The symposium focused on bridging the gap between policies documented on paper and their implementation in practice. Discussions highlighted the role of accountability, risk management, ethical decision-making and strong governance in building organisational trust and resilience.
Formally opened by Dr. Anita Shantharam, Founder Director, EthicsIndia – a Legasis Company, the symposium featured sessions on data privacy and cybersecurity in the age of AI, risk and resilience, compliance, and governance and ethics. Participants examined emerging business and regulatory challenges and explored ways to strengthen compliance and promote a culture of ‘compliance by choice’ across organisations.
Discussions emphasised that good governance is defined not by compliance on paper, but by the integrity, transparency and accountability reflected in everyday decisions. Effective board oversight, participants noted, depends on informed and constructive challenge, supported by timely, transparent and reliable information from management.
The sessions also highlighted the need for accountability systems that encourage openness, constructive dissent and the courage to speak up, rather than foster fear, silence or defensive decision-making. An organisation’s true culture, the discussions noted, is reflected not in its stated values but in the behaviours it tolerates, the conduct it rewards and the actions it takes when those values are tested.
Another key theme was the gap between information and independent judgement. Timely information, independent thinking and the courage to act were identified as essential to translating governance frameworks into meaningful accountability.
The programme also featured the Compliance Quiz, “Who Got Compliance Right?” and Compliance Theatre, “Where Is the Deficit?”, combining learning with theatre. The Compliance 10/10 Awards recognised individuals, teams and organisations for advancing compliance and promoting ethical business practices.
The awards received over five hundred applications across various categories. An independent jury headed by Hon’ble Justice Abhay Oka, former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, meticulously evaluated the entries.
Mr Harsh Mariwala, Chairman - Marico Limited, received the prestigious ‘Compliance Crusader’ award, the highest honour of the evening. Dr Anil Khandelwal, Former Chairman & Managing Director, Bank of Baroda, presented the award.
Maruti Suzuki India Pvt. Ltd. received the ‘Compliance Ecosystem Impact’ award in recognition of its contribution to fostering and strengthening a culture of compliance across the organisation.
Commenting on the event, Suhas Tuljapurkar, Founder and Director, Legasis Pvt. Ltd., said, “Compliance fails when companies treat it as a tick-the-box exercise. Our message to companies is simple: choose to be compliant for the right reasons and at the right time. Focus on the spirit of the law, not just its letter. Compliance must go beyond policies, procedures and regulatory requirements. It must be reflected in the decisions organisations make every day. Choosing to comply, rather than complying only because the law requires it, builds trust. I see compliance as a mission. Through Compliance 10/10, we promote ‘Compliance by Choice’ and aim to encourage organisations to look beyond compliance scores and focus on practices that build trust, strengthen governance and support responsible, sustainable growth.”
Lee Correa, Vice President – Business Development, emphasised the critical role of culture creation in building sustainable organisations. In India, where adherence to established practices is deeply ingrained and the complex regulatory landscape presents significant compliance challenges, Legasis plays a role in helping organisations navigate these complexities through its comprehensive range of solutions. Correa said this perspective was echoed in his conversations with CXOs across the spectrum of GRACE professionals.
Through Compliance 10/10, Legasis aims to encourage organisations to treat compliance as an integral part of business culture rather than a checklist of regulatory obligations. The platform provides industry professionals with an opportunity to exchange insights, address practical challenges and advance responsible business practices.
Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Mumbai, Legasis is a compliance technology and advisory firm that helps organisations manage regulatory requirements, governance, risk and legal processes. Its solutions and services support businesses in managing compliance and related processes more effectively.
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