IBA Annual Conference Copenhagen 2026

4 Oct - 9 Oct 2026

Session information

From high-trust societies to high-risk markets: lessons from Nordic companies operating globally

Wednesday 7 October (0930 - 1045)

Committee(s)

Anti-Corruption Committee (Lead)
IBA Legal Policy & Research Unit

Description

The Nordic countries are consistently associated with low levels of corruption and high public trust, as confirmed by Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index and other indices. When Nordic companies operate globally, however, they encounter operating environments with different regulatory frameworks, business practices, and corruption risks. This panel will explore how Nordic companies approach anti-corruption compliance, third-party risk management, investigations, and corporate accountability in global operations. It will examine how strong domestic governance traditions can support effective compliance practices abroad but also present blind spots when navigating different legal, commercial, and cultural environments.  While grounded in Nordic corporate experience, the lessons and strategies discussed will provide valuable insights for companies, policymakers, and practitioners operating in diverse jurisdictions and risk environments around the world.