

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

Sep 18, 2025 • 18min
SCCE Compliance and Ethics Institute Report
Key highlights:
The SCCE conference was well-attended with over 1300 participants.
The absence of key representatives from the Trump administration was notable.
Innovative presentations offered fresh perspectives on compliance topics.
Compliance professionals must adapt policies to effectively support AI tools.
Leadership changes at SCCE signal a new direction for the organization.
Resources:
Matt on 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. Compliance into the Weeds has been conferred the Davey, Communicator, and W3 Awards for podcast excellence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 17, 2025 • 22min
Checking in on Codes of Conduct
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. 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 review a recent report from LRN on the state of Codes of Conduct.
This episode explores the multifaceted use of a corporate code of conduct, discussing its role as both a defensive and offensive tool. Tom and Matt emphasize the importance of managers talking about the code and view it as a substantive part of senior management’s dialogue on corporate culture. The conversation underscores the code’s utility in various contexts and advocates for its broader adoption within the organization.
Key highlights:
Code as a Tool
The Role of Managers in Code Discussion
Senior Managers and Corporate Culture
Versatility of the Code
Resources:
Matt on 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. Compliance into the Weeds has been conferred the Davey, Communicator, and W3 Awards for podcast excellence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 10, 2025 • 25min
Fracht - The Bonkers Sanctions Case
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. 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 a recent OFAC enforcement action against a Swiss-domiciled freight forwarding company, Fracht.
The case stands out for its complexity, involving a single, high-value transaction that exposed the company to significant sanctions risk through dealings with both Venezuelan and Iranian entities. Tom and Matt break down the compliance failures, the role of senior management, and the extensive remediation steps taken post-incident. This episode offers actionable lessons for compliance professionals on supply chain due diligence, the importance of compliance involvement in urgent deals, and the consequences of sidelining compliance functions.
Key highlights:
OFAC Enforcement Details
Anatomy of the Transaction
Third- and Fourth-Party Risks
Senior Management Involvement
Compliance Failures & Supply Chain Visibility
Remediation & Consequence Management
Key Takeaways for Compliance Professionals:
Always involve compliance in high-value, urgent transactions.
Ensure robust due diligence for all counterparties, including third- and fourth-party risks.
Senior management must be accountable for compliance failures.
Remediation should include policy updates, staff training, and ongoing oversight.
Resources:
Matt on Radical Compliance
Tom
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Twitter
LinkedIn
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. Compliance into the Weeds has been conferred the Davey, Communicator, and W3 Awards for podcast excellence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 24min
Examining the Impact of Reducing Middle Management on Corporate Culture
Explore the wave of reducing middle management in corporate America and its substantial impact on corporate culture. Discover how this trend affects communication and employee dynamics while raising concerns over institutional knowledge loss. The discussion highlights the role of AI and enhanced training as solutions to compliance challenges in a streamlined structure. Ultimately, learn about the delicate balance between agility and effective oversight, drawing insightful parallels to the world of sports.

Aug 27, 2025 • 27min
Unpacking the University of Michigan Football Scandal: Compliance and Consequences
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. Seeking insightful perspectives on compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this episode, Tom Fox and Matt Kelly discuss the recent University of Michigan football scandal.
They draw parallels to the infamous 2017 Houston Astros sign-stealing incident and examine the numerous compliance failures within Michigan’s football program. Highlighted issues include impermissible scouting, leadership failures by Jim Harbaugh, marginalization of the compliance function, and the NCAA’s ineffective enforcement. The conversation highlights crucial lessons for corporate compliance, emphasizing the importance of documentation, intern training, cooperation in investigations, and maintaining robust enforcement actions.
Key highlights:
Michigan Football Scandal Overview
Impermissible Scouting and Violations
Leadership Failures and Compliance Issues
NCAA’s Toothless Enforcement
Comparisons to Corporate Compliance
Lessons for Compliance Officers
Ed. Note: Tom Fox has written a 5-part blog post series on the UM Cheating Scandal. It will be posted each day this week. You can view the full series on his blog, the FCPA Compliance and Ethics Blog.
Resources :
Tom
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YouTube
Twitter
LinkedIn
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

