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How You can Certify 100% FCPA Compliance Based on New SEC/DOJ Requirements

FCPA

How You can Certify 100% FCPA Compliance Based on New SEC/DOJ Requirements

Now that the SEC has gotten involved with FCPA along with the DOJ they have interpreted the FPCA statute to mean that a company must maintain a system of internal accounting controls that monitors FCPA Compliance not only internally within the organization, but for all its third parties including customers and  suppliers

With the average Fortune 50 company having over 75,000 suppliers and 300,000 large customers the enforcement is nearly impossible and deemed as “sneaky.”

Even former DOJ Leadership acknowledges the incredible challenge around FCPA Compliance, especially now that the SEC is stepped up its enforcement (See video like below at around the 14:40 mark).

https://youtu.be/xpo9d4CbHG0

However, there is a solution to avoid or mitigate FCPA  fines/actions as well as damaging public press-releases by the DOJ/SEC due to third party violations.  A robust but straightforward certification program can significantly mitigate this risk.

A Certification Program is primarily an attestation or assertion document that is acknowledged or signed by an employee/and all third parties delivered by email, a simple workflow software or even post mail. It is generally language-specific but is translators are not available English only works. The attestation or assertion document is asking an individual/entity/official to certify that they are Understand FCPA, Are FCPA Compliant, and Unaware of any violations.

You might be asking yourself that there is no way that all of my hundreds of thousands of suppliers/customers/colleagues will comply, and we will have with exposure? 

In the case of colleagues, its a more straightforward answer as the certification process should be mandatory using internal email or workflow tools driven from the top of the organization. In the case of third parties where there is less control, the recommendation is to send the certification communication (via email/post) up to three times in  90 days.  If there is no response, this is OK!

The key to this entire process is a robust documentation and controls process over the certifications – this includes the third parties that have not responded despite three attempts.

Essential elements to an FCPA  Certification process are:

-How the Certification is written ensuring that there is an emphasis on full disclosure and awareness and understanding of the FCPA Statute and any potential violations

-Process for Disseminating to third parties and internal employees

-Tracking and reporting

-Frequency

It is proven that a robust Certification Program implemented in advance of a certification program has lead to reduced penalties and even eliminated penalties as well as damaging Public Relations from the announcement of an SEC/DOJ Investigation.

A robust FCPA certification program may be the most significant cost avoidance and reputation damaging you can implement within your organization.

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For more information and learning more please contact Ation Advisory Group  (www.ationadvisory.com) or at (917) 821-2147.

FCPA

FCPA Can Provide a Favorable Competitive Edge for Your Business

FCPA can be used as a useful business development tool when dealing with government officials and customers in international markets by conducting a valuable training awareness program or seminar.

 In 1977 FCPA Regulations were implanted in response to revelations of widespread bribery of foreign officials by U.S. companies. The US Regulation was intended to halt those corrupt practices, create a level playing field for honest businesses, and restore public confidence in the integrity of the marketplace. More recently, the Securities Exchange Commission has joined the Department of Justice is expanding the scope of what an FCPA violation means with vague, broad guidelines.

If one thinks US Multinationals are confused by the new regulation in nature and scope, one can only imagine the confusion of customers, vendors, government officials, and other stakeholders within over 80 International markets.

In many markets, the word “bribe” in business is not a negative reactionary term but respected and expected. In fact, in most emerging markets across Asia, Latin America, The Middle East, or Eastern Europe require this.  If some form of a gift, payment, or consideration is not part of the agreement, it is considered rude and disrespectful, and business negotiation will stall.

Emerging Markets are even finding themselves in a position where they are reluctant to do business with US Multinationals for not respecting local customs and norms and not understanding the FCPA Regulation itself due to the complexity. US Multinationals under FCPA jurisdiction are losing billions of dollars in business opportunities within these markets since their “hands are tied” when it comes to ensuring strict FCPA Compliance. All of which has led to a significant loss in revenue.

However, there is a solution with a win-win for all parties, including the SEC and DOJ.

A robust  FCPA/ Compliance and Controls Training Program delivered by US Companies to Emerging Markets customers, vendors, government officials,  and other third parties to help third party markets better understand US Regulations and has led to a measurable increase in local sales/revenue.

Locally, language adapted, simple, effectively delivered (and maybe even “fun”) training programs using case study interactive examples in a classroom setting provided to local clients/customers/government officials/vendors provides an essential need of US FCPA and Compliance and Controls Requirements.

Private and Public Sector examples show that across Emerging Markets a robust, custom-developed FCPA Training Program, in the local language with interactive case studies  successfully delivered in a hotel or meeting room including modest meals and beverages,  will lead to increased sales/revenue and cost avoidance  in the areas of  Government Tender revenue, ease of custom clearings,  and accelerated regulatory approvals of product or services.

The bottom line benefits are:

-FCPA Regulators appreciate the training and awareness of programs delivered throughout Emerging Markets avoiding subsequent fines and actions

-In-country clients/third parties and government officials enjoy learning about FCPA and how it might differ from their local country norms around bribing

-US Multi-Nationals could significantly increase revenue within emerging markets while complying with FCPA Regulations.

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If you would like to find out more, please contact Frank Orlowski, Founder Ation Advisory Group at 917-821-2147.