Why should compliance be independent?
Asked by: Prof. Melvina Wolff | Last update: September 26, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (12 votes)
The Best Reporting Structure: Compliance to the CEO Best practice is for compliance to be its own independent function reporting to the CEO. The reason for this is so that there is no interference between the highest leadership and reports of potential misconduct.
Should a compliance officer be independent?
Compliance Officers should perform duties independently without bias and, as such, are not directly responsible for any operational areas outside of the compliance program operation.
What is an independent function of compliance?
“An independent function that identifies, assesses, advises on, monitors and reports on the bank's compliance risk, that is, the risk of legal or regulatory sanctions, financial loss, or loss to reputation a bank may suffer as a result of its failure to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, codes of conduct and ...
Should compliance be separate from legal?
Ethics & Compliance Is Not Legal
By definition, that arrangement means ethical considerations can be superseded by other concerns, such as effective litigation strategy. This is why, whenever possible, the ethics and compliance function should be separate from the legal function.
Why is it important to ensure compliance?
Industry standards and legal regulations are tightening up as the world becomes more dependent on technology. Compliance management is important because non-compliance can result in legal and financial penalties, security breaches, and damage to your business' reputation.
Compliance explained (explainity® explainer video)
What is the main goal of compliance?
It makes sure that the way a company operates matches up with legal requirements from outside the company while also following its own internal rules and standards. The main goal is to proactively prevent and detect violations of laws and regulations to avoid legal penalties and damage to your company's reputation.
What are the three pillars of compliance?
These pillars are: technology, processes, and people. By focusing on these three key areas, organizations can establish a robust cybersecurity framework that mitigates risks and ensures compliance with relevant regulations and standards. Let's explore each pillar in detail.
Why should compliance not report to legal?
The best practice is to separate the Compliance Officer and Legal Counsel functions. Although there is no legal prohibition for Legal Counsel to also manage or control the compliance function, it creates added challenges should regulatory authorities confront the organization.
How do legal and compliance work together?
The key to a successful partnership and collaboration between Legal and Compliance is clearly communicating roles and responsibilities while establishing trust. Accordingly, organizations should establish a Legal Counsel and Compliance Officer Protocol Policy.
What happens if a company is out of compliance?
Non-compliance with annual returns, beneficial ownership declaration and AFS/FAS will lead to deregistration, which has the effect that the juristic personality is withdrawn, and the company or close corporation ceases to exist.
What is the purpose of an independent compliance audit?
The main purpose of conducting a compliance audit is to determine whether a company is conducting business in an appropriate manner.
What makes a good compliance function?
The compliance function should be an essential party to strategic decision making. Simplistic A leaner and less complicated compliance programme will deliver the desired effects through its simplicity and clarity. More importantly, it will be recognised by the business as an enabler, not a distractor.
What is the risk of compliance risk?
Compliance risk is an organization's potential exposure to legal penalties, financial forfeiture and material loss, resulting from its failure to act in accordance with industry laws and regulations, internal policies or prescribed best practices. Compliance risk is also known as integrity risk.
What three attributes should a compliance officer have?
As with all leadership roles, there are obvious skills and traits that will help fulfill the position. In addition to being intelligent and analytical, a compliance officer must be of high integrity and possess the ability to communicate with diverse personalities.
Are compliance officers personally liable?
If information passes a compliance officer's desk and no action is taken – or if any such action is delayed without any justifiable reason – the compliance officer is likely to be investigated for individual liability.
Does a compliance officer need to be a lawyer?
As effective communicators and problem solvers, lawyers can leverage their legal training in compliance, even though a law degree may not be required. In fact, compliance is often not technically a legal role, and compliance professionals typically do not provide legal opinions or represent their firms.
What are the rules of compliance?
Regulatory compliance is the process of adhering to laws, regulations, standards, and other rules set forth by governments and other regulatory bodies. It is an important aspect of doing business, as companies are required to follow certain laws and regulations to maintain their operations.
What is the purpose of the compliance team?
A compliance department identifies risks that an organization faces and advises on how to avoid or address them. It implements controls to protect the organization from those risks. Compliance monitors and reports on the effectiveness of controls in the management of the organizations risk exposure.
Is a compliance officer a good job?
Successful compliance officers are highly valued by their companies. They are often compensated generously with paths to advancement and attractive salary and benefit packages.
What is the most common compliance issue?
Here are the 10 most common compliance risks: Payment Card Data Breach. Personal Data Privacy Rights Infringement. Lack of Disaster Preparation.
Who should a compliance officer report to?
The CCO must report directly to the Chief Executive Officer. He must also inform the Board about important issues and material violations.
Does compliance fall under legal?
Is Compliance Part of Legal? Compliance and legal are separate concerns, yet the two are firmly interlinked; a foremost responsibility of an organization's legal department is to ensure, promote and facilitate compliance. In-house counsel plays a crucial role in protecting the company, its directors and its employees.
What are the 4 C's of compliance?
These Cs – Compliance, Clarification, Culture, and Connection – are integral in fostering a work environment where employees feel valued and motivated. Compliance: Beyond just understanding policies, compliance in the context of employee engagement involves feeling secure and respected in the workplace.
What are the 3 P's of compliance?
Incentivise Compliance: Recognise and reward employees who consistently adhere to compliance policies and practices. The 3 P's of compliance—Policy, Procedures, and Practices—are interconnected and vital for an effective compliance framework within any organisation.
What are the seven principles of compliance?
- Implementing written policies & procedures. All policies can be found in the Policy Library.
- Governance & oversight. ...
- Effective training & education.
- Effective lines of communication. ...
- Internal auditing & monitoring.
- Enforcement & disciplinary guidelines.
- Prompt response.