[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":285},["ShallowReactive",2],{"news-our-annual-report-2019-looking-back-but-mostly-forward-1747":3,"news-our-annual-report-2019-looking-back-but-mostly-forward-1747-similar":62,"i-heroicons:arrow-left-20-solid":280},[4],{"id":5,"status":6,"date_created":7,"date_updated":8,"title":9,"type":10,"body":11,"date":12,"topic":13,"slug":15,"activity":16,"nid":18,"topics":19,"activities":20,"programme":21,"area":21,"websites":22,"language":21,"image":24,"translation_of":21,"countries":36,"tags":37,"authors":38,"images":59,"translations":60,"content":61},9740,"published","2022-05-26T22:55:01.000Z","2025-08-31T23:14:40.000Z","Our Annual Report 2019: looking back, but mostly forward","Blog","We are delighted to release our Annual Report 2019 – [view it here](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002F2020-05\u002FBasel%20Institute%20Annual%20Report%202019.pdf).\n\nThe report highlights our achievements in the past year, but it also looks forward to the future. It is a chance to reflect on how corruption and governance are changing around the world and how we are adapting to new challenges. It is also a chance to thank, once again, our partners and donors for their unwavering support. \n\nHere is the foreword by Managing Director Gretta Fenner and President of the Board Mark Pieth.\n\n### Corruption and poor governance: enemies of the people\n\nAs we write this note for our annual report, the world has become a different place. A global pandemic is spreading fast, globalisation has come to a virtual standstill, and almost everything we took for granted is no longer a given.\n\nWe have been warned. Not specifically about covid-19, but about the risk of a global pandemic. Yet in many countries we see that structures are not in place and warnings have been ignored for too long. As we are still grappling to understand what is happening, one cannot help but ask, whether governance systems have failed us.\n\nWhen essential services are deprived of funding because it does not fit the political agenda of those in charge, this points to distorted governance systems that fail to set the right priorities for the public good. And can we really disregard the role corruption has played in fuelling this crisis? No, we cannot. It is clear that public officials have received grease payments to turn a blind eye to illegal trade in endangered species and disregard sub-standard hygiene in markets from where the  virus has seemingly spread.\n\nFighting corruption and strengthening governance may not be at the top of most officials’ priority lists right now as they are busy trying to control the spread of the virus and keep mortality levels low. But when we take a step back and have more space to reflect on underlying causes, we will have a terrible re-awakening to the realisation that corruption and bad governance are devastating our world and our lives.\n\nThat’s why at the Basel Institute, we see our mission of combating corruption and strengthening governance not as a cause in itself. Instead, we see it as our contribution to sustainable development, equitable growth, stability, respect for human rights and peace.\n\nOur team has worked hard again in 2019 to make inroads toward these overarching global goals. We are proud of our achievements, and acutely aware how our work interplays with the work of many others, be it in anti-corruption and governance or in other fields. This includes health, where corruption and weak governance compromise the achievement of better development outcomes. \n\nOur partnerships with governments, the private sector, other international organisations and civil society are critical. The covid-19 crisis has shown us like nothing else that we need to come together to go forward.\n\nWe hope that the work we describe in our annual report inspires you. By now, when we write this foreword, we know only too well what topic will dominate the year 2020. We sincerely hope to make a contribution to fighting the root causes of this pandemic, so that we may come out of this tragic crisis not only with losses, but also with a new understanding of our global responsibilities, individually and collectively.\n\n[Download the annual report here](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002F2020-05\u002FBasel%20Institute%20Annual%20Report%202019.pdf).","2020-05-17",[14],"","our-annual-report-2019-looking-back-but-mostly-forward-1747",[17],"Reports",1747,[],[17],null,[23],"Main page",{"id":25,"storage":26,"filename_disk":27,"filename_download":28,"title":9,"type":29,"created_on":30,"modified_on":31,"charset":21,"filesize":32,"width":33,"height":34,"duration":21,"embed":21,"description":21,"location":21,"tags":21,"metadata":35,"focal_point_x":21,"focal_point_y":21,"tus_id":21,"tus_data":21,"uploaded_on":31},"fbcf85c1-981c-4bb2-8107-c4a6bde291e6","local","fbcf85c1-981c-4bb2-8107-c4a6bde291e6.webp","tmp.webp","image\u002Fwebp","2025-05-12T21:20:35.000Z","2025-05-12T21:20:36.000Z",48134,1400,933,{},[],[],[39],{"id":40,"news_id":41,"authors_id":55},1232,{"id":5,"status":6,"user_created":42,"date_created":7,"user_updated":43,"date_updated":8,"title":9,"type":10,"body":11,"image":25,"date":12,"topic":44,"slug":15,"activity":45,"nid":18,"topics":46,"activities":47,"programme":21,"area":21,"websites":48,"translation_of":21,"language":21,"countries":49,"tags":50,"authors":51,"images":52,"translations":53,"content":54},"03bebfd8-0b40-4a2a-820d-b9d9c13b9de6","b0662e2a-864d-4888-a1b7-4342b7570b30",[14],[17],[],[17],[23],[],[],[40],[],[],[],{"id":56,"name":57,"position":21,"image":58},297,"Gretta Fenner","06f7143f-fe9b-45df-87a0-8c2e8f721109",[],[],[],[63,90,114,136,163,189,211,233,258],{"id":64,"body":65,"status":6,"type":10,"date":66,"slug":67,"title":68,"image":69,"countries":70,"topic":71,"activity":74,"tags":77,"nid":78,"topics":79,"activities":80,"authors":81,"images":82,"websites":83,"area":21,"programme":21,"language":21,"translations":84,"translation_of":21,"user_created":42,"date_created":85,"user_updated":86,"date_updated":87,"content":88,"link":89},9540,"_A guest blog by Bernard O’Donnell, Head of Fraud Investigations at the [European Investment Bank](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.eib.org\u002Fen\u002Fabout\u002Faccountability\u002Fanti-fraud\u002Findex.htm) (EIB), and Sabine Zindera, Vice President, Legal and Compliance at Siemens AG and head of the [Siemens Integrity Initiative](http:\u002F\u002Fwww.siemens.com\u002Fintegrity-initiative)._\n\nWhen companies are sanctioned for wrongdoing, is there a way to turn the punitive sanction into a positive force – not only for those wronged, but for wider business integrity around the world?\n\nThere is. Exhibit number 1 is a settlement agreement signed in 2013 between the EIB and Siemens AG that addresses alleged past violations of the EIB Anti-Fraud Policy (see the [EIB](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.eib.org\u002Fen\u002Fpress\u002Fnews\u002Feib-and-siemens-settlement-agreement.htm) and [Siemens](https:\u002F\u002Fnew.siemens.com\u002Fglobal\u002Fen\u002Fcompany\u002Fsustainability\u002Fcompliance\u002Fcollective-action\u002Feib-and-siemens-settlement-agreement.html) press releases).\n\nAs part of the settlement, Siemens committed to provide funds totalling EUR 13.64 million to organisations that support projects or other initiatives that promote good governance and the fight against corruption.\n\nIt was agreed that the money would be disbursed under the umbrella of the [Siemens Integrity Initiative](http:\u002F\u002Fwww.siemens.com\u002Fintegrity-initiative), a USD 100 million funding mechanism established following a separate agreement that Siemens had reached with the [World Bank](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.worldbank.org\u002Fen\u002Fnews\u002Fpress-release\u002F2009\u002F07\u002F02\u002Fsiemens-pay-million-fight-fraud-corruption-part-world-bank-group-settlement) in 2009.\n\nNearly a decade on, the EIB has seen the very positive progress that Siemens has made in not only taking appropriate action to remediate past cases of corruption, but also in funding a host of impactful integrity projects around the world. The company is clearly taking an active role in improving the broader situation and has pushed the anti-corruption agenda forward on a local and global level, notably by fostering [Collective Action against corruption](https:\u002F\u002Fbaselgovernance.org\u002Fcollective-action).\n\n### Supporting the rise of Collective Action for fair and sustainable business\n\n“Collective Action” in general refers to action taken together by a group of like-minded and\u002For interested parties to try to achieve a common objective. In this case, Siemens committed to fostering the use of Collective Action to promote greater integrity, to level the playing field and to mitigate business risks.