Compliance officers have long been told to “be comfortable being uncomfortable” as part of the job. This year has seemingly thrust that feeling into overdrive.

Between rapid advancements in technology; significant developments in new areas of regulation, like climate- and social-related disclosures; and worsening geopolitical tensions, the compliance officer is being tested like never before. Those who will succeed in this environment are the ones that will embrace change, a panel of practitioners discussed at Compliance Week’s Europe conference in London.

“We need to transform if we want to make it in the future,” said Matthijs Veenema, global business conduct director, Europe, Middle East and Africa at Eastman Chemical B.V. “Future compliance officers will be able to make that transition themselves.”