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Regulatory Ramblings

Regulatory Ramblings: Episode 46 – Investigative Due Diligence and Why It Matters with Daniel Greenberg

Daniel Greenberg is the founder, president, and lead investigator of Greenberg Corporate Intelligence, a Washington, DC-based boutique investigations firm that commenced operations in March 2023. The firm offers research and intelligence services for private-sector clients such as support attorneys, private equity firms, hedge funds, and compliance teams.

Dan has worked in the due diligence and corporate investigations field since 2010. Most recently, he was a managing director at Forward Risk, having previously worked at Kroll, Exiger, and TD International.

Beginning in 2018, Dan helped grow Forward Risk from a small, newly established company with a handful of employees to a premier firm with over 25 full-time investigators. Forward Risk was acquired in November 2022, and after a transition period, Dan left to establish his independent firm – GCI.

He has a track record of uncovering hard-to-find facts, overcoming difficult challenges, and providing responsive service. His experience has mainly centered on investigative due diligence, shareholder activism support, litigation support, and competitive intelligence.

Dan holds a B.A. in International Affairs from George Washington University and an M.A. in Middle Eastern History from Tel Aviv University. Dan is also a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE #: 869765). Dan is licensed as a Private Detective in the District of Columbia.

The term due diligence is so often overused that in the present colloquial vernacular, it is used as a quick, easy, and usually lazy shorthand way of describing various background checks – varying from basic, perfunctory desk research to complete blown investigations.

To tackle such misconceptions, Daniel chats with Regulatory Ramblings host Ajay Shamdasani to clarify what “due diligence” entails while describing his own path as an entrepreneur.

Daniel shares his recollections about going to college in the US capital and later pursuing further graduate study – delving into the past of a long-troubled region in Israel.

The conversation goes on to delineate why investigative due diligence is (or should be) of paramount concern to the world’s largest banking and financial institutions and multinational corporations, as well as whether traditional backgrounds such as law enforcement, military service, or intelligence work are necessarily the best ways to get into such work in an age when many corporate investigators are ex-journalists or researchers.

Daniel stresses that his firm’s approach to such work is focused on using open sources, public records, and interviews to identify and understand fraudulent behavior and other risk issues.

The discussion concludes with a reflection on the tragic events following Hamas’ incursion into Israel on October 7, 2023, and Daniel shares his expertise on how, with all the intelligence and technology Israel had at its disposal, even it was taken by surprise.

Podcast Discussion:

3:09 From International Affairs to Due Diligence: Professional Journey

18:27 Mastering Google and AI in Investigative Due Diligence

26:46 The Role of Open Source and Public Records in Investigative Due Diligence

31:42 Defining Due Diligence: Beyond Background Checks to Comprehensive Accountability

39:01 Contextualizing Risks: Distinguishing Red Flags in Due Diligence Investigations

56:41 Challenges and Rewards of Starting a Firm in the Investigative Field

1:06:46 The Challenges of Intelligence: Israel-Hamas Conflict

Connect with RR Podcast at:

LinkedIn: https://hk.linkedin.com/company/hkufintech 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hkufintech.fb/
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Threads: https://www.threads.net/@hkufintech
Website: https://www.hkufintech.com/regulatoryramblings 

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/compliancepodcastnetwork/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CompliancePodcastNetwork
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Website: https://compliancepodcastnetwork.net/

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From the Editor's Desk

From The Editor’s Desk: A Celebration of Kyle Brasseur’s Journey: From Sports Journalism to Compliance Week Editor

In this special episode of ‘From the Editor’s Desk,’ host Tom Fox interviews Kyle Brasseur, who recently announced his retirement from Compliance Week, where he served as Editor-in-Chief. Kyle shares his journey from working in sports journalism to his pivot into the compliance field. He discusses his professional growth, the challenges and opportunities he faced, and the important stories covered during his tenure.

