Sometimes predictions come true.  Starting in 2011, the SEC sent shock waves through the private equity industry when it launched a general inquiry into private equity compliance with the FCPA. The SEC issued ten letters to investment banks and private equity companies requesting information about their interactions with sovereign wealth funds and anti-corruption compliance programs.  The Director of the Serious Fraud Office made numerous pronouncements...

The difference between white collar and violent crime usually comes down to this: In most cases of violent crime, the actor’s state of mind is not at issue: the cases often center on whether the specific person charged was the one who killed/shot/assaulted the victim; if he or she was the actor, then the issue may turn to self defense.  (I know this is simplistic...

Webinar: March 31, 2014, 12 Noon ESTKeeping Your Due Diligence System Manageable Sign Up Here Companies recognize the need to develop robust due diligence procedures to review, monitor and audit third-party intermediaries, prospective acquisition and joint venture partners, and vendors/suppliers. A due diligence system, however, can get bogged down in details and procedures which have limited relevance. CCOs need to ensure that their due diligence system...

As I get older, I try and convince myself I am getting wiser.  But I know that is not right.  Maybe a better way to say it is I am better at guessing.  Some like to call that educated guessing.  Talk about an oxymoron. I can never understand why companies don’t pay more attention to board governance.  There is the usual rush around a corporate...

The title for this posting is a little ambiguous.  What is the “cost” of compliance?  Is it the cost of implementing an “effective” compliance program?  Or is the “cost” to the company of an “ineffective” compliance program.  Let’s just say it is both. I often criticize the compliance profession for relying on the “negative” message around compliance – “if you do not comply, then the...

I was never a big fan of the Reagan Administration’ solution to America’s drug problem – Just Say No.  The phrase was a simple solution to a more complex problem, one that people now recognize as a health problem rather than a question of free will. My concerns with the “Just Say No” strategy do not extend to foreign bribery.  In fact, I know several...

When it comes to compliance, the best investment a company can make is to create and promote an ethical culture.  Dollar for dollar, communicating this message is the money well spent. A CEO has to commit time and effort to the program.  If the CEO does not want to commit, the job will be much harder.  A CEO who believes in the message of ethics...

The GM scandal is unfolding and provides important reminders for everyone involved in compliance and how to respond to a corporate scandal. GM faces a significant set of challenges.  A faulty ignition device has been linked to a number of crashes resulting in over 10 deaths.  GM decided not to recall automobiles to fix the faulty ignition. GM is now the focus of a Justice...

Webinar: March 18, 2014, 12 Noon EST The Role of the CCO: Navigating the Compliance Landscape Sign Up Here Companies recognize the importance of maintaining effective compliance programs. With the increase in enforcement activity, companies have turned to their Chief Compliance Officers to design and implement effective compliance programs. In many companies, CCOs have been empowered and provided independent authority to carry out this mission....

“Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please” – Mark Twain Corporate boards have to be more involved and informed.  I know this sounds like a profound grasp of the obvious but corporate governance needs to move forward.  This is not rocket science – we have all faced difficult issues and challenges.  Corporate governance reform is not one of those types...