What impact has the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act had on US companies?
AG: There are competing views on this. Many companies have felt that they are at a competitive disadvantage because the playing field is not level, tilting in favor of those who are not subjected to US laws. However, the US government has demonstrated a willingness to pursue multinational companies headquartered outside the US borders under the FCPA. Additionally and increasingly, European prosecutors and regulators have demonstrated an increased willingness to enforce statutes similar to the FCPA. Some expect that over time, enforcement of the FCPA will lead to a decrease in global corporate corruption, and thus will actually improve opportunities for US companies who often compete based on superior products and superior services, but are often cut out of markets because of local corruption. CBM: What is the UK’s new Bribery Bill? AG: First, a little history– The UK currently operates under a patchwork of statutes dating from as early as 1889 that prohibit and punish extra-territorial
