[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":317},["ShallowReactive",2],{"news-business-integrity-programmes-multilateral-development-banks-harmonise-their-guidance-2417":3,"news-business-integrity-programmes-multilateral-development-banks-harmonise-their-guidance-2417-similar":60,"i-heroicons:arrow-left-20-solid":312},[4],{"id":5,"status":6,"date_created":7,"date_updated":8,"title":9,"type":10,"body":11,"date":12,"topic":13,"slug":16,"activity":17,"nid":19,"topics":20,"activities":22,"programme":23,"area":23,"websites":24,"language":23,"image":26,"translation_of":23,"countries":35,"tags":36,"authors":56,"images":57,"translations":58,"content":59},10352,"published","2023-03-27T08:29:43.000Z","2026-05-29T22:22:25.000Z","Business integrity programmes: Multilateral Development Banks harmonise their guidance ","Blog","_Business entities wishing to implement projects funded by Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs, also referred to as International Financial Institutions) will be interested to know that six major MDBs have agreed and published new General Principles for Business Integrity Programmes. Such programmes play an important part in the MDBs’ efforts to fight fraud and corruption in the projects they finance or otherwise support._\n\n_These General Principles provide non-exhaustive, non-binding guidance for business entities that implement such projects. Notably, they recommend engagement in Collective Action to encourage other business entities to implement integrity programmes as well._\n\n_In this guest blog, Lisa Miller of the World Bank Group and Duncan Smith of the European Investment Bank explain, especially for businesses seeking to implement MDB-financed projects, what the General Principles are and the role business integrity programmes play in MDBs’ anti-fraud and anti-corruption efforts._\n\nSix major Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs)—the African Development Bank ([AfDB](http:\u002F\u002Fwww.afdb.org\u002Fen)), Asian Development Bank ([ADB](http:\u002F\u002Fwww.adb.org\u002F)), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development ([EBRD](http:\u002F\u002Fwww.ebrd.com\u002Fhome)), European Investment Bank ([EIB](http:\u002F\u002Fwww.eib.org\u002F)), Inter-American Development Bank ([IDB](http:\u002F\u002Fwww.iadb.org\u002Fen)), and [World Bank Group](http:\u002F\u002Fwww.worldbank.org\u002Fen\u002Fhome)—have agreed and published new General Principles for Business Integrity Programmes.\n\nThe MDBs provide essential support for development projects in countries seeking assistance, in particular financial support. They are public, not commercial, multilateral lending institutions. The MDBs, among other things, lend money to their member countries (public borrowers) to carry out key development projects, which the borrowers implement.\n\nThe projects often involve the purchase of goods, works, and services through public procurement systems in which private entities seek to win contracts under the MDB-supported projects.\n\nUnfortunately, some entities seek to improperly influence (e.g., via bribes) or otherwise distort the process, such as through the submission of fraudulent information in a bid for such contracts. The potential for misconduct also exists throughout the project lifecycle.\n\n### MDB expectations and control mechanisms\n\nIt is essential that the funds provided by the MDBs are used for their intended purposes and are not misused, whether by borrowers or by the entities that compete for or win contracts under MDB-supported projects. The MDBs therefore expect entities participating in such projects to maintain the highest standard of integrity.\n\nThe MDBs’ expectations in that regard are set out in financing agreements with borrowers and contracts entered into between borrower agencies and the contractors and consultants that work under such projects. The MDBs also have in place mechanisms to monitor related procurement processes and contract performance.\n\nIn addition, each MDB has an integrity function, to which any suspected misuse of funds or other prohibited practices under such projects should be reported. In this respect, the MDBs have adopted harmonised definitions of fraud, corruption, collusion and coercion (commonly collectively referred to simply as “fraud and corruption”) which are set out in the [International Financial Institutions Uniform Framework for Preventing and Combating Fraud and Corruption](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.eib.org\u002Fen\u002Fabout\u002Fdocuments\u002Fifi-anti-corruption-task-force-uniform-framework.htm) (the Framework).\n\nIf an allegation has been investigated by an MDB (or MDBs if the project is co-financed) and a finding of misconduct has been substantiated, each MDB has an internal administrative process to sanction those who have engaged in such misconduct (e.g., debarment or exclusion). \\[1\\]\n\nMoreover, some MDBs have signed an Agreement for Mutual Enforcement of Debarment Decisions among Multilateral Development Banks, commonly referred to as the [Cross-Debarment Agreement](http:\u002F\u002Fcrossdebarment.org\u002Foai001p.nsf\u002FHome.xsp?SessionID=CWO0W588ZO), under which an entity that is debarred by one MDB for an initial period exceeding one year also generally is debarred by the other MDBs. \\[2\\]\n\n### The role of business integrity programmes\n\nA business integrity programme should clearly articulate an entity’s values, as well as the policies and procedures used to prevent, detect, investigate and remediate misconduct in the entity’s operations.\n\nAs set out by the MDBs in their respective policies and procedures, an entity’s business integrity programme is often relevant in connection with the MDBs’ frameworks for investigating and sanctioning fraud and corruption. For example, the business integrity programme of a company that is accused of misconduct may be considered in an MDBs’ investigation and sanctions proceedings, such as in determining an appropriate sanction.\n\nIn addition, when an entity is sanctioned by an MDB, the MDB may impose conditions for the entity’s reinstatement or release from sanction that require the entity to develop and implement a business integrity programme. In such cases, whether the entity has put in place and is effectively implementing a programme designed to prevent, deter, detect, investigate and remediate prohibited practices will be considered by the MDB in its assessment of the entity’s application for reinstatement or release from sanction.\n\nAs effective business integrity programmes become more common among the entities that participate in MDB-supported projects, it is hoped that the risk of misconduct in such projects will decline. As Principle 29 of the document makes clear, Collective Action can help to encourage the widespread adoption of effective business integrity programmes.\n\nBusiness integrity programmes therefore play an important part in MDBs’ efforts to fight fraud and corruption in the projects they support.\n\nThe General Principles are intended as non-exhaustive, non-binding guidance relating to business integrity programmes in the context of MDB-financed projects. Companies also may wish to refer to the General Principles as guidance for their programmes in other contexts. Indeed, it is a good business practice to have such a programme in place, and to implement the programme consistently and effectively, as a standard approach to doing business.\n\nIn addition, the General Principles are intended to be adaptable to entities of all types and sizes that are operating in various environments. The policies and procedures comprising a business integrity programme should be based on a comprehensive risk assessment of the entity’s operations and should be tailored accordingly. The programme should address and include provisions intended to minimise the occurrence of the identified risks, and it should be structured such that it will accommodate changing circumstances and evolve over time.\n\n### Core elements of a programme\n\nWhile a programme should reflect an entity’s own circumstances and integrity risk profile, key features, such as those set out in the General Principles, should be incorporated into the programme as appropriate.\n\nThe General Principles cover the following core principles, among others:\n\n*   Risk Assessment\n*   Prohibited Misconduct\n*   Management Roles\n*   Integrity Function\n*   Internal Controls\n*   Reporting, Investigation, and Remediation\n*   Training, Communication, Advice, and Accessibility\n*   Business Partners\n*   Collective Action\u002FExternal Engagement\n\n### In conclusion\n\nThe General Principles set out important guidance relating to the MDBs’ efforts to ensure the funds they lend to states are used only for development purposes. The General Principles are intended as guidance relating to the prevention of fraud and corruption and can be adopted and implemented by entities in all sectors and of all sizes.\n\nThe General Principles may be found at [Cross Debarment (adb.org)](https:\u002F\u002Flnadbg4.adb.org\u002Foai001p.nsf\u002FContent.xsp?action=openDocument&documentId=E89FC5403A8D0B654825896E0017FAD9) including an Appendix that sets out additional guidance relating to the core principles.\n\n### Notes\n\n\\[1\\] MDB investigation teams also may refer suspected criminal conduct to relevant law enforcement agencies that have the full range of criminal investigation tools (e.g., search and arrest warrants).\n\n\\[2\\] For legal reasons, EIB did not sign the Cross Debarment Agreement but recognizes that the debarment should be identified and disclosed under the EIB Covenant of Integrity ([EIB Guide to Procurement](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.eib.org\u002Fen\u002Fpublications\u002Fguide-to-procurement), Annex 3).