Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Services, Why Do You Need it?
There are many advantages to outsourcing portions of your Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance program to CRI Group™
CRI™ Anti-money laundering (AML) advisory services help analyse systems and develop effective solutions that reduce your company’s risk of falling prey to employee, supplier or outside corporate and financial crimes. An effective AML framework is a testament to your organisation’s position against crime.
Our unmatched investigative capabilities, worldwide presence and a long-standing reputation for independence and integrity make us uniquely qualified to resolve regulatory concerns.
Our vast Anti-Corruption and Compliance network provides the protection you need when making critical bottom-line decisions crucial to your organisation’s success. Leave it for experts. Ensure you have the 360-degrees analysis of your challenges – get in touch with the experienced CRI Group’s AML team for a bespoke quote.
Meet stakeholder expectations and safeguard your corporate reputation and competitive positioning
As a global business entity with a range of subsidiary partner operations that cross several distinct business sectors (including but not limited to telecommunication, financial services, petrochemicals, energy production/distribution, chemicals, fertilisers and food), your organisation needs to recognise that it is targeted by hostile entities seeking to take advantage of your market presence.
One of the critical challenges is corporate finance’s control and movement and the need to ensure that effective Anti-Money Laundering (AML Framework) procedures and practices are in place. Refusal to accept the risks and your organisation is openly exposed to:
- Corporate Fraud;
- Corruption;
- Exploitation from the theft of money & other assets.
You need to comply with national, regional, and international legislative frameworks such as:
- Section 453 of the 2017 Companies Act (Pakistan); and
- UK’s Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) 2000).
More fundamentally, money that is unknowingly, unwittingly or (in the case of fraud and corruption) even consciously ‘laundered’ through the organisation could ultimately support, finance and promote international terrorism and the drugs trade.
A money-laundering prevention program is an essential element among institutions’ measures to protect their operations and promote trust among their clients and partners. CRI Group™ works with clients to design, implement, and refine comprehensive AML policies and procedures and establish an overarching compliance strategy and culture, including firm-wide training on AML compliance that reflects the latest regulatory and enforcement trends and industry best practices.
As global corporate citizens aware of their responsibilities, any international organisation must comprehensively address these concerns and implement policies, procedures, and associated risk assessment mechanisms.
Consequences of an absent AML framework
To have insufficient controls and be charged with engaging in money laundering can have any of the following negative consequence
- Damaged corporate reputations & brand devaluation
- Eroding employee morale
- Potential consumer boycotts
- Negative investor perceptions
- Possible legal action
- Fines & potential jail terms for directors
Contact CRI™ today and learn more about how your organisation can remain in full compliance with all applicable AML laws and regulations, giving you, your partners and your clients the confidence of knowing that the organisation, and its reputation, is protected from the negative consequences of money laundering.
AML Due Diligence with CRI Group™
Complying with AML regulations requires taking a risk-based approach towards assessing the risks from doing business with customers and third parties. CRI Group™ offers a broad spectrum of risk-based screening, monitoring, and due diligence solutions that suit the needs of AML compliance professionals. We provide tailored solutions commensurate with the level of risk involved.
There are many advantages to outsourcing portions of your AML compliance program to CRI Group™. More and more, in-house compliance professionals have faced internal financial pressures and resource constraints while looking to build an effective and robust AML program. CRI Group™ can help supplement your existing efforts and provide AML and due diligence solutions capabilities worldwide.
AML Service Capabilities
CRI™ excels at deterring, detecting and investigating crimes against businesses. We achieve success using a global network of professionals specially trained in Anti-Corruption, Risk Management and Compliance due diligence, and corporate investigations. More importantly, our technical capabilities and multi-national resources enable us to perform the following scope of work for your organisation to demonstrate adequate procedures and to provide a complete solution consisting:
- In-Depth AML Risk Assessment
- GAP Analysis for the scope of ISO 37301 Compliance Management System
- Provision of AML Framework
- Global Sanction Screening & Third-Party Risk Management
- Money laundering reporting officer (MLRO)
- Policy statement
- AML framework – scope of the AML framework
- What is money laundering – regulatory requirements
- Identifying financing terrorism
- Corporate principles – an ethical & integrated business approach
- Screening of politically exposed persons & sanctions
- Suspicious activity reporting, tipping off & sar submission
- Record keeping
CRI™ professionals work closely with your business to analyse systems and develop effective solutions that reduce your company’s risk of falling prey to employee, supplier or outside corporate and financial crimes. Our vast Anti-Corruption and Compliance network provides the protection you need when making critical bottom-line decisions crucial to your organisation’s success.
