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Navigating Compliance in Interesting Times

I once had a boss whose catchphrase was, ‘May you live in interesting times.’ That applied back in the first decade of this century and is even more appropriate now. In a world that often feels like it is constantly shifting beneath our feet, the role of the corporate compliance professional has never been more crucial or challenging. In recent New York City Bar Association Compliance Institute remarks, Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Marshall Miller offered timely insights on the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) evolving approach to corporate criminal enforcement. His message was that compliance professionals are essential to organizational success, national security, and the broader rule of law.

  • Individual Accountability as the Cornerstone of Corporate Compliance

Miller emphasized that individual accountability remains a primary focus of the DOJ’s corporate criminal enforcement. According to Miller, they are prosecuting individuals at the top or throughout the corporate hierarchy, as it sends a strong message that misconduct is not tolerated and reinforces deterrence across the board.

For compliance officers, this focus on individual accountability reinforces the importance of training and awareness programs that help employees understand the personal stakes of unethical behavior. Compliance programs must communicate that misconduct has consequences for the organization and those directly involved.

This means compliance professionals should regularly update training modules to reinforce the personal consequences of non-compliance. Consider scenarios that show employees how individual misconduct can lead to legal repercussions, strengthening the deterrence message.

  • Transparency and Consistency in Enforcement Policies

One of the most significant updates shared by Miller is the DOJ’s emphasis on clarity, consistency, and predictability across its corporate enforcement policies. In past years, self-reporting or cooperating with investigations was often perceived as a gamble. Today, under new DOJ guidelines, a clear framework outlines expectations, rewards cooperation, and even encourages voluntary self-disclosure of misconduct.

This transparency is a game-changer for compliance professionals, who often need concrete examples and assurances to secure buy-in from executives and board members. Compliance leaders can now present a more straightforward business case for ethical behavior, outlining the risks of non-compliance and the potential benefits of self-disclosure.

Every corporate compliance function should leverage the DOJ’s published guidelines to develop a compliance strategy that aligns with the DOJ’s expectations. Create resources for your leadership team that show the tangible benefits of voluntary self-disclosure, including reduced penalties and favorable resolutions.

  • Empowering Whistleblowers and Enhancing Self-Disclosure Programs

Miller announced the launch of a new two-part DOJ whistleblower program that provides different rules and incentives based on whether the whistleblower was involved in criminal conduct. For those not involved, a DOJ awards program now provides a percentage of forfeited funds to the whistleblower. For those involved, whistleblower non-prosecution agreements are available.

This change holds significant implications for compliance programs. Whistleblower protection and incentive structures must be communicated and properly managed, ensuring employees know their rights and the benefits of reporting unethical behavior. With DOJ’s strong support, compliance leaders can strengthen whistleblower protections and encourage a culture of transparency.

Expanding whistleblower training and reporting channels to reflect the DOJ’s updated stance would be best. Emphasize protection and incentivization and ensure employees understand how these policies can benefit them if they report wrongdoing.

  • The Role of Incentives and Compensation Clawbacks in Compliance

The DOJ’s updated compliance approach emphasizes the role of compensation structures in promoting compliance or enabling unethical behavior. DOJ now evaluates incentive structures as part of every criminal resolution, rewarding companies that utilize clawbacks when executives are involved in misconduct.

For compliance professionals, this focus on compensation is an opportunity to align reward structures with ethical performance. Compliance officers can work with human resources to design and implement compensation plans that deter risky behavior by incorporating elements such as escrow accounts for bonuses and clawback provisions for executives involved in wrongdoing.

This means every corporate compliance function and personnel should collaborate with HR to develop compensation structures that support compliance goals, such as incorporating ethical behavior as a performance metric or establishing escrow accounts that hold bonuses contingent on compliance-related performance.

  • Strengthening Governance Structures for Accountability

Miller’s remarks also underscore the need for solid governance frameworks that prevent misconduct from slipping through the cracks. Accountability measures, from board oversight to compliance committee functions, ensure corporate misconduct is detected early and handled appropriately. He noted that companies with rigorous internal governance structures and compliance frameworks are more likely to avoid criminal charges.

For compliance leaders, this means assessing and strengthening their organization’s governance structures to support effective oversight. It also means advocating for periodic audits, third-party evaluations, and regular reviews of compliance policies to keep governance on track. Conduct a governance review to identify potential gaps in oversight and ensure that compliance officers have the authority to raise concerns without interference. Advocate for regular compliance audits and policy updates to keep pace with regulatory developments.

  • Preparing for Emerging Risks Related to National Security and Technology

Miller highlighted increasing corporate criminal investigations involving national security, particularly in the construction, agriculture, telecommunications, and technology sectors. Fueled by sanctions evasion and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, national security risks are now a major focal point for the DOJ.

Compliance programs need to reflect this shift. Compliance professionals must prioritize emerging risks, especially cybersecurity, AI, and national security. Integrating these areas into the broader compliance program ensures that companies are prepared for the expanding scope of corporate crime.

You should update risk assessments to include national security risks and develop response plans for data security, sanctions compliance, and AI ethics. Equip your compliance team to monitor these evolving threats through specialized training and cross-functional collaboration.

