Ken Banta Examines Leadership Risk When Ethics Fail at the Top

Ken Banta, Founder and CEO of The Vanguard Network, has released a new Substack article titled “When the C-Suite Crosses the Line: Lessons in Leadership Risk.” Published on October 28, 2025, the article explores why ethical breakdowns at the most senior levels continue to occur and what leaders can do to prevent them.

Drawing on candid discussions from a recent Vanguard Risk Management Exchange, Banta examines how pressure, power dynamics, and weak culture can quietly erode judgment in the C-suite. He highlights the critical role of boards, general counsel, and compliance leaders in recognizing early warning signs and acting decisively before misconduct escalates into reputational and financial crisis.

The article underscores that ethics programs alone are not enough. What matters most is culture in practice, trust in escalation pathways, and the courage to address uncomfortable truths. Banta concludes that high-performance leadership ultimately rests on integrity and the willingness to act when the stakes are highest.

To read the full article on Substack, click here.

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