The episode also explores the critical role of journalism in the compliance sector and delves into some of Kyle’s most memorable moments, including his first published story and the development of the ‘Inside the Mind of the CCO’ survey. To round off, the discussion shifts to sports, particularly the performance and expectations of the Boston Celtics. Kyle reflects on his experiences and shares his thoughts on the future, expressing gratitude towards the compliance community for their unparalleled support.

Highlights Include:

  • Kyle’s Journey to Compliance Week
  • Transition from Sports Journalism to Compliance
  • Growth and Opportunities at Compliance Week
  • Importance of Compliance Journalism
  • Differences Between Sports and Compliance Journalism
  • Becoming Editor-in-Chief
  • Significant Stories and Editorial Changes
  • Inside the Mind of the CCO Survey
  • Final Thoughts and Farewell

Resources:

Kyle Brasseur on LinkedIn

Compliance Week

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2 Gurus Talk Compliance

2 Gurus Talk Compliance: Episode 30 — Make a Plan

What happens when two top compliance commentators get together? They talk about compliance, of course. Join Tom Fox and Kristy Grant-Hart in 2 Gurus Talk Compliance as they discuss the latest compliance issues in this week’s episode!

In this episode, Kristy and Tom discuss various pressing issues and developments in compliance. Topics include the introduction of a new regulator in Europe, concerns of AI employees about retaliation for raising alarms on potential threats, California’s new workplace violence compliance requirements, and unusual attempts to use live animals as payment in Florida.

The episode also highlights the significance of the Women in Compliance conference, the importance of crisis communication strategies, and the recent extension of the sanctions statute of limitations by the U.S. government. The conversation also covers networking for job seekers and the implications of the newly formed European Financial Crime Agency. The episode concludes with a bizarre payment method by our good friend, Florida Man.

Highlights Include:

 Resources:

Kristy Grant-Hart on LinkedIn

Spark Consulting

Tom

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Twitter

LinkedIn

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Daily Compliance News

Daily Compliance News: June 7, 2024 – The Car Wash Goes Dirty Edition

Welcome to the Daily Compliance News. Each day, Tom Fox, the Voice of Compliance, brings you compliance-related stories to start your day. Sit back, enjoy a cup of morning coffee and listen to the Daily Compliance News. All from the Compliance Podcast Network.

Each day, we consider four stories from the business world: compliance, ethics, risk management, leadership, or general interest for the compliance professional.

In today’s edition of Daily Compliance News:

  • Car washing goes dirty. (FT)
  • Boeing wants to buy a key supplier. (NPR)
  • WaPo CEO is in hot water over the killing phone hacking story. (NYT)
  • Chinese battery suppliers are tied to Ford and VW.  (WSJ)

For more information on the Ethico ROI Calculator and a free White Paper on the ROI of Compliance, click here.

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Trekking Through Compliance

Trekking Through Compliance – Episode 5 – Compliance Lessons from The Enemy Within

In this episode of Trekking Through Compliance, we consider The Enemy Within, which aired on October 6, 1966, Star Date 1672.1.

While gathering specimens on planet Alpha 177 (whose night temperature reaches -120 degrees), the transporter malfunctions, stranding the remaining 4-man landing party (including Sulu) on the planet; Kirk beams up. Kirk is split into two alter-egos, the evil one (hostility, lust, violence), which arrives unnoticed a few minutes after the good Kirk (compassion, love, tenderness) after the crew has left the transporter room.

The evil Kirk enters Yeoman Janice Rand’s quarters and lies in wait for her. She scratches him when he attacks her. She fights him off, and soon after that, the good Kirk shows signs of losing both his decisiveness and ability to command. This leads to a gut-wrenching scene where Spock and McCoy interview Rand about the attack.

Spock and Scotty rig the transporter to run off the impulse engines and successfully fix the transporter. He is overpowered when the good Kirk tries to bring the evil Kirk to the transporter. The evil Kirk goes to the bridge and orders the Enterprise to leave orbit, but the good Kirk follows him there. Kirk eventually returns to normal when the transporter is modified and used to fuse his two parts. The landing party is also beamed back up, suffering from frostbite, but nothing worse.

