News & what's on - Written by Barry & Richard on Friday, December 24, 2010 2:48 - 0 Comments
FREE WEBINAR: Join us on 13 January when we interview the GC of the SFO about the Bribery Act
Join us on 13 January at 5 pm London time and midday Eastern (New York) time when we shall interview GC of the Serious Fraud Office, Vivian Robinson QC, about the new UK Bribery Act.
Interested? Click here for details and what you need to do to register.
The UK has declared war on corruption with its new Bribery Act and the battlefield is not confined to Great Britain’s shores. U.S. and non UK companies take heed: with its long-arm jurisdiction, this law applies to any business with operations in, or connections with, the UK.
That means unlimited fines, confiscation of assets, debarment from EU contracts, and lengthy prison terms could be in store for those found guilty. Unlike the Foreign and Corrupt Practices Act, there is no exemption for facilitation (“grease”) payments or corporate hospitality. However, the SFO has signaled that it will be adopting a common sense approach in enforcement of the new law.
On 13 Janaury we shall host a free webinar.
This webcast is a “must attend” for general counsel, ethics officers and compliance counsel of any U.S. or overseas business that trades with or from the UK and any UK business.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Vivian Robinson QC, general counsel to the UK’s Serious Fraud Office; Barry Vitou, partner in Winston & Strawn’s London office; Richard Kovalevsky QC, 2 Bedford Row; and David Childers, CEO of EthicsPoint answer your questions arising from the UK’s long-arm jurisdiction bribery laws, including:
- When will the long-arm jurisdiction of the law catch U.S./overseas companies?
- What should U.S./overseas businesses be doing now to comply?
- What should a U.S./overseas organization do if it uncovers bribery?
We’ll also answer questions on facilitation payments and corporate hospitality and any other general questions you may have about the new law.
Do you have specific hypothetical examples you’d like the SFO’s view on? Mr. Robinson has agreed to accept questions from us.