The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA): Why it matters more than ever 

he Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) may be nearly half a century old, but it’s more relevant than ever today. Not only has it led to hundreds of millions in fines over the past 12 months, for companies across industries, compliance has become increasingly complicated — and critical.

Below, we offer more context into the following topics:

• What the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act is
• Who is in scope for the FCPA
• The purpose of the FCPA and its impact on global anti-bribery and anti-corruption (ABAC) compliance
• FCPA compliance challenges and how technology can help

What is the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act?

Enforced by both the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 forbids companies from making corrupt payments — in the form of gifts, trips, lavish treatment, as well as money — to foreign officials to obtain or retain business.

The United States Congress enacted it to restore public confidence in the integrity of the marketplace after widespread revelations of U.S. companies bribing foreign officials,and this action set a pivotal precedent.

The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, along with the U.K. Anti-Bribery Act, laid the groundwork for ABAC laws now on the books in 46 jurisdictions worldwide.

Who does the FCPA apply to?

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act applies to all U.S. citizens and businesses and any public company listed on a U.S. stock exchange or required to file periodic reports with the SEC. Certain foreign individuals and businesses operating in the U.S. may also fall under the Act’s jurisdiction.

This is just the beginning of the FCPA’s reach. Not only are organizations liable for their own employees’ behavior, but they can also be held accountable if a third party attempts to bribe public officials while acting on their behalf.

What is the purpose of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act?

In short, the FCPA aims to create a level playing field for global commerce.

A National Law Review article from 2020 calls it “an invaluable tool” in the fight against corruption and for a fair business environment, noting how the Act and other anti-bribery/anti-corruption laws:

• Reduce the internal business costs of corruption
• Reduce the societal costs of corruption
• Encourage companies to develop strong internal controls
• Encourage compliance and accurate reporting
• Promote business expansion and stability
• Promote ethical conduct

The importance and impact of the FCPA on anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws globally

As stated earlier in this article, the significance of the FCPA extends far beyond the U.S. boarders. The FCPA has not only been a cornerstone in the U.S. legal framework against corruption but has also served as a model for ABAC laws worldwide. Its influence is profound, shaping the legislative landscapes of numerous countries and demanding a global culture of transparency and integrity in business practices.

Promoting international ABAC legislation

The FCPA was one of the first laws to address corruption and bribery of foreign officials on an international scale, setting a precedent for others to follow. In the years following the FCPA’s implementation, several countries have established or strengthened their own ABAC laws. For instance, the U.K. Bribery Act, which came into effect in 2010, mirrors the FCPA’s provisions but includes stricter penalties and a wider scope of application. Similarly, countries like Brazil, China and India have also revamped their anti-corruption efforts, inspired by the FCPA’s framework.

These laws are not mere replicas but are tailored to fit the unique legal and cultural contexts of each country. However, the core principles of fairness, accountability and transparency remain consistent, echoing the foundational goals of the FCPA.

Enhancing global business ethics and compliance

The proliferation of ABAC laws influenced by the FCPA has significantly impacted international business operations. Companies operating across global markets are now more accountable for their actions and the actions of those they do business with, including third parties and intermediaries. This heightened accountability has compelled businesses to implement robust compliance programs that ensure adherence not only to the FCPA but also to the myriad of international laws that govern their operations.

Moreover, the FCPA’s emphasis on accurate record-keeping and financial transparency has become a global norm, encouraging companies to maintain detailed and transparent accounting practices.

Challenges of FCPA compliance

As regulators, enforcers, and corporations alike navigate these complexities, here are two of the top themes we’re seeing.

Expectations for FCPA compliance are high. As the intensified enforcement activity of recent years demonstrates, internal controls are just the beginning of what the DOJ wants to see. They expect internal controls to be part of an overall culture of FCPA compliance throughout the organization, set from the top by senior management.

Meanwhile, the scope is broad, and growing more so by the day. The DOJ also expects organizations to allocate greater resources and due diligence to areas of higher risk — across its own operations and those of third parties.

Due diligence is an involved and ongoing process including risk assessment and classification, investigations, resolution of red flags, and continuous monitoring.

Now multiply these steps across the many parties that make up a modern third-party network: vendors, outsourcers, service providers, contractors, subcontractors, consultants, temporary workers, agents, brokers, dealers, intermediaries, partners, and more.

Here’s where technology — and Diligent — come in

Especially as recent SEC and DOJ guidance prioritizes third party oversight, investment in the right risk management solution can pay dividends in terms of time savings, fine avoidance, and peace of mind.

A solution like Third-Party Risk Management, delivered over the Diligent One Platform, keeps compliance leaders ahead of FCPA adherence by automating manual processes, streamlining vetting and monitoring consolidating information into a single, secure, and auditable system, and more.

Take the next step in tackling FCPA complexities.

Download our guide to creating a credible, defensible third-party risk management program, to get ahead of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act regulation and enforcement in 2024 and beyond.