Bridging the gap between the distributor field and the compliance department to build a synergistic relationship is no easy task.
In an industry where some companies try to regulate the actions of tens of thousands of independent distributors, addressing compliance issues can be like trying to hold water in your hands. From the distributor’s point of view, getting a call from the compliance department can seem like being pulled over by a police officer. Bridging the gap between the distributor field and the compliance department to build a synergistic relationship is no easy task.
Ambit Energy, which operates in a highly regulated energy industry in multiple U.S. states plus Canada and Japan, recently launched a Compliance Central hub in the consultant back office to help increase education and make updated policy and regulatory documents more readily available. “Never sacrifice integrity for growth” has been Ambit’s motto from day one, and it appears in large font at the top of the compliance section. “Staying on-brand and compliant with both legal requirements and Ambit Energy’s guidelines are critical to protecting your business, your fellow consultants and Ambit’s reputation and ability to do business. That’s why we created the new Compliance Central hub on PowerZone,” a company announcement said.
The back-office compliance hub features the latest brand guidelines, advertising guidelines, a monthly compliance bulletin and a marketing approval submission portal where consultants can submit any self-created print or digital marketing materials. Downloadable documents and media files include the DSA Code of Ethics, Code of Ethics Training, a link to the National Do Not Contact Registry, Ambit Energy Earnings Disclosure Statement, Customer Rights document, state-specific guidelines and a list of Ambit’s “integrity facts.”
