Many businesses are currently facing significant challenges to their ongoing existence and profitability.
When financial survival is at stake, crossing the line can be a strong temptation for individuals and a major risk for their organisations. Whatever jurisdiction you operate in, regulators are increasingly vigilant in their monitoring and exacting in their enforcement. In such a climate of high pressure and zero tolerance, anti-bribery compliance policies and procedures are a key priority that can often be overlooked or relegated in the quest for turnover and profit.
Temptation to cross the line is one risk but another, perhaps greater risk, is not knowing where the line is drawn. Previously unregulated business activities such as facilitation payments, hospitality, expenses, gifting, and/or commission arrangements have become subject to regulation, restriction and sanction which represents a continuing proliferation of traps for the unwary.
Mitigating bribery and corruption risks
Whether you are a domestic supplier of goods or a multi-national conglomerate active in high-risk sectors and locations worldwide, our approach to mitigating your bribery and corruption risks is bespoke and proportionate. In reviewing, advising upon and/or formulating your compliance policies and procedures, we draw upon our knowledge of industry best practice and take account of the full range of risk factors, the size of your business, the jurisdictions in which you operate, and the level of regulation and scrutiny in your sector. We produce clear and practical policies specific to you, enabling your business to be competitive while remaining compliant.
Internal investigations
If internal investigations are already underway, we will work with you and your in-house legal team to assist with reporting requirements within your organisation; and where appropriate, with self-reporting to the relevant local authorities and/or notifications to and announcements on relevant stock exchanges.
If matters escalate to a formal investigation or court proceedings, the outcome can be severe; and you will want as much control and as many options as possible. Our investigations unit is made up of specialist litigators and experienced negotiators across the world who will always strive to secure the best possible outcome for you and your business. Whether that outcome is a negotiated settlement or exoneration after a contested trial, we are here to assist you.
Public relations risk
In addition to the legal challenges you face, there may also be public relations challenges. When acting as your legal advisors, we never lose sight of the fact that investigations and court proceedings bring with them a significant risk to reputation and goodwill; and a key part of what we do for you involves engaging with regulators and working with media professionals in order to manage and mitigate that risk.
Meet our anti-bribery & corruption lawyers
- Call Rhys +44 (0)20 7427 6563
- Email Rhys
- London office
- Call Stewart +44 (0)20 7203 5014
- Email Stewart
- London office
- Call Pierre +41 22 591 18 88
- Email Pierre
- Geneva office
International Partner (England & Wales and British Virgin Islands)
Corporate Restructuring & Insolvency, Dispute Resolution
- Call Ray +852 9083 3385
- Email Ray
- Hong Kong office
- Call Sara +971 4 246 1904
- Email Sara
- Dubai office
- Call Caroline +44 (0)20 7203 5150
- Email Caroline
- London office
- Call Stephanie +44 (0)20 7203 5038
- Email Stephanie
- London office
- Call Georgia +44 (0)20 7438 2107
- Email Georgia
- London office
- Call Sonia +44 (0)20 7203 8895
- Email Sonia
- London office
- Call Gabrielle 020 7203 5351
- Email Gabrielle
- London office
Our thinking
Ghassan El Daye
The Business Breakfast interviews Ghassan El Daye on the legal procedures surrounding international extradition
The Business Breakfast interviews Ghassan El Daye on the legal procedures surrounding international extradition
Ben Moore
Playing fast and loose with justice: estoppel by conduct
Ben and Simon look at La Micro Group (UK) Ltd and another v La Micro Group Inc and others and its impact on estoppel
Gabrielle Shovlin
Be careful what you reference: when witness evidence waives privilege
Gabrielle looks at the recent decision in Scipharm Sarl v Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and its impact on privilege
Rory Partridge
Weighing in on the importance of attention to detail in service cases
Rory looks at recent judgments that have emphasised the need to follow correct procedure when serving documents in court cases
Stewart Hey
Obtaining documents in the US for proceedings in the UK
Stewart and Simon look at the three potential routes for obtaining documents from third parties located in the US
Sonia Kenawy
Adding claimants pre-service and amending outside the limitation period: pitfalls for the unwary
Sonia looks at a recent High Court judgment and its important guidance on the ability of claimants to be added to a claim before service
Joe Edwards
Damages-based agreements: an island of clarity in changing seas
Simon, Joe and Lauren look at a recent judgment which is a welcome island of clarity in the damages-based agreement sea of uncertainty.
Rhys Novak
Rhys Novak quoted by Citywealth on the ways companies can combat potential issues of fraud
Is fraud on the rise and should investors be wary?
Rhys Novak
Bribery & Corruption team successfully act in Italian bribery prosecution
John Sykes
Warranties on an indemnity basis: a question of damages
John and Simon take an in-depth look at warranties on an indemnity basis
Sonia Ghai
Disclosure and documents referenced in expert reports: a level playing field?
Sonia looks at the impact of the recent High Court decision in Zverev v Ace Group International Ltd
Bruno Ledrappier
First international corruption trial held in Geneva
Bruno looks at the recent milestone for Geneva prosecutors
Durra Al Ali
“Subject to contract” wording in settlement negotiations: a label that sticks
Durra looks at the term “subject to contract” and how it was put to the test in Joanne Properties Ltd v Moneything Capital Ltd and another.
Rachel Warren
Investigations: Bribery & Corruption
This episode looks at issues relating to bribery that can occur in business.
Caroline Greenwell
Safeguarding search orders and the role of public interest: lessons to be learned from recent case law
Caroline looks at lessons to be learned from the recent decision in Calor Gas Ltd v Chorley Bottle Gas Ltd and others
Rhys Novak
Is the FCA reluctant to probe money laundering?
Rhys looks at the FCA's decision to discontinue 50% of its criminal investigations into money laundering rule breaches
Rhys Novak
Can payments made directly to a government be a bribe?
Rhys looks at the recent US Department of Justice (DOJ) Opinion Release concerning the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
Simone Sancandi
French reform on provisional enforcement by Law and why it matters to civil and commercial disputes strategy in France
Simone looks at the French reform on provisional enforcement by Law and why it matters to civil and commercial disputes strategy in France.
Caroline Greenwell
COVID-19: security for costs in an economic downturn
Caroline looks at a recent case where a party seeks to use COVID-19's economic consequences to support their security for costs application.
Abigail Rushton
Claiming privilege in investigations: whose decision is it?
Abigail looks at the recent decision of A v B and another