\n\n### About the authors\n\nLisa Miller is the World Bank Group Integrity Compliance Officer and heads the Integrity Compliance Office in [the World Bank Group's Integrity Vice Presidency](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.worldbank.org\u002Fen\u002Fabout\u002Funit\u002Fintegrity-vice-presidency\u002F). She previously was a Senior Counsel in the World Bank's Legal Vice Presidency, focusing on sanctions and legal procurement matters. Prior to joining the World Bank, she was in private legal practice in Boston and Washington, DC, where her practice focused on integrity compliance, sanctions, public procurement, and corporate matters. \n\nDuncan Smith will soon retire as Deputy Head of Investigations at EIB. After passing the English Bar, he prosecuted corporate fraud & corruption cases at the UK’s DTI & SFO. He then spent 7 years at World Bank Investigations (as Team Leader, later Policy Adviser); he moved to EIB in 2007 to investigate large cases and address prevention\u002Fdeterrence\u002Foutreach & negotiate settlements. He co-authored the International Financial Institutions Anti-Corruption Uniform Framework Agreement (2006) & MDB harmonization documents (e.g., General Principles on Settlements). He has written many articles on the subject, including for Basel Institute on Governance & FCPA Blog and has authored two books: [Promoting Integrity in the Work of International Organisations: Minimising Fraud and Corruption in Projects](%20Minimising%20Fraud%20and%20Corruption%20in%20Projects) (2021) and [Fraud and Corruption: Cases & Materials](https:\u002F\u002Flink.springer.com\u002Fbook\u002F10.1007\u002F978-3-031-10063-5) (2022).","2023-03-27",[14,15],"Collective Action","Compliance","business-integrity-programmes-multilateral-development-banks-harmonise-their-guidance-2417",[18],"Insights",2417,[14,21],"Business Integrity Ethics and Compliance",[18],null,[25,14],"Main page",{"id":27,"storage":28,"filename_disk":29,"filename_download":30,"title":9,"type":31,"created_on":7,"modified_on":7,"charset":23,"filesize":32,"width":33,"height":34,"duration":23,"embed":23,"description":23,"location":23,"tags":23,"metadata":23,"focal_point_x":23,"focal_point_y":23,"tus_id":23,"tus_data":23,"uploaded_on":7},"0e0e8557-bb5a-4596-ac88-4a6e910bc584","local","0e0e8557-bb5a-4596-ac88-4a6e910bc584.webp","tmp.webp","image\u002Fwebp",32486,800,418,[],[37],{"id":38,"news_id":39,"tags_id":53},4632,{"id":5,"status":6,"user_created":40,"date_created":7,"user_updated":41,"date_updated":8,"title":9,"type":10,"body":11,"image":27,"date":12,"topic":42,"slug":16,"activity":43,"nid":19,"topics":44,"activities":45,"programme":23,"area":23,"websites":46,"translation_of":23,"language":23,"countries":47,"tags":48,"authors":49,"images":50,"translations":51,"content":52},"03bebfd8-0b40-4a2a-820d-b9d9c13b9de6","3d9ff205-1640-4f34-b5b6-86977f51bbd6",[14,15],[18],[14,21],[18],[25,14],[],[38],[],[],[],[],{"id":54,"name":55},830,"Business integrity",[],[],[],[],[61,85,116,137,159,182,202,233,257,286],{"id":62,"body":63,"status":6,"type":64,"date":65,"slug":66,"title":67,"image":68,"countries":69,"topic":70,"activity":72,"tags":74,"nid":75,"topics":76,"activities":77,"authors":78,"images":79,"websites":23,"area":23,"programme":23,"language":80,"translations":81,"translation_of":23,"user_created":40,"date_created":82,"user_updated":23,"date_updated":23,"content":83,"link":84},10616,"From grassroots transparency tools to global business integrity networks, this year’s finalists for the [International Collective Action Awards](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002Fget-involved\u002Fawards) show the breadth, creativity and growing impact of Collective Action around the world.\n\nPublic voting is now open and everyone is invited to help choose the winners.\n\nThe Awards recognise organisations advancing business integrity through Collective Action – bringing together businesses, governments, civil society and other stakeholders to tackle corruption and strengthen fairer, more transparent markets. The winners will be announced during the [6th International Collective Action Conference](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002Fget-involved\u002Fevents\u002Ficac-2026) in Basel, Switzerland, on 9–10 June 2026.\n\nPresented by the Basel Institute on Governance since 2022, the Awards celebrate initiatives that demonstrate how Collective Action can deliver practical solutions to shared integrity challenges across sectors and regions.\n\n### A diverse field of finalists\n\nThis year’s finalists reflect the growing diversity of Collective Action initiatives worldwide. They range from long-running international integrity networks supporting small businesses, to innovative digital tools improving transparency in public infrastructure, to emerging platforms creating new opportunities for business engagement in global anti-corruption policymaking.\n\nThe shortlisted initiatives also highlight the geographical reach of Collective Action efforts today, with finalists working across Africa, Latin America, Europe and global multilateral platforms.\n\nAn international jury selected the finalists from a strong field of nominations representing a wide variety of sectors, approaches and partnerships.\n\n### Gretta Fenner Outstanding Achievement in Collective Action\n\nThis category is named in honour of the Basel Institute’s late Managing Director, [Gretta Fenner](https:\u002F\u002Fgretta.baselgovernance.org\u002F). It recognises organisations that have made a sustained and significant contribution to advancing Collective Action and promoting business integrity over time.\n\nThe 2026 finalists are:\n\n*   Alliance for Integrity – a global multi-stakeholder initiative that has built integrity networks across 16 countries and supported hundreds of trainers and companies in strengthening compliance and anti-corruption practices, particularly among SMEs.\n*   Anti-Corruption Collective Action Impact Centre – hosted by the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA), the Centre supports locally led anti-corruption initiatives worldwide through mentorship, training and practical implementation support.\n*   Integridad Corporativa 500 (IC500) – a Mexican transparency benchmark initiative that evaluates the anti-corruption policies and governance practices of the country’s 500 largest companies, helping drive measurable improvements in corporate transparency.\n\n### Collective Action Inspirational Newcomer\n\nThe Inspirational Newcomer category recognises initiatives active for fewer than two years that have already shown strong promise and early impact.\n\nThis year’s finalists are:\n\n*   COSP Private Sector Platform – launched by the United Nations Global Compact and UNODC to create new opportunities for private sector participation in global anti-corruption policymaking linked to the UN Convention against Corruption.\n*   CoST Malawi Infrastructure Transparency Initiative: Red Flags Algorithm – an innovative digital tool that uses data analysis to identify potential corruption and procurement risks in public infrastructure projects in Malawi.\n*   TRIPODE: Collective Action for Business Integrity and SME Inclusion in Mexico – a joint initiative helping companies, especially SMEs, navigate integrity expectations through practical guidance, peer learning and public-private dialogue.\n\nAlthough very different in focus, the finalists all demonstrate the value of collaborative approaches in addressing complex integrity challenges – whether through technology, policy engagement or hands-on support for businesses.\n\n### An international jury with deep expertise\n\nThe finalists were pre-selected by an international jury bringing together expertise from governance, anti-corruption, journalism, international law and public policy.\n\nThe jury included Nathalie Delapalme, CEO of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, Nicola Bonucci, former OECD Director of Legal Affairs and Basel Institute Board member, Rhoda Weeks-Brown, former General Counsel of the IMF, and award-winning investigative journalist Sheila S. Coronel of Columbia Journalism School.\n\nTheir collective experience spans anti-corruption policy, rule of law, investigative journalism, international governance and responsible business conduct, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of Collective Action itself.\n\n### Cast your vote\n\nPublic voting is open until 2 June 2026.\n\nVisit the [Awards page on the B20 Collective Action Hub](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002Fget-involved\u002Fawards) to learn more about the finalists and cast your vote in each category.\n\nThe Collective Action Awards are supported by the Siemens Integrity Initiative.","News","2026-05-20","cast-your-vote-in-the-2026-collective-action-awards-2969","Cast your vote in the 2026 Collective Action Awards","https:\u002F\u002Fjam.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002Fa69747f0-c2e6-48f5-8e19-4e059e545b2f?width=1000&height=650&format=webp&quality=80",[],[14,71],"Private Sector",[73],"",[],2969,[14,71],[],[],[],"English",[],"2026-06-04T21:13:46.000Z",[],"\u002Fresources\u002Fnews\u002Fcast-your-vote-in-the-2026-collective-action-awards-2969",{"id":86,"body":87,"status":6,"type":10,"date":88,"slug":89,"title":90,"image":91,"countries":92,"topic":93,"activity":94,"tags":95,"nid":105,"topics":106,"activities":107,"authors":108,"images":109,"websites":23,"area":23,"programme":23,"language":80,"translations":110,"translation_of":23,"user_created":40,"date_created":111,"user_updated":112,"date_updated":113,"content":114,"link":115},10621,"In this article, Celia Lourens examines the role of cross-sectoral trust for a functional business environment. Collective Action, she argues, can be an approach to overcoming trust deficits between relevant stakeholders. Celia Lourens supports the organisation of our 6th International Collective Action Conference.\n\nAt its core, anti-corruption Collective Action is about tackling corruption challenges together, rather than alone. Collective Action is primarily driven by businesses, often in collaboration with government representatives and civil society, to address a shared challenge and attain a common objective.\n\nBuilding trust is one critical element of Collective Action efforts, as it requires a genuine and sustained willingness from all involved stakeholders to collaborate.\n\n### Trust across sectors: the foundation of effective markets\n\nMarkets depend on trust – not only between businesses and their customers or employees and their organisational leadership, but between the institutions that shape the business environment:\n\n*   Business relies on regulatory bodies to create fair and predictable markets.\n*   Governments depend on businesses to act with integrity, beyond merely meeting compliance requirements.