\n\nBack then, Collective Action was an innovative idea. Now, it is rapidly becoming part of [mainstream anti-corruption compliance](https:\u002F\u002Fbaselgovernance.org\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002F2021-03\u002Fmainstreaming_collective_action_-_executive_summary.pdf) practice, as companies, governments and civil society representatives see the benefits of working together to overcome hurdles to clean business.\n\nIn total, the Siemens Integrity Initiative has supported 85 projects in over 50 countries across the three Funding Rounds and so-called Golden Stretch Round, and increased its committed funding to nearly USD 120 million. All projects are detailed in the Initiative’s [annual reports](https:\u002F\u002Fbaselgovernance.org\u002Fpublications?topic=All&type=All&country=All&language=All&title=Siemens&external=2), which tell a powerful story about the growing maturity and reach of Collective Action.\n\nCommenting on the Golden Stretch round, of which the Basel Institute is one of the eight organisations [selected for additional funding](https:\u002F\u002Fbaselgovernance.org\u002Fnews\u002Fsiemens-integrity-initiative-funds-basel-institute-golden-stretch-promoting-anti-corruption), Sabine Zindera said:\n\n> In selecting the projects to be supported, we placed particular emphasis on how the sustainability of their activities and results can be ensured beyond 2024, and on how our partners will inspire, support and engage local non-governmental organisations and the public and private sectors through their longstanding networks and institutional standing. We are pleased to again support diverse projects in order to promote fair competition and fight corruption with a portfolio balanced by region and topic.\n\nThe EIB sees the value of Collective Action to combat corruption and agrees that the results are now clear: the projects have been positive for both EIB and Siemens in terms of resolving the past issues relating to the settlement. Globally, they have also had a significant impact in terms of governance and cleaner business.\n\n### Settlements that make sense\n\nSiemens was the first company to set up such a fund as part of a settlement with a multilateral development bank (MDB). Since then, [EIB has signed similar settlement agreements](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.eib.org\u002Fen\u002Fabout\u002Faccountability\u002Fanti-fraud\u002Fexclusion\u002Findex.htm) with companies including Volkswagen and, more recently, JSC Nenskra Hydro and Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co.\n\nAlthough such settlement agreements are not always appropriate, in some cases there may be suitable possibilities to include a sanction that requires the company to make additional efforts and commitments that are not purely monetary.\n\n### Proactive coordination to combat private-sector corruption\n\nThis constructive approach to settlements chimes with the proactive coordination that exists between MDBs in relation to corruption and fraud.\n\nThe six MDBs, including the World Bank and EIB, all share common definitions of fraud and corruption thanks to the 2006 [Uniform Framework for Preventing and Combating Fraud and Corruption](http:\u002F\u002Fwww.iadb.org\u002Fdocument.cfm?id=37018601). The Framework also introduced [guidelines and principles to conduct investigations](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.eib.org\u002Fen\u002Fabout\u002Fdocuments\u002Fifi-anti-corruption-task-force-uniform-framework.htm).\n\nThe MDBs also have [consistent policies on sanctioning](https:\u002F\u002Fidbdocs.iadb.org\u002Fwsdocs\u002Fgetdocument.aspx?docnum=EZSHARE-1138756496-328) those found to have engaged in such wrongdoing, including the [Cross-Debarment Agreement](http:\u002F\u002Fwww.iadb.org\u002Fdocument.cfm?id=35154738) signed in 2010 by the MDBs with the exception of EIB. This enables participating MDBs to mutually recognise certain sanctions imposed by any of the signatory institutions against firms and individuals found to have engaged in prohibited practices.\n\n### The bottom line\n\nThe mid-term review of the Siemens Integrity Initiative (see page 90 onwards in the [2017 Annual Report](http:\u002F\u002Fwww.siemens.com\u002Fintegrity-initiative\u002FReport2017)) concluded that there is “strong evidence” that the Siemens Integrity Initiative-funded Collective Action projects have “achieved their intended short-term results” and made “significant contributions to change within their respective contexts”.\n\nIt is “the passionate and committed work of Integrity Partners and the Siemens Munich Project Office that has helped promote, enhance the visibility of, and contribute to learning on Collective Action, including demonstrating to the private sector that there is a business case for investing in Collective Action”, it continued. In so doing, said the report, “the Integrity Initiative has made valuable contributions to the global fight against corruption”.\n\nThe story is not over yet, and we are all looking forward to seeing the fruits of anti-corruption Collective Action blossom and mature over the coming years. Visit the [B20 Collective Action Hub](https:\u002F\u002Fbaselgovernance.org\u002Fb20-collective-action-hub), developed and maintained by the Basel Institute on Governance, for more on Collective Action and ways to get involved.\n\n### _About the authors_\n\n_Bernard O’Donnell is Head of Fraud Investigations at the European Investment Bank (EIB). In his current position, Bernie oversees investigations into allegations of fraud, corruption and other prohibited conduct affecting EIB Group financed projects and activities in collaboration with national law enforcement and prosecution offices, along with the investigation offices of other international financial Institutions and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and OLAF._\n\n_Sabine Zindera is Vice President, Legal and Compliance at Siemens AG and head of the Siemens Integrity Initiative. In this role she leads Siemens´ global Collective Action activities, helping to build alliances against corruption to foster clean business and to support fair market conditions. As part of this, she also manages Siemens' relationships with international and non-governmental organisations around the world._","2021-12-06","siemens-and-the-european-investment-bank-fostering-integrity-through-collective-action-and-constructive-settlements-2133","Siemens and the European Investment Bank: Fostering integrity through Collective Action and constructive settlements","https:\u002F\u002Fjam.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002F47ec9765-2a36-4eba-bbc1-252dc4ea4da8?width=1000&height=650&format=webp&quality=80",[],[72,73],"Collective Action","Private Sector",[75,76],"Insights","Partnerships",[],2133,[72,73],[75,76],[],[],[23,72],[],"2022-05-26T22:52:12.000Z","dfef11db-1bc6-47e9-a61d-93443995484b","2026-05-08T21:11:00.000Z",[],"\u002Fresources\u002Fnews\u002Fsiemens-and-the-european-investment-bank-fostering-integrity-through-collective-action-and-constructive-settlements-2133",{"id":91,"body":92,"status":6,"type":93,"date":94,"slug":95,"title":96,"image":97,"countries":98,"topic":99,"activity":100,"tags":102,"nid":103,"topics":104,"activities":105,"authors":106,"images":107,"websites":108,"area":21,"programme":21,"language":21,"translations":109,"translation_of":21,"user_created":42,"date_created":110,"user_updated":43,"date_updated":111,"content":112,"link":113},9780,"The Basel Institute is looking forward to seeing many of our partners in the fight against corruption at the [8th Session of the Conference of the States Parties](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.unodc.org\u002Funodc\u002Fen\u002Fcorruption\u002FCOSP\u002Fsession8.html) to the UNCAC (COSP) in Abu Dhabi from 16–20 December.\n\nIf you're at CoSP, here are some events for your calendar:\n\n*   Friday 20 December, 9am-10am: Our International Centre for Asset Recovery is hosting a side event on [Living up to the spirit of articles 43 and 46 UNCAC](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fnews\u002Fcosp-side-event-living-spirit-articles-43-and-46-uncac). The panel, organised by the Basel Institute's International Centre for Asset Recovery (ICAR) and chaired by Oscar Solórzano, will explore how principles of Articles 43 (international cooperation) and 46 (mutual legal assistance) of the UNCAC can provide answers to countries that are victims of corruption and seeking to recover assets through non-conviction-based confiscation. See [full details and the concept note here](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fnews\u002Fcosp-side-event-living-spirit-articles-43-and-46-uncac).\n*   Tuesday 17 December, 9am-10am: Our Managing Director Gretta Fenner will be a discussant in the Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (StAR) Day – Opening & High-Level Conversation on Asset Recovery: achievements, challenges and the road ahead.