Herbert Smith Freehills' new global report reviews corruption trends and perceptions in close to 100 countries

Please click here to preview this publication.

We have launched the first global edition of our Anti-corruption Report, reviewing a year in which corruption investigations have never been far from the headlines.

Since the first edition was published three years ago, our report has generated considerable interest amongst clients, regulators, enforcement agencies and the media. Compiled by members of our global team across our network of international offices, we have combined international experience with our understanding of local anti-corruption trends to bring to market a unique publication. This edition touches on investigations, reforms and perceptions in close to 100 countries. It also summarises the key long-arm statutes, the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the UK Bribery Act, and how they have been deployed in the past year against companies and individuals across the globe.

Our most extensive review of corruption investigations to date identifies three clear trends:

1. a proliferation of domestic investigations and prosecutions concerning political corruption. Numerous senior figures have been indicted for corruption in 2015, indicating a new appetite to pursue corruption at the very highest levels.
2. the enhanced vulnerability of corporates. Local and international investigators are gladly tackling larger and more complex cases, often resulting from companies seeking opportunities in new and unfamiliar markets.
3. increased co-operation between regulators and investigators. Practically, this means that those under investigation must prepare for the demands of investigations in multiple countries and co-ordinate their responses effectively.

Forewarned is forearmed - this report allows readers to understand the broad risks faced in each country and help them to prepare effectively.

If you would like a copy of this report, please email Asia.Publications@hsf.com. If you would like more information, please contact the authors.