

Rules Change, Risk Doesn’t with Matt Kelly, CEO of Radical Compliance
7 snips Apr 22, 2025
Matt Kelly, CEO of Radical Compliance and a prominent voice in compliance and risk management, dives into the evolving landscape of the compliance profession. He discusses whether a law degree is truly necessary for compliance roles, emphasizing that soft skills often trump legal credentials. Kelly also explores how political shifts shape compliance functions and underscores the critical role of organizational culture in managing risk. This engaging conversation is packed with insights for anyone interested in the complex world of compliance.
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Matt Kelly's Career Journey
- Matt Kelly transitioned from newspaper reporting to compliance journalism, starting with writing about Sarbanes-Oxley in 2003.
- He ran Compliance Week for 10 years before founding Radical Compliance, focusing on practical impacts of compliance news.
JD Isn't Everything in Compliance
- Successful compliance professionals need strong interpersonal skills to work across business units effectively.
- A JD doesn't guarantee compliance success; understanding business risks and communication matters more.
Investigations Need Listening Skills
- Good investigations require listening beyond spoken words and understanding unspoken motives.
- Law schools often don't teach this nuanced investigative skill, underscoring that expertise comes from more than just knowing statutes.