The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore it more fully. Looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this episode of Compliance into the Weeds, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly look at the recent conviction of Charles ‘Hunter” Hobson for FCPA violations.

Former Corsa Coal senior sales executive Charles Hunter Hobson was found guilty in Pennsylvania of helping arrange roughly $4.8 million in bribes to officials tied to a state-owned Egyptian coal company, using an intermediary, to secure about $143 million in contracts. Also, Hobson allegedly pocketed about $200,000. Tom and Matt  Hobson’s unsuccessful “dog bite” defenses. They also discuss tensions between corporate and individual accountability, the practical reality that companies may cooperate and “turn on” individuals, and that individuals can also expose companies by cooperating with prosecutors. Finally, they speculate on why DOJ pursued trial amid shifting enforcement signals, referencing other recent FCPA matters (Millicom DPA, Smartmatic indictment) and past DOJ trial losses, and conclude that the best approach is to avoid bribery and avoid being the “last man standing.”

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A multi-award-winning podcast, Compliance into the Weeds was most recently honored as one of the Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcasts, a Top 10 Business Law Podcast, and a Top 12 Risk Management Podcast. Compliance into the Weeds has been conferred a Davey, a Communicator Award, and a W3 Award, all for podcast excellence.

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The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore it more fully. Looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this episode of Compliance into the Weeds, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly look at recent reporting on Binance that raises questions about the effectiveness of its compliance program, monitorships, and executive attitudes toward compliance.

They recap Binance’s 2023 resolution of U.S. criminal and civil matters involving money laundering and sanctions evasion. They discuss the Fortune article, which reported that Binance continued to route funds through its platform to the Iranian government in 2024 and into 2025. They highlight Mr. Zou’s public response on X, suggesting that if investigators found misconduct, it implied they failed to prevent it, which the hosts criticize as a misunderstanding that business units own risk and that compliance’s role is to provide systems, channels, oversight, and escalation rather than “prevent” all misconduct.

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A multi-award-winning podcast, Compliance into the Weeds was most recently honored as one of the Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcasts, a Top 10 Business Law Podcast, and a Top 12 Risk Management Podcast. Compliance into the Weeds has been conferred a Davey, a Communicator Award, and a W3 Award, all for podcast excellence.

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The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore it more fully. Looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this episode of Compliance into the Weeds, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly look at three recent stories to draw compliance lessons for the future.

They discuss significant developments in compliance, focusing on Jay Clayton’s recent speech regarding FCPA enforcement and the implications for companies. They also analyze a case involving the termination of compliance officers at Scotiabank for failing to escalate concerns about insider trading. The conversation concludes with a reflection on athlete decision-making in the context of injuries and the lessons for corporate compliance practices.

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Matt in Radical Compliance

Tom

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A multi-award-winning podcast, Compliance into the Weeds was most recently honored as one of the Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcasts, a Top 10 Business Law Podcast, and a Top 12 Risk Management Podcast. Compliance into the Weeds has been conferred a Davey, a Communicator Award, and a W3 Award, all for podcast excellence.

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The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore it more fully. Looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this episode of Compliance into the Weeds, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly examine three recent surveys that examine the real-world impact of AI adoption in corporate environments.

Recording from Alexandria, Virginia, where Matt is attending a conference on ethical governance of AI, Matt and Tom discuss the differing perceptions of AI’s benefits between senior executives and other employees. They explore findings from PWC, Section, and Workday surveys, uncovering a significant gap in AI’s perceived value. The discussion highlights the challenges of integrating AI, the significant rework required by employees, and the struggle to build trust in AI tools. They also debate whether enterprise-scale AI deployment or incremental, point-specific adoption is the best path forward.

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Matt in Radical Compliance

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A multi-award-winning podcast, Compliance into the Weeds was most recently honored as one of the Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcasts, a Top 10 Business Law Podcast, and a Top 12 Risk Management Podcast. Compliance into the Weeds has been conferred a Davey, a Communicator Award, and a W3 Award, all for podcast excellence.

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The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore it more fully. Looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this episode of #ComplianceintotheWeeds, Tom Fox, and Matt Kelly look at the leadership failures from Donald Trump and his administration after the killing of Alex Pretti last weekend. This episode has significant editorial commentary.

Matt and Tom critically examine the behavior and leadership failings of Donald Trump and his Administration in the wake of the shooting of Alex Pretti and argue that his approach is far from exemplary for CEOs or business leaders. The discussion highlights the essence of effective leadership as the ability to instill trust and direction, contrasting this with Trump's history of questionable business acumen and the allegations of his disastrous lying to the American people. The takeaway is that true leadership involves integrity, trustworthiness, and the ability to inspire and guide employees toward a common goal, traits that Trump is argued to lack. 

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Matt in Radical Compliance

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A multi-award-winning podcast, Compliance into the Weeds was most recently honored as one of the Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcasts, a Top 10 Business Law Podcast, and a Top 12 Risk Management Podcast. Compliance into the Weeds has been conferred a Davey, a Communicator Award, and a W3 Award, all for podcast excellence.

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The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore it more fully. Looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this episode of Compliance into the Weeds, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly look at the challenges of retaliation against Chief Compliance Officers (CCOs).