  • A Call to Compliance Professionals: The Business Case for Compliance

Miller concluded with a direct call to compliance professionals, emphasizing the DOJ’s commitment to empowering compliance leaders to advance corporate ethics and compliance. He stressed the importance of making a compelling business case for compliance, using DOJ’s guidelines to advocate for investment in robust compliance programs.

In today’s regulatory environment, compliance is a strategic advantage, not a cost center. Compliance officers must seize this moment to champion the business case for ethics, highlighting the DOJ’s transparent policies and the tangible benefits of voluntary self-disclosure, cooperation, and strong compliance frameworks.

Position your compliance program as an essential part of your business strategy. Use DOJ’s new approach as a lever to secure greater resources and authority, demonstrating that investing in compliance can directly impact organizational resilience and profitability.

  • Final Thoughts

Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Marshall Miller’s remarks signal a turning point for compliance professionals, who are no longer seen as gatekeepers but as strategic partners in risk management and national security. With the DOJ’s commitment to transparent enforcement policies, expanded whistleblower incentives, and a stronger emphasis on accountability, compliance officers have a clear mandate to champion ethical business practices.

These changes offer a roadmap for compliance leaders to build stronger programs that protect their organizations and reinforce their role as trusted advisors in corporate governance. By adopting the DOJ’s updated principles, compliance professionals can safeguard their organizations, enhance their credibility, and make a compelling case for a proactive approach to corporate ethics.

In our “interesting times,” compliance is no longer just about rules and regulations. It is about building an integrity culture that benefits the organization and the broader community.

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FCPA Compliance Report

FCPA Compliance Report – Mike Lindsey on The CTA and NSBU Decision

Welcome to the award-winning FCPA Compliance Report, the longest-running podcast in compliance. In this edition of the FCPA Compliance Report, Tom welcomes back Mike Lindsey to discuss the Corporate Transparency Act. In a first for the FCPA Compliance Report, after the episode was recorded but before it was posted, the CTA was declared unconstitutional by a Trump appointed US District Judge. We recorded an addendum to consider this court decision invalidating the law.

Mike Lindsey, a distinguished corporate and transactional lawyer based at Steinbrecher & Span, has built a solid reputation as an authority on the CTA. Lindsey’s insights into the CTA are influenced by his emphasis on privacy and data security, highlighting the risks correlated with a centralized database potentially accessible via the dark web. From his perspective, the CTA serves as a critical federal law designed to increase transparency around beneficial ownership of corporations and inhibit illegal activities such as money laundering, tax evasion, and fraud. However, Lindsey also questions its effectiveness in disclosing ownership by entities like the Iran Revolutionary Guard. Despite this, he sees the CTA as a ground-breaking move for privately held companies, requiring them to report beneficial owners, something uncommon among small businesses in the United States. Ultimately, Lindsey views the CTA as an essential measure towards impeding financial crimes and enhancing accountability in corporate structures.

We also discuss the trial court decision in the case of the National Small Business Union, which invalidated the CTA and what it might mean for the law going forward. 

Key Highlights:

  • Beneficial Ownership Disclosure Law
  • Key Players in Corporate Decision-Making
  • CTA Compliance Impact on Small Businesses
  • Federal Database Security Concerns
  • Illicit Financial Activities and National Security Measures
  • National Small Business Union decision

Resources:

Mike Lindsey on LinkedIn

Steinbrecher & Span

National Small Business Union

Tom Fox

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

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The ESG Report

The ESG Report – Pamela Fierst – Walsh: Diversifying EV Battery Supply Chains

The ESG Report podcast is hosted by Tom Fox. Looking for innovative solutions to tackle climate change? Look no further than The ESG Report! In this episode, Tom speaks with Pamela Fierst-Walsh, who talks about her career in sustainable minerals and how it has led her to EV batteries.

Pamela Fierst-Walsh is a seasoned professional with a rich background in managing environmental and economic challenges in worldwide supply chains. With over 17 years of experience as a US diplomat and a law degree from Indiana University Mauer School of Law, Fierst-Walsh brings a unique perspective to the table. She believes that the transition to electric vehicles is crucial for addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. She emphasizes the importance of diversifying energy sources, reducing reliance on oil and natural gas, and the need for regulatory measures such as digital product passports and due diligence on supply chains to ensure sustainability. Join Tom Fox and Pamela Fierst-Walsh as they delve deeper into these issues on the next episode of The ESG Report.

Key Highlights:

  • Sustainable Transportation: Driving Consumer Demand
  • Minerals Market Dominance in EV Batteries
  • Circular Economy Initiatives in the EU
  • Sustainable Battery Information Sharing for EU
  • Securing Reliable Supply Chains for National Security

Resources:

Pamela Fierst-Walsh on LinkedIn

 Tom Fox 

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The Hill Country Podcast

Harry Anthony on Uranium Mining in Texas


Welcome to The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, recent Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits the people and organizations that make this a unique area of Texas. Join Tom as he explores the people, places, and activities of the Texas Hill Country.  In this episode, I visit Harry Anthony, a retired business executive who talks about uranium mining in the state of Texas. Some of the highlights include:

  • What is uranium mining, and how is it done in Texas?
  • How is uranium used?
  • How and why did the US uranium mining market drop off?
  • How have recent international events demonstrated the need for a robust US uranium mining industry?
  • Why is uranium mining a national security issue?
  • How can the US government begin to change and move from reactive to proactive? What should the industry do?
  • Why is uranium a key spoken in ESG?