Corporate Compliance Programs and the DOJ's Emphasis on Data Analytics: What Companies Need to Consider

Prior to the June 2020 Guidance, the DOJ had signaled its increased reliance on data analytics to identify potential wrongdoing and bring cases, especially within certain industries. During former Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matthew S. Miner's remarks at the 6th Annual Government Enforcement Institute in September 2019, he noted that the "use of data analytics has allowed for greater efficiency in identifying investigation targets, which expedites case development, saves resources, makes the overall program of enforcement more targeted and effective." Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matthew S. Miner Delivers Remarks at the 6th Annual Government Enforcement Institute (Sept. 12, 2019). In confirming the DOJ's "focus on data analytics in identifying cases," Miner wanted to let "compliance-oriented companies," particularly companies in the securities and commodities trading space, "know that this is an area of focus." Id. And if misconduct does occur, Miner explained, prosecutors will inquire about what the company did to analyze or track its own data resources, both at the time of the misconduct as well as at the time of a potential resolution. Id. The June 2020 Guidance incorporates this concept but does not limit it to the industries noted in Miner's remarks. In evaluating corporate compliance programs, prosecutors will now inquire about what a company did to analyze or track its own data resources.