\n*   Civil society holds both public and private sectors accountable whilst advancing transparency and public confidence.\n\nWhere these relationships are founded in trust, business ecosystems function more effectively and markets remain stable.\n\nYet, cross-sector trust is increasingly under strain. Geopolitical volatility, tightening regulations and elevated complexity within supply chains are creating distance between the very actors who need to collaborate.\n\n### The cost of low-trust systems\n\nWhen trust between the private sector, government and civil society breaks down, the consequences are immediate: slower transactions, higher compliance costs and due diligence burdens, duplicated oversight and heightened reputational risk. Oversight becomes adversarial, compliance turns reactive and businesses invest more time managing risks than creating value.\n\nIn an era of heightened competitiveness, trust across sectors becomes the most valuable currency. Where it is systemically weak, a vicious cycle takes hold: low trust demands heightened scrutiny and more controls, which in turn erode trust further. Government enforcement of standards becomes inconsistent and civil society turns sceptical rather than being a partner.\n\nBreaking this cycle requires a different approach – one built on shared commitment, sustained engagement and coordinated action. This is where Collective Action comes into play.\n\n### Collective Action as a trust-building mechanism\n\nIn practice, Collective Action enables organisations to jointly raise integrity standards across industries, develop sector-specific norms and tackle systemic risks such as bribery and unethical conduct. Its ultimate objective – and the key incentive to participate in Collective Action initiatives – is to create fairer, more transparent markets where companies can compete on equal terms.\n\nBut beyond its role as an anti-corruption approach, Collective Action also serves as a powerful trust-building mechanism. In a low-trust environment, individual organisations acting ethically on their own can find themselves at a disadvantage. Collective Action changes this dynamic. Shared commitments level the playing field, the involvement of multiple stakeholders builds credibility and joint accountability mechanisms increase transparency.\n\nOver time, this collaborative approach fosters trust where it is hardest to achieve – between actors with different roles, responsibilities and pressures. The result is a shift in systemic behaviour that lowers the cost of doing business and drives a more predictable business environment.\n\n### From compliance to competitive advantage\n\nToo often, doing business with integrity is treated as a compliance obligation rather than a source of competitive advantage. Yet, in high-trust business environments, stronger partnerships and faster decision-making enable organisations to withstand disruptions. Organisations invested in building trust across their business ecosystem are better positioned to navigate complexity and sustain long-term value.\n\nCollective Action supports this shift by helping to shape markets that reward integrity, moving beyond a risk mitigation exercise.\n\n### Building trust in practice\n\nThis is exactly the focus of the [6th International Collective Action Conference](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002Fget-involved\u002Fevents\u002Ficac-2026), taking place on 9–10 June 2026 in Basel, Switzerland.\n\nBringing together leaders from business, government and civil society, the conference is designed as a space not just for dialogue, but for practical exchange. It showcases how Collective Action initiatives are being implemented across sectors, what makes them effective and how they can be adapted to different contexts.\n\nThe conference reflects a core conviction: trust across sectors does not happen by default but must be actively built. Organisations that commit to building trust together, as a collective, will not only manage risks more effectively, but help shape a new competitive advantage rooted in integrity.\n\n### Learn more\n\n*   [6th International Collective Action Conference 2026](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002Fget-involved\u002Fevents\u002Ficac-2026)\n*   [B20 Collective Action Hub](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com)\n*   Working Paper 56: [Anti-corruption Collective Action: A typology for a new era](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002Fexplore\u002Fpublications\u002F2397)\n*   Book: [Collective Action in practice: a game-changer for business integrity](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002Fexplore\u002Fpublications\u002F2407)","2026-04-20","building-trust-how-collective-action-strengthens-business-ecosystems-2959","Building trust: how Collective Action strengthens business ecosystems","https:\u002F\u002Fjam.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002Fc470512d-6eaf-404e-86ec-545ebd052655?width=1000&height=650&format=webp&quality=80",[],[14,71],[18],[96,99,101],{"tags_id":97},{"id":98,"name":14},909,{"tags_id":100},{"id":54,"name":55},{"tags_id":102},{"id":103,"name":104},982,"Anti-corruption",2959,[14,71],[18],[],[],[],"2026-06-04T21:13:50.000Z","b0662e2a-864d-4888-a1b7-4342b7570b30","2026-06-05T10:40:20.000Z",[],"\u002Fresources\u002Fnews\u002Fbuilding-trust-how-collective-action-strengthens-business-ecosystems-2959",{"id":117,"body":118,"status":6,"type":64,"date":119,"slug":120,"title":121,"image":122,"countries":123,"topic":124,"activity":125,"tags":127,"nid":128,"topics":129,"activities":130,"authors":131,"images":132,"websites":23,"area":23,"programme":23,"language":80,"translations":133,"translation_of":23,"user_created":40,"date_created":134,"user_updated":23,"date_updated":23,"content":135,"link":136},10610,"Nominations are now open for the [International Anti-Corruption Collective Action Awards 2026](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002Fget-involved\u002Fawards\u002F), recognising organisations and initiatives that demonstrate leadership, impact and innovation in advancing Collective Action to prevent corruption and strengthen business integrity.\n\nThe awards will be presented at the [International Collective Action Conference 2026](https:\u002F\u002Fbaselgovernance.org\u002Fnews\u002Fregistration-open-6th-international-collective-action-conference), taking place on 9–10 June 2026 in Basel, Switzerland.\n\nOrganisations and initiatives can submit their nomination for two award categories:\n\n*   Gretta Fenner Outstanding Achievement in Collective Action 2026 – acknowledging significant contributions towards fairer market conditions and the prevention of corruption through engagement in Collective Action.\n*   Collective Action Inspirational Newcomer 2026 – showcase accomplishments of initiatives that have been active in the field of anti-corruption Collective Action for less than two years.\n\nNomination are open until 27 March 2026.\n\nThe anti-corruption Collective Action Awards are non-monetary and will only be granted to organisations, not individuals. \n\n### Selection process\n\nEligible nominations will be reviewed by an international jury of experts. The three highest-scoring initiatives in each category will be shortlisted as finalists. Winners will then be determined through a combined vote of the jury and the public, with each jury member and the public vote carrying equal weight.\n\nPublic voting will take place online and will be anonymous. \n\n#### Jury members\n\nThe 2026 jury includes:\n\n*   Nathalie Delapalme, Chief Executive Officer of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation\n*   Nicola Bonucci, Board Member of the Basel Institute on Governance and former Director for Legal Affairs at the OECD\n*   Rhoda Weeks-Brown, Founder and CEO of Cape Palmas Global Advisors LLC and former General Counsel of the IMF\n\nThe awards are presented with the support of the [Siemens Integrity Initiative](https:\u002F\u002Fbaselgovernance.org\u002Fnews\u002Fbasel-institute-awarded-new-siemens-integrity-initiative-evolve-funding-advance-global).\n\n### Learn more\n\n*   For more information on the eligibility criteria, the selection process and the public vote, see our [award methodology](https:\u002F\u002Fb20-dev.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002Fa54d560f-0d11-439a-ac88-8bf89a6a2120).\n*   Learn more on the [B20 Collective Action Hub](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002F), the Basel Institute's platform for knowledge and engagement on anti-corruption Collective Action.","2026-03-04","international-collective-action-awards-2026-nominations-open-2941","International Collective Action Awards 2026: nominations open","https:\u002F\u002Fjam.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002F7d9267b4-5c9c-4c0d-81a2-a1ca5c34eaa9?width=1000&height=650&format=webp&quality=80",[],[14,71],[126],"Events",[],2941,[14,71],[126],[],[],[],"2026-04-15T22:45:21.000Z",[],"\u002Fresources\u002Fnews\u002Finternational-collective-action-awards-2026-nominations-open-2941",{"id":138,"body":139,"status":6,"type":10,"date":140,"slug":141,"title":142,"image":143,"countries":144,"topic":146,"activity":147,"tags":148,"nid":149,"topics":150,"activities":151,"authors":152,"images":153,"websites":23,"area":23,"programme":23,"language":80,"translations":154,"translation_of":23,"user_created":40,"date_created":155,"user_updated":41,"date_updated":156,"content":157,"link":158},10599,"Women can play a crucial role in the fight against corruption. This is the conviction that underpins the work of [SPAK Indonesia](http:\u002F\u002Fwww.spakindonesia.org\u002F), the organisation awarded Outstanding Achievement in Collective Action at the [International Collective Action Awards 2025](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002Fget-involved\u002Fevents\u002Fawards-2025\u002Fawards).\n\nBut why women, specifically? Because of their central role in transmitting moral and ethical values within their families and communities, shaping society from the inside.\n\nOriginated from the SPAK movement (\"I am a Woman Against Corruption\"), SPAK Indonesia has, for over a decade, systematised and built anti-corruption ecosystems through a network of “agents”: women from diverse backgrounds who promote integrity values across different private and public contexts.