In the last decade, companies around the globe have significantly invested in the development of anti-corruption compliance programmes. Assessing the effectiveness of these programmes has proven challenging and requires that companies go beyond a box-checking approach, set clear objectives, measure progress and impact and foster a culture of integrity.
A joint blog by Naomi Roht-Arriaza, Distinguished Professor of Law (emerita), University of California Law, and Lucie Binder, Senior Specialist, Governance and Integrity, Basel Institute on Governance.
Who are the real victims of corruption?
Traditionally, the answer has been “the state.” This stems from the fact that corruption typically involves the misuse of public office and the theft or diversion of public funds. In this legal framework, the state prosecutes the crime, claims the damage and receives any recovered assets.
With increasing geopolitical and regulatory volatility, the need for companies to develop resilience to market shocks and uncertain conditions is critical. One of the most effective ways to do this is by embedding strong compliance programmes into their operations that not only ensure adherence to laws and regulations, but also support positive, ethical work environments.
Publication
Working Paper 57: Mapping and strengthening the evidence base for anti-corruption Collective Action
Models, metrics and insights
This Working Paper provides a theoretical and practical contribution to strengthening the evidence base for anti-corruption Collective Action – i.e. collaborative efforts by diverse actors from the private sector, civil society and public institutions to address integrity challenges that no single actor can resolve alone.
Public voting has opened for this year’s prestigious Collective Action Awards.
Launched in 2022, the Collective Action Awards celebrate inspiring and outstanding multi-stakeholder initiatives to raise standards of business integrity in a particular context. As in previous years, there are two award categories: “Outstanding Achievement in Collective Action” and “Collective Action Inspirational Newcomer”.
“Strong and productive partnerships across diverse sectors were everywhere in evidence at the OECD Global Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum. Such solidarity and collaboration are critically important, particularly in the face of the headwinds confronting the anti-corruption movement today."
– Elizabeth Andersen, Executive Director, Basel Institute on Governance
Since its first use by the World Bank in 2008, the concept of "anti-corruption Collective Action" has evolved into a well-established best practice to prevent corruption and strengthen business integrity.
This paper captures the specific characteristics of anti-corruption Collective Action that have emerged over time and translates them into an easy-to-grasp typology that reflects both the variety and unifying principles that make up the Collective Action ecosystem. It aims to:
Publication
Quick Guide 39: Business integrity and ethics
The changing landscape of anti-corruption regulation and enforcement has triggered important discussions around the role of ethics and compliance in business strategies and in the economy as a whole. It has also given impetus to the narrative that anti-corruption compliance programmes are inevitably costly, potentially ineffective and bureaucratic.
J. Edward “Ned” Conway became Executive Secretary of the Wolfsberg Group on 1 November 2024, succeeding Alan Ketley. With its 12 member banks, the Wolfsberg Group is a globally respected source of expertise on financial crime risk management, setting industry standards and building bridges between financial institutions and other stakeholders. The Basel Institute serves as Secretariat to the Group, which is now in its 25th year.
Publication
Sustainability reporting and anticorruption provisions: unlocking the potential for impact
This research from the U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre highlights that integrating anti-corruption measures within sustainability reporting frameworks can enhance corporate transparency and contribute to reducing corruption risks. However, inconsistent global sustainability standards and enforcement challenges limit the effectiveness of these measures.
The research presents evidence and practice from the development cooperation sector to support practitioners in navigating governance and accountability frameworks in the private sector.