After completing law school, I accepted a role in the Hearings group with the Nasdaq Stock Market. I did not have any previous experience or desire to enter the financial services industry, but was fascinated by the regulatory body and its goal to protect individual investor interests.
After serving in multiple roles with the organization, all focused on improving capital markets integrity, I became increasingly more interested in how to use my legal background to build a career. When transitioning from Nasdaq to the industry, I served in several compliance roles at various asset management firms focused on broker-dealer and investment advisory matters. My career came full circle when I returned to Nasdaq eight years ago to serve as the compliance officer for the affiliated regulated entities.
About the Author
Lisa Johnson is AVP and Head of Regulatory and Index Compliance at Nasdaq.
In my experience, compliance is less about memorizing FINRA and SEC rules but more about helping my internal clients navigate them. Building trusted relationships and partnering with the business as a vital part of business growth is important and rewarding. Compliance should have a seat at the table where strategies are being developed, versus being notified once a problem arises. I take pride in being a compliance resource that the business seeks at the outset. After all, that makes everyone’s job much easier.
With the evolving regulatory landscape, I am challenged to maintain existing programs, anticipate changes, and ensure that the programs are designed to be adaptable to change. This involves effective communication, training, and partnerships with fellow risk management and senior leaders.
While my role can be stressful due to facing consistent oversight by internal audit, risk management, and external regulators, it is important to note the critical role compliance plays in protecting market integrity and the company’s brand.
Compliance has evolved a great deal in recent years, but my core approach to successfully navigating the challenges remains intact. Build solid partnerships, credibility, and trust with both internal and external clients. Stay ahead of regulatory shifts and changes in technology that may have an impact on our business. I use readily available resources to perform my role more efficiently an,d most importantly, continue the drive to be a lifelong learner and teacher. I love to engage with new compliance officers and advocate for compliance as a great career choice and alternative legal career.
Compliance is not about saying “no.” It is about asking the right questions, helping team members find solutions, and building a culture where doing the right thing comes naturally. The job is not always easy, but it matters, and I love being a part of the process.
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