Our Managing Partner, Chara Zerva, joined a distinguished panel at the 9th Compliance Conference — “The Compliance Odyssey: From Obligation to Strategic Maturity”, held by the Association of Compliance Officers in Greece – ASCO Greece in cooperation with NOMIKI BIBLIOTHIKI, at the Athens Concert Hall (Megaron Mousikis) on Thursday, 15 October 2026.
The panel, “From Compliance Function to Strategic Partner: An Executive Perspective,” brought together perspectives from capital markets, public utilities, academia and legal practice: Nikos Dimopoulos, Group Chief Compliance Officer, Growthfund (Moderator); Nick Koskoletos, CFA, Chief Financial & Issuer Relations Officer, Euronext Athens; Harry Sachinis, Chief Executive Officer, EYDAP; CHRISTINA TARNANIDOU, Associate Professor, Athens University of Economics & Business; and Chara Zerva, Managing Partner, NKLAW FIRM | General Counsel & BoD Legal Counsel, Enterprise Greece SA.
Chara’s intervention centered on a core thesis: Compliance is evolving from a reactive control function into a strategic partner to Management and the Board. In an increasingly complex regulatory environment, leading organizations are shifting from formal compliance towards a risk-based, business-oriented approach. Early involvement in decision-making, a deep understanding of the business, data-driven risk management and a strong speak-up culture are key. The goal is no longer simply to ensure compliance, but to enable better, safer and more sustainable business decisions. Ultimately, effective Compliance is becoming a catalyst for trust, resilience and long-term value creation.
Drawing on her experience across listed companies, public-sector entities, multinational groups and founder-led businesses, she argued that the effectiveness of Compliance depends less on an organization’s size than on its leadership, governance maturity and culture. Resources and structures are essential, but without the right culture they create mechanisms — not effective compliance. Leadership commitment, genuine independence of Compliance and a healthy culture of risk and accountability are the three pillars of institutional maturity. Ultimately, a culture of integrity cannot simply be legislated — it must be demonstrated from the top.
As Chara emphasized, Management owns the risk, while Compliance serves as the catalyst, challenger and trusted adviser — never as the sole owner of compliance itself.
