Many of the most attractive commercial opportunities today can be found in emerging or transition countries with poor standards of governance. How can you build successful commercial ventures in high-risk environments, while still playing by the rules?

The passing of the UK Bribery Act in April brings the UK into line with the tough stance adopted by the US and other OECD countries towards corruption. In recent years, prosecutors have co-ordinated their efforts and have shown ever greater willingness to pursue major cases. The potential penalties for offences include prison sentences and punitive fines. Additionally, professional fees in investigating bribery can be substantial, and prosecution almost inevitably results in damage to the corporate brand.

How can you ensure you don't fall foul of this legislation when faced with the significant complexities of doing business in such challenging regions?

What distinguishes Control Risks’ anti-corruption practice is the scope and depth of expertise within its global team: anti-corruption advisers, political risk specialists, seasoned investigators, crisis managers and consultants whose daily work takes them to some of the world’s most difficult countries. Our consultants speak the languages and know the territories. Whether the need is focussed due diligence, country specific knowledge, the reality of local practices or the investigation and management of a problem, Control Risks can handpick the right team of experts to give you the advice you need.

How Control Risks can help

• Risk assessment and due diligence investigations  We provide clients with the integrity information that they need before entering new markets or embarking on new business relationships
• Strategic audit and review  Prevention is better than cure. We help clients assess the effectiveness of their anti-corruption compliance systems.
• Fraud investigation and problem-solving A well-designed ethics programme will help minimise integrity-related problems, but even the best-run companies need to be prepared for occasional setbacks.
• Training We offer training workshops for both international companies, multilateral agencies and as a component of international conferences.
• Whistleblowing lines Control Risks provides confidential whistleblowing lines for our clients' employees to report financial or ethical misconduct worldwide.
• Reports and ‘white papers’ Control Risks is an opinion-leader in the anti-corruption field. These reports distil our assessments of the latest international developments and emerging best practice.