HR: The fuel that drives Compliance

Insights from Anto George T, COO & Head HR, South Indian Bank:

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Ravi Lalwani: What are the most common queries or actions that CEO/CXOs come to HR with regarding regulatory compliance?

Anto George T: Regulatory compliance is of utmost priority at South Indian Bank, and the CEO and CXOs frequently seek guidance from HR, especially as employment laws continue to evolve. Their common queries revolve around several key areas, including whether the bank is compliant with local and national labor laws, whether HR policies and governance are fully aligned with regulations, and whether payroll practices adhere to minimum wage, overtime, and equal pay laws. Additionally, they seek assurance that employee benefits are legally compliant, that the bank adheres to employee data privacy laws, and that internal complaints or harassment claims are being handled appropriately.

Another critical aspect is ensuring that disciplinary regulations and actions strictly follow the guiding principles of natural justice while also meeting health and safety regulations. Ethical conduct in HR operations remains a priority, reinforcing the bank's commitment to integrity and fairness. Moreover, there is a strong emphasis on capacity building in essential operational areas such as risk, compliance, IT, credit, and treasury. HR plays a pivotal role in maintaining compliance while effectively balancing business goals, ensuring that regulatory obligations and strategic objectives are seamlessly aligned.

What policies or practices have you put in place to facilitate compliance?