\n*   Thursday, 19 December, 5pm-6pm: Gretta Fenner is a panellist in a side event on \"Utilization of recovered asset for the realisation of SDG 16.4\".\n\nAll three events are in conference room CR1.\n\nCome and visit us at the booth to speak to our delegation and pick up some of our latest publications. Or – if you're not attending – you can download them here:\n\nVirtual booth – free publications on anti-corruption and governance\n-------------------------------------------------------------------\n\n*   [Annual Report 2018](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fpublications\u002Fannual-report-2018)\n\n### Digital tools - flyers\n\n*   [Basel AML Index](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002F2019-12\u002Fbasel_aml_index_flyer.pdf)\n*   [Basel Open Intelligence](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002F2019-12\u002Fboi_flyer.pdf)\n*   [eLearning courses](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002F2019-12\u002Felearning_flyer.pdf)\n*   [Corruption prevention training](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002F2019-12\u002F191106_flyer-digital-tools_08_all_4-training.pdf)\n\n### Research \n\n*   [Hidden agendas, social norms and why we need to re-think anti-corruption](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fpublications\u002Fworking-paper-22-hidden-agendas-social-norms-and-why-we-need-re-think-anti-corruption)\n*   [Can a behavioural approach help fight corruption?](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fpublications\u002Fpolicy-brief-1-can-behavioural-approach-help-fight-corruption)\n*   [Harnessing the power of communities against corruption](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fpublications\u002Fharnessing-power-communities-against-corruption) (U4 brief)\n*   [Addressing bribery in the Tanzanian health sector](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002F2019-12\u002Fgi-ace_1.pdf) - a behavioural approach (GI-ACE project description) \n*   [Harnessing informality:](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002F2019-12\u002Fgi-ace_2.pdf) designing anti-corruption network interventions and strategic use of legal instruments (GI-ACE project description)\n\n### Asset recovery and anti-money laundering\n\n*   [Recovering assets in support of the SDGs – from soft to hard assets for development](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fpublications\u002Fworking-paper-29-recovering-assets-support-sdgs-soft-hard-assets-development)\n*   [It takes two to tango. Decision-making processes on asset return](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fpublications\u002Fworking-paper-24-it-takes-two-tango-decision-making-processes-asset-return)\n*   [Tracing illegal assets - a practitioners' guide](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fpublications\u002Ftracing-illegal-assets-practitioners-guide) (available in English, Spanish, Ukrainian and Bulgarian)\n*   [Regulating cryptocurrencies: challenges and considerations](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fpublications\u002Fworking-paper-28-regulating-cryptocurrencies-challenges-and-considerations)\n*   [ICAR training programmes](https:\u002F\u002Fbaselgovernance.org\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002F2019-02\u002FICAR_Training_Programmes_2017.pdf) (brochure)\n\n### Collective Action and compliance\n\n*   [High Level Reporting Mechanisms: A comparative analysis](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fpublications\u002Fworking-paper-25-high-level-reporting-mechanisms-comparative-analysis)\n*   [Anti-Corruption Collective Action: Success factors, sustainability and strategies](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fpublications\u002Fworking-paper-27-anti-corruption-collective-action-success-factors-sustainability-and)\n*   [New perspectives in e-government and the prevention of corruption](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fpublications\u002Fworking-paper-23-new-perspectives-e-government-and-prevention-corruption)\n\n### Illegal wildlife trade\n\n*   [Corruption and wildlife trafficking](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fpublications\u002Fworking-paper-30-corruption-and-wildlife-trafficking-exploring-drivers-facilitators): exploring drivers, facilitators and networks behind illegal wildlife trade in East Africa\n\n### Quick guides\n\n*   [Cryptocurrencies and money laundering](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fblog\u002Ffederico-paesanos-quick-guide-cryptocurrencies-and-money-laundering)\n*   [Intelligence](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fblog\u002Fmanuel-medinas-quick-guide-intelligence)\n*   [Integrity and anti-corruption compliance for SMEs](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fblog\u002Fgemma-aiolfis-quick-guide-integrity-and-anti-corruption-compliance-smes)\n*   [Social network analysis in combating organised crime and trafficking](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fblog\u002Fjacopo-costas-quick-guide-social-network-analysis-combating-organised-crime-and-trafficking)\n*   [Illicit enrichment](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fblog\u002Fandrew-dornbierers-quick-guide-illicit-enrichment)\n*   [Social norms and corruption](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fblog\u002Fclaudia-baez-camargos-quick-guide-social-norms-and-corruption)\n*   [Effective training on financial investigations](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fblog\u002Fphyllis-atkinsons-quick-guide-effective-training-financial-investigations)\n*   [The role of FIUs in asset recovery](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fblog\u002Fthierry-ravalomandas-quick-guide-role-fius-asset-recovery)\n*   [eLearning for asset tracing and financial analysis](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fblog\u002Fpeter-huppertzs-quick-guide-elearning-asset-tracing-and-financial-analysis)\n*   [International cooperation in asset recovery](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fblog\u002Fshane-nainappans-quick-guide-international-cooperation-asset-recovery)\n*   [Drivers and facilitators of wildlife trafficking](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fblog\u002Fsaba-kassas-quick-guide-drivers-and-facilitators-wildlife-trafficking)\n*   [The role of business in tackling illegal wildlife trade](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fblog\u002Fscarlet-wannenwetschs-quick-guide-role-business-tackling-illegal-wildlife-trade)\n*   [Financial crime in illegal wildlife trade](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fblog\u002Fgretta-fenners-quick-guide-financial-crime-illegal-wildlife-trade)\n*   [Fundamental skills in tracing assets](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fblog\u002Fphill-joness-quick-guide-fundamental-skills-tracing-assets)","News","2019-12-16","visit-us-at-the-conference-of-the-states-parties-in-abu-dhabi-1033","Visit us at the Conference of the States Parties in Abu Dhabi","https:\u002F\u002Fjam.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002Fc59a836e-d631-43c5-a572-377f5bffce37?width=1000&height=650&format=webp&quality=80",[],[14],[101],"Events",[],1033,[],[101],[],[],[23],[],"2022-05-26T22:55:35.000Z","2025-08-31T23:14:59.000Z",[],"\u002Fresources\u002Fnews\u002Fvisit-us-at-the-conference-of-the-states-parties-in-abu-dhabi-1033",{"id":115,"body":116,"status":6,"type":10,"date":117,"slug":118,"title":119,"image":120,"countries":121,"topic":122,"activity":123,"tags":124,"nid":125,"topics":126,"activities":127,"authors":128,"images":130,"websites":131,"area":21,"programme":21,"language":21,"translations":132,"translation_of":21,"user_created":42,"date_created":133,"user_updated":43,"date_updated":111,"content":134,"link":135},9831,"The trend among organisations with well-established anti-corruption compliance programmes is to integrate these into enterprise-wide risk management frameworks and set measurable indicators to ensure that their programmes remain fit for purpose. There is growing recognition that effective compliance contributes to a healthy business model and sustainable growth.\n\nOur compliance advisory work during 2018 has supported this development by seeking to help companies to use their existing risk management processes as the basis to integrate anti-corruption compliance into wider frameworks of risk management and sustainability. We believe this will continue as human rights risk assessments and corruption risk mitigation become increasingly important.\n\nOur work in [Collective Action](\u002Fblog\u002Freflections-2018-international-centre-collective-action) supports this approach by helping companies to solve shared challenges related to bribery and raise standards of integrity across an industry or region.