The Compass

Practice · VII

VII

Compliance-First Engagement Protocols

This is the practice the others run on. Every mandate is scoped in writing, screened, and executed so that it can be audited from instruction to closure.

What it covers

  • Mandate scoping and written engagement terms for every matter.
  • KYC, conflict-of-interest and sanctions screening.
  • Anti-bribery and anti-corruption (ABC) controls aligned to client policy.
  • Matter files and audit trails maintained on every engagement.
  • Interaction logging, approvals and reporting protocols.
  • Governance reporting for boards, investors and compliance functions.

What it does not cover

  • We do not proceed on a mandate that cannot be documented and scoped in writing.
  • We do not waive KYC, conflict or ABC checks for any client or timeline.
  • We do not certify compliance with laws that require a licensed legal opinion.

Operating sequence

How the engagement runs.

01

Scope

Record the mandate, its boundaries and the engagement terms in writing.

02

Screen

Run KYC, conflict, sanctions and ABC checks before work begins.

03

Control

Set the interaction, approval and reporting protocol for the matter.

04

Record

Maintain the matter file and audit trail for every interaction.

05

Report

Provide governance reporting on request to boards and compliance teams.

Related deliverables

What you receive.

Written mandate & scopeKYC & screening fileABC control checklistMatter file & audit trail

Begin the conversation

An advisory relationship is a long conversation.

We don't promise shortcuts, political access or guaranteed outcomes. We give boards and compliance teams a structured, auditable bridge between business and government.