On February 10, 2025, President Trump ordered the DOJ to suspend enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), a move with profound implications for global business ethics and the fight against corruption.
- The role of compliance and ethics in combating corruption
Since 1977, the FCPA has been a cornerstone in the global battle against corporate bribery, setting the global standard for ethical business. Its enforcement not only held corporations accountable but also pushed other nations to adopt similar measures. Anti-Bribery and Corruption programs, developed in response to the FCPA, have been instrumental in promoting ethical business practices, ensuring transparency, and fostering a culture of integrity within organizations.Suspending it risks legitimizing bribery and weakening corporate integrity.
- The consequences
Erosion of ethical standards: Without the FCPA’s deterrent, companies may feel emboldened to engage in bribery, leading to a normalization of corrupt practices in international business.
Global repercussions: If the U.S. abandons anti-corruption leadership, will others follow? Will other countries relax their own enforcement, potentially triggering a global decline in ethical business conduct?
Compliance in crisis: Compliance officers, already undervalued, may now be sidelined entirely, as organizations reassess their commitment to anti-corruption measures in the absence of strict enforcement.
- The moral question
Will companies uphold their anti-corruption commitments or lower their standards to stay “competitive”? Compliance and ethics isn’t just about regulations—it’s a moral and strategic imperative that builds trust and long-term value.Ethical business practices build trust with stakeholders, enhance corporate reputation, and contribute to sustainable economic development.
Now, more than ever, businesses must double down on ethics, reinforce compliance frameworks, and advocate for transparency.
Corruption wins only if we allow it.🔹 Will your company stand firm? Let’s discuss.
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