How to improve compliance culture?

In an era of increased regulatory scrutiny and dynamic business landscapes, organizations are more than ever in need of a proactive approach to compliance culture.
In a survey conducted by Pideeco, out of the 208 compliance professionals polled, 63% believe that a weak compliance culture is a major issue that contributes to the failure of AML programs in certain financial institutions. Let’s look at how this can be corrected.

What is compliance culture?

Compliance culture can be defined as an intrinsic and fundamental element of a company’s overall culture in which the organization’s mission, values, and the respect of legislation are expressed in every staff member’s daily work.

All employees – from the highest-ranking director to the newest intern – should embed compliance in their daily work rather than relegating the task solely to the compliance department. The commercial dealings with clients, the ties across departments, the relationships among co-workers, and the communications with regulators should all reflect the ethical ideals of a company.

Why is compliance culture important?

A strong compliance culture has a variety of long-lasting beneficial effect on a firm, its operations with clients, and its staff. These include increased consumer confidence and trustworthiness, decreased legal and reputational risk, increased operational effectiveness, and improved staff morale and work satisfaction.
A poor compliance culture can instead have severe effects on a business. Several negative effects can result from unethical employee behavior, poor communication, ignorance of compliance-related issues, or a tendency to turn a blind eye to unethical practices, including costly fines for a company or loss of reputation, amongst others.

What are the elements of a strong compliance culture?

A strong compliance culture is the culmination of the following components:

• 1

  Efficient policies and procedures: well-designed policies and procedures create clarity and consistency in compliance expectations, guiding employees on the right course of action.
  

• 2

  Effective compliance department: a competent compliance department ensures the successful implementation and oversight of compliance initiatives, mitigating risks, and promoting adherence to regulations.

• 3

  Tone from the top (senior management): senior management's commitment to compliance sets the standard for ethical behavior and regulatory adherence throughout the organization.

• 4

  Dynamic training: interactive and comprehensive training programs equip employees with the knowledge and skills to navigate compliance challenges effectively.

• 5

  Successful employee engagement: engaging employees in compliance initiatives fosters a sense of ownership, accountability, and active participation in maintaining a compliant culture.

• 6

  High-quality technology and tools: using advanced technology and tools enhances efficiency, data management, and decision-making in compliance processes, enabling organizations to adapt to changing regulatory landscapes effectively.

How to promote compliance culture?

Promoting compliance culture should be a regular endeavour that fosters a collective commitment from all employees of the company.

Let’s look at how the compliance department and senior management can be used to promote compliance culture:

The role of the compliance department
A financial institution's compliance division plays a key role in fostering a solid compliance culture. They explain and convey regulatory requirements, give staff members direction and training, and keep an eye on compliance with both internal and external requirements.
The role of senior management
Senior management sets the tone from the top by demonstrating their commitment to compliance. They stress the value of ethical conduct and regulatory adherence to all personnel through constant communication. Senior management clearly sets the expectation that compliance is a key component of the organization's general mindset by incorporating compliance into a company's mission, vision, and values.

They also distribute the required funds and assistance to encourage compliance within a firm by giving the compliance department sufficient staffing and tools to carry out their duties effectively.

Senior management shows their dedication to fostering a compliance-conscious atmosphere by investing in compliance infrastructure.

Compliance culture: an ongoing engagement

Developing a compliance culture is an ongoing commitment that demands continuous attention and active participation. It goes beyond mere adherence to rules.


Creating transparent channels for communication and reporting, such as whistleblower hotlines, supports a culture that encourages open dialogue and trust. Maintaining a commitment to upholding high ethical standards and regulatory compliance is an ongoing journey that requires collective dedication.