Commentary

This episode explores the duality of Captain Kirk’s personality after a transporter malfunction splits him into two alter egos. The podcast discusses the episode’s themes and their relevance to modern compliance lessons, such as the duality of human nature, the importance of a unified identity, effective leadership in crisis, monitoring and internal controls, addressing ethical dilemmas, and fostering psychological safety. It also touches upon the cultural changes highlighted by the Me Too movement compared to the 1960s portrayal of gender issues. The episode strongly encourages viewers to rewatch with a contemporary lens and apply its lessons to real-world compliance challenges, underlining the importance of this application.

Key Highlights

  • Plot Summary: The Enemy Within
  • Me Too Lessons and Ethical Reflections
  • Compliance Lessons from The Enemy Within

Resources

Excruciatingly Detailed Plot Summary by Eric W. Weisstein

MissionLogPodcast.com

Memory Alpha

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Compliance Tip of the Day

Compliance Tip of the Day: Compliance Lessons from The Gunvor FCPA Enforcement Action

Welcome to “Compliance Tip of the Day,” the podcast where we bring you daily insights and practical advice on navigating the ever-evolving landscape of compliance and regulatory requirements.

Whether you’re a seasoned compliance professional or just starting your journey, our aim is to provide you with bite-sized, actionable tips to help you stay on top of your compliance game.

Join us as we explore the latest industry trends, share best practices, and demystify complex compliance issues to keep your organization on the right side of the law.

Tune in daily for your dose of compliance wisdom, and let’s make compliance a little less daunting, one tip at a time.

In today’s episode, we consider Gunvor FCPA’s enforcement action, which  presents numerous lessons learned. Today we unpack the key compliance takeaways.

For more information on the Ethico ROI Calculator and a free White Paper on the ROI of Compliance, click here.

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FCPA Survival Guide

FCPA Survival Guide: Step 2 – Extraordinary Cooperation

How can you survive an FCPA enforcement action? In this special podcast series, Tom Fox and Nick Gallo outline the Top 10 things you can do to reduce your overall fine and penalty, perhaps down to a full declination. All of the actions you can take come from recent DOJ prosecutions under the FCPA and speeches from DOJ representatives. This podcast, sponsored by Ethico, is the companion series to the book The FCPA Survival Guide: Surviving and Thriving a Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Enforcement Action. Today, we discuss the DOJ requirement of extraordinary cooperation.

This episode highlights the definitions of full cooperation and extraordinary cooperation from a law enforcement perspective, emphasizing the advice from Kenneth Polite and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco on acting ‘swiftly and without delay.’ They explore strategies for accelerating investigations without compromising quality, including leveraging technology, ensuring a well-defined process, and engaging the right people. They emphasize the DOJ’s demand for immediacy, consistency, and impact in investigations, linking efficient, real-time processes with the broader goal of compliance and remediation. The discussion also touches on managing messaging apps and the significance of preparation and proactive processes to meet the Department of Justice’s expectations effectively.

Key Highlights and Issues:

  • Defining Extraordinary Cooperation and Its Challenges
  • The Importance of Real-Time Systems in Investigations
  • Strategies for Efficient and Effective Investigations
  • Leveraging Technology, Process, and People for Speed
  • The DOJ’s Expectations: Immediacy, Consistency, and Impact
  • The Process Nature of Compliance and Investigation

 Resources:

Nick Gallo on LinkedIn

Ethico

The FCPA Survival Guide: Surviving and Thriving a Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Enforcement Action

Tom

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Twitter

LinkedIn

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Hill Country Artists Podcast

Hill Country Artists Podcast: Exploring The 2024 Hunt Art Fair with Deanna Eixman and Elaine Capers

Delve into the heart of the Texas Hill Country with award winning “Hill Country Artists Podcast,” which illustrates and illuminates the vibrant tapestry of art rooted in this iconic region. From the sun-drenched limestone cliffs to the serene Guadalupe River, the Hill Country has been a muse for countless artists, providing a unique backdrop for creativity to flourish.

