Did you know that today is National Compliance Officer Day? I didn’t, until a few hours ago. While drafting a post about yesterday's #FreeTigran protest, I received an email wishing me “Happy National Compliance Officers Day.” I was skeptical, but a quick search confirmed it: September 26 is indeed dedicated to recognizing the professionals who uphold ethical practices within organizations, bearing a substantial legal and moral burden.

As I thought about the compliance officers tirelessly advocating for better practices, cooperation with law enforcement, and accountability, I couldn’t help but wonder: what would these professionals do if one of their team members was detained abroad because of their employer’s failures?

If you’re a compliance officer, today as you celebrate your essential work, take a moment to reflect. Imagine if a member of your team were kidnapped, arrested, and detained for doing their job. What would you do? Would you call for their release? Demand government action? Raise awareness on social media or even resign in protest if your company didn’t do enough?

At the protest yesterday, we were strangers united for justice. One attendee shared that he’s not in crypto—he works at a bank, formerly Wells Fargo. He could have been in Tigran’s position, and that’s why he showed up. He didn’t know Tigran; he simply knew this situation was wrong.

To all compliance officers, while you celebrate your hard work today, consider what you’d do if this happened to one of your own. Then please, do it for Tigran.