Who We Help and Fractional Compliance Leadership

Dec 2

Clients We Support

Startups and fintech/crypto newcomers: Early‑stage companies need expert compliance leadership but can’t justify a full‑time executive. A fractional CCO provides senior‑level guidance on a flexible basis, helping you handle fast‑changing regulations like AML, KYC and data privacy.
Small and medium‑sized businesses: The myth that fractional CCOs only work for tiny firms is wrong. They scale with your company, offering specialized oversight as you grow and face more complex regulatory challenges.
High‑growth, regulated industries: FinTech and crypto firms face stiff scrutiny. A fractional CCO is ideal for these sectors because they understand the sector’s specific laws and help strengthen compliance systems and reduce risk.
Large enterprises and multinational operations: Large organizations with complicated data ecosystems can also benefit from fractional leadership. Experienced CCOs bring industry‑specific expertise and can build compliance frameworks across jurisdictions.
Investors and board members: When investors perform due diligence, they want to see that compliance is built into the company’s DNA. Outsourced CCO services can provide strategic insights and help align compliance with business goals, reducing risk and increasing portfolio value.

Why Fractional Compliance Works

Fractional compliance leaders bridge the gap between doing nothing and over‑hiring. A fractional CCO offers senior‑level compliance expertise on a flexible, part‑time basis, making it ideal for managing complex regulatory programmes without a full‑time hire. They oversee data privacy and audits, align compliance strategy with business goals, and help you expand into new markets confidently.

A fractional CCO’s responsibilities mirror those of a full‑time counterpart: registration and licensing support, compliance‑programme setup, day‑to‑day management, marketing and advertising compliance, and regulatory inquiry support. The difference is in the engagement model: fractional CCOs work across multiple organisations, drawing on broad experience and best practices.

Benefits of Fractional Compliance Services

Cost efficiency: Fractional CCOs let businesses access senior‑level expertise without paying a full‑time executive salary. InnReg’s clients typically save 30–50 percent on compliance costs. Brick’s fractional legal services note that clients save on the high costs of full‑time counsel while still getting top‑tier representation.
Scalability and flexibility: As your company evolves, a fractional CCO can scale up or down to match your compliance needs. They adjust programmes in response to changes in the regulatory landscape or business model.
Diverse expertise: Working with multiple clients gives fractional CCOs broad exposure to different regulatory challenges. This diversity allows them to bring innovative solutions and best practices to your organisation.
Strategic guidance: Beyond daily tasks, fractional CCOs provide strategic advice and align compliance with your growth plans. They’re not “just consultants”; they integrate with your leadership team.
Industry‑specific knowledge: Providers often have specialists for financial services, fintech, crypto and other regulated industries. You get targeted expertise rather than generic advice.

Limitations to Be Aware Of

A fractional CCO’s time is divided among several clients, so availability can be limited in urgent situations. You need clear communication protocols and an internal point person to ensure continuity. Another misconception is that fractional compliance means you only “comply fractionally.” That’s false. Compliance obligations remain all‑encompassing; the “fractional” part refers to the time commitment and engagement model, not the scope of regulatory coverage.

What to Look For in a Fractional CCO

A competent fractional CCO should:

Stay on top of changing regulations and translate them into actionable policies.
Design and manage custom compliance programs tailored to your business model.
Prepare you for internal and external audits by ensuring documentation and evidence are accurate and complete.
Promote a compliance‑conscious culture through training and awareness.
Provide strategic guidance to leadership on regulatory changes and growth plans.
On the regulatory side, remember that certain industries require a designated CCO.

How to Work with a Compliance Partner

Fractional leadership isn’t a “set it and forget it” solution. For success:

Define outcomes and scope: Outline your business goals (e.g., faster sales cycles, clean audits, or regulatory readiness) and ensure your partner aligns their efforts accordingly.
Assign internal owners: Even with a fractional CCO, someone inside your company must champion compliance. This person coordinates with the CCO and ensures processes are followed.
Communicate regularly: Set a cadence for check‑ins to review progress, update risk assessments, and adjust policies. Clear communication helps mitigate the limited availability issue.
Measure success: Track metrics such as reduced compliance costs, faster security questionnaire pass‑rates, and fewer audit findings to evaluate the ROI of your fractional engagement.
Be ready to scale: As you grow or approach an IPO/acquisition, you may transition from fractional to full‑time leadership. Many providers can help you plan and manage that handoff.

Fractional compliance leadership is not for everyone, but it’s a powerful option for resource‑constrained teams, high‑growth companies, and investors looking for risk‑aware partners. Use these insights to decide whether a fractional CCO can help you navigate the compliance maze without breaking the bank.

Who We Work With

Who does Aetos help?

We provide fractional Chief Compliance and Chief Privacy Officer services for businesses of all sizes, from solo founders to large enterprises. We help you navigate the complex world of compliance for marketing, e-commerce, data privacy, and AI, turning it into a tool to mitigate risk and win customer trust.

How do you help startups?

We help startups build a strong compliance foundation from day one. If you're aiming for a future IPO or acquisition, a solid compliance posture is a key part of your company's valuation. We help you build that value into your plans from the beginning, avoiding costly fixes down the road.

What about small businesses or medium-sized companies?

We provide practical, scalable, and affordable solutions. For small businesses, we offer subscription-based support without the need for extra headcount. For medium-sized companies, we help you manage the increased scrutiny that comes with growth by implementing actionable, scalable compliance practices.

Do you work with large enterprises?

Yes. While we specialize in helping startups and SMBs, our expertise extends to large organizations with complex data ecosystems and multinational operations. We offer tailored solutions to address your unique challenges and ensure compliance across all jurisdictions, from GDPR to CCPA and beyond.

How do you help investors?

We offer investors a unique advantage by providing expert due diligence and strategic guidance for their portfolio companies. With Aetos as a partner, investors can:

Mitigate Risk: Identify and address compliance risks in portfolio companies before they become costly fines or legal battles.
Enhance Value: Implement robust compliance practices that strengthen brand reputation and drive sustainable growth.
Gain a Competitive Edge: Position portfolio companies as leaders in ethical data handling, attracting top-tier customers and talent.

Our Services & Model

What is a Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) or Chief Privacy Officer (CPO)?

A CCO or CPO is a senior leader responsible for a company's compliance and data privacy strategy. Think of them as the champions of customer trust and ethical data handling. They ensure a company's practices align with regulations and business objectives, mitigating risk while enabling growth.

Why would I need one?

In today's data-driven world, a CCO/CPO is essential for building customer trust, mitigating risks, enhancing your brand's reputation, and ultimately gaining a competitive advantage.

Do I need to hire someone full-time?

Probably not. This is why our model exists. Aetos offers fractional (or part-time) CCO/CPO services, providing access to experienced professionals at a scale and price point that makes sense for your business. It's the most cost-effective way to get the expert support you need.

Do you provide legal services?

No, Aetos provides non-legal guidance only, but with our backgrounds, we have the unique ability to facilitate introductions to experts in the field and assist in effective communication with counsel, maximizing the value of your investment.