Which entity is primarily responsible for conducting compliance audits?

The primary responsibility for conducting compliance audits falls to internal audit teams. These teams are specifically structured and trained to evaluate an organization’s adherence to established regulations, policies, and procedures. Internal auditors analyze operations and processes to ensure compliance with laws and regulations applicable to the entity's operations. They are essential in identifying areas of risk, promoting compliance culture within the organization, and enhancing internal controls.

While external regulatory bodies do oversee compliance in a broader sense, their role is more about enforcement and evaluation rather than the actual conducting of audits within an organization. The marketing department and customer service representatives typically do not possess the specialized skills or authority required for compliance audits, as their focus is on different aspects of the business. Therefore, the internal audit teams are uniquely positioned to perform these critical functions and promote a culture of compliance throughout the organization.