They highlight the need for ongoing communication between compliance officers and senior management, and share strategies for CCOs to mitigate personal risk. The discussion includes real-world examples, the role of senior management in fostering a compliant culture, and the importance of scenario planning and training to prepare for potential issues. The episode emphasizes proactive measures such as charm offensives and preemptive remediation plans to navigate and defuse potential retaliatory scenarios.

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Matt in Radical Compliance

Tom

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A multi-award-winning podcast, Compliance into the Weeds was most recently honored as one of the Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcasts, a Top 10 Business Law Podcast, and a Top 12 Risk Management Podcast. Compliance into the Weeds has been conferred a Davey, a Communicator Award, and a W3 Award, all for podcast excellence.

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The award winning, Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast which takes a deep dive into a compliance related topic, literally going into the weeds to more fully explore a subject. Looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this episode of Compliance into the Weeds, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly look at the new DOJ AAG position which will report directly to the White House. 

In this episode, Tom and Matt discuss the recent developments in the Department of Justice, particularly the establishment of a new Assistant Attorney General for fraud reporting directly to the White House. They explore the implications of this move, the regulatory chaos it may create, and the potential for politically motivated enforcement actions. The conversation emphasizes the uncertainty facing compliance professionals and the need for robust risk management strategies in light of these changes as well as the chaos capitalism the Administration has introduced into American business. 

Key Highlights 

·      Introduction to the Department of Retribution

·      The New Assistant Attorney General for Fraud

·      Political Implications of Fraud Enforcement

·      Potential Targets of Enforcement

·      Navigating Chaos Capitalism

·      Risk Management Strategies for Compliance Professionals

 Resources

Matt in Radical Compliance

Tom  

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A multi-award winning podcast, Compliance into the Weeds was most recently honored as one of a Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcast and a Top 10 Business Law Podcast, and a Top 12 Risk Management Podcast. Compliance into the Weeds has been conferred a Davey, Communicator and w3 Award, all for podcast excellence. 

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The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore it more fully. Looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this episode of Compliance into the Weeds, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly discuss key issues Matt is following in 2026.

They look into anticipated FCPA enforcement actions against Chinese telecom giant ZTE and the controversial indictment of SmartMatic, raising concerns about possible politicization of compliance enforcement. The conversation also covers the potential impact on whistleblower cases if key Qui Tam lawsuits under the False Claims Act are invalidated, as well as the ongoing federal-state conflict over AI regulations. Additionally, they touch on the financial complexities and risks associated with AI funding deals, drawing parallels to past financial crises. Compliance officers are advised to prepare for an uncertain and challenging regulatory landscape in the year ahead.

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Matt in Radical Compliance

Tom

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A multi-award-winning podcast, Compliance into the Weeds was most recently honored as one of the Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcasts, a Top 10 Business Law Podcast, and a Top 12 Risk Management Podcast. Compliance into the Weeds has been conferred a Davey, a Communicator Award, and a W3 Award, all for podcast excellence.

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The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore it more fully. Looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this final episode of Compliance into the Weeds for 2025, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly discuss an enforcement action by the Justice Department involving MGI International, a plastics manufacturer caught in a tariff evasion scheme orchestrated by its COO.

The company avoided criminal prosecution by self-disclosing the misconduct, fully cooperating, and implementing compliance reforms, leading to a declination by the DOJ. We explore the case’s details, the role of independent internal investigations, and the implications for compliance policies under different administrations. Listeners are encouraged to consider the case as a roadmap for achieving favorable enforcement outcomes.

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Matt in Radical Compliance

Tom

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A multi-award-winning podcast, Compliance into the Weeds was most recently honored as one of the Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcasts, a Top 10 Business Law Podcast, and a Top 12 Risk Management Podcast. Compliance into the Weeds has been conferred a Davey, a Communicator Award, and a W3 Award, all for podcast excellence.

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The award winning, Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast which takes a deep dive into a compliance related topic, literally going into the weeds to more fully explore a subject. Looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this episode of Compliance into the Weeds, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly look at the mixed and muddled messages coming out of the DOJ on FCPA and white collar enforcement. 

We discuss recent signals from the DOJ suggesting a reinvigorated stance on corporate malfeasance, juxtaposed with actions like the pardoning of convicted offenders which muddle the overall message. The conversation covers Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche's inflammatory speech on the seriousness of FCPA actions, the controversial pardons by President Trump, and the apparent selective enforcement against foreign versus U.S. companies. The episode examines the ramifications of these mixed signals for compliance professionals, companies, and whistleblowers, emphasizing the need for clearer guidance and consistency from the DOJ.

 Key Highlights 

·      Mixed Messages from the Justice Department on FCPA and White Collar Enforcement

·      Deputy Attorney General's Angry Speech

·      Controversial Pardons and Their Implications

·      ZTE and FCPA Charges

·      Inconsistencies and Compliance Challenges

·      The Impact of Presidential Pardons on Compliance

 Resources

Matt in Radical Compliance

 Tom  

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 A multi-award winning podcast, Compliance into the Weeds was most recently honored as one of a Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcast and a Top 10 Business Law Podcast, and a Top 12 Risk Management Podcast. Compliance into the Weeds has been conferred a Davey, Communicator and w3 Award, all for podcast excellence. 

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