"Compliance is about proactively managing risks in a rapidly evolving environment"

Leaders League: What initially attracted you to the field of compliance?

Alberto Giustini: What initially attracted me was the cross-functional nature of the activities, which allow you to gain in-depth knowledge of the company and build relationships at every level of the business. It should also be remembered that, when truly implemented, compliance, which goes beyond the mere drafting of procedures, is the foundation of a company’s long-term credibility and reputation. In a broader sense, compliance acts as a driver in building lasting relationships of trust with stakeholders. In my opinion, this is the only way to create organizational resilience over time. Working in this area at Terna is particularly motivating because the company plays a fundamental role in the country’s economy, which means that our efforts have a tangible impact on society.

How is the role of compliance changing in companies?

The role of compliance in companies critical to national infrastructure and public service is undergoing a significant transformation. Increasingly, compliance is not just about drafting procedures, but about proactively managing risks in a rapidly evolving environment. In organizations such as Terna, the compliance team promotes a culture of responsibility throughout the company: Terna was the first Italian company to obtain certification for the UNI ISO 37301:2021 compliance management system for all corporate compliance obligations, a recognition of the implementation of a compliance approach developed over time. This approach goes beyond the mere formal creation of company policy; it requires that these policies be actively implemented and integrated into daily business practices identifying, in a timely manner, regulatory changes that could impact the company. As a result, compliance is becoming more strategic, integrated with business objectives and essential for ensuring that the company can deliver its services responsibly.

When truly implemented, compliance, which goes beyond the mere drafting of procedures, is the foundation of a company’s long-term credibility and reputation

How can compliance become not just a control function, but a real support to the business?

Compliance was traditionally considered a simple cost or bureaucratic load for companies. However, the adoption of a structured compliance management system transforms it into a source of added value. By linking compliance obligations to business processes, organizations are better equipped to prevent, identify and manage non-compliance risks. This not only improves transparency and promotes an ethical corporate culture, but also significantly reduces the risk of regulatory sanctions and penalties that could jeopardize the survival of the company itself or undermine stakeholder confidence. Thus, compliance evolves from a simple cost center to a value-generating function, supporting long-term business continuity. A proactive, business-oriented compliance culture can help identify opportunities for improvement.

What advice would you give to young professionals aiming for a career in compliance?

My advice is to not be afraid of making mistakes, as they are an essential part of the learning journey and become valuable opportunities for growth. Furthermore, I encourage young professionals to focus on developing solid skills in risk assessment and the use of key performance indicators (KPIs), as they allow you to anticipate and proactively manage potential issues that arise in business. Understanding and using KPIs helps measure compliance performance and promote continuous improvement by taking timely action when performance is not as expected. Mastering these areas will not only increase your strategic value to the organization, but also position you as forward-thinking compliance professionals.