Compliance

Though it won't take effect until early in 2017, the time is now for audit committees to start adopting the new accounting regulations. Let's not think that audit committees need to go at implementation alone, however. Warren Stippich advises a cross-functional approach involving players throughout the organization. Here's what you need to know...

The FCPA is one of many tools the DOJ and the SEC put to use in facilitating national security in the U.S. And while they are some of the largest players in protecting the nation's interests, compliance professionals working for global corporations also play a critical role in identifying vulnerabilities and doing serious due diligence to minimize risks.

Those seeking to abuse the system will find a way to do it, so it's imperative that companies implement strong internal controls and then continually strive to strengthen them further. Make no mistake, detecting and preventing FCPA violations takes discipline, but initiatives and activities undertaken with discipline generally pay off, don't they?

Commerce is forever becoming more global in nature, and as a result, maintaining compliance with the federal government's regulations is becoming increasingly challenging. For insurers, the issue is especially complex, as they've got to ensure that not only policyholders, but also potential recipients and third-party claimants aren't barred by the OFAC or residing on its SDN list.

A recent ruling has weakened Hong Kong's anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws, limiting its enforcement power to its borders. The FCPA, UK Bribery Act, and anti-corruption laws of most other Asia-Pac countries stand in contrast to this position, holding perpetrators responsible for corruption wherever they're located.

According to a recent Ernst and Young survey, 67 percent of professionals questioned believe improving the GRC system within their companies should be high priority. There are three key areas to focus on if your firm's governance, risk management and compliance functions need bolstering. Jim Nortz, of Ethics Advisory Services, breaks them down.

With ever-changing legislation and ever-increasing regulatory scrutiny, the role of the CCO is continually evolving. Corporate compliance officers served once upon a time as compliance cops, but the scope of the role has grown over the last several years so that now CCOs must be champions within their organizations of a culture of compliance and ethics and more...

This summer, the FDA released guidance on how drug and device manufacturers are to use social media within the boundaries of appropriate marketing practices. It can be pretty tricky to present product benefits right alongside risk information - or respond to misinformation voiced by a third party - in the space of 140 characters. But the OIG is watching...

A recent ruling by the Supreme Court upholds individual's privacy in the course of an arrest by restricting officers from searching the arrestee's cell phone without a first obtaining a warrant. This is a huge stride in data privacy during an era when it seems little remains out of Big Brother's reach. It's also a reminder that companies should take...

The GSK China scandal came to light through a sex tape, and the anonymous whistleblower who leaked the tape also presented allegations of bribery. GSK's own investigation into the matter has failed to net anything of substance, but the Chinese government has turned up a great deal of evidence pointing to massive systemic bribery.

CIOs must take the lead on IT governance as a means to align the IT division's efforts with the overarching business strategy. But effective IT governance is more than measurement, oversight and the implementation of best practices. The most effective programs facilitate awareness and behavioral change throughout the organization.

An E&C program must be effective -- not necessarily convenient. Does the Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer have enough authority and autonomy? What's being reported to the Board, and does the Board have proper oversight of the E&C program? These are just some of the factors that influence the effectiveness of an E&C program.