For a long time, compliance has been seen as a bureaucratic requirement—something done to avoid fines and penalties. However, in an environment where trust is key, adhering to regulations and acting with integrity is no longer optional; it is a competitive advantage.

Compliance is not just about following rules; it is about building a corporate culture based on transparency and accountability. Today, consumers and business partners demand more than quality products and services—they want companies that operate ethically. A company that embraces compliance not only minimizes legal risks but also strengthens its reputation and credibility in the market.

Some believe this is an issue exclusive to large corporations with specialized compliance departments. However, small businesses can—and should—start working on it as well. A large budget is not necessary to establish basic principles of conduct, train employees in ethics, or implement a secure channel for reporting irregularities. What truly matters is a genuine commitment to integrity.

This is where business ethics comes in. Complying with the law is mandatory, but acting ethically is a choice. In El Salvador, compliance is gaining relevance, especially in regulated sectors such as finance and energy. However, it should be a standard practice in any industry.

A code of ethics has no value if it is not applied in practice. The key lies in leadership: if owners and executives do not lead by example, employees will hardly follow rules that their own leaders ignore. Without coherence and commitment from the top, a compliance culture will remain a mere formality with no real impact.

Today, the real question is not whether a company can afford to implement compliance and act ethically, but whether it can afford not to.