MyComplianceOffice Blog

Many of the firms that I work with, both large and small, work with representatives that are independent contractors. I am frequently asked how technology can help firms supervise their independent reps, especially in these days of remote work. The past few weeks have seen FINRA impose significant fines and sanctions against a range of firms for supervisory failures. Firms must have processes in place to monitor activities and mitigate this risk.

2020 was a different year, but some things never change. MCO once again hosted several webinars to update compliance and risk professionals on the latest regulations, enforcements and industry best practices. Here are some of the highlights of what we learned from our expert speakers in 2020.

During the webinar A Compliance Officer’s Crystal Ball – One Practitioner’s Predictions for 2021, Compliance Expert Mark A. Egert joined me for his take on what will be the most important compliance concerns of the upcoming year.

Mark also answered some excellent questions during the presentation, and there were a few more that we couldn’t get to because of time. I wanted to take a moment and recap of few of the questions and answers.

In 2021, Compliance expects to face a reduction of staff and budget dedicated to its department, contrasting with the current need for better monitoring of employees’ activities and the raising of regulatory enforcement. This year was a time to re-evaluate compliance programs and review processes. Many Compliance departments spent weeks doing so, coming to the conclusion that a more efficient technology is the only way to reduce the cost of its activities, improve the monitoring of employees and transform inadequate Compliance programs.