Five questions to Danny Smit about compliance consultancy

Danny Smit, founder and CEO of Partner in Compliance, talking about the difference his people make with compliance consultancy 

How does our approach differ from that of other compliance consultancy firms?

With our practitioners, we distinguish ourselves through a pragmatic approach. The starting point of every assignment is our client’s inquiry. But often, the question behind the question happens to be even more essential. Continuous questioning, attention toward the client, and feedback, including our interpretation of the actual problem, are part of our approach. Like an inventory of the client’s situation, a baseline measurement: what is already being done and what is the level of people’s integrity awareness. Our advice does not stop at ‘according to the law…’, but we do a practical translation based on our knowledge and experience. Based on best practices. Our advice goes beyond what should be done. We also tell our client how it should be done. Furthermore, we can help with the how: the implementation. We offer a one-stop shop for compliance.

What makes you proud of Partner in Compliance in the compliance consulting field?

Our consultants have been with us for a long time. They form a team that can really work well together. Our clients value them as people. I am proud when clients say ‘we have a click’ or ‘he’s a fine guy.’ We consciously invest in relations. We are personal in our contact, and we create a bond with the client. We dare to respond, but in a constructive way. We value our clients. I dare to say that we are your partner in good times and bad. We think the relationship is important. Even if there is no assignment.

What consulting assignments do you enjoy the most?

Assignments where at the end you see that you have really been able to deliver something substantial for the client. An example of such an assignment was a consultancy project for an organization that had received an instruction from the supervisory authority. We provided advice on the strategy and the action plan to regain compliance with the supervisory authority’s requirements. We examined everything from bottom to top. We wrote policies and procedures and mapped out the necessary changes in the management culture. We carried out a new SIRA and, based on that, identified, deployed, and resolved the gaps. Mystery shopping was also part of our work: after implementing the changes at the offices, we checked whether our new working methods were applied by the office employees. On behalf of the supervisory authority, an accounting firm checked whether the proposed changes met the supervisory authority’s expectations. The audit firm issued a positive recommendation. Eventually, the supervisor withdrew the designation. Our client could continue its activities, however, with different management.

When do you close a consulting project with a satisfied feeling?

When we leave the client satisfied within the set timeframe and budget, and when we are sure that the client will operate adequately. We can help with the implementation upon request. I think it’s important to feel that the client will come back again when it is necessary.

What is the greatest compliment you received from a client?

A smile from the client because of the result. Because during the assignment, we think along and are clear about what should and should not be done. Also, because we come up with a practical solution. The biggest compliment is a happy client that enjoys cooperation with our people.