\n\nThe Outstanding Achievement in Collective Action award they received is a well-deserved recognition of their leadership, impact and innovation in corruption.\n\nIn this interview, Maria Kresentia, Director of SPAK Indonesia, reflects on how the organisation operates, the challenges it has encountered and the strategies that have enabled it to sustain this work. \n\n### SPAK is known for empowering women and communities to fight corruption through education and everyday actions. Can you briefly explain how your approach works in practice and what makes it effective?\n\nCorruption is often viewed as something distant from oneself, as many people still believe that corruption is committed only by government officials. Addressing corruption is also often considered solely the responsibility of law enforcement authorities. SPAK takes a different approach by demonstrating that violations of moral and ethical values that become habitual are the starting point of larger corrupt practices.\n\nTherefore, corruption becomes everyone’s concern, and its prevention can begin with each individual through the implementation of anti-corruption values in everyday life.\n\nWomen play a strategic role in promoting integrity and ethical behaviour. As primary caregivers, they are often the first to introduce moral and ethical values to the next generation. \n\nIn the Indonesian context, women also benefit from strong social participation and community access. These factors enable women to serve as effective agents in disseminating anti-corruption values at both household and community levels.\n\nTo facilitate this role, SPAK has developed anti-corruption learning tools in the form of board games designed for different age groups. This approach has proven effective in fostering behavioural change through women-led corruption prevention initiatives.\n\n### Your work relies strongly on collaboration between citizens, schools, civil society and public institutions. Why is Collective Action so important for fighting corruption in Indonesia?\n\nAll Indonesian citizens have a responsibility to combat corruption. Under the SPAK approach, awareness of moral and ethical values as the foundation of anti-corruption principles must be instilled in everyone, regardless of rank or authority.\n\nWhile law enforcement remains important, building a society that is committed to anti-corruption values is equally critical to prevention efforts. This can only be achieved through coordinated actions among institutions and communities.\n\n### Looking back over the past years, what has been one of the biggest challenges SPAK has faced in building and maintaining this movement, and how did you overcome it?\n\nOne of the challenges is that prevention-oriented anti-corruption initiatives that centre on moral and ethical values are often underestimated and considered insufficiently newsworthy, causing stories of positive behavioural change to be overlooked by the media.\n\nOn the other hand, coverage of corrupt officials being arrested is generally viewed as more compelling than stories of teachers in remote elementary schools who refuse gifts from students in order to uphold the principle of fairness.\n\nTo address this challenge, SPAK consistently involves the media in its programmes, encouraging coverage that highlights how the application of anti-corruption values leads to meaningful change.\n\nSecuring funding support also remains challenging, as many institutions seek quick and measurable results. In response, SPAK proactively fosters collaboration with ministries, government bodies, local governments, the private sector and educational institutions to advance integrity-building efforts that are vital to strengthening Indonesia’s human capital.\n\nFinally, mobilising young people to take part in corruption prevention efforts, starting with the cultivation of anti-corruption values, is challenging, as youth are often more interested in dramatic and confrontational actions such as demonstrations that may lead to violence.\n\nTo channel this energy constructively, SPAK facilitates online, inter-campus discussions on up-to-date issues, inviting respected and influential speakers.\n\nBy embedding anti-corruption values within these discussions, SPAK successfully engages students in meaningful dialogue while strengthening their understanding of integrity as a key solution to corruption.\n\n### What does winning the Outstanding Achievement in Collective Action Award mean for SPAK Indonesia and the women in your network who have been working on anti-corruption for over a decade?\n\nReceiving this award is evidence that Indonesian women – regardless of their educational background or profession – are capable of building networks to drive change in the context of combating corruption.\n\nAfter receiving this international recognition, what are SPAK’s main priorities for the next phase of your work, and how do you hope the award will support your future plans?\n\nSPAK will remain committed to promoting anti-corruption values, which we consider essential in the fight against corruption in Indonesia. We seek to inspire more role models across government, private and educational institutions who are willing to lead change.\n\nThe awards we have received have strengthened our confidence that collaboration is the best way to build and expand an anti-corruption movement in society.\n\nThank you, Maria Kresentia for this enlightening conversation!\n\n### About the International Collective Action Awards\n\nThe International Collective Action Awards are awarded every year and acknowledge initiatives that showcase outstanding results, emerging best practices and innovation in the field of Collective Action to tackle corruption and raise standards of business integrity.\n\nThe Basel Institute on Governance, supported by an international jury of experts and a public vote, will present two Collective Action Awards at [6th International Collective Action Conference 2026](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002Fget-involved\u002Fevents\u002Ficac-2026).\n\n*   Outstanding Achievement in Collective Action: This award recognises organisations or initiatives that have made a significant contribution to fairer market conditions and the prevention of corruption through sustained and effective engagement in Collective Action.\n*   Collective Action Inspirational Newcomer: This award recognises organisations or initiatives that have been active in the field of Collective Action for less than two years and have shown strong potential to inspire others through their approach and early impact.\n\nNominations for the 2026 Awards are opened. For more information on the eligibility criteria, the selection process and the public vote, read the [award methodology](https:\u002F\u002Fb20-dev.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002Fa54d560f-0d11-439a-ac88-8bf89a6a2120) or visit the [Collective Action website](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002Fget-involved\u002Fawards). The awards are presented with the support of the [Siemens Integrity Initiative](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.siemens.com\u002Fglobal\u002Fen\u002Fcompany\u002Fabout\u002Fcompliance\u002Fcollective-action.html#SiemensIntegrityInitiativePuttingCollectiveActionintopractice).","2026-02-27","the-power-of-women-as-agents-of-anti-corruption-qampa-with-spak-indonesia-2928","The power of women as agents of anti-corruption: Q&A with SPAK Indonesia","https:\u002F\u002Fjam.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002F34519ca2-407d-4b49-90a0-88970e8636d7?width=1000&height=650&format=webp&quality=80",[145],7803,[14],[73],[],2928,[14],[],[],[],[],"2026-02-27T15:07:16.000Z","2026-04-15T22:28:53.000Z",[],"\u002Fresources\u002Fnews\u002Fthe-power-of-women-as-agents-of-anti-corruption-qampa-with-spak-indonesia-2928",{"id":160,"body":161,"status":6,"type":64,"date":162,"slug":163,"title":164,"image":165,"countries":166,"topic":168,"activity":169,"tags":171,"nid":172,"topics":173,"activities":174,"authors":175,"images":176,"websites":23,"area":23,"programme":23,"language":80,"translations":177,"translation_of":23,"user_created":40,"date_created":178,"user_updated":40,"date_updated":179,"content":180,"link":181},10601,"The only international anti-corruption Collective Action Conference is back!\n\nAre you working on corruption prevention in the private sector, government, civil society or academia?\n\nThen join us for the sixth edition of this biannual landmark event on 9–10 June in Basel, Switzerland.\n\nOver one and a half days of expert sessions, fireside chats and networking, we’ll bring together practitioners from around the world to build and strengthen communities of practice in Collective Action.\n\nThis edition will focus on concrete measures to make markets fairer and more transparent – with a strong hands-on approach:\n\n*   What does Collective Action look like in practice, and what makes it work?\n*   How can a multi-stakeholder approach help organisations respond more effectively to global business challenges?\n\nThe 6th International Collective Action Conference is supported by the Siemens Integrity Initiative. Participation is free of charge, but places are limited and subject to approval. \n\nLearn more on the [official event page on the B20 Collective Action Hub](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002Fget-involved\u002Fevents\u002Ficac-2026) and [submit your registration request here](https:\u002F\u002Fdocs.google.com\u002Fforms\u002Fd\u002Fe\u002F1FAIpQLSeoO9mw-xZxNATMMIIr7vPqUqBPEWuOXW-AT2t3WXiYYMysaw\u002Fviewform).\n\n### Sponsorship opportunities\n\nWe are seeking a limited number of sponsors to support the conference and help advance practical, multi-stakeholder approaches to business integrity and anti-corruption. [See more information on sponsorship options and benefits](https:\u002F\u002Fb20-dev.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002Fb9939e69-4813-4b44-903e-2ab705068d45) and don't hesitate to get in touch.","2026-02-16","registration-open-6th-international-collective-action-conference-2933","Registration open: 6th International Collective Action Conference","https:\u002F\u002Fjam.