\n\n### Support for small businesses\n\nSmall- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that do business internationally are open to the same bribery and corruption risks as their larger competitors, yet have far fewer resources to protect themselves from these risks. Our tailored, resource-sensitive guidance on anti-corruption compliance and bribery prevention helps SMEs to avoid legal and reputational risks and enjoy the competitive advantage that solid compliance systems provide.\n\nA mandate from the UK Department for International Development, awarded in late 2018 as part of the Business Integrity Initiative, will enable us to expand our support for SMEs in the coming year.\n\n### Tailored compliance training\n\nRobust compliance is based on strong communication that reinforces the corporate culture and is relevant to the employees that are being addressed. That is why a strong focus of our compliance work is on bespoke training for companies and public sector organisations.\n\nThese customised training programmes were joined in 2018 by a comprehensive training curriculum on Corporate Governance and Compliance, developed in cooperation with Nestor Advisors for Malaysian compliance practitioners and other interested individuals. Around 30 practitioners completed the modules during 2018, hosted by the Malaysian Institute on Management.\n\n### User-friendly compliance tools\n\nPractical online tools are essential to supplement efficient compliance systems.\n\nOur long-standing [Basel AML Index](\u002Fnode\u002F403), an interactive country risk assessment tool covering corruption, money laundering, financial transparency and related risks, was upgraded and transferred to a new user-friendly platform in 2018.\n\nThis is now joined by [Basel Open Intelligence](\u002Fnode\u002F556), a newly developed open-source search tool to make multilingual background checks and due diligence processes faster, easier and more thorough.\n\n2018 at a glance\n----------------\n\n### Advisory services\n\n*   [Advice and support](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fcompliance\u002Fadvisory-services) to international companies for crisis management in relation to their anti-corruption compliance programmes.\n*   Development of legal opinions on cases of corruption and conflict of interest in collaboration with [Professor Mark Pieth](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.pieth.ch\u002F).\n\n### Compliance training \n\n*   In cooperation with Nestor Advisors, rollout of a training curriculum in [Corporate Governance and Compliance](\u002Fnews\u002Fmalaysian-compliance-event-and-training-courses) for the Malaysian Institute on Management (MIM).\n\n### Moderation and speaking events\n\n*   Presentation at the 10th International Conference of Financial Crime and Terrorism Financing ([IFCTF](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Ftransforming-governance-government-related-entities-ifctf-2018-malaysia)) in Kuala Lumpur.\n*   Panel moderation at the [Arbitration and Crime Conference](https:\u002F\u002Farbcrime.org\u002Fconference) at the University of Basel. \n*   Moderation of the C5 Anti-Corruption Conference, plus moderation of a private sector panel.\n*   Co-chairing of a high-level panel with Professor Mark Pieth at the International Anti-Corruption Conference.\n*   Participation in the ICC Young Arbitrators Conference; a meeting of Ethics and Compliance Switzerland and the EU Anti-Corruption Conference.\n\n### Looking ahead - planned activities in 2019\n\n*   Provide [guidance to SMEs on anti-corruption compliance and bribery prevention](\u002Fcompliance\u002Fsme-guidance-services) as part of the UK government’s DFID-funded Business Integrity Initiative.\n*   Launch [Basel Open Intelligence](\u002Fboi) and raise awareness in the corporate community of this new anti-corruption compliance and due diligence tool.\n\nThis text appears in the Basel Institute's [Annual Report 2018](\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002F2019-07\u002FBasel%20Institute%20Annual%20Report%202018.pdf).","2019-07-21","reflections-on-2018-compliance-and-corporate-governance-956","Reflections on 2018: Compliance and corporate governance","https:\u002F\u002Fjam.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002F43e536fe-cbe2-4969-87c3-336c42d5d46c?width=1000&height=650&format=webp&quality=80",[],[73],[17],[],956,[73],[17],[129],1270,[],[23],[],"2022-05-26T22:56:18.000Z",[],"\u002Fresources\u002Fnews\u002Freflections-on-2018-compliance-and-corporate-governance-956",{"id":137,"body":138,"status":6,"type":10,"date":117,"slug":139,"title":140,"image":141,"countries":142,"topic":143,"activity":146,"tags":148,"nid":149,"topics":150,"activities":152,"authors":153,"images":155,"websites":156,"area":21,"programme":21,"language":21,"translations":157,"translation_of":21,"user_created":42,"date_created":158,"user_updated":159,"date_updated":160,"content":161,"link":162},9834,"The [Public Governance](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fpublic-governance) division supports the Basel Institute’s wider mission of developing evidence-based approaches to combatting public sector corruption. Our research both contributes to academic debate and translates into practical tools to support anti-corruption reforms.\n\nThroughout 2018, we increased our efforts to share actionable insights from our ongoing research activities with anti-corruption practitioners around the world. We also applied them successfully to many of the Basel Institute’s wider technical assistance activities.\n\n### User-friendly informal governance resource\n\nLaunched in 2018, our [informal governance resource](\u002Fnode\u002F874) presents the full results of our two-year Informal Governance and Corruption research project. Funded by the Anti-Corruption Evidence Programme of the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and the British Academy, the project explored the role that informal practices play in fuelling corruption in Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.\n\nShort videos and concise summaries make it easy for users to get a quick overview of the project’s main findings and their practical implications, while the 13 research reports offer a deep dive into the countries’ different corruption challenges and how informal practices play into these.\n\n### Strategic assistance to anti-corruption initiatives\n\nDuring 2018, we applied our research findings to develop several political economy assessments related to anti-corruption initiatives in countries receiving development aid. The goal was to highlight local political dynamics and informal drivers of corruption that influence the effectiveness of these initiatives. The evidence-based assessments are helping donors and practitioners to fine-tune their programs to local characteristics and dynamics, and thereby enhance their impact.\n\nThis driving goal – to actively support anti-corruption decision-making through evidence and practical insights – plays into our technical assistance and capacity-building support for Malawi’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). Kicked off in 2018 as part of the Basel Institute’s ongoing implementation of the DFID-funded Tackling Serious and Organised Corruption project in Malawi, our team has worked with local anti-corruption officials to help them translate research findings into concrete actions and processes.\n\nWe are also supporting the ACB in their activities aimed at developing a new National Anti-Corruption Strategy, helping to ensure it is inclusive, evidence-based and aligned with the needs and expectations of all Malawians.\n\n### Supporting a holistic approach to tackling corruption\n\nOur work in Malawi is one example of our continuously strengthening collaboration with other Basel Institute divisions and partners. Our research shows that the complexity of corruption demands a holistic and integrated approach.\n\nAnother rewarding example of this approach in 2018 was our team’s collaboration with the [International Centre for Collective Action](\u002Fnode\u002F233). We brought our expertise to help organise two international workshops aimed at distilling best practices and lessons learned from anti-corruption Collective Action initiatives with the private sector and extracting actionable insights for the wider community of anti-corruption practitioners.\n\n2018 at a glance\n----------------\n\n### Research\n\n*   Completion of [Informal Governance and Corruption](\u002Fnode\u002F874) research project and online resource.\n*   Political economy assessment of Tanzania for the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation (SDC).\n*   Read more about our [research](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fpublic-governance\u002Fresearch-projects).\n\n### Technical assistance\n\n*   Support to the [Tackling Serious and Organised Corruption](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fnews\u002Fholistic-approach-benefits-malawi-anti-corruption-efforts) (TSOC) project in Malawi.