Many of the things I’d like to see in 2021 are directly related to regulatory changes we anticipate are coming under a Biden administration, but they’re mixed with a few lessons from the pandemic we hope carry into a post-COVID world.
Whistleblowers
Making the case for companies to create ‘Ombuds’ function to meet EU whistleblower rules
The creation of an independent, competent “Ombuds” function could be used by companies to respond to certain key requirements in the EU’s Whistleblower Protection Directive.
Five compliance triumphs from 2020
CW reveals its list of five compliance wins from the year, including Samsung for its honesty, Volkswagen for successfully wrapping up its monitorship, 3M for stellar ethics, and more.
SEC enforcement priorities under Biden: Reading the tea leaves
Careful consideration as to what new tone, direction, and priorities the SEC’s Division of Enforcement will take under Joe Biden can help you reduce compliance risk.
FY record already in sight as SEC issues $28M whistleblower award
A $28 million whistleblower award announced Tuesday is the latest in an unprecedented stretch that has the SEC within reach of surpassing the record award total set in fiscal year 2020 just five weeks into FY2021.
SEC excludes 2 from share of $10M whistleblower award
The SEC announced the award of more than $10 million to a whistleblower whose “substantial” assistance throughout the course of an investigation was the sole driver behind a successful enforcement action.
SEC doubles previous record with $114M whistleblower award
A $114 million whistleblower payout announced Thursday is the highest ever awarded by the Securities and Exchange Commission, more than doubling the previous $50 million record set in June.
What would a Democratic regulatory agenda look like under Biden?
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is no lock to win the presidency on Nov. 3. But it’s worth examining what compliance-related regulatory policies he’d support if he wins.
Wells Fargo gives us another reason to doubt their culture comeback
While Wells Fargo ends up with yet another “Failed It” this week, we salute the principled Deutsche Bank whistleblower whose refusal to accept “dirty money” cost him everything.
Merit Medical fined $18M after ignoring CCO’s kickback warnings
The former chief compliance officer for Merit Medical Systems will be paid $2.65 million for his role in uncovering a six-year kickback scheme that paid hospitals and doctors to purchase company products.


