Conference programme

Cross-border corruption cases increasingly require close cooperation among enforcement authorities, particularly in Asia where diverse legal systems and enforcement capacities coexist. This session will highlight recent regional case studies – including Japan’s handling of the Carlos Ghosn/Nissan case and the introduction of plea bargaining – to illustrate both the opportunities and challenges in achieving effective coordination. Panellists will discuss mechanisms for information sharing, joint investigations and aligning enforcement priorities, offering practical insights for practitioners navigating multi-jurisdictional anti-corruption matters.

This session will deliver a concise overview of recent global anticorruption enforcement trends, offering practical takeaways for companies and practitioners operating in Asia. Panellists will review high-profile cases, policy changes and emerging enforcement tools from the United States, Europe, Latin America and beyond, before turning to their implications for Asian jurisdictions. With Asia both a growing enforcement arena and home to multinational corporations facing cross-border scrutiny, the discussion will focus on strategies for anticipating enforcement risks and strengthening compliance programmes in a shifting global landscape.

Whistleblowing remains one of the most effective tools for detecting corporate misconduct, driving legislative reforms across the globe. In recent years, EU member states have implemented comprehensive whistleblower protection laws under the EU Directive, while the US Department of Justice has strengthened its rewards framework through a new pilot programme. Japan has also moved to enhance protections, following its 2020 reforms to the Whistleblower Protection Act with a further amendment in June 2025 aimed at expanding coverage and reinforcing safeguards. This session will explore these developments, compare approaches across jurisdictions and consider their implications for compliance programmes, investigative practices and corporate culture in Asia and beyond.

Asia presents a diverse and evolving anti-corruption landscape, with each jurisdiction facing unique enforcement challenges. In China, the recent amendment to the Anti-Unfair Competition Law has expanded tools for addressing commercial bribery and strengthened penalties, reflecting a continuing focus on market integrity. In South Korea, political turbulence remains high-profile, with both a former president and a former first lady facing criminal proceedings – illustrating the reach of anti-corruption enforcement into the highest levels of power. In India, many foreign companies still struggle with bribery risks despite a robust legislative framework, raising questions about enforcement consistency and corporate liability. This session will provide a comparative overview of these developments, offering practical insights for companies and counsel navigating anti-corruption compliance across these key Asian markets.

The Trump administration’s reported suspension of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) enforcement has sparked debate over the future of global anti-corruption efforts. Long regarded as the driving force behind international enforcement standards, the FCPA’s slowdown raises questions about whether other jurisdictions – including the Brazil, France, the UK and key Asian economies – will step in to fill the gap. This session will explore the political context, the potential shift in global enforcement leadership and the implications for multinational companies navigating an evolving cross-border compliance landscape.

Effective anti-corruption compliance is inseparable from strong corporate governance. This session will examine how governance structures – including the active engagement of outside directors – can reinforce corporate integrity, prevent situations where short-term profit is prioritised over compliance obligations and ensure accountability at all levels. Panellists will discuss how in-house counsel and outside directors can work together to design, implement and oversee robust compliance programmes, strengthen internal audit functions and align business strategy with ethical and legal standards. Real-world case studies from Asia and beyond will highlight best practices for fostering a governance culture that supports transparent decision-making, proactive risk management and credible engagement with enforcement authorities in multi-jurisdictional contexts.