\n*   Support to the SDC’s [Decentralisation, Democratisation and Local Governance](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ids.ac.uk\u002Fprojects\u002Fdemocratisation-decentralisation-local-governance-ids-sdc-collaboration\u002F) thematic network as part of an expert consortium led by the Institute of Development Studies, including development of training material and papers on governance and accountability.\n\n### Teaching\n\n*   Course on Sustainability and Health Governance for Masters students at the University of Basel.\n\n### Looking ahead - planned activities in 2019\n\n*   Launch and implement a research project on [Addressing Bribery and Favouritism in the Tanzanian Health Sector](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fpublic-governance\u002Fresearch-projects\u002Fcurrent-projects#1) as part of the DFID-funded Global Integrity Anti-Corruption Evidence (GI-ACE) programme.\n*   Use social network analysis, field research and community engagement to explore the [drivers behind illegal wildlife trafficking](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fpublic-governance\u002Fresearch-projects\u002Fcurrent-projects#4) in East Africa as part of a cross-divisional project funded by PMI Impact.\n*   Lead Politics and Governance activities as part of the [Research Network Africa initiative](https:\u002F\u002Fzasb.unibas.ch\u002Fen\u002Fresearch\u002F) of the University of Basel’s Centre for African Studies.\n*   Ongoing training, technical assistance and research projects, including follow-on funding for research on informal governance and corruption from the GI-ACE programme.\n\nThis text appears in the Basel Institute's [Annual Report 2018](\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002F2019-07\u002FBasel%20Institute%20Annual%20Report%202018.pdf).","reflections-on-2018-public-governance-and-research-division-953","Reflections on 2018: Public Governance and research division","https:\u002F\u002Fjam.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002F82eac6f4-dbe7-4cbc-a6fa-98c409a10e15?width=1000&height=650&format=webp&quality=80",[],[144,145],"Prevention"," Research and Innovation",[147,17],"Research",[],953,[151],"Prevention Research and Innovation",[147,17],[154],1267,[],[23],[],"2022-05-26T22:56:21.000Z","3d9ff205-1640-4f34-b5b6-86977f51bbd6","2026-05-07T21:29:45.000Z",[],"\u002Fresources\u002Fnews\u002Freflections-on-2018-public-governance-and-research-division-953",{"id":164,"body":165,"status":6,"type":10,"date":117,"slug":166,"title":167,"image":168,"countries":169,"topic":171,"activity":174,"tags":175,"nid":176,"topics":177,"activities":179,"authors":180,"images":182,"websites":183,"area":21,"programme":21,"language":21,"translations":184,"translation_of":21,"user_created":42,"date_created":185,"user_updated":159,"date_updated":186,"content":187,"link":188},9833,"As the initial phase of a four-year programme to strengthen [Public Finance Management in Peru](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fpublic-finance-peru) at a subnational level draws to a close, we are intensifying our efforts to consolidate the programme’s significant achievements and ensure their sustainability. Signed in 2015 by the Peruvian and Swiss governments, the four-year, USD 6 million programme is funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).\n\nThe aim is to enhance the capacity of regional and local authorities to plan, implement and execute budgets and to increase standards of integrity and transparency in doing so.\n\n### A sustainable future for Public Finance Management\n\nIn 2018, we supported subnational governments in institutionalising macroeconomic policies for public spending. Solid internal processes to improve spending and coordination in planning, budgeting and logistics are supported by mechanisms to ensure integrity, ethics and accountability. \n\nSustainability is about people as well as processes. In 2018, we expanded our targeted training programmes for public officials in public procurement, open government as well as planning and budget programming.\n\nWe have been delighted to congratulate the 229 graduates in our specialised Diploma in Management and Public Finances, delivered in partnership with Universidad ESAN. In addition to driving ever-higher standards of financial management in Peru’s regional public authorities, these graduates have been working to develop a new [PFM Experts Network](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fnews\u002Fswiss-support-public-finance-management-experts-network-peru) bringing together government, academia and civil society.\n\n### Driving asset recovery success in Peru and Ecuador\n\nIn addition to the SECO-funded PFM programme, the Basel Institute’s Lima office also houses experts of the [International Centre for Asset Recovery](\u002Fnode\u002F25) (ICAR), who support the Peruvian and Ecuadorian governments in asset recovery and related topics.\n\nIn 2018, USD 16.5 million was successfully recovered by the Peruvian State with assistance from ICAR experts. ICAR provided legal and technical advice to advance 10 high-profile corruption cases in Peru, covering case strategies and mutual legal assistance. Many more cases are pending, particularly related to the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht.\n\nIn efforts to build capacity and modernise national anti-corruption frameworks, ICAR is also rolling out advanced training programmes for members of the judiciary and contributing to the development of new confiscation laws in Peru and Ecuador.\n\n2018 at a glance\n----------------\n\n### Public Finance Management\n\n*   Development of protocols to strengthen the lowest-ranking indicators in the [Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fnews\u002Flocal-governments-peru-come-together-pioneering-global-pilot-improve-public-financial) (PEFA) assessments of subnational governments.\n*   Development of Codes of Conduct for all 11 subnational governments in the programme. Six were completed in 2018.\n*   Completion of the [Diploma in Management and Public Finances](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fblog\u002Fgraduate-public-finance-management-diploma-awarded-scholarship-further-study) in partnership with Universidad ESAN. 83 percent of students graduated successfully.\n*   Capacity building in public procurement (811 trainees), open government (511 trainees), planning and budgeting.\n*   [Training](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fnews\u002Fasset-recovery-training-peruvian-judiciary) for 290 Peruvian judges, prosecutors and other criminal justice practitioners in asset recovery, financial investigation and mutual legal assistance.\n*   Instructional videos in national online platforms to enable citizens to monitor budget execution in Peru: [Resulta](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fpublications\u002Fresulta-video-instructivo), [Infobras](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fpublications\u002Finfobras-2018-video-instructivo) and [Consulta Amigable](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fpublications\u002Fconsulta-amigable-2018-video-instructivo).\n*   Launch of new [PFM programme website](http:\u002F\u002Fgfpsubnacional.pe\u002F).\n*   Participation in conferences and forums, including the [First Meeting of Current and Elected Regional Governors](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fnews\u002Fperus-regional-governors-and-governors-elect-discuss-challenges-decentralisation) and a keynote speech at the UNODC Lima Expert Group Meeting on Corruption.\n\n### Publications\n\n*   Guidelines on the application of PEFA assessments in subnational governments; corruption risk management; participatory implementation of a Code of Conduct; good practices in strengthening decentralised management.\n*   Proposed framework regulations for developing public accountability hearings for regional and local governments. Four proposed protocols on following up payment arrears; warehouse management; control of portable property; monitoring non-financial assets.\n*   [See all publications here](http:\u002F\u002Fgfpsubnacional.pe\u002Fpublicaciones\u002F).\n\n### Looking ahead – planned activities in 2019\n\n*   Consolidate implementation of integrity mechanisms and promote sustainable capacity at the subnational level.\n*   Help subnational governments develop more tools to improve transparency, accountability and institutional ethics in their institutions.\n*   Develop and potentially implement a virtual version of the diploma in collaboration with SERVIR, Peru’s National Civil Service Authority.\n*   Support the new PFM Experts Network.\n*   With ICAR, strengthen asset recovery teams in the judicial system, help consolidate the new Office of Asset Recovery in the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Peru and continue to assist with complex investigations into financial crimes and asset recovery proceedings.