Monday Compliance News - Around the World

/ Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC/

GCSG's Monday Compliance News is a compilation of some of the previous weeks interesting trade compliance, anti-bribery/corruption, fraud, and due diligence news bites, from around the world.

With GDPR looming, key compliance questions still remain | DIGIDAY

"For better or worse, preparing for the General Data Protection Regulation is a do-it-yourself exercise for advertisers in the absence of stronger direction from regulators." (Click here for the article) - European Union

Turkish banker guilty of helping Iran dodge US sanctions  | Reuters TV

WATCH: US jury finds Turkish banker guilty of helping Iran dodge US sanctions (Click here for the video) - Iran, Turkey, United States

Firms can choose not to enter corruption-ridden markets | The Straits Times

"Many well-established multinationals have decent corporate cultures.  Their top managements have been known to decide that if a country operates by practices in keeping with the company ethos, they would not do business in that country." (Click here for the article) - Singapore

Drug Company Allegedly Bribed Doctors to Sell its Powerful Opioid Spray | Gizmodo

"The State of North Carolina is suing a pharmaceutical manufacturer for allegedly bribing doctors and defrauding insurers in order to sell more of its powerful fentanyl spray, fanning the flames of the opioid crisis that has millions addicted and is shortening lifespans." (Click here for the article) - United States

PWC faces negligence claim over $2bn fraud at Colonial Bank | The Times

"Auditors at PWC were negligent and missed a 'Red Flag' over a huge fraud that contributed to the collapse of a bank during the financial crisis, an American court has found." (Click here for the article) - Global

FCPA Legislation Introduced to Allow Individuals and Companies to take Legal Action

/ Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC/

On June 9, 2016 U.S. Representative Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) introduced legislation (H.R. 5438) that would expand the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).  Enforcement actions under the FCPA may only be brought by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The legislation introduced by Rep. Perlmutter, would also give individuals and companies the ability to take legal action against corporations who are violating the anti-bribery provisions of the FCPA.

In his press release, Rep. Perlmutter said, "This legislation helps encourage foreign companies to play by the rules or be brought to court.  Most importantly, it is a way to level the playing field and help U.S. companies compete abroad."

Key Amended Text:

"Authorized Plaintiffs. - Any person that violates subsection (a) shall be liable in an action brought in accordance with this subsection in any court of competent jurisdiction to any issuer that is subject to section 30A of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, domestic concern that is subject to this section, or other person that is a United States person, that is damaged by the violation of subsection (a) of this section, for damages caused to such issuer, domestic concern, or other person by the violation."

Key Link(s):

 

ISO 37001 Anti-bribery Management Systems - Gets Vote of Approval

/ Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC/

On April 14, 2016 the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) announced the draft version of the new ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management Systems (ABMS) standard received a 91% vote of confidence. 

The ABMS "is designed to help organizations implement effective measures to prevent and address bribery, and instill a culture of honesty, transparency and integrity."   

The standard is intended to be used by small to large public, private, or voluntary sector companies.  The ABMS standard includes a few basic principles such as:

  • Adopting an anti-bribery policy
  • Appointing a person to oversee anti-bribery compliance
  • Training
  • Risk assessments and due diligence on projects and business associates
  • Implementing financial and commercial controls
  • Instituting reporting and investigation procedures

The standard is expected to be published in late 2016.

Key Links:

DOJ Launches New FCPA Prosecutorial Guidance Pilot Program

/ Global Compliance Solutions Group LLC/

On April 5, 2016 the Department of Justice (DOJ) Criminal Division announced a new one-year pilot program within the Fraud Section's FCPA Unit.  The pilot program provides guidance to DOJ prosecutors for resolutions in FCPA cases.  The program was designed to assist companies with their decision making process as to whether they should voluntarily self-disclose FCPA violations, cooperate with the Fraud Section, and when appropriate, correct gaps in their controls and compliance programs. 

The program describes what is meant by "voluntary self-disclosure", "full cooperation", and "timely and appropriate remediation".  The guidance states that when a company cooperates, remediates, and voluntarily self-discloses violations, it will be eligible for the full range of mitigation credit.  In the event a criminal resolution is warranted, a company may be granted a reduction of up to 50 percent below the low end of the applicable U.S. Sentencing Guidelines range.  In addition the company would generally not require the appointment of a monitor.

What are the reader's thoughts on the value of this pilot program?   

Related Documents: