Michael Koenig Featured on FCPA Compliance Report Podcast

Friedman Kaplan partner Michael Koenig was recently a guest on the Compliance Podcast Network’s FCPA Compliance Report podcast, hosted by Tom Fox. In the episode, Tom and Mike speak about Mike’s career, his five years as the Global Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer at JBS Foods, and how that experience has shaped Mike’s recent return to private practice at Friedman Kaplan.

During the interview, Mike discusses how a compliance role within a large organization differs from private practice. He emphasizes that business objectives drive compliance strategy, and challenges must be addressed in the context of the broader business landscape and objectives. Therefore, thoroughly understanding the company’s business and building relationships within the organization are critical for success. He shares the four questions he found most useful when meeting with various company stakeholders, stressing that a compliance officer’s role is to educate, not dictate.

Mike and Tom also discuss the current enforcement environment, including why less emphasis on enforcement in certain areas does not necessarily translate to less risk for companies as administration transitions could result in an abrupt change in DOJ, SEC, and other regulatory enforcement priorities. Mike also notes that while FCPA enforcement might be down during the current administration, the DOJ may focus more heavily on other areas like tariffs, export controls, and labor issues.

The full episode, titled “From Prosecutor to White Collar Lawyer to CCO and Back: Mike Koenig,” is available here.