\n\nThis text appears in the Basel Institute's [Annual Report 2018](\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002F2019-07\u002FBasel%20Institute%20Annual%20Report%202018.pdf).","reflections-on-2018-peru-office-and-public-finance-management-954","Reflections on 2018: Peru office and Public Finance Management","https:\u002F\u002Fjam.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002F0a6ba04a-b55e-4f31-9e85-bba4467f7fa3?width=1000&height=650&format=webp&quality=80",[170],7462,[172,173],"Asset Recovery","Public Finance Management",[17],[],954,[178,173],"Asset Recovery and Enforcement",[17],[181],1268,[],[23],[],"2022-05-26T22:56:20.000Z","2026-05-29T22:21:58.000Z",[],"\u002Fresources\u002Fnews\u002Freflections-on-2018-peru-office-and-public-finance-management-954",{"id":190,"body":191,"status":6,"type":10,"date":117,"slug":192,"title":193,"image":194,"countries":195,"topic":196,"activity":198,"tags":199,"nid":200,"topics":201,"activities":202,"authors":203,"images":205,"websites":206,"area":21,"programme":21,"language":21,"translations":207,"translation_of":21,"user_created":42,"date_created":208,"user_updated":159,"date_updated":186,"content":209,"link":210},9835,"The activities of the [International Centre for Asset Recovery](\u002Fnode\u002F25) (ICAR) in 2018 continued to have impact across all aspects of our core mission: to enable partner countries to investigate complex cases of corruption and money laundering, send criminals to jail and recover stolen assets stashed abroad.\n\nHowever, the amount of hard assets recovered – notably in 2018, the USD 16.5 million recovered with the assistance of our embedded experts in Peru – is just one part of a much wider picture. In line with our [Operational Strategy](\u002Fnode\u002F27) 2017–20 and the ICAR Theory of Change, we believe the lasting impact of ICAR’s work also lies in the softer assets gained along the way.\n\n### Building long-term capacity – the ripple effect\n\nThese softer assets include greater capacity among key anti-corruption officials and institutions, leading to stronger rule of law. In 2018, we trained over 500 officials in 10 countries on financial investigation and asset recovery, as well as new topics such as money laundering using Bitcoin. According to interviews in the context of our training impact assessment, participants have not only learned a lot but changed their practices at work as a result of our input. Staying in touch with them and supporting them with ad hoc advice is part and parcel of ensuring that training leads to sustainable results.\n\nA highlight of the year was our team of local ICAR-certified trainers in Tanzania, who have started rolling out our training programme to their colleagues across the country.\n\nSmoother inter-agency cooperation both domestically and internationally is another key goal of ICAR’s work, since complex financial crimes can only be tackled with a collective effort. Nearly half of the over 100 ongoing cases supported by ICAR experts advanced in 2018 thanks to inter-agency or international cooperation. This has already led to new initiatives to create inter-agency taskforces and international teams, which we will continue to support through 2019 and beyond.\n\n### Creating stronger systems for sustainable development\n\nA typical side effect of ICAR’s in-country case work – particularly where our experts are embedded in partner agencies working side by side with anti-corruption officials – is coming across procedural or policy gaps that make the lives of investigators and prosecutors difficult. When this leads to internal or government-wide reform, our practical insights can help ensure that policymaking is not just a copy-paste of international good practice but locally anchored and contextualised. \n\nOne example is Tanzania’s new international cooperation team within its Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau, set up during 2018 with ongoing advice and mentoring from ICAR experts to build on progress in intelligence-gathering from foreign jurisdictions.\n\nIn this way, we believe ICAR’s work in 2018 continues to impact our partner countries’ efforts far beyond recovering assets – as important as that is. It helps strengthen systems and leave a sustainable legacy to deter criminal activity, protect public funds and support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.\n\n### A multidisciplinary approach to tackle complex financial crimes\n\nComplementing our law enforcement and asset recovery-focused assistance, our country programmes are increasingly asked to respond to a growing trend – and need – to become more multidisciplinary in fighting crime. This means more practically connecting asset recovery with countries’ broader anti-corruption and governance agendas.\n\nAn example of that is our programme of work in Malawi, which benefits from additional funding from the UK Department for International Development. The scope has now expanded to include support to the review of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, fresh engagements with the private sector and assistance with developing innovative research tools and corruption risk assessment strategies. Experts from the Basel Institute’s divisions for Collective Action, Compliance and Public Governance will join ICAR in driving this integrated, multi-faceted approach to combating corruption and building capacity to recover stolen assets.\n\n### Driving innovation in asset recovery techniques\n\nICAR’s flexibility and global network of experts, spanning former prosecutors, lawyers and financial investigators, has been instrumental in helping to introduce new and context-sensitive legislative and technical innovations to support our partner countries’ asset recovery efforts. 2018 saw the first successful use of plea bargaining in a high-profile case in Malawi, the introduction of a structured approach to unexplained wealth cases in Tanzania and the first use of international video evidence and intelligence from hawala transactions in Kenya. In Peru, ICAR experts have contributed significantly to the elaboration of improved non-conviction-based forfeiture legislation introduced in 2018.\n\nThis creative approach to maximising the potential of partner countries’ legislative systems aligns with research by the Basel Institute’s Public Governance team, which emphasises the importance of context in both understanding criminal behaviour and countering it.\n\n2018 at a glance\n----------------\n\n### General\n\n*   In Peru, participation in the recovery of USD 16.5 million in stolen assets from accounts in [Switzerland](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fnews\u002Fswitzerland-return-usd-15-million-stolen-assets-peru-landmark-extrajudicial-agreement) and [Luxembourg](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fperuvian-judiciary-confiscates-luxembourg-account-montesinos-arms-dealer) belonging to individuals linked to former Peruvian presidential advisor Vladimiro Montesinos. Learn more about ICAR’s work out of our Peru country office in 2018.\n*   Technical assistance and strategic advice on over [100 ongoing cases](\u002Fnode\u002F224) in 10 partner countries.\n*   Introduction in our partner countries of new legal practices including plea bargaining, non-conviction-based forfeiture and prosecuting for unexplained wealth, setup of new dedicated teams on intelligence and international cooperation, and establishment of multi-disciplinary asset recovery offices.\n\n### Training and eLearning\n\n*   [Training](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fasset-recovery\u002Ftraining-programmes) of over 500 investigators, prosecutors and judges in Financial Investigation and Asset Recovery, Offshore Structures and Mutual Legal Assistance, Corruption in Infrastructure Projects and Procurement, Financial Interviewing Skills and a new course on Money Laundering using Bitcoin.\n*   Training programmes delivered in 10 countries: Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Malawi, Namibia, Tanzania, Peru, Romania, Serbia, Uganda and Ukraine.\n*   Supervision of training programmes delivered by [ICAR-certified local trainers](\u002Fnode\u002F90).\n*   Support to training initiatives led by partner organisations, including with Swiss law firm MME on [FinTech AML Compliance Training](\u002Fnode\u002F755), and with the [Romanian Journalism Development Network](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fnews\u002Ffinal-workshop-mapping-and-visualising-cross-border-crime) on financial investigation for journalists as well as public and private sector investigators.\n*   Blended learning concept applied in Namibia, with an on-site training workshop based on the [Operational Analysis eLearning course](\u002Fnode\u002F80).