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002F40e65081-b8a4-44f9-b6d1-b16f6a5083be?width=1000&height=650&format=webp&quality=80",[167],7804,[14,71],[126,170],"Partnerships",[],2933,[14,71],[126,170],[],[],[],"2026-02-27T15:07:17.000Z","2026-02-27T15:07:18.000Z",[],"\u002Fresources\u002Fnews\u002Fregistration-open-6th-international-collective-action-conference-2933",{"id":183,"body":184,"status":6,"type":64,"date":185,"slug":186,"title":187,"image":188,"countries":189,"topic":190,"activity":191,"tags":192,"nid":193,"topics":194,"activities":195,"authors":196,"images":197,"websites":23,"area":23,"programme":23,"language":80,"translations":198,"translation_of":23,"user_created":40,"date_created":199,"user_updated":23,"date_updated":23,"content":200,"link":201},10593,"We are pleased to announce that the Basel Institute on Governance has received funding through the [Siemens Integrity Initiative](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.siemens.com\u002Fintegrity-initiative)’s Evolve Funding Round. This fresh support will help launch the new global project \"Unlocking the Potential of Collective Action\".\n\nThis new funding marks the next chapter in a partnership that began in 2009 and has played a decisive role in shaping today’s global Collective Action landscape for more than 15 years.\n\n### Unlocking the potential of Collective Action\n\nThrough this three-year initiative, the Basel Institute will work with partners across ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and South Africa to strengthen [Collective Action](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002F) as a practical tool to prevent corruption.\n\nThe project combines tailored mentoring, technical assistance and peer learning with an embedded train-the-trainer approach. By empowering local champions to design and drive initiatives that respond to evolving risks and sector-specific challenges, the project aims to ensure that Collective Action remains resilient over time.\n\nBeyond capacity building, the initiative seeks to further embed Collective Action as a recognised global norm. By engaging a critical mass of public- and private-sector stakeholders, it will help transform high-level commitments into meaningful collaboration that strengthens integrity and levels the playing field.\n\nWe are deeply grateful to Siemens for their continued partnership and support through the Evolve round. Together, we look forward to reinforcing Collective Action as an impactful, long-term approach to creating fairer markets.\n\n### About the Siemens Integrity Initiative\n\nThe Siemens Integrity Initiative is a global programme that promotes fair competition and fights corruption by supporting Collective Action and education & training projects worldwide. Since 2009, it has funded 85 projects in more than 50 countries, helping strengthen legal and policy frameworks, build trust among stakeholders, and create level playing fields in high-risk markets.\n\nThrough its new Evolve Funding Round, the Initiative continues to expand this impact by investing in long-term, collaborative efforts that equip leaders and institutions to prevent corruption and drive sustainable ethical change.\n\n### Learn more\n\n*   Discover more about the Siemens Integrity Initiative, its global portfolio and the new Evolve funding round on their [official website](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.siemens.com\u002Fintegrity-initiative).\n*   To explore tools, case studies and resources on Collective Action, visit the Basel Institute’s dedicated global platform, the [Collective Action Hub](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002F).","2025-12-11","basel-institute-awarded-new-siemens-integrity-initiative-evolve-funding-to-advance-global-collective-action-2884","Basel Institute awarded new Siemens Integrity Initiative Evolve funding to advance global Collective Action","https:\u002F\u002Fjam.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002F0307e41d-b638-4c77-84f1-c7abcd462d72?width=1000&height=650&format=webp&quality=80",[],[14,71],[170],[],2884,[14,71],[170],[],[],[],"2025-12-11T11:01:41.000Z",[],"\u002Fresources\u002Fnews\u002Fbasel-institute-awarded-new-siemens-integrity-initiative-evolve-funding-to-advance-global-collective-action-2884",{"id":203,"body":204,"status":6,"type":10,"date":205,"slug":206,"title":207,"image":208,"countries":209,"topic":23,"activity":23,"tags":210,"nid":23,"topics":211,"activities":215,"authors":218,"images":220,"websites":221,"area":222,"programme":225,"language":80,"translations":227,"translation_of":23,"user_created":228,"date_created":229,"user_updated":41,"date_updated":230,"content":231,"link":232},10590,"This feature appears in the 2025 Basel AML Index Public Edition report. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Findex.baselgovernance.org\u002Fdownloads\">Download the full report and related resources\u003C\u002Fa>.\n\n\u003Cblockquote>\n\u003Ch3>Key takeaways\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Understanding national risks linked to virtual assets is now essential\u003C\u002Fstrong>, as their use has moved from niche to mainstream and is increasingly exploited for financial crime. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Risk assessments are inherently challenging \u003C\u002Fstrong>as (a) virtual assets are borderless by design, (b) large parts of the ecosystem fall outside regulation and (c) reliable national-level data remains limited. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Illicit activity involving virtual assets does not take place in isolation\u003C\u002Fstrong>: offenders exploit the same weaknesses – corruption, fraud, weak supervision and poor enforcement – that already undermine the wider financial system. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>The Basel AML Index provides valuable indicators to assess both a jurisdiction’s structural vulnerabilities and its capacity to counter threats \u003C\u002Fstrong>related to financial crimes in general, including those related to virtual assets, even though it does not include a dedicated virtual assets risk indicator. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\n\n\u003Cem>Note: in this article we use the term virtual assets in line with the FATF’s \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.fatf-gafi.org\u002Fen\u002Ftopics\u002Fvirtual-assets.html\">definition\u003C\u002Fa> of “any digital representation of value that can be digitally traded, transferred or used for payment”. The terms crypto, cryptoassets, digital assets, digital currencies, etc. form part of this loose family, though they are often defined differently in different contexts – a factor that also complicates risk assessments and data analysis.\u003C\u002Fem>\n\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cstrong>Why assessing risks related to virtual assets matters \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\nGovernments and private firms alike are under growing pressure to understand the risks associated with virtual assets. What was once a niche is becoming a mainstream part of financial markets and a common feature in all forms of financial crime.\n\nAs the virtual assets industry continues to mature, national authorities that lack a clear understanding of the risks find themselves on the back foot when drafting legislation, supervising market participants or countering financial crime.\n\nFor financial institutions, a clear picture of jurisdiction-level risk is essential for customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, calibrating controls and taking strategic decisions about where or where not to operate. Financial institutions that misjudge these risks leave themselves exposed to illicit finance, reputational harm and potential regulatory action.\n\n\u003Ch3>Why jurisdiction-level risk assessments are difficult\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Ch4>1. A borderless system by design\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\nUnlike bank accounts or trust funds, virtual asset wallets or addresses do not have a meaningful jurisdictional location. There is no crypto equivalent of “a bank account in Switzerland”. A wallet can be accessed anywhere and may be controlled by a person or entity whose location is unknown or easily obscured. Large parts of the virtual asset ecosystem also fall outside the boundaries of traditional financial regulation. Self-hosted wallets, peer-to-peer transfers, decentralised finance (DeFi) protocols and informal over-the-counter (OTC) brokers create pockets of activity that are largely invisible. Any jurisdiction-level assessment will inevitably be incomplete.\n\nThe activities of virtual asset service providers (VASPs) further complicate matters. A VASP may be established in one jurisdiction while primarily serving customers in another. In the absence of harmonised legislation or cooperation among supervisors, many operate across numerous markets with minimal physical presence or regulatory engagement.\n\n\u003Ch4>2. Data is limited, patchy and uncertain\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\nReliable quantitative data on financial crime risks related to virtual assets at the national level is scarce. In addition to the issue of contrasting definitions and the technology’s borderless nature, several factors contribute to this lack.\n\nFirst, commercial blockchain analytics providers publish broad indicators of virtual asset adoption and estimates of illicit usage. These can be helpful for spotting trends but require careful interpretation. They rely on estimates and proxies, including web traffic to exchanges or intermediaries, and do not provide precise amounts or reliably distinguish licit from illicit activity.\n\nSecond, it is reasonable to assume that where adoption rises, illicit activity will also increase, simply because criminals use the same infrastructure as legitimate users. However, such relationships cannot be measured with confidence.\n\nThird, at the government level, many jurisdictions still lack a coordinated approach across authorities to collect, share and analyse statistics on money laundering and related financial crimes. In many jurisdictions, data on virtual assets is either not gathered consistently or not collected at all.\n\nWithout reliable data on virtual assets usage and risks, national risk assessments may become detached from real-world threats. The result: regulation and supervision that is either insufficient or unnecessarily burdensome.