Which of the following is an obstacle to an effective compliance program?

Lack of funding is indeed a significant obstacle to an effective compliance program. Adequate financial resources are essential to establish and maintain a robust compliance program that meets regulatory requirements and effectively mitigates risks. Insufficient funding can hinder the development of necessary training programs, limit the hiring of qualified compliance personnel, and restrict the implementation of essential compliance technologies or processes. Without the necessary financial support, the compliance function may be poorly staffed or under-resourced, leading to increased vulnerability to compliance failures and associated penalties.

The other options, while they may also impact a compliance program, do not capture the foundational impact that funding has on the broader compliance strategy. Organizations must allocate sufficient resources in order to invest in training, technology, and personnel that are critical to ensuring compliance and fostering a culture of compliance within the organization.