What Does a “Bigger and Stronger” SFO Mean for Companies?

Speaking at a recent event in London, the SFO’s Joint Head of Fraud, Hannah von Dadelszen, described an agency and, in fact, a world that is becoming very “unforgiving” of corporate crime. Companies that discover misconduct should engage with their regulators and those that choose instead to “hide behind smoke and mirrors,” do so at their own peril, she warned. Elements of von Dadelszen’s remarks, such as her focus on self-reporting, an emphasis on international cooperation and a discussion of corporate compliance, echoed speeches given by U.S. officials. However, her promise that the SFO will reward companies for waiving privilege during settlement negotiations was uniquely British and serves as stark reminder that every jurisdiction plays by its own rules. See “Joint Head of Bribery at the SFO Discusses the Agency’s Priorities” (May 30, 2018).

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