In this episode, we uncover the stories behind the area’s most captivating artworks, converse with local artists about their inspirations, and explore the fusion of Texan traditions with contemporary artistic expressions. In this episode of the Hill Country Artists podcast, Tom visits two of the Magnificent 7, Deanna Eixman and Elaine Capers, on the upcoming Hunt Art Fair, which will be held June 28–29 at Bridget’s Basket.

The episode highlights the upcoming Hunt Art Fair, which showcases a diverse group of artists in the Texas Hill Country. They discuss the origins and evolution of the Fair, its new location at Bridget’s Basket, and the unique artistic community in Hunt. Deanna and Elaine share their personal experiences and art themes for this year’s event while providing insights into the vibrant local art scene and audience engagement. Listeners also get tips on how to connect with the artists and more information about the event.

 Key Highlights:

  • The Hunt Art Fair: Origins and Evolution
  • Bridget’s Basket: A Unique Venue
  • Elaine Capers: Art and Inspirations
  • Deanna Eixman: Art and Inspirations
  • Upcoming Art Fair Details and Participating Artists

Hill Country Artists

Hunt Art Fair

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Pawtastic Friends - The Paw Talk

Pawtastic Friends: The Paw Talk – Pita, Nora and Lexus

Welcome to Pawtastic Friends: The Paw Talk. In this podcast, host Tom Fox will visit with Michael and Melissa Novelli, co-founders of Pawtastic Friends, as well as those who work with them at Pawtastic Friends. Michael and Melissa are dedicated to helping shelter and rescue dogs in the Las Vegas area become more adaptable, through enrichment training and activities such as yoga and aquatics training, as well as obedience and agility. This podcast is sure to tug on your heartstrings; just listen to how sweet this one dog is!

Tune in now to hear more from Michael and Melissa Novelli as they discuss their passion for helping pups in need. Get ready for an exciting episode of Pawtastic Friends: The Paw Talk!

In this episode, we feature Pita, Nora and Lexus.

Michael and Melissa Novelli discuss the training progress of two dogs, Pita and Nora, both from the Nevada SPCA, highlighting their behavior and training improvements at the Pawtastic Friends Training Center. They also share the success story of Lexus, the 673rd dog to find a furever home through the program. The episode covers the unique annual block party fundraiser and an upcoming Foster Initiative Project aimed at educating the community on fostering homeless animals. The hosts emphasize the importance of building trust, confidence, and obedience in dogs to prepare them for adoption.

Quotes:

“Her profile picture, she has one ear up and one ear down. It’s great. It’s just great. I was like, how can you not adopt this dog?” – Mike Novelli

“They’re building skills that are going to prepare them for their forever home.” – Melissa Novelli

“What’s great about this program, too, Tom, is a lot of times people will go to a shelter and they might adopt a dog. They don’t really know much about it. And sometimes the shelter staff might not know that much about it, but when they come here, we can give them all that information.” –  Melissa Novelli

“At the end of the day tomorrow, fostering saves lives and it’s free.” – Melissa Novelli”

Resources

Pawtastic Friends

Donate to Pawtastic Friends

Pawtastic Friends on Instagram

Pawtastic Friends on Facebook

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Daily Compliance News

Daily Compliance News: June 6, 2024 – The D-Day 80th Anniversary Edition

Welcome to the Daily Compliance News. Each day, Tom Fox, the Voice of Compliance, brings you compliance-related stories to start your day. Sit back, enjoy a cup of morning coffee and listen to the Daily Compliance News. All from the Compliance Podcast Network.

Each day, we consider four stories from the business world: compliance, ethics, risk management, leadership, or general interest for the compliance professional.

In today’s edition of Daily Compliance News:

  • The SEC is closing its Salt Lake City office.  (WSJ)
  • Wirecard boss loses his lawyer. (FT)
  • Standard Chartered is accused of funding terrorists. (BBC)
  • Toyota gets raided. (BBC)

For more information on the Ethico ROI Calculator and a free White Paper on the ROI of Compliance, click here.