Navigating regulatory change: How to keep your compliance program current

Running a business today means navigating a fast-moving web of regulatory obligations—covering everything from anti-corruption and antitrust to data privacy, cybersecurity, financial crimes, and workplace conduct.

For even the most experienced compliance professionals, staying on top of evolving requirements across jurisdictions can feel overwhelming. But failing to keep pace isn’t just a missed opportunity—it can expose your business to significant risk. From costly fines to reputational damage, non-compliance is a risk no organization can afford.

That’s why effective compliance programs must do more than meet today’s standards. They need to evolve in step with the changing landscape—translating new laws and guidance into practical tools, behaviors, and decisions that protect both people and the business.

Why regulatory agility matters

The list of regulatory bodies businesses may need to answer to is extensive—and constantly evolving. Depending on your size, sector, and geographic footprint, you may be subject to oversight from a wide range of federal, state, local, and industry-specific entities.

Here are just a few examples of key U.S. agencies that issue regulations, enforce compliance, and publish guidance:

• The Department of Justice (DOJ) enforces criminal and corporate misconduct laws, including expectations around effective compliance programs.
• The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) oversees public company disclosures and securities law compliance.
• The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) investigates workplace discrimination and harassment, securing over $350 million in settlements last year alone.
• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) handles consumer protection, data privacy, and antitrust enforcement.
• The Department of Labor (DOL) governs wage, hour, and employment standards.

In addition, state and municipal governments may impose stricter or more localized rules, and many industries must also comply with specialized agencies like the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), or the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

This layered complexity highlights a key reality: while compliance teams must deeply understand the regulatory environment, employees don’t need to memorize laws or policies. They need practical, scenario-based guidance that helps them apply the right behaviors in the context of their roles.

How to stay current—and make it matter

Tracking every regulatory development can be daunting. Some larger companies dedicate entire teams to the task; others use a combination of third party software tools to stay up to date. Regardless of company size, staying compliant starts with staying informed—and turning that knowledge into action.

Here are several ways compliance teams can keep current:

• Subscribe to trusted sources: Many agencies and industry groups offer regulatory alerts, blogs, and guidance updates that you can sign up for. Legal and compliance-focused newsletters are also helpful for announcing updates and interpreting what’s changing—and why it matters.
  
  
• Join industry associations: These groups often provide regulatory briefings and tailored guidance specific to your sector.
  
  
• Attend professional trainings and conferences: Annual updates and peer events are useful for staying ahead of regulatory shifts and understanding how others are responding.
  
  
• Leverage compliance partners: Working with vendors like Learning Pool who are also constantly monitoring can help keep you proactively updated—we can also collaborate with you to translate legal changes into actionable training and program updates.
  
  
• Monitor litigation and legal trends: High-profile court decisions often drive new laws and enforcement priorities. Understanding what's happening now helps teams anticipate what’s next.

Turning updates into action—and clarity

Knowing about regulatory changes is only step one. Strong compliance programs assess which changes are relevant, what impact they may have, and how to update business practices accordingly.

Here’s where practical compliance really takes shape—helping employees do the right thing, without needing to parse legal language.

Policies and procedures

Policies are important reference points, but they’re most effective when paired with context. Updating policies in response to regulatory changes is essential—but so is ensuring that those updates are clearly communicated in ways employees can understand and apply. Don’t assume reading a document equals understanding how to act.

Training

Training should reinforce the “how” behind the rules. Many laws mandate training, but even when it’s optional, training plays a critical role in risk mitigation. The most effective programs avoid legal jargon and focus on realistic scenarios that reflect decisions employees might face on the job.

The Department of Justice’s guidance is clear: effective programs evolve. That includes adapting training to reflect changing risks, priorities, and regulatory expectations—and equipping employees with the decision-making confidence they need.

Recordkeeping

Good documentation shows your compliance program is active and evolving. Some laws require specific documentation formats and timelines, so it’s important to revisit your recordkeeping approach when rules shift.

But beyond meeting requirements, records also help compliance teams spot gaps and improve training. That feedback loop is vital for long-term effectiveness.

A modern approach to compliance

When it comes to training, most employees don’t need to know what law changed last quarter. They need to know how to respond when they’re offered a questionable gift, asked to share sensitive data, or observe something concerning at work. Compliance success hinges on turning complexity into clarity—translating policies into principles people can act on.

That’s why today’s most effective compliance programs prioritize adaptability, relevance, and practical application. At Learning Pool, we help organizations do just that—through behavior-based training, real-world scenarios, and adaptive content that meets employees where they are.

Because staying compliant isn't about knowing every regulation—it’s about helping people apply good judgment in the moments that matter.

Deborah Mercier, Senior Compliance Counsel, is a licensed attorney with over 13 years of experience in the compliance field, spanning a diverse range of sectors. She is deeply committed to developing engaging and effective ethics and compliance training programs and helping organizations align their business objectives with legal and regulatory requirements.