BUILDING THE COMPLIANCE FUNCTION OF THE FUTURE
R&C: What do you believe are the defining characteristics of a world-class compliance function?
Ryan: A world-class compliance function helps the business make better decisions and take risks responsibly. It is trusted, data-driven and integrated into the business early enough to shape strategy rather than merely react to problems. It builds a culture where employees feel safe speaking up, leaders model ethical behaviour, and compliance advice is practical, timely, data-driven and business-aware. The best functions simplify policies, modernise training, use technology effectively and measure outcomes rather than activity alone. They also incorporate enterprise risk management as a core compliance function to enable leaders to see emerging risks, ownership, mitigation status and decision points more clearly. Success is not simply avoiding violations or reducing enforcement exposure. It is enabling the business to move faster, innovate responsibly, protect customers and employees, and maintain trust with regulators, shareholders, business partners and the communities the company serves.
Kass: There are several complementary elements to a successful compliance programme. First, a commitment to integrity. The most important job of any compliance team is making sure that the company and its employees act with integrity. If this is not done right, nothing else matters. Second, value for the business. The best compliance programmes are seen as partners by the business, and create a virtuous cycle in which they provide data and insights to leaders to help them make good choices, and then see the benefits of making those choices. In turn, leaders make choices based on integrity and support the compliance function.
Oct-Dec 2026 Issue
AT&T
Ernst & Young LLP
Siemens
Verizon
Walgreens Boots Alliance