\n*   Continued partnership with the Egmont Group on developing [eLearning modules](\u002Fnode\u002F26) for Financial Intelligence Units.\n\n### Digital tools\n\n*   Publication of seventh edition of the [Basel AML Index](\u002Fnode\u002F229), an independent ranking that assesses countries’ risk exposure to money laundering, with a record 11,500+ visitors to the Index website in the month of release.\n*   Development of the [Basel Open Intelligence](\u002Fnode\u002F36) tool for financial investigation, ready for launch in 2019.\n\n### Global policy dialogue\n\n*   Continued dissemination of the [Guidelines for the Efficient Recovery of Stolen Assets](https:\u002F\u002Fguidelines.assetrecovery.org\u002F) together with the Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs and StAR Initiative.\n*   Participation in the UNCAC Working Group on Asset Recovery and associated discussions in dedicated Expert Group Meetings on Corruption involving Vast Quantities of Assets.\n*   Support to the development of the Framework for the Return of Assets from Corruption and Crime ([FRACCK](\u002Fnode\u002F920)) agreement between Kenya, Jersey, Switzerland and the UK.\n*   Joint organisation of the 3rd [Global Conference on Criminal Finances and Cryptocurrencies](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fnews\u002Fglobal-conference-criminal-finances-cryptocurrencies-kicks-europol) with Europol and Interpol.\n*   Support to the development of innovative practices for financial crime litigation as part of our membership in (and Secretariat role for) the [International Academy of Financial Crime Litigators](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.financialcrimelitigators.org\u002F).\n\n### Looking ahead – planned activities in 2019\n\n*   Seek to respond to demands for expanding institutional scope of ICAR in-country programmes to support a chain-linked approach to asset recovery.\n*   Continue to strengthen exchange of knowledge and practices among ICAR partner countries and beyond to promote continued innovation in asset recovery.\n*   Explore opportunities to use training programmes and case-based advice to strengthen inter-agency cooperation.\n*   Promote the dissemination of innovative legal practices from ICAR partner countries in international forums.\n\n### More info\n\nThis text appears in the Basel Institute's [Annual Report 2018](\u002Fnode\u002F959).\n\nFor a deeper discussion of the link between asset recovery and sustainable development, see the Basel Institute on Governance Working Paper 29: [Recovering assets in support of the SDGs – from soft to hard assets for development](\u002Fnode\u002F927).","reflections-on-2018-international-centre-for-asset-recovery-952","Reflections on 2018: International Centre for Asset Recovery","https:\u002F\u002Fjam.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002Ff4b6973a-a2ac-4de6-868e-91907e02b663?width=1000&height=650&format=webp&quality=80",[],[197,172],"Anti-Money Laundering",[17],[],952,[197,178],[17],[204],1266,[],[23],[],"2022-05-26T22:56:22.000Z",[],"\u002Fresources\u002Fnews\u002Freflections-on-2018-international-centre-for-asset-recovery-952",{"id":212,"body":213,"status":6,"type":10,"date":117,"slug":214,"title":215,"image":216,"countries":217,"topic":218,"activity":220,"tags":221,"nid":222,"topics":223,"activities":224,"authors":225,"images":227,"websites":228,"area":21,"programme":21,"language":21,"translations":229,"translation_of":21,"user_created":42,"date_created":230,"user_updated":43,"date_updated":111,"content":231,"link":232},9832,"“Evolution to Revolution” was the theme of the year for the Basel Institute’s activities promoting Collective Action in 2018. Endorsement of anti-corruption Collective Action in 2018 by the B20 Argentina and UK Anti-Corruption Strategy supports growing acceptance of the concept as a useful tool to tackle bribery. Collective Action is gradually moving towards becoming a global norm.\n\nWe are delighted to have contributed to these achievements and look forward to continuing to promote the potential of Collective Action to address systemic corruption issues in markets, industry sectors and procurement projects around the world.\n\n### International Collective Action Conference\n\nThe 3rd International Collective Action Conference in November 2018 was a fitting culmination of the Institute’s Collective Action project over the last 3.5 years, supported by the Siemens Integrity Initiative Second Funding Round and implemented in collaboration with the OECD and the UN Global Compact.\n\nOver 200 participants from 40 countries across five continents and all sectors came together for the event, which was sponsored by the Siemens Integrity Initiative and US law firm Hughes Hubbard & Reed. Presentations and panels explored the ongoing evolution of the movement and how new elements – new stakeholder collaborations, digital tools, behavioural science, human rights and sustainability – are creating a small revolution pushing anti-corruption actors to make Collective Action more effective.\n\n### Fostering peer learning and best practice sharing\n\nLeading up to the conference, the Basel Institute organised and facilitated structured discussions during two Collective Action peer learning workshops held in Basel, Switzerland and Aswan, Egypt. Representatives of 36 Collective Action initiatives and other stakeholders from around the world identified a series of success factors and strategies for overcoming challenges.\n\nWe have shared the results of these peer learning initiatives online via the [B20 Collective Action Hub](\u002Fnode\u002F1095). The report joins a database of over 130 initiatives, guidance on practical Collective Action tools and a wealth of academic research, including more than a dozen new publications during 2018.\n\n2018 at a glance\n----------------\n\n### Siemens Integrity Initiative\n\n*   Organisation of the [3rd International Collective Action Conference](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fcollective-action\u002Fevents\u002F2018-conference) with around 200 participants. \n*   Continued enhancement of the [B20 Collective Action Hub](\u002Fnode\u002F1095).\n*   Production of five [YouTube videos](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fplaylist?list=PLYRnhpCcnLP_7VAlWBv24_BAbj_1HMxlU) featuring interviews with leading voices in Collective Action.\n*   Organisation of two [Integrity Partner peer learning workshops](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fcollective-action\u002Fevents\u002Fpeer-learning-workshop-2018) on Collective Action.\n*   Promotion of Collective Action at international conferences and events, including OECD and B20 meetings, with B20 Argentina endorsing Collective Action and the High Level Reporting Mechanism.\n*   Support for the UN Global Compact and four local networks to identify Collective Action strategies.\n\n### Facilitation of Collective Action initiatives\n\n*   Progress in four industry Collective Action initiatives facilitated by the Basel Institute, including development of a website for the Metals Technology Initiative.\n*   Mandate to act as Secretariat for the [Tainted Assets Initiative](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Ftainted-assets-initiative-developing-transparent-framework-address-historic-taint-assets), supported by the OECD Secretariat.\n\n### High Level Reporting Mechanisms (HLRM)\n\nSiemens Integrity Initiative funding enabled our work on the HLRM with the OECD to continue in 2018, with major developments including:\n\n*   Support to the Colombian government in implementing a new [HLRM for the Bogotá Metro](\u002Fnode\u002F1099) procurement project.\n*   Technical advice to the [Argentine government](\u002Fnode\u002F1100) leading to the launch of a pilot HLRM for highway construction procurement, plus private sector consultations.\n*   Launch of a [user-friendly information site on the HLRM](\u002Fnode\u002F1098) on the B20 Collective Action Hub.\n\n### Research and publications\n\n*   Two publications on the HLRM: a [comparative analysis of HLRMs](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fpublications\u002Fworking-paper-25-high-level-reporting-mechanisms-comparative-analysis) in Argentina, Colombia, Ukraine, Panama and Peru, and the results of a [private sector roundtable in Argentina](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fpublications\u002Froundtable-pilot-high-level-reporting-mechanism-argentina).\n*   A working paper on [anti-corruption Collective Action success factors, sustainability and strategie](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fpublications\u002Fworking-paper-27-anti-corruption-collective-action-success-factors-sustainability-and)s.\n*   An article in [_Currency News_](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fpublications\u002Fintegrity-pacts-prevent-corruption-banknote-procurement) on integrity pacts as a tool to prevent corruption in banknote procurement.