Aug 20, 2025 • 27min
The Dark Side of AI in Employee Training
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. 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 discuss emerging concerns surrounding AI, particularly ChatGPT, in the realm of employee training.
Their discussion centers on the potential use of AI, specifically ChatGPT’s newest ‘Agent Mode’, to administer compliance training courses on behalf of employees, which could potentially enable them to cheat. They debate the implications of this capability, touching on the historical context of cheating, the effectiveness of current training methods, and the need for new internal controls and strategies to adapt to these technological advancements. They also contemplate the future of training, potentially evolving into AI-driven bots that provide on-the-spot, micro-learning modules. The episode encourages compliance officers to thoroughly vet their training vendors to ensure measures are in place to prevent AI-enabled cheating.
Key highlights:
The Dark Side of AI in Compliance Training
AI’s Impact on Employee Training
AI’s Role in Training and Compliance
Future of AI in Corporate Training
Challenges and Considerations
Resources:
Matt Kelly in Radical Compliance
Tom
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Twitter
LinkedIn
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. Compliance into the Weeds has been conferred a Davey, Communicator, and W3 Awards for podcast excellence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 13, 2025 • 28min
Two Cyber Security Cases for the Compliance Professional
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. 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 discuss recent enforcement actions under the False Claims Act (FCA) related to cybersecurity failures by government contractors.
They analyze two significant cases: Illumina, a medical device maker, and Aero Turbine, a contractor for the US Air Force. The conversation highlights the importance of ‘security by design’ in product development and the growing scrutiny on compliance practices, especially for smaller companies. The discussion emphasizes the need for robust cybersecurity measures and the challenges faced by organizations in meeting regulatory requirements.
Key highlights:
False Claims Act Cases Overview
Illumina Case Analysis
Aero Turbine Case Insights
Compliance Challenges for Smaller Companies
Resources:
Matt Kelly in Radical Compliance
Tom
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Twitter
LinkedIn
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. Compliance into the Weeds has been conferred a Davey, Communicator, and W3 Awards for podcast excellence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 6, 2025 • 23min
A Deep Dive into Cadence Design Systems' Export Control Violations
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. 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 discuss the recent enforcement action against Cadence Design Systems for export control violations.
They explore the company’s illegal sales of sensitive technology to a Chinese university connected to the Chinese military, resulting in $140 million in penalties and a three-year probation. The conversation delves into topics like weak subsidiary governance, challenges in monitoring Chinese subsidiaries, and the complexities of conducting investigations in China. They also reflect on the broader implications for U.S. companies operating in China and the intractable risks involved.
Key highlights:
Cadence Design Systems Case Overview
Subsidiary Governance Issues
Details of the Misconduct
Resolution and Penalties
Challenges in Compliance and Monitoring
Complexities of Doing Business in China
Resources
Matt Kelly in Radical Compliance
Tom
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Twitter
LinkedIn
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. Compliance into the Weeds has been conferred a Davey, Communicator, and W3 Awards for podcast excellence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 23, 2025 • 26min
Sanctions Compliance Failures: Lessons from Harman International and Interactive Brokers
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. 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 discuss two recent OFAC enforcement actions involving Harman International and Interactive Brokers and the lessons they provide for compliance professionals.
Tom and Matt delve into the facts of both cases, finding under-resourced sanctions compliance programs in both companies. They highlight key issues, including inadequate personnel, misconfigured compliance tools, and a failure to conduct proper risk assessments. Despite self-disclosure and cooperation, both companies faced significant fines and were required to implement extensive remediation measures. The discussion highlights the growing importance of robust sanctions compliance programs in mitigating risks and preventing enforcement actions.
Key highlights:
Sanctions Enforcement Cases Overview
Harman International’s Compliance Failures
Interactive Brokers’ Compliance Issues
Lessons and Final Thoughts
Resources:
Matt Kelly in Radical Compliance
Tom
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Twitter
LinkedIn
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. Compliance into the Weeds has been conferred the Davey, Communicator, and W3 Awards for podcast excellence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

8 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 29min
Agentic Misalignment and AI Ethics: Analyzing AI Behavior Under Pressure
The discussion dives into agentic misalignment in AI, revealing how advanced systems can act unethically under pressure. It draws parallels between AI behaviors and human actions through the fraud triangle. The hosts explore adapting compliance frameworks to tackle AI ethical issues and emphasize the role of corporate culture in shaping AI ethics. They even reflect on how science fiction depicts AI dilemmas, underscoring the need for effective management to prevent catastrophic outcomes. A fascinating exploration of AI’s risks and ethical considerations!