\n\n### How the Basel AML Index can be used\n\nFor the above reasons, the Basel AML Index does not offer a dedicated indicator for virtual assets. Nevertheless, the Index data is still useful because illicit activity involving virtual assets typically exploits the same underlying weaknesses that enable money laundering, corruption, fraud and other financial crimes in the traditional financial system. Where protections against fraud are weak, for example, where supervision is lacking or where enforcement of regulations is inconsistent or politically compromised, opportunities to misuse virtual assets for illegal purposes tend to expand.\n\n\u003Cblockquote>\n\u003Cstrong>Two components of risk \u003C\u002Fstrong>\n\nIn line with the holistic methodology of the Basel AML Index and most AML\u002FCFT risk assessment frameworks, evaluating jurisdiction-level risk related to virtual assets centres on two elements:\n\n\u003Cp>a) \u003Cem>vulnerability \u003C\u002Fem>to the illicit use of virtual assets; and b) \u003Cem>capacity to mitigate \u003C\u002Fem>and respond to these threats. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\n\n### Relevant indicators\n\nThe following graphic highlights indicators of the Basel AML Index that are relevant for assessing either \u003Cem>structural vulnerabilities \u003C\u002Fem>that illicit actors may exploit, or a jurisdiction’s \u003Cem>capacity to counter \u003C\u002Fem>threats. These can be viewed individually in the Expert Edition.\n\n![](https:\u002F\u002Fjam.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002F7f446525-136f-4018-a322-8a4e8872f23b) *Indicators visible in the Basel AML Index Edition that are particularly relevant to assessing national risks relating to virtual assets.*\n\n\n#### FATF data\n\nUsing the Expert Edition Plus subscription and its quantitative analysis of the latest FATF mutual evaluation and follow-up reports, Basel AML Index users can gain rapid insights into whether a jurisdiction’s AML\u002FCFT framework provides it with the capacity to \u003Cem>counter threats \u003C\u002Fem>related to financial crimes generally, including those involving virtual assets. FATF Recommendations that may be highly relevant for this include:\n\n- R.15 (new technologies)\n- R.16 (payment transparency)\n- R.26 & 27 (regulation and supervision)\n- R.29–31 (law enforcement)\n- R.36–40 (international cooperation)\n\nAn additional useful source of information for jurisdiction-level risk assessments is the FATF’s \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.fatf-gafi.org\u002Fen\u002Fpublications\u002FFatfrecommendations\u002Ftargeted-update-virtual-assets-vasps-2025.html\">\u003Cem>2025 Targeted Update on Implementation of the FATF Standards on Virtual Assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fa>. This report summarises progress in implementing FATF Recommendation 15 by FATF members and additional jurisdictions with materially important global virtual asset activity. “Materially important” refers to the presence of large VASPs (accounting for more than 0.25 percent of global trading) and\u002For a large virtual asset user base.\n\n### Where to start\n\nFor jurisdictions at an early stage of assessing national risks related to virtual assets, the World Bank’s \u003Cem>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fopenknowledge.worldbank.org\u002Fentities\u002Fpublication\u002Fbb5a7475-ac52-4697-afdc-5f618a550623\">AML\u002FCFT National Risk Assessment on Virtual Assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers: Guidance Manual\u003C\u002Fa> \u003C\u002Fem>(published in October 2025) is a strong starting point. It covers both threats and vulnerabilities, as well as the effectiveness of mitigation measures.\n\nAdditional useful resources include:\n- \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fbaselgovernance.org\u002F9crc-crypto-regulation\">\u003Cstrong>Practical recommendations from regulators and supervisors\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa>, developed at the 9th Global Conference on Criminal Finances and Cryptoassets, on understanding financial crime risks linked to virtual assets and designing effective regulatory and supervisory frameworks.\n- \u003Cstrong>Structured public–private partnerships\u003C\u002Fstrong>, such as the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fefippp.eu\u002F\">Europol Financial Intelligence Sharing Public Private Partnership\u003C\u002Fa>, which offer opportunities to learn from peers and obtain early insights into emerging threats and financial crime typologies involving virtual assets.\n","2025-12-08","assessing-national-risks-related-to-virtual-assets","Assessing national risks related to virtual assets","https:\u002F\u002Fjam.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002F78f8a1ec-bf8d-469a-ab92-228e79ddd8f2?width=1000&height=650&format=webp&quality=80",[],[],[212,213,21,214],"Anti-Money Laundering","Asset Recovery and Enforcement","Corruption Prevention and Public Governance",[216,217],"Basel AML Index","Research",[219],1365,[],[216],[223,224],"Asset Recovery & Enforcement","Business Integrity & Governance",[226],"International Centre for Asset Recovery",[],"545a204d-e41b-4882-afda-481ecf3fd971","2025-12-05T11:43:36.000Z","2026-05-29T22:22:39.000Z",[],"\u002Fresources\u002Fnews\u002Fassessing-national-risks-related-to-virtual-assets",{"id":234,"body":235,"status":6,"type":10,"date":236,"slug":237,"title":238,"image":239,"countries":240,"topic":241,"activity":242,"tags":243,"nid":244,"topics":245,"activities":246,"authors":247,"images":251,"websites":23,"area":23,"programme":23,"language":80,"translations":252,"translation_of":23,"user_created":40,"date_created":253,"user_updated":40,"date_updated":254,"content":255,"link":256},10571,"Around the world, businesses, civil society and governments are working together in initiatives to address corruption risks that no single actor can resolve on their own. \n\nInitiatives might be set up to reduce bribe demands in ports, for example, or harmonise compliance frameworks in the metals technology industry, or help small businesses in Thailand enhance their anti-corruption credentials and thereby improve their business prospects. We have recorded more than 300 such initiatives in the database of our B20 Collective Action Hub from across the world and in multiple industries.\n\nSo it is clear that Collective Action – as an umbrella term for these diverse multi-stakeholder initiatives – is now firmly established as part of the anti-corruption landscape. \n\nYet this very diversity poses a challenge. Initiatives come in many forms, pursue different goals and operate in widely varying political and institutional settings. That makes it difficult to draw meaningful comparisons or to understand, in a systematic way, what works best in which circumstances.\n\nAs part of the Basel Institute’s decades-long efforts to advance anti-corruption Collective Action, this challenge became the starting point for a multi-year project. The project, funded by the Siemens Integrity Initiative, set out to strengthen the evidence base for Collective Action. \n\nWe wanted to know: how can we describe and analyse Collective Action in a way that respects its diversity but still allows for consistency and comparability?\n\nThe answers matter for all those who care about being effective in countering corruption and creating fairer, cleaner and more competitive business environments. You can find them in our [_Working Paper 57: Mapping and strengthening the evidence base for anti-corruption Collective Action_](https:\u002F\u002Fbaselgovernance.org\u002Fpublications\u002Fwp-57) – which is summarised below.\n\n### The challenge of “cutting the cake”\n\nDeveloping a conceptual framework was far from straightforward. Collective Action can be “cut” in many different ways. \n\n*   Should we focus on what initiatives do: training, codes of conduct, strengthening industry standards? \n*   Or on who participates: companies or business associations, governments, non-profit or civil society organisations – or a combination of these and potentially others? \n*   Should we look at their goals, such as strengthening compliance systems or influencing laws? \n*   Or at their level of formality, from voluntary declarations to binding agreements?\n\nEach lens has value, but none alone captures the full picture. Our task was to weave these perspectives together into a framework that could accommodate complexity while still generating clarity. \n\nWe drew on models of system change, organisational decision-making, network formation and impact pathways. Taken together, these offered a dynamic picture of how initiatives emerge, why organisations choose to join, how networks are built and governed, and how their actions might contribute to wider change.\n\nThe framework we developed is not intended to provide definitive answers. Rather, it creates a shared language and a set of guiding questions. \n\nIt allows practitioners, policymakers and researchers to explore initiatives in a structured way; to test assumptions, compare across contexts and build knowledge cumulatively rather than in isolated case studies.\n\n### From framework to evidence\n\nTo see if the framework could work in practice, we turned to the [B20 Collective Action Hub](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002Fexplore\u002Finitiatives), the world’s largest repository of anti-corruption Collective Action initiatives. The Basel Institute launched the Hub in 2013 following a mandate from the B20 group of business leaders and has developed and enhanced it over the last 12 years. \n\nWe carefully reviewed and reclassified initiatives in the database, creating new categories of mission, scope, activities and stakeholder composition. The result was not just a cleaner dataset, but also a more solid foundation for analysis.\n\nThis process revealed important patterns. Most initiatives remain focused on fostering engagement between stakeholders through awareness-raising, dialogue and practical tools. Such activities are often vital entry points where trust is low or enforcement is weak. \n\nThis emphasis on prevention – addressing root causes rather than relying solely on detection and punishment – is also where these initiatives make their strongest contribution: building capacity, equipping companies with tools and fostering trust-based cooperation that reduces opportunities for corruption. \n\nMore formal and arguably more ambitious activities, such as developing self-regulatory standards or seeking external monitoring for certifications for example, are rarer – but may develop over time as relationships and capacities mature.\n\nContext also matters to how Collective Action initiatives operate and what they achieve. Our analysis confirmed that broader reforms, such as transparency standards or legal change, are more likely to take hold in open democratic settings with a strong rule of law. In more restrictive environments, narrower, company-level initiatives like strengthening internal compliance systems may be the realistic starting point. \n\n### Strengthening the evidence base\n\nBeyond insights into today’s landscape of anti-corruption Collective Action, the project has also generated practical tools to help strengthen the evidence base for the future. We have: \n\n*   introduced a set of guiding questions that practitioners and researchers can use when designing or analysing initiatives;\n*    produced a new reporting protocol that encourages more consistent and transparent data sharing, so that future initiatives can be compared more reliably; and \n*   refined the global dataset itself, making it a richer resource for both practice and research.\n\nTaken together, these outputs offer both a conceptual foundation and a practical toolbox. They offer ways to link the design and activities of Collective Action initiatives to plausible outcomes, and to situate those outcomes within broader governance environments.\n\n### Key lessons for practitioners, policymakers and researchers\n\nFor practitioners, the central lesson is to design with context in mind. What works in one setting may not be feasible in another. In environments with weaker rule of law or restricted civic space, modest, company-focused initiatives can still lay important foundations. \n\nIn more open settings, broader collaborations that aim for systemic reforms may be realistic and worthwhile.\n\nFor policymakers, the message is to see Collective Action as a complement to formal anti-corruption institutions and efforts, not a substitute. By fostering dialogue, developing practical tools and raising standards of integrity, these initiatives can reinforce prevention efforts and bridge the gap between policy commitments and implementation on the ground. \n\nThat is why it is important for governments to support Collective Action with recognition and resources. \n\nFor researchers, the key takeaway is the importance of building the evidence base systematically. Our framework, refined dataset and reporting protocol are designed to enable more consistent comparison and more robust testing of assumptions. Longitudinal and case-based studies, in particular, will be essential to understand how initiatives evolve and where they deliver the greatest impact.\n\nThis kind of research will be of great practical value to both practitioners and policymakers seeking to harness the power of Collective Action to achieve anti-corruption or economic development goals.\n\n### Looking ahead\n\nThe strength of Collective Action lies in its adaptability: the ability of diverse actors to come together, often in difficult circumstances, to find practical solutions to challenges of corruption and fair business. But adaptability must be matched by clarity if the field is to grow stronger.\n\nBy offering a shared framework, a refined dataset and practical tools for reporting and reflection, this project contributes to building that clarity. It does not close the debate but opens it wider, inviting practitioners, researchers and policymakers to engage with a more coherent evidence base and to help refine it further.\n\nThe message is clear: to strengthen Collective Action as an effective part of the anti-corruption toolkit, we need to learn from it systematically and plough those learnings back into policy and practice. This paper offers an important step in that direction.\n\n### Learn more\n\n*   [Download the full paper and its practical annexes](https:\u002F\u002Fbaselgovernance.org\u002Fpublications\u002Fwp-57).\n*   The Collective Action team at the Basel Institute on Governance provides a free advice service for anti-corruption practitioners and other professionals or government officials. Contact the [B20 Collective Action Hub Helpdesk](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002Fget-involved\u002Fhelpdesk).","2025-08-26","collective-action-against-corruption-what-works-best-and-why-2843","Collective Action against corruption: what works best and why?","https:\u002F\u002Fjam.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002Fef76f772-e0c4-4e5f-899e-40c89f892860?width=1000&height=650&format=webp&quality=80",[],[14,71],[217],[],2843,[14,71],[217],[248,249,250],1352,1353,1354,[],[],"2025-09-08T21:23:11.000Z","2025-09-08T21:23:12.000Z",[],"\u002Fresources\u002Fnews\u002Fcollective-action-against-corruption-what-works-best-and-why-2843",{"id":258,"body":259,"status":6,"type":64,"date":260,"slug":261,"title":262,"image":263,"countries":264,"topic":265,"activity":266,"tags":268,"nid":276,"topics":277,"activities":278,"authors":279,"images":280,"websites":23,"area":23,"programme":23,"language":80,"translations":281,"translation_of":23,"user_created":40,"date_created":282,"user_updated":112,"date_updated":283,"content":284,"link":285},10561,"> “The scope of integrity and anti-corruption Collective Action initiatives has grown massively over the last 20 or so years. This is because companies, civil society and others have recognised that to tackle extortion and the payment of bribes requires more than an inward-looking ethics and compliance programme to ensure fair competition.”\n> \n> Gemma Aiolfi, Senior Advisor, Legal and Compliance, Basel Institute on Governance\n\nOver the past two decades, Collective Action has grown from a niche idea to one of the most promising approaches in the global fight against corruption. The concept of sustained multi-stakeholder collaboration is increasingly recognised in international standards, national strategies and corporate practices.\n\nWe are excited to announce the release of our new book, [_Collective Action in practice: a game-changer for business integrity_](https:\u002F\u002Fbaselgovernance.org\u002Fpublications\u002Fcollective-action-practice-game-changer-business-integrity), offering an in-depth reflection on this journey. It explores the growing impact it has on promoting business integrity around the world.\n\n### Collective responses to shared challenges\n\nAt its core, anti-corruption Collective Action is a simple yet powerful concept: tackling corruption challenges together, rather than alone. The approach brings together diverse stakeholders – primarily businesses, but often also civil society organisations, public sector representatives and\u002For academic institutions – around common challenges, shared goals and practical solutions.\n\n### Showcasing real impact\n\nDrawing on real-life examples, policy milestones and practical experiences from the Basel Institute on Governance and our partners, _Collective Action in practice: a game-changer for business integrity_ presents how diverse actors have been working together to tackle corruption in complex environments.\n\nIt aims to capture the living ecosystem of Collective Action as it exists today, its foundations, its progress and the possibilities it continues to offer for the future.\n\nThe book is structured in three parts:\n\nPart 1: Advancing the knowledge base – presents the analytical tools and conceptual models that help us make sense of Collective Action in practice. It showcases the [B20 Collective Action Hub](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002F) as a flagship resource, documenting more than 340 initiatives and providing access to hundreds of publications. Part 1 also introduces a [newly developed typology](https:\u002F\u002Fbaselgovernance.org\u002Fpublications\u002Fwp-56) that reflects the evolving forms of Collective Action and their distinct roles in shaping business integrity. It also explores how the anti-corruption field intersects with human rights and sustainable development, offering fresh perspectives on risk, responsibility and collaboration.\n\nPart 2: Mainstreaming Collective Action as a norm – illustrates the growing recognition of Collective Action in international standards and policy frameworks. It highlights policy milestones and references in regional and national strategies and legislation. It also showcases the Institute’s International [Collective Action Conference series](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002Fget-involved\u002Fevents) and the [Collective Action Awards](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002Fget-involved\u002Fawards), which have helped build a common language around Collective Action and inspire action across industries and geographies.\n\nPart 3: Providing hands-on support – focuses on the Basel Institute’s direct support to Collective Action practitioners. It highlights the importance of peer learning and the [mentoring programme](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002Fget-involved\u002Fmentoring-programme) for civil society organisations, which has grown into a global community of practice. These efforts are grounded in our belief that the success of Collective Action depends not only on policies and frameworks, but also on the people driving change on the ground, often with limited resources and in challenging environments.\n\n### Learn more\n\n*   Access the [individual chapters or the complete book for free](https:\u002F\u002Fbaselgovernance.org\u002Fpublications\u002Fcollective-action-practice-game-changer-business-integrity) on our website.\n*   Take our free [eLearning course](https:\u002F\u002Flearn.baselgovernance.org\u002Fcourse\u002Fview.php?id=168) on Collective Action Against Corruption.\n*   Visit the [B20 Collective Action Hub](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002F).