GACO Contribution to ENFCO Whitepaper

GACO is proud to have contributed to ENFCO’s whitepaper on the evolving role of compliance. Aimed at senior executives, boards, and governance leaders, the paper highlights why compliance is a strategic function that protects against risk while building trust and long-term value. It outlines the benefits of strong compliance programs, key success factors, organizational models, and the case for separating Legal and Compliance, offering a forward-looking perspective on compliance as a driver of integrity and sustainable growth.

Why this whitepaper?

The compliance department is a key strategic function that protects the company from financial, operational, and reputational risks , and a strong compliance program builds credibility with customers, investors, regulators, and business partners as it demonstrates that the company takes ethical business practices seriously. Even though the positive return on compliance has been proven in numerous studies and publications, in many companies the compliance department still does not receive the right attention, resources and standing within an organization.

Who is the audience?

The attached white paper is intended for senior executives, Boards, compliance officers, legal professionals, integrity and ethics leaders, and governance stakeholders who are shaping or influencing the strategic role of compliance within their organizations. It offers insights into the evolving positioning of compliance—from a traditionally reactive, legal-driven function to a more proactive, integrity-focused approach—highlighting the implications for organizational culture, risk management, and long-term value creation.

What is the content?

The document describes the benefits that an effective compliance program brings to the business, describes the key success factors for the compliance function, evaluates the existing organizational models of Compliance departments, makes a compelling argument for structural separation of the Legal and Compliance Function and gives an outlook on the future of compliance.