skills that can translate well to public service. They emphasize the importance of collaboration, resource allocation, and effective communication, competencies that are often lacking in today’s political climate. The episode concludes with Matt encouraging more compliance professionals to consider running for public office and the possibilities they bring for positive societal change.

Key highlights:

• The Skill Set of Compliance Officers
• Challenges and Real-World Applications
• Local Governance and Compliance

Resources

Matt in Radical Compliance

Tom

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The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore a subject more fully. Are you looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this Compliance into the Weeds episode, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly explore the Trump Administration’s summary of the Friday night firing of 17 US Inspector Generals.

They explore the background and illegality of these firings, highlighting the critical role Inspector Generals play in the federal government by investigating fraud, mismanagement, and abuse. Furthermore, they discuss the implications for compliance professionals, comparing this situation to what would be deemed unacceptable in corporate settings. The conversation also touches on potential consequences, such as increased False Claims Act lawsuits and the problematic precedent set for the rule of law within federal agencies.

Key highlights:

• The Friday Night Massacre: What Happened?
• Role and Importance of Inspectors General
• Comparisons to Corporate Governance
• Potential Consequences and Future Outlook

Resources:

Matt in Radical Compliance

Tom

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The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore a subject more fully. Are you looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this Compliance into the Weeds episode, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly explore a significant enforcement action by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) against Block Inc.

They discuss the CSBS’s role as a collective of state banking regulators, the reasons behind the $80 million fine imposed on Block, and the extensive compliance reforms the company must implement, including appointing an independent consultant. They consider the broader implications of state-level enforcement actions in areas like anti-money laundering and data privacy, especially in light of potential shifts in federal regulatory priorities. Matt and Tom consider how compliance professionals can adapt by bolstering transparency, forming compliance committees, and staying abreast of the evolving regulatory landscape.

Key highlights:

• Understanding the CSBS and Block Inc. Enforcement
• Implications of State-Level Enforcement
• Comparative Enforcement Actions
• Challenges for Compliance Professionals

Resources:

Matt in Radical Compliance

Tom

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The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore a subject more fully. Are you looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this Compliance into the Weeds episode, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly delve into JP Morgan Chase’s treatment of employees who commented on the bank’s Return to the Office policy.

JP Morgan’s recent decision to require employees to be back in the office five days a week caused the bank to disable employee comments on the internal announcement, citing backlash. Tom and Matt explore the implications this has on workplace respect, speak-up culture, and employee morale, juxtaposed with the compliance officer’s role in measuring and maintaining corporate culture. They also detail how these corporate policies might reflect broader trust issues and potential fallout from a discontented workforce.

Additionally, the episode revisits Meta’s (formerly Facebook) recent rollback on DEI initiatives and its promotion of a more ‘freewheeling’ speech environment, considering the ethical and compliance ramifications of such a culture shift. The hosts compare these actions to other reported corporate behaviors that may undermine workplace respect and discuss the fragile balance a Chief Compliance Officer must maintain in fostering a fair and open workplace compliant with evolving societal norms and internal policies.

Key highlights:

• JP Morgan’s Return to Office Policy
• Employee Reactions and Speak Up Culture
• Ethics and Compliance Implications
• Workplace Respect and Culture
• Meta’s Policy Changes and Corporate Culture

Resources:

Matt in Radical Compliance

Tom

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The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore a subject more fully. Are you looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In the first episode 2025, Tom and Matt dive into the top compliance stories that could shape the upcoming year.

They begin with the politically charged corruption case involving Gautam Adani, discussing its implications under the Trump administration and the potential for the Justice Department to alter its course on this high-profile prosecution. They also explore the possibility of personal liability in the TD Bank compliance scandal, the anticipated policy shifts under SEC nominee Paul Atkins, and the future of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) under a Republican administration. Additionally, they address the challenges and potential impact of the DOJ Committee’s deregulation efforts and the unresolved Boeing Deferred Prosecution Agreement case’s monitorship issues. Tune in to understand what compliance officers should be watching for in 2025, as these stories could have significant ramifications for corporate compliance and enforcement practices.

Key highlights:

• Top Compliance Stories of 2025
• Gautam Adani Corruption Case
• TD Bank Compliance Scandal
• Paul Atkins and the SEC
• Future of the CFPB
• DOGE Committee and Deregulation
• Boeing Monitorship Controversy

Resources:

Matt in Radical Compliance

Tom

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The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore a subject more fully. Are you looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this episode, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly dive into the intricate and unusual story of the National Rifle Association (NRA) and its recent corporate governance overhaul.

Matt and Tom explore Judge Joel Cohen’s final ruling, which mandates extensive corporate governance reforms for the NRA. These reforms address significant issues, such as a structurally weak board, poor financial controls, and an overpowering CEO in Wayne LaPierre, who misused the organization’s resources. Necessary measures discussed include revamping the board’s audit committee and introducing annual compliance reports, along with significant protections for the role of the Chief Compliance Officer.

The episode highlights the universal principles of good governance, asserting that the NRA’s reforms can serve as a valuable lesson for other organizations. Regardless of the political or ethical stance on the NRA’s activities, the implemented governance structures underscore the necessity of transparency, an empowered compliance function, and robust oversight mechanisms to prevent misuse of organizational resources. These insights are illustrated through sample agreements and templates in the court ruling, which can guide other organizations in strengthening their governance and compliance programs.

Key highlights:

• Corporate Governance Reforms Ordered by the Court
• Specifics of the Court-Ordered Reforms
• Audit Committee and Board Reforms
• Compliance and Governance Templates
• Universal Principles of Good Governance

Resources

Matt in Radical Compliance

Tom

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The award-winning, Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore a subject more fully. Are you looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this episode, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly dive into a potpourri of issues, including Paul Atkins’s appointment to chair the SEC, a massaging of DOJ and the Corporate Enforcement Policy, and McKinsey’s FCPA resolution.

Tom and Matt discuss various compliance issues, focusing on the implications of Paul Atkins’ appointment as SEC chairman, the challenges of enforcement and corporate penalties, the role of whistleblowers, and recent FCPA enforcement actions, including the McKinsey settlement. They explore how Atkins’ conservative views may shape SEC policies and the potential impact on compliance officers and corporate governance.

Key highlights:

• Paul Atkins and the SEC
• Enforcement Challenges and Corporate Penalties
• Whistleblower Protections and Compliance Officers
• FCPA Enforcement and McKinsey Settlement

Resources:

Matt in Radical Compliance

Tom

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