As the long arm of the US law lengthens, what does this mean for European corporations and their advisers when faced with fraud, corruption, or regulatory issues?

Keith Williamson, corporate investigations

Susan Markel,
corporate investigations

Steven Ambort,
information management

Insights from the speakers and top lawyers in the UK

Keith Williamson
Why is US-Style Regulation Relevant to Europe?

Susan Markel
US regulation framework
Coordination between international regulators
Current SEC enforcement environment

Steven Ambort
Dealing with evidence

Keith Williamson
Self reporting

Keith Williamson
Wrap up

Your UK client has identified that it has paid bribes to foreign government officials to win an overseas contract. If informed of this today, would you advise your client to report the matter to the Serious Fraud Office?

Which sanction do you think would have the biggest impact on UK Board attitudes to fraud and corruption?

The experts comment
On self-reporting bribery: We were astonished that almost half the audience of external lawyers would not advise their client to self-report. If the SFO is to reach the levels of self-reporting enjoyed by the US, the benefits need to be more widely understood and the chance of external detection of an offence needs to be perceived to be higher. Companies and their directors certainly will have more protection if they demonstrate they are taking positive action to stamp out corrupt practices in their organisation.

On sanctions: As indicated by nearly 90% of the audience, it is human nature to take most care when self-interest is at stake. This has been recognised by US regulators who are using personal liability triggers to make sure companies stay clean. Upon the future enactment of the Bribery Bill in the UK, it will be considered a corporate offence for negligently failing to prevent bribery - this should bring greater focus to the prevention and detection of corruption from UK Boards of Directors.

Hear more from Steve – an example to illustrate how to save time and money planning an investigation.

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