How Private Fund Managers Can Manage FCPA Risks When Investing in Emerging Markets

Anti-corruption enforcement efforts have dramatically increased over the last few years.  Every day it seems there is a new headline about an investigation involving alleged violations of the FCPA.  Federal authorities have indicated that their FCPA enforcement efforts are increasingly focused on the financial services industry and, in particular, private fund managers that invest in emerging markets.  Given this heightened level of government scrutiny, it is important that private equity firms, hedge fund managers and other investors that conduct business in foreign markets understand the associated FCPA risks.  Such risks can arise in the context of raising funds overseas, working with joint venture partners and third party agents, and investing in companies that operate in countries known for corruption.  A potential misstep in these areas can result in a fund manager and its employees facing significant civil penalties and possible criminal prosecution or, at a minimum, having to respond to government subpoenas or requests for information in connection with an investigation by federal authorities, thus resulting in the unnecessary expenditure of time and money and the attraction of unwanted attention.  In a guest article, Justin V. Shur and Joel M. Melendez, partner and associate, respectively, at Molo Lamken LLP, consider some of the important and recurring FCPA risks that arise for investors in emerging markets, and offer practical guidance to help private fund managers and their employees avoid or minimize liability in this area.

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