\n\n_Collective Action in practice: a game-changer for business integrity_ was developed and published by the Basel Institute on Governance, with support from the Siemens Integrity Initiative.","2025-07-07","new-book-explore-the-impact-of-anti-corruption-collective-action-2826","New book! Explore the impact of anti-corruption Collective Action","https:\u002F\u002Fjam.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002Ffbca6734-f84b-44d8-8243-f5a8c5600f16?width=1000&height=650&format=webp&quality=80",[],[14],[267,18],"Reports",[269,271,274],{"tags_id":270},{"id":103,"name":104},{"tags_id":272},{"id":273,"name":15},1236,{"tags_id":275},{"id":98,"name":14},2826,[14],[267,18],[],[],[],"2025-07-13T11:42:44.000Z","2025-08-31T23:09:31.000Z",[],"\u002Fresources\u002Fnews\u002Fnew-book-explore-the-impact-of-anti-corruption-collective-action-2826",{"id":287,"body":288,"status":6,"type":10,"date":289,"slug":290,"title":291,"image":292,"countries":293,"topic":299,"activity":300,"tags":301,"nid":302,"topics":303,"activities":304,"authors":305,"images":306,"websites":23,"area":23,"programme":23,"language":80,"translations":307,"translation_of":23,"user_created":40,"date_created":308,"user_updated":41,"date_updated":309,"content":310,"link":311},10563,"_A joint blog by Vanessa Hans, Director, Private Sector, Basel Institute on Governance, and Elodie Beth, Senior Manager, Anti-corruption, Global Relations, Directorate for Financial and Enterprise Affairs, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The post is also published on the [OECD website](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.oecd.org\u002Fen\u002Fblogs\u002F2025\u002F06\u002Fboosting-business-integrity-in-asia-the-power-of-public-private-co-operation1.html)._\n\nClean, ethical business practices build trust, attract investors and create healthier markets. For the OECD, business integrity is key to levelling the global playing field and enhancing national competitiveness.\n\nAmid global regulatory uncertainty, countries like Indonesia and Thailand are stepping up. Both are taking meaningful steps to strengthen their anti-corruption frameworks as they move towards joining the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention – a critical milestone and prerequisite for future OECD membership.\n\nTheir actions reflect a broader shift: governments across Asia increasingly recognise that corruption undermines competitiveness, deters investment and jeopardises sustainable, long-term growth. A 2024 [regional study](https:\u002F\u002Flink.springer.com\u002Fchapter\u002F10.1007\u002F978-981-99-9303-1_3) confirms it: Asian countries that have improved their control of corruption are far more likely to attract foreign direct investment and foster long-term growth.\n\n### Regional co-operation and the role of Collective Action\n\nRecognising that no single actor can tackle corruption alone, public- and private-sector actors are joining forces at the regional level through the [Anti-Corruption Initiative for Asia and the Pacific](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.oecd.org\u002Fen\u002Fnetworks\u002Fanti-corruption-initiative-for-asia-and-the-pacific.html) (ACI), co-led by the OECD and Asian Development Bank.\n\nThe ACI, jointly supported by the OECD and the Asian Development Bank, launched a business integrity workstream in 2019, initiated by the Government of Viet Nam as the host country. Last year, the Government of Bhutan held business integrity seminars, and in 2025, Indonesia is expected to host the Regional ACI Conference.\n\nThese Collective Action efforts are underpinned by the OECD’s 2021 Anti-Bribery Recommendation, the first global standard to formally recognise the role of Collective Action and partnerships between the public and private sectors against foreign bribery.\n\n### Spotlight on innovation: Promising business integrity initiatives across the region\n\nFrom risk mapping to regulatory reform, here are standout examples of how countries are taking action through public-private initiatives:\n\n*   Australia: The [Bribery Prevention Network](https:\u002F\u002Fbriberyprevention.com\u002F) brings together business, civil society, academia and government to help small- and medium-sized enterprises prevent, detect and address bribery and corruption while promoting a culture of compliance.\n*   India: The [Maritime Anti-Corruption Network](https:\u002F\u002Fmacn.dk\u002Findia\u002F), a global initiative, set up a HelpDesk in India serving as a real-time resolution mechanism that bridges the gap between the shipping industry and local authorities. It collects anonymous reports by shipping companies of bribe solicitation in ports and uses this data to map out risk areas and tailor its strategies to engage with local government authorities.\n*   Hong Kong, China: The [Independent Commission Against Corruption](https:\u002F\u002Fcpas.icac.hk\u002FEN\u002FInfo\u002FNews_List?cate_id=26) is engaged in several sector-specific Collective Action initiatives, particularly in construction and banking. It collaborates with chambers of commerce and industry associations such as the Construction Industry Council.\n*   Thailand: In 2024, the Thai government amended its procurement law to recognise certification by the [Thai Collective Action Against Corruption](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thai-cac.com\u002Fen\u002F) (CAC) initiative as proof of a company’s anti-corruption controls. This enables CAC-certified firms to qualify for public contracts above a certain threshold, incentivising private-sector compliance.\n\nThese experiences illustrate how government authorities are increasingly participating in Collective Action initiatives to enhance their awareness-raising efforts, gather better evidence and develop tailored solutions that reflect the realities of different sectors and companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises.\n\nBy engaging in such initiatives, government authorities can increase their overall outreach, lend greater legitimacy to private-sector anti-corruption efforts and effectively promote the adoption of business integrity policies.\n\n### Building a regional community of practice\n\nTo sustain momentum, the OECD and the Basel Institute on Governance have launched a regional community of practice.\n\nIn 2023, the [Asia-Pacific Collective Action Forum](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002Fget-involved\u002Fevents\u002Fasia-pacific-anti-corruption-collective-action-forum-2023\u002F) was held in Manila, Philippines, bringing together 50+ practitioners from diverse stakeholder groups across the region. The Asia-Pacific Anti-Corruption Collective Action Award recognised the growing number of initiatives in the region and celebrated their achievements. The Thai CAC received the inaugural award.\n\nEncouraged by the Forum’s success, participants expressed strong interest in sustaining and deepening exchanges among practitioners. A follow-up Collective Action workshop was held in 2024 in Bangkok, in collaboration with the Thai CAC. The workshop further strengthened the emerging community of practice and provided a valuable platform for peer learning.\n\nThis regional community has created a meaningful space for peer learning and experience sharing. It has also contributed to greater alignment with international standards.\n\n### Looking ahead: co-operation as the path forward\n\nThese developments show that business integrity reforms are not only possible but already underway.\n\nIn 2025, the OECD will release a policy paper examining the link between business integrity frameworks and competitiveness. The paper underscores how public-private cooperation is not only advancing reform, but also makes countries more attractive to investment and resilient to shocks.\n\nAlthough still in their early stages, the emergence of Collective Action and partnerships between the public and private sectors in Asia offers a promising path forward to advance integrity. Sustained cooperation will be crucial to fully realising the potential of these initiatives.\n\n### Learn more and get engaged\n\n*   OECD work on [fighting foreign bribery](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.oecd.org\u002Fen\u002Ftopics\u002Ffighting-foreign-bribery.html)\n*   OECD and ADB [Anti-Corruption Initiative for Asia and the Pacific](https:\u002F\u002Feur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\u002F?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.oecd.org%2Fen%2Fnetworks%2Fanti-corruption-initiative-for-asia-and-the-pacific.html&data=05%7C02%7CAmelia.GODBER%40oecd.org%7C6fd37eac8a904a45c14a08ddb79ccb32%7Cac41c7d41f61460db0f4fc925a2b471c%7C0%7C0%7C638868606248663645%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=f3iuWN%2F79tnGhdt3SdwKbaUixtckXB6wTGm2vb%2BocG4%3D&reserved=0)\n*   [B20 Collective Action Hub](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002F) by the Basel Institute on Governance\n*   [Working Paper 48: A collaborative approach to improve business integrity in ASEAN](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002Fexplore\u002Fpublications\u002F2316\u002F) by Lucie Binder, Vanessa Hans and Anna Stransky, Basel Institute on Governance\n*   [Working Paper 56: Anti-corruption Collective Action: A typology for a new era](https:\u002F\u002Fcollective-action.com\u002Fexplore\u002Fpublications\u002F2397\u002F) by Scarlet Wannenwetsch, Basel Institute on Governance","2025-06-30","boosting-business-integrity-in-asia-the-power-of-public-private-cooperation-2825","Boosting business integrity in Asia: the power of public-private cooperation","https:\u002F\u002Fjam.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002Fc2ae4699-b971-41c8-bba9-47e7fadb6c5e?width=1000&height=650&format=webp&quality=80",[294,295,296,297,298],7783,7784,7785,7786,7787,[14,71],[18],[],2825,[14,71,21],[18],[],[],[],"2025-07-13T11:42:46.000Z","2026-05-29T22:22:37.000Z",[],"\u002Fresources\u002Fnews\u002Fboosting-business-integrity-in-asia-the-power-of-public-private-cooperation-2825",{"left":313,"top":313,"width":314,"height":314,"rotate":313,"vFlip":315,"hFlip":315,"body":316},0,20,false,"\u003Cpath fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M17 10a.75.75 0 0 1-.75.75H5.612l4.158 3.96a.75.75 0 1 1-1.04 1.08l-5.5-5.25a.75.75 0 0 1 0-1.08l5.5-5.25a.75.75 0 1 1 1.04 1.08L5.612 9.25H16.25A.75.75 0 0 1 17 10\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"\u002F>",1780676482124]