Here we go again. The compliance world has been given another stark reminder that personal liability isn't just some abstract concept — it's very real and, depending on who you are and what you’ve done (or not done, as the case may be), it can hit hard.

The Rethink Compliance team noted the Feb 6th announcement by Pam Bondi regarding the DOJ’s plan to scale back enforcement priorities related to white-collar misconduct, including under the FCPA and FARA. This got us thinking about why compliance programs matter. What purpose do they serve? Do strong compliance programs have their own fundamental value in today’s business environment? If so, what is the positive case for compliance beyond enforcement risk?

Oh, the holiday season! It's a time filled with joy and hospitality, but it can also be a bit stressful for those of us in compliance.