Anti-Bribery & Corruption Risk Assessment

Q: What laws govern anti-bribery compliance in India?

The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 is the primary legislation. The Companies Act, 2013 covers related-party transactions. Companies with international operations may also fall under the UK Bribery Act or US FCPA.

Q: What is a corruption risk assessment?

A structured process for identifying activities, relationships, and processes most vulnerable to bribery and corruption, resulting in a risk map that prioritises areas for control enhancement and monitoring.

Identify, Assess, and Mitigate Bribery and Corruption Risks Across Your Organisation

Bribery and corruption represent serious legal, financial, and reputational risks for businesses operating in India and internationally. The Prevention of Corruption Act, Companies Act provisions, and international frameworks such as the UK Bribery Act and US FCPA impose significant obligations on companies and their officers.

Our anti-bribery and corruption risk assessment services help organisations understand their exposure, evaluate existing controls, and implement a robust compliance programme. This work integrates with our corporate governance advisory, corporate intelligence services, and financial misconduct investigations for a comprehensive risk management approach.

Our Anti-Bribery & Corruption Services

Risk Assessment

Identifying bribery and corruption risks across business activities, geographies, and third-party relationships.

Policy Development

Drafting anti-bribery policies, gifts and hospitality registers, and facilitation payments guidelines.

Third-Party Due Diligence

Screening agents, distributors, and vendors for corruption risk and regulatory exposure.

Training Programs

Conducting anti-bribery training for senior management, procurement teams, and sales personnel.

Control Testing

Testing the effectiveness of existing anti-bribery controls through transaction reviews and walkthroughs.

Programme Review

Reviewing and benchmarking existing compliance programmes against legal requirements and best practices.

Benefits of Anti-Bribery Compliance

Reduces the risk of enforcement action, prosecution, and penalties
Protects individual directors and officers from personal liability
Supports access to government contracts and regulated markets
Demonstrates to investors a commitment to ethical business conduct
Identifies and removes corrupt relationships before they cause serious harm
Builds a culture of integrity that reduces all forms of misconduct over time

Frequently Asked Questions

What laws govern anti-bribery compliance in India?

The primary legislation is the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The Companies Act, 2013 includes provisions on related-party transactions and director duties. Indian companies with international operations may also fall under the UK Bribery Act or the US FCPA depending on jurisdiction and listing status.

What is a corruption risk assessment?

A structured process for identifying the activities, relationships, and processes most vulnerable to bribery and corruption. The output is a risk map that prioritises areas for control enhancement, policy development, and monitoring.

Are small businesses at risk of bribery and corruption issues?

Yes. Businesses dealing with government contracts, licensing, customs clearance, or inspections face real corruption risks. They are also increasingly required by larger customers and lenders to demonstrate anti-bribery compliance as part of vendor management requirements.

What is third-party corruption risk and how is it managed?

Third-party corruption risk arises when agents, distributors, or vendors engage in bribery on a company's behalf. Under many anti-bribery laws, the company can be held liable if it failed to conduct adequate due diligence. Third-party screening, contractual anti-bribery clauses, and monitoring are essential controls.

How often should an anti-bribery programme be reviewed?

Annually and whenever there is a significant business change — expansion into a new market, a merger or acquisition, change in key personnel, or a new high-value government contract. Reviews should also occur promptly if an allegation of bribery arises.

Build an Anti-Bribery Programme That Actually Works

Practical anti-bribery risk assessment and compliance advisory services.