In a financial sector undergoing transformation due to regulatory changes, the rapid development of AI, and cybersecurity challenges, the compliance function is becoming increasingly important in enabling companies to anticipate risks, guide their decision-making, and enhance their performance.
In this article, Hervé Ballone (Chairman) and Soraya Guérin (Director) explain how the role of compliance has evolved, and how the House of Training's training programmes, developed in partnership with the Luxembourg Association of Compliance Officers (ALCO), prepare professionals for this new role.
How has the role of the compliance officer evolved to become a pillar of corporate governance, moving beyond its initial technical remit?
Hervé Ballone (HB): Today, compliance goes beyond its purely technical role. It is involved in all strategic decisions, such as the launch of new products or the opening of subsidiaries. The compliance officer carries out impact analyses and advises senior management on decision-making.
Soraya Guérin (SG): The profession is also evolving in response to emerging risks, such as cybersecurity and data protection. This requires an agile approach to anticipate these risks and guide the board in a complex geopolitical and technological context.
What specific skills must compliance professionals now master to meet the growing demands of ESG, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and ethics?
SG: Compliance officers must combine technical expertise with soft skills. Diplomacy and the ability to persuade and support the business are essential. Ethics and reputation risk management are also crucial, as an incident can quickly impact a company's image — one of its most valuable assets. Understanding the business model and anticipating risks enables the proposal of concrete, appropriate solutions.
HB: The main challenges today also include artificial intelligence and managing insourcing and offshoring models. These areas introduce new fraud risks that must be incorporated into risk mapping and compliance plans. Effective data management is also crucial: without reliable data, even AI tools are ineffective.
How does the partnership between ALCO and the House of Training help businesses to develop the skills they need?
HB: Our programmes are regularly updated to remain aligned with market needs. We are strengthening the governance, IT and ESG modules. The RC certification, which is unique in Luxembourg, is a concrete example of this and has been very well received by participants.
SG: The training combines theory and practice. Participants develop the ability to address a board, present solutions, and generate concrete impact within their organisation — a real added value.
Which pedagogical approaches reinforce the practical impact of the programmes and courses offered in the area of compliance?
SG: Learning is structured in progressive modules (M1, M2 and M3) that lead to certification. This approach ensures that participants can apply the concepts on a daily basis, communicate effectively with decision-makers and anticipate risks.
HB: Our teaching method is based on continuous adaptation to new regulations, technological developments and operational needs. It combines technical expertise, business understanding and strategic agility.
What major trends do you see for the compliance function beyond 2026?
HB: There are three very concrete priorities that are redefining the role of compliance on a daily basis. Cybersecurity is an ongoing priority, with significantly higher requirements. The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence is also becoming a strategic issue for organisations. Offshoring and insourcing are changing responsibilities and exposing companies to new compliance risks. In these situations, the compliance team acts as a watchdog and advisor to management, helping to ensure that structural decisions are made correctly.
The rise of artificial intelligence is generating new fraud risks that must be incorporated into mapping and monitoring plans, thereby broadening the scope of the teams' work. This development is opening up the role to hybrid profiles from operational backgrounds who are capable of combining business expertise, technology and compliance.
