The Evolving Role of Compliance in 2025

“We help businesses and organizations of all sizes understand the challenges impacting their reputation and commercial success.”

The compliance industry was initially focused on conducting financial due diligence within the banking and financial sectors to safeguard investments. Over time, its scope has significantly expanded. However, due to the discreet nature of our work, misconceptions and myths about our role remain prevalent. To clarify, we are neither investigators nor IT compliance specialists. Instead, we focus on assessing extra-financial risks for our clients, particularly those related to their political, economic, and operational environments.

Our analysts rely on various tools and techniques to gather Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) from publicly accessible sources, including official registries, corporate websites, social and professional media platforms, online newspapers, specialized publications, and judicial and sanctions databases. The other side of the coin is what we call Human Intelligence (HUMINT)—high-value information obtained from individuals qualified to comment on specific topics.

The cornerstone of our work is interpreting information that is already in plain sight. This principle underscores the indispensable role of human skills, which cannot be fully automated. Analysts must possess a diverse skill set, combining innate qualities with competencies developed through rigorous training and practice. Curiosity and critical thinking are essential to leave no stone unturned, while proficiency in foreign and rare languages enhances the ability to connect with human sources and obtain nuanced, high-value information.

One skill, however, sets exceptional analysts apart: the ability to put people at ease and engage them in meaningful discussions on strategic topics. Such conversations often yield invaluable insights into the risks and challenges our clients face, which allows them to make better-informed decisions.