Corporate Compliance Strategies & Legal Obligations

Corporate compliance can be the difference between success and catastrophe. It is a key component of running any business, regardless of the industry in which you operate. By taking a proactive approach to compliance, you can ensure that your business is on the right side of the law — and help to prevent fines, lawsuits, and reputational harm, to name just a few of the potential consequences of non-compliance.

Corporate compliance can be broad in scope, and also varies from industry to industry, but broadly speaking, it is the act of ensuring that the business operates within applicable laws, regulations, and ethical practices. Businesses that enforce compliance throughout all facets of the organization, including internal and external procedures, are better equipped to prevent any potential violations of compliance which could cause irreparable damage to the business if they went undetected.

As corporate compliance law can be complicated, it is best to work with a corporate compliance lawyer to put a compliance framework in place. While there is an upfront cost, it is a sound investment that can contribute to the overall health, robustness, and stability of the organization. 

Corporations Face Significant Legal Obligations and Regulations

Businesses in all industries are facing an increasing number of legal obligations and regulations. This is in part due to the fallout of the economic crisis of 2008 and the growing importance of consumer privacy, as well as just the ever-evolving nature of the business world.

The precise ins and outs of compliance varies from business to business, but there are some key areas that all corporations must prioritize. These include:

Keeping Records

This can include maintaining records of tax returns, articles of incorporation, and shareholder meeting minutes.

Annual Report Filings

Fulfilling all requirements and deadlines for filing reports and paying any relevant state fees.

Business License Records

This can include obtaining — and maintaining — any relevant local or state business licenses.

Corporate Expansion

State-related corporate movements, including operating in a new state or withdrawing from a state in which the corporation previously did business, may have their own legal requirements and regulations.

Tax Reporting

Providing accurate, timely tax reports and payments for any tax-related activities are the classic compliance factors. But keep in mind this is an evolving field, and each year brings its own challenges. In 2024, artificial intelligence, climate change & ESG, employee/employer relationships, and geopolitical pressure are increasingly under the spotlight.

These are just a snapshot of some of the primary focuses for compliance. Taking a proactive approach is essential regardless of the phase the business finds itself in; whether times are good or bad, having a clear compliance strategy can help to prevent future problems.

Effective Strategies for Developing and Implementing Robust Compliance Programs

Compliance does not happen on its own. While it is rarely top of a corporation’s agenda, it is essential that all businesses develop effective strategies to minimize exposure. Businesses that do so will have a solid framework that allows them to confidently operate across all jurisdictions, secure in the knowledge that they are in line with regulators while also maintaining sustainable growth.

There is no ‘one size fits all’ compliance program that all businesses can adopt. Each business’s compliance program should reflect the size and scope of the organization, the industry in which it operates, and the states and/or countries in which it conducts business.

Some common steps for developing and implementing robust compliance programs include:

Decide Your Goals

Every business will have different objectives for its compliance strategy. Businesses in quickly evolving industries may put together strategies that limit potential penalty risk. Businesses in high-risk industries may use compliance to identify potential problems, saving time and money further down the line. Identifying what you want to achieve is key.

Know the Regulation Field

A good compliance strategy does not just address existing regulations. It also positions the business to take future regulations in their stride. Having an up-to-date understanding of the regulation field will ensure you are always one step ahead.

Developing Formal Procedures and Policies

Once you understand the regulation field, you can put into place procedures and policies that directly address any existing or developing regulations. Most businesses go beyond this and include their own internal checks that can catch errors early.

Staff Training and Monitoring

Ensuring all staff members have a thorough understanding of the compliance program is key. Once it is in place, monitor its effectiveness and make adjustments if necessary.

Get In Contact With Bingaman Hess Attorneys at Law Today

If you need help putting together a corporate compliance program, the attorneys at Bingaman Hess are here to help. Our corporate law attorneys provide comprehensive corporate compliance services to businesses in the Pennsylvania area.