\n\n### Looking ahead – planned activities in 2019\n\n*   Intensify promotion of integrity pacts for banknote-related procurement in collaboration with the [Banknote Ethics Initiative](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fnews\u002Fpromoting-integrity-banknote-procurement-currency-conference-2019-dubai) (BnEI).\n*   Provide [anti-corruption Collective Action guidance services to SMEs](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fnews\u002Fhelping-smes-do-business-integrity-uk-government-subsidised-guidance-services-anti-corruption) as part of the Business Integrity Initiative, a pioneering project of the UK Department of International Development.\n*   Provide Collective Action expertise to facilitate [industry-led action against wildlife trafficking](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fnews\u002Fpmi-impact-funds-basel-institute-initiative-against-illegal-wildlife-trafficking), as part of a PMI Impact-funded project to tackle financial crime in illegal wildlife trade.\n\nThis text appears in the Basel Institute's [Annual Report 2018](\u002Fnode\u002F959).","reflections-on-2018-international-centre-for-collective-action-955","Reflections on 2018: International Centre for Collective Action","https:\u002F\u002Fjam.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002Fe77a797e-bc63-4484-a30d-7aa19057bd6d?width=1000&height=650&format=webp&quality=80",[],[72,219,73],"HLRM",[17],[],955,[72,219,73],[17],[226],1269,[],[23,72],[],"2022-05-26T22:56:19.000Z",[],"\u002Fresources\u002Fnews\u002Freflections-on-2018-international-centre-for-collective-action-955",{"id":234,"body":235,"status":6,"type":93,"date":236,"slug":237,"title":238,"image":239,"countries":240,"topic":242,"activity":243,"tags":246,"nid":247,"topics":248,"activities":249,"authors":250,"images":251,"websites":252,"area":21,"programme":21,"language":21,"translations":253,"translation_of":21,"user_created":42,"date_created":254,"user_updated":159,"date_updated":255,"content":256,"link":257},9736,"In her Annual Report presentation to the Assembly of the Republic of Mozambique broadcast on national television, the Attorney General of Mozambique, Beatriz Buchili, emphasised the need for approval of a new Asset Recovery Bill.\n\nThis important law will provide Mozambique with more effective ways to recover stolen assets. It also establishes the new Mozambican Asset Recovery Office and Asset Management Office.\n\nThe creation of the Asset Recovery Office, also highlighted by the Attorney General in her presentation, is crucial to the success of the country's efforts to recover the illicit proceeds of corruption and other crimes. These multidisciplinary teams help to build sustainable specialist capacity and to facilitate inter-agency and international cooperation.\n\nThe Basel Institute's International Centre for Asset Recovery ([ICAR](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fasset-recovery)) encourages the creation of these specialist asset recovery units, having seen the success of similar models in its other partner countries. In Peru, for example, a specialist asset recovery unit established in 2017-18 with ICAR support continues to drive forward major asset recovery cases. It is also behind efforts to develop a comprehensive asset recovery system and maximise the potential of new confiscation laws.\n\nIn her speech, the Attorney General warmly acknowledged the support received from cooperation partners. A team of ICAR experts has been providing technical assistance to the Mozambican Prosecutor General's Office since December 2018, with funding from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.\n\nFind out more in our [Annual Report 2019](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002F2020-05\u002FBasel%20Institute%20Annual%20Report%202019.pdf) and view a [timeline of our team's activities](https:\u002F\u002Fwww.baselgovernance.org\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002F2020-05\u002FMozambique%20tech%20assistance%20timeline.jpg) in the country.","2020-05-26","a-milestone-in-mozambique039s-journey-to-more-effective-recovery-of-stolen-assets-1752","A milestone in Mozambique's journey to more effective recovery of stolen assets","https:\u002F\u002Fjam.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002F6698cb88-ff0b-42dd-bc35-86a85f3df1f5?width=1000&height=650&format=webp&quality=80",[241],7420,[172],[244,76,245],"Presentations","International cooperation",[],1752,[178],[244,76,245],[],[],[23],[],"2022-05-26T22:54:58.000Z","2026-05-29T22:21:52.000Z",[],"\u002Fresources\u002Fnews\u002Fa-milestone-in-mozambique039s-journey-to-more-effective-recovery-of-stolen-assets-1752",{"id":259,"body":260,"status":6,"type":10,"date":261,"slug":262,"title":263,"image":264,"countries":265,"topic":266,"activity":267,"tags":268,"nid":269,"topics":270,"activities":271,"authors":272,"images":274,"websites":275,"area":21,"programme":21,"language":21,"translations":276,"translation_of":21,"user_created":42,"date_created":277,"user_updated":43,"date_updated":111,"content":278,"link":279},9830,"As every year when the time comes to write the foreword for our Annual Report, we are filled with pride, gratitude and a sense of satisfaction. It is a privilege to work with passionate people, committed partners and supportive donors, and to work toward a goal that helps make this world a better place.\n\nThis may make some of you roll your eyes. And we get that. It can sound naive, and today more so than in a long time. Working for the good of the world is not trendy in many quarters, and it seems particularly rare among those who are elected to do exactly that. The geopolitical context also seems to indicate that the quality of governance is declining. Systems are infested with corruption and captured by individualistic interests that are far removed from the voters’ voices.\n\nYet it is so important to remember that there is a broader objective to our daily grind, the frustrations and setbacks that all of us in the anti-corruption community experience. And to be proud of it. Because not all is doom and gloom. The rising climate change youth movements, for example, are showing us that energy can be mobilised when we show credibly and based on facts that the collective good matters for all of us, individually and collectively. \n\nThis idea of collective responsibility – and collective gain – and of the broader societal relevance of our work is what has been driving our team since the Basel Institute’s establishment, now 15 years ago. \n\nIn our work with the private sector, we feel strongly that the Collective Action approach to anti-corruption is now practised more frequently and recognised as a critical means to achieve lasting change in our economy-driven societies. In the coming years, we will work with partner companies to firmly enshrine this principle as an international anti-corruption norm so that it can attain its full potential. \n\nSimilarly, through our work with law enforcement, other public sector accountability institutions and non-state actors, we find increased readiness to join forces across institutions, borders and sectors. By that, we mean truly join forces, not just go to conferences together. By way of example, in practice this is enabling us to carry the governance and anti-corruption drive into new sectors, as we have started doing in the area of illegal wildlife trade. And it means that law enforcement is showing increased interest in what prevention departments do, for example understanding drivers of corruption and how this can feed into intelligence-led enforcement. \n\nThe multi-sector and multi-disciplinary approach of the Basel Institute is well placed to support these developments, and we are happy if we can play a small role in fostering such thinking. So yes, we are proud. We are also humbled by the challenges that continue to lie ahead. And we are highly motivated to work with all of you to continue putting hurdles in the way of those who think that making the world a better place is a dream of fools.\n\nTo those we say that we gladly side with the fools.\n\n_Download our [2018 Annual Report here](\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002F2019-07\u002FBasel%20Institute%20Annual%20Report%202018.pdf)._","2019-07-22","a-dream-of-fools-foreward-to-our-annual-report-2018-951","A dream of fools? Foreward to our Annual Report 2018","https:\u002F\u002Fjam.baselgovernance.org\u002Fapi\u002Fassets\u002F0b125ce7-7ba2-4580-b0bf-5f12bab072da?width=1000&height=650&format=webp&quality=80",[],[14],[17,75],[],951,[],[17,75],[273],1265,[],[23],[],"2022-05-26T22:56:17.000Z",[],"\u002Fresources\u002Fnews\u002Fa-dream-of-fools-foreward-to-our-annual-report-2018-951",{"left":281,"top":281,"width":282,"height":282,"rotate":281,"vFlip":283,"hFlip":283,"body":284},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>",1780676392872]