What is the primary role of Compliance within an organization?

The primary role of Compliance within an organization is to prevent, detect, and resolve actions that could lead to legal or regulatory violations. This function is essential in maintaining the integrity and ethical standards of the organization, as it establishes frameworks and processes to ensure that all operations adhere to applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies. By focusing on prevention, Compliance helps mitigate risks associated with legal repercussions, financial losses, and reputational damage, ultimately contributing to the organization's long-term sustainability.

Other areas such as increasing profits, enhancing public relations, or driving business growth are important for a business but are not the primary focus of the Compliance function. Instead, these aspects can be seen as outcomes of effective Compliance, as a strong compliance program can foster trust with stakeholders and create a stable environment conducive to growth and profitability.