Sanctions, tariffs, economic crime, big tech, data privacy, and environmental laws are expanding global compliance risks. Tougher penalties now reach deep into supply chains, making even small suppliers accountable to customers or regulators.
Ruth Prickett
Ruth Prickett graduated from Cambridge University with a BA hons in History and has specialized in business and finance journalism for the past 20 years. She was editor of Financial Management, the magazine for the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, for many years before relaunching and editing Audit & Risk magazine for the Chartered IIA. She has written for a wide range of specialist business titles and drafted white papers and reports for clients including HSBC and Vodafone.
Soaring costs of car loan compensation in U.K. highlight global risks from poor sales practices
U.K. motor finance companies are preparing to pay billions in compensation after a Supreme Court ruling found they sold unfair car loans over many years, failing to disclose key information and denying consumers the chance to compare deals or negotiate.
U.K. financial regulator looks to streamline audit enforcement procedures
Auditors are supposed to keep businesses honest, but how much regulation is the optimum for the auditors – and how onerous and punitive should the enforcement regime be? A new consultation by the U.K. regulator, the Financial Reporting Council, opened on Oct. 1 and has put the vexed question of audit regulation back in the spotlight.
AI and tariffs add to complexity of extra-territorial compliance
Extra-territorial rules are an increasing risk for global organizations as governments add regulations governing AI, fraud, tariffs, and sanctions to existing laws on bribery and corruption. Complex supply chains and requirements for global due diligence extend the strong arm of the law ever further.
U.K. FCA establishes framework for unlisted companies to trade shares on a ‘buyer-beware’ basis
Private companies that are keen to trade their shares but do not wish to become listed have gained another way to trade their shares. The U.K. government completed its initial review and published rules for the system in June.
Compliance must use AI to maximize benefits from sustainability reporting
Global pressure for sustainability reporting is rising. Despite political uncertainty and regulatory delays, companies continue to improve reports for regulators and stakeholders with the help of AI.
Retailers face new compliance pressures from tariffs, sanctions, fraud and cybercrime
Regulators are pressuring retail compliance teams on supply chains, shifting sanctions and tariffs, sustainability, and digital commerce. Rising cyberattacks heighten data security concerns, while large retailers push legal and commercial requirements down their supply chains.
Compliance should prepare for more ESG reporting as global pressure rises
Most major organizations are not changing their ESG reporting plans, despite “regulatory ambiguity”, according to a report by consultancy KPMG. The researchers say this indicates market expectations are driving action as much as legal requirements.
Australian banks’ record fines for compliance failures highlight role of culture in compliance
Two of the biggest banks in Australia are under fire for major compliance and cultural failings. ANZ and National Australia Bank are facing intense scrutiny over misconduct ranging from mistreating customers to underpaying staff.
Study: Compliance managers must set rules in race to adopt AI agents and copilots
More than half of all compliance teams are “actively using” or “piloting” AI applications, according to a Moody’s report. While most are focusing on streamlining routine tasks, some are developing AI agents and asking vital questions about AI decision-making.
