From the frontline: Your compliance questions, answered

To unpack the findings, we sat down with an expert panel of senior compliance leaders from across the legal, property, and accounting sectors. These were Egita Cepurnaite from Campions Group, Daniel Grimmer from Knight Frank, James Ricketts from Blacks Solicitors, and Sydney Austin from MSP Organisation. They shared their experiences of doing more with less, how they adapt, and how they continue to build recognition for the vital role they play. Here are their answers to some of the biggest questions facing compliance professionals today.

How can compliance leaders make a better case for more resources?

It may sound obvious but it comes down to telling a compelling story backed by facts. The panel advised focusing on the "why" and linking your request to the firm's wider strategy. A key tip was to use data on risk reduction and time saved, and to highlight how new tools or resources will ultimately improve the client journey.

What tools are compliance teams using to be more productive?

With small teams, using the right tools and processes is essential. Our experts highlighted automation as key for tasks like ID checks and client onboarding. While the use of AI is still developing, some firms are seeing success in it being used for admin tasks like transcribing meetings, freeing up valuable time. A central, documented source of truth for all processes was also seen as vital for consistency and training.

How can we build a better culture of compliance in the firms we work in?

To get buy-in from the wider business, our panel stressed the importance of communication and collaboration. Key advice included reminding colleagues that you're on the same team, and focusing on the bigger picture: that compliance protects society from real-world crime. It’s also important to celebrate your team’s successes publicly in company newsletters or town halls.

What are the most common compliance mistakes firms make?

The panel warned against a few common pitfalls. A major one is a disconnect between the firm's written policies and what actually happens day-to-day; taking a policy 'off the shelf' isn't enough without auditing and embedding it properly. Another key mistake is a lack of alignment on risk appetite between the compliance team and business leaders. Finally, the experts cautioned against letting high-performing individuals get away with non-compliance, as this undermines the culture for everyone.

How are compliance leaders helping their teams avoid burnout?

With burnout being a real risk, our panel shared several effective strategies. These include setting clear personal boundaries around overtime, connecting with peers outside your firm for support, and holding regular team check-ins to monitor workloads. Investing in professional qualifications was also highlighted as a great way to boost motivation and support career growth.