Our expertise:
Tax Investigations
4 Lawyers
Sanctions
4 Lawyers
Professional Discipline
6 Lawyers
Money Laundering
3 Lawyers
Fraud
2 Lawyers
Extradition
5 Lawyers
Bribery & Corruption
2 Lawyers
Bribery & Corruption
The UK has seen an upsurge in criminal enforcement activities targeting bribery and corruption, with a contemporary increase in enforcing strategies to reduce these offences. The Bribery Act 2010, targeting corruption in business, criminalises the failure of companies to prevent bribery while offering a defence if they can demonstrate the presence of adequate preventative measures. The law does not specify these measures, but the UK Government’s guidance encourages a risk-based and proportionate approach, advising companies to tailor prevention strategies to their specific needs and to continuously assess and update these strategies.
Similarly, the Financial Conduct Authority’s guidance for regulated firms includes implementing procedures to handle risks associated with financial crimes like bribery, with potential enforcement actions for firms lacking adequate systems.
White Fisher has extensive experience in anti-bribery and corruption law and offers compliance advice to SMEs and corporations. We also conduct internal investigations and represent clients in dealings with regulators and enforcement agencies.
Reasons to Choose Our Services:
In today’s environment, the scrutiny of bribery and corruption offences poses significant risks for individuals and businesses. Globally, the amount of bribes paid each year is estimated to be around $1 trillion, prompting heightened enforcement of anti-bribery and corruption laws by both UK and international authorities.
The enactment of the Bribery Act 2010 was a pivotal change in UK legislation. It expanded the scope of criminal offences related to individuals. It made it an offence for companies not to prevent bribery on their behalf unless they demonstrated having effective prevention measures in place.
The increasing efforts of enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting these crimes underscore the necessity of implementing a robust compliance program. This program should be customised to effectively manage the risks associated with adhering to anti-bribery and corruption regulations.
Our services provide valuable assistance to clients through:
- Guiding businesses in understanding and applying the Bribery Act 2010 specifically to their jurisdiction, industry, and operational activities, focusing on a risk-aware commercial strategy.
- Evaluating and enhancing companies’ anti-bribery compliance systems, offering advice on further improvements, or completely revising and implementing new policies.
- Offering training across all levels of a company’s hierarchy to establish a strong defence through demonstrating ‘adequate procedures’ against bribery.
- Conducting thorough internal probes into bribery and corruption cases and managing interactions with law enforcement agencies in the UK and abroad.
- Counselling corporate entities on the timing and decision to self-disclose and assisting in negotiating plea bargains with the Serious Fraud Office.
- Representing individuals at every investigation phase, including defending them in criminal proceedings when an out-of-court resolution is not an option.
Why Choose Us?
We are committed to providing you with personalised and tailored solutions that meet your specific needs and objectives.
Our firm has a global network of offices and partners, and we can provide you with cross-border and multi-jurisdictional advice and support. We work closely with our clients to understand their needs and objectives and deliver tailored and cost-effective solutions.