CRI Group™ excels at deterring, detecting and investigating crimes against businesses. We achieve success using a global network of professionals specially trained in Anti-Corruption, Risk Management and Compliance due diligence, and corporate investigations– a complete 360-Degrees AML management solution. More importantly, our technical capabilities and multi-national resources enable us to perform the following scope of work for your organisation to demonstrate adequate procedures:
- In-Depth Anti-Money Laundering Risk Assessment;
- GAP Analysis for the scope of ISO 37301 Compliance Management System;
- Provision of AML Framework; and
- Global Sanction Screening and Third-Party Risk Management
CRI Group™ helps clients expertly and efficiently resolve gaps and deficiencies in their AML compliance programs. We offer diligence remediation services to assist our clients with changes in the law and/or internal firm policies. CRI Group™ also offers transactional remediation services when clients require a “look back” to evaluate in-house performance and compliance.
Who is CRI Group™?
Based in London, CRI Group™ works with companies across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia-Pacific as a one-stop international Risk Management, Employee Background Screening, Business Intelligence, Due Diligence, Compliance Solutions and other professional Investigative Research solutions provider.
We have the largest proprietary network of background screening analysts and investigators across the Middle East and Asia. Our global presence ensures that no matter how international your operations are, we have the network needed to provide you with all you need, wherever you happen to be.
CRI Group™ also holds BS 102000:2013 and BS 7858:2012 Certifications, is an HRO certified provider and partner with Oracle.
In 2016, CRI Group™ launched Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC™) Center of Excellence – an independent certification body that provides education and certification services for individuals and organisations on a wide range of disciplines and ISO standards, including ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management- Guidelines; ISO 37000:2021 Governance of Organisations; ISO 37002:2021 Whistleblowing Management System; ISO 37301:2021 (formerly ISO 19600) Compliance Management system (CMS); Anti-Money Laundering (AML); and ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management Systems ABMS. ABAC™ offers a complete suite of solutions designed to help organisations mitigate the internal and external risks associated with operating in multi-jurisdiction and multi-cultural environments while assisting in developing frameworks for strategic compliance programs. Contact ABAC™ for more on ISO Certification and training.
CRI Group™ invites you to schedule a quick appointment with us to discuss in more detail how our risk management solutions can help you and your organisation.
External Protection: Due Diligence Investigations
Due Diligence Investigations Can Give You External Protection
Due Diligence investigations involve thoroughly identifying, evaluating and verifying all available information on a person, company or entity. By conducting a comprehensive due diligence investigation through a reliable partner, you can make informed and confident business decisions – especially important when you’re hiring or considering prospective business partners or new commercial relationships – and protect your organization and team from external risks.
With corruption rife on an international scale, due diligence investigations with a global reach are more important than ever. To protect your business from liabilities and regulatory non-compliance and to ensure successful, legitimate business transactions, you must make sure your organization has timely and accurate business intelligence as a business leader.
Due diligence is called for whenever an individual or company enters into a high-stakes transaction. For example, if your company is considering acquiring a piece of real estate, purchasing another business, or hiring a job candidate to fill a top position, a due diligence investigation can uncover information that might not be readily available. Companies may also benefit from investigating potential clients, overseas business partners, and intellectual property.
In theory, anyone can perform a due diligence investigation. However, the process is time-consuming and requires access to a wide range of data sources. Most companies hire professional investigators who have the time and the expertise to do in-depth due diligence research properly and legally and to provide an informed analysis of potential risks. CRI Group™ uses a proven, multi-faceted research approach to third-party investigations involving a global array of databases, court and public record searches, local contacts, industry and media resources, and in-depth web-