

Compliance into the Weeds
Tom Fox
What happens when two compliance aficionados get together to talk all things compliance, risk management and ERM? You get Tom Fox, the Voice of Compliance and Matt Kelly, the Coolest Guy in Compliance, going into the weeds of a topic each week. Each week, you can take a deep dive with two of the top writers, thinkers and prognosticators in compliance.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 28, 2025 • 26min
Boeing, a NPA and the End of Monitors
The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore a subject more fully and seeking insightful perspectives on compliance. Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this episode of Compliance into the Weeds, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly take a deep dive into the Department of Justice’s recent proposal to grant Boeing a non-prosecution agreement.
This decision stems from the 737 MAX crashes in the late 2010s that killed 346 people. They cover the history of Boeing’s settlements, the details and leniency of the new agreement, the role and scope of the independent compliance consultant, and the implications for corporate compliance and the victims’ families. The discussion highlights the potential end of compliance monitors and the broader impacts on corporate accountability.
Key highlights:
DOJ’s Non-Prosecution Agreement with Boeing
Changes in the Settlement Agreement
Role and Scope of the Independent Compliance Consultant
Implications for Compliance Monitorships
Boeing’s Whistleblower Program and Compliance Efforts
Judicial and Victims’ Family Reactions
Resources:
Radical Compliance
Tom
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A multi-award-winning podcast, Compliance into the Weeds, was most recently honored as one of the Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcasts, a Top 10 Business Law Podcast, and a Top 12 Risk Management Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 21, 2025 • 21min
Of Wal-Mart, Tariffs and Stakeholder Capitalism
The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore a subject more fully. Are you looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! With a nod to Peter, Paul, Mary, and John Denver, in this episode of Compliance into the Weeds, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly deeply dive into a recent tweet by President Donald Trump targeting Walmart and their announced intention to raise prices based on increased tariff costs.
The discussion explores the implications of Trump’s demand that Walmart absorb tariff costs instead of passing them on to consumers. It examines the broader implications for stakeholder capitalism, the role of presidential influence on corporate governance, and the complexities of risk management in an unpredictable political climate. The episode also touches on ESG issues and the delicate balance companies must strike in navigating these challenges.
Key highlights:
Trump’s Tweet and Walmart’s Dilemma
Stakeholder Capitalism vs. Shareholder Primacy
Corporate Governance and Presidential Influence
Legal Implications and Corporate Compensation
Risk Management in Unpredictable Times
Resources:
Radical Compliance
Tom
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A multi-award-winning podcast, Compliance into the Weeds, was most recently honored as one of the Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcasts, the Top 10 Business Law Podcasts, and the Top 12 Risk Management Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 14, 2025 • 27min
Leaving on a (Qatari) Jet Plane
The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore a subject more fully. Are you looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! With a nod to Peter, Paul, Mary, and John Denver, in this Compliance into the Weeds episode, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly deeply dive into the potential gift of a luxury Qatari jetliner to President Trump.
We discuss the launch of Trump’s meme coins and the Qatari government’s allegedly planned $400 million plane donation to Trump. The conversation examines the compliance and corruption risks these actions pose for U.S. and international businesses. Kelly emphasizes how these incidents challenge ethical standards and underscore the importance for companies to address new forms of corruption proactively within their anti-corruption programs.
Key highlights:
Trump’s Alleged Corruption: An Overview
The Meme Coins Controversy
The Qatari Plane Donation
Compliance and Integrity in the Face of Corruption
Resources:
Tom
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A multi-award-winning podcast, Compliance into the Weeds, was most recently honored as one of the Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcasts, the Top 10 Business Law Podcasts, and the Top 12 Risk Management Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 7, 2025 • 19min
USRA Declination Case Study: Self-Disclosure Best Practices
The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore a subject more fully. Are you looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this Compliance into the Weeds episode, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly take a deep dive into the declination recently given by the DOJ to the Universities Space Research Association (USRA).
In this episode, Tom and Matt dive deeply into a recent decline issued by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to the University Space Research Association (USRA). The discussion focuses on the organization’s exemplary behavior in self-disclosure and cooperation during an investigation into an employee’s misconduct. This misconduct included unauthorized export of software to Beijing University. The hosts highlight the case as a textbook example of effective compliance practices, self-reporting, and cooperation with regulators. They also explore the DOJ’s guidelines on self-disclosure and the importance of internal controls in high-risk areas.
Key highlights:
Case Overview: USRA Declination
DOJ Press Release Insights
Details of the Misconduct
USRA’s Response and Cooperation
Resources:
DOJ Press Release on Universities Space Research Association Declination
Tom
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Compliance into the Weeds was recently honored as one of a Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcast and a Top 10 Business Law Podcast, and a Top 12 Risk Management Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 2, 2025 • 21min
Settlement of OCC Charges for Wells Fargo Internal Auditors
The podcast dives into the Wells Fargo scandal, spotlighting the failures of internal auditors amid the fake accounts crisis. It raises tough questions about accountability and the psychological impacts on auditors. The discussion examines systemic banking issues and the legacy of the Glass-Steagall Act's repeal, suggesting it fosters misconduct. Insights highlight a toxic corporate culture and the struggle of compliance officers advocating for necessary cultural change. Join the conversation as they unravel the complexities and implications for the auditing community.

Apr 16, 2025 • 22min
The Uncertain Future of Compliance Monitors under the Trump Administration
The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore a subject more fully. Are you looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this Compliance into the Weeds episode, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly take a deep dive into the future role of compliance monitors in the corporate world under the Trump administration.Despite the potential for changes, federal prosecutors are expected to continue using compliance monitors as a critical tool. However, the criteria for assigning these monitors may become more limited. The episode critically examines the trustworthiness of statements from the Trump administration and its Justice Department, emphasizing the uncertainty facing corporations and compliance professionals moving forward.Key highlights:
Trump Administration’s Stance on Monitors
Criteria for Assigning Monitors
Skepticism Towards Statements
Resources:Matt in Radical ComplianceTomInstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterLinkedInCompliance into the Weeds was recently honored as one of the Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcasts, a Top 10 Business Law Podcast, and a Top 12 Risk Management Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 23min
Unsexy Keys to Data Analytics for Compliance Programs
Dive into the crucial yet underrated world of data analytics in compliance. Discover why foundational infrastructure matters more than flashy visuals. Hear about the importance of collaboration between compliance teams, IT, and business units. Learn how data governance safeguards integrity in ever-changing landscapes. Explore real-life scenarios where compliance risk management aligns with corporate goals, emphasizing proactive strategies in sectors like manufacturing and cybersecurity. This insightful discussion uncovers the unsexy but essential keys to effective compliance analytics.

Apr 2, 2025 • 23min
The Role of Compliance Going Forward
The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore a subject more fully. Are you looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this episode of Compliance into the Weeds, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly take a deep dive into the intricate future of corporate compliance amidst changes brought by the presidential executive order suspending FCPA investigation and enforcement.Matt shares insights from a recent Compliance Week event in Boston, highlighting concerns among compliance professionals about the potential obsolescence of their roles. The discussion covers two primary scenarios: regulatory relaxation, making dedicated compliance roles redundant, and technological advancements, particularly AI, potentially replacing human compliance officers. However, both agree on the enduring importance of robust compliance functions integrated within corporate structures, emphasizing the strategic value of compliance in risk management and business operations.They explore the dual excitement and anxiety surrounding AI’s role in compliance. Matt and Tom caution against shortsighted management decisions to decentralize compliance functions and highlight how AI can be harnessed to enhance rather than replace human oversight. They argue for proactive measures from compliance officers to demonstrate their value and leverage AI to improve compliance programs. As Matt eloquently puts it, this is a challenging yet opportune time for compliance professionals to up their game and secure their vital role in ensuring corporate integrity and efficiency.Key highlights:
The Future of Compliance Post-Executive Order
The Role of Technology in Compliance
AI’s Impact on Compliance Officers
Strategic Imperatives for Compliance
Resources:Matt in Radical ComplianceTom in the FCPA Compliance and Ethics BlogHui Chen A Pause in FCPA Enforcement: Crisis or OpportunityTomInstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterLinkedInCompliance into the Weeds was recently honored as one of a Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 31min
Global Anti-Corruption Leadership
Mary Inman, a founding partner at Whistleblower Partners and an expert in anti-corruption measures, shares her insights from a recent trip to the UK. She discusses the global shift in anti-corruption leadership following U.S. policy changes, with countries like the UK, France, and Australia stepping up enforcement. The conversation emphasizes the crucial role of whistleblower programs in enhancing compliance and challenges cultural biases in Europe. Mary also highlights the importance of adapting to a multipolar compliance landscape.

Mar 19, 2025 • 24min
A Deep Dive into Employee Leaks and Corporate Culture
The award-winning Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore a subject more fully. Are you looking for some hard-hitting insights on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this episode, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly discuss the issues surrounding employee leaks of confidential information, drawing on insights from a recent SCCE Europe event.They also consider the motivations behind such leaks, including dissatisfaction with corporate culture and ineffective internal reporting channels, exemplified by the recent leaks at Facebook. The episode reviews measures compliance officers can take to prevent leaks, such as implementing tight access controls, encryption, and improving communication during investigations. Practical tips for reducing leaks and the importance of trust in internal reporting are also highlighted.Key highlights:
Discussion on Employee Leaks
Facebook’s Toxic Culture (or not) and Leaks
Addressing Internal Speak-Up Culture
Practical Tips to Prevent Leaks
Modern Communication Challenges
Resources:Matt in Radical ComplianceTomInstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterLinkedInCompliance into the Weeds was recently honored as one of the Top 25 Regulatory Compliance Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


