"Sharon Ward has produced a defining book for the function and role of the Compliance function in the twenty-first century. Since its development from an internal control department to a more influential advisory role, there has been a tumultuous process of scandal, business misconduct and regulatory response that is still ongoing. The debate as to the nature of its activities, influence and strategic value within organisations bears the hallmarks of the birth of a profession. Her book is as timely as it is instructive; it is an invaluable read to accompany any effort to understand the value and role of the Compliance function, and a must-read for practitioners and legislators alike." Anthony Smith-Meyer, Editor-in-Chief, The Journal of Business Compliance, Adjunct Professor of International Management and Organisational Behaviour at Miami University, MUDEC Campus, Luxembourg, and Founder of TheGovernanceProject.org