Is your compliance program being demoted?

Let’s talk about something that should worry every compliance officer. The stature of the profession is slipping.

For years, the trend line was clear. Compliance officers moved out from under the general counsel, got direct lines of reporting to the CEO, and direct lines to the board.

That mattered. It wasn’t just symbolic. It meant compliance had real influence before decisions got made, not after.

Now look at the data. The latest Compliance Week survey found reporting lines are sliding back toward legal. Fewer CCOs sitting with the board, fewer with a direct line to the CEO, and compliance officers are telling us off the record that they feel pushed to the side.

Here’s my worry. When you add a layer between compliance and leadership, you’re sending a message to your employees, to your regulators, to the market about how much this function actually matters to you.

Don’t let that message be sent on your watch. Fight for your seat. Your organization needs it more than ever.

The Ethics and Compliance Q and A show is produced by One Stone Creative.