Integral Elements of Proactive and Pre-Merger Anti-Corruption Forensic Audits

The last five years of FCPA enforcement have increased the need for comprehensive and effective compliance programs and controls designed to detect, deter and remediate instances of bribery and corruption.  A hidden jewel for some organizations is the use of the forensic audit function to help achieve these objectives.  A properly staffed and well-trained forensic audit team can provide a positive return on investment if used appropriately to satisfy the new imperative of a well-functioning compliance program.  Conducted competently, forensic audits can go a long way toward preventing violations, detecting violations (including in the merger and acquisition process), aiding the investigative and remedial process, substantiating the existence, amounts and recipients of payments and ultimately helping a company earn credit when negotiating with the government or self-reporting discovered violations.  See “When and How Should Companies Self-Report FCPA Violations? (Part Two of Two)” (Jun. 20, 2012).  In a guest article, Paul E. Zikmund, Global Director, Ethics and Compliance, at Bunge Limited, discusses the core elements of proactive FCPA audits, as well as the key mechanics of pre-merger anti-corruption forensic audits.

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