The Bribery Act 2010 replaced outdated UK anti-corruption legislation. The Act also created a new offence of ‘failing to prevent bribery’ and companies are now liable for the actions of their employees, agents and subsidiaries.

Regulators and enforcement agencies including the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and City of London Police and other forces have the powers to launch criminal prosecutions against businesses and directors suspected of bribery and corruption.

A defence to this charge succeeds if the organisation can prove that it had adequate procedures and policies in place to prevent persons associated with it from making or taking bribes.

Commercial organisations must have adequate procedures in place to mitigate risk and demonstrate a high level or commitment to their anti-bribery policy.

Our compliance experts can advise on policies and procedures and assist with risk assessments to identify external risks including those specific to your sector, in the countries in which you do business or with existing or potential clients.

We can also help mitigate the impact of a dawn raid and regulatory investigation on your business including data retention and separation to help with future identification of records that may be directly relevant to an investigation.

If you or your business is facing investigation for alleged corruption or you suspect employees or agents have been paying bribes on behalf of your company, our bribery and corruption solicitors will act quickly to conduct internal investigations and help mitigate the risk of criminal proceedings.

Our serious fraud lawyers are experts in cross-border investigations and have a wealth of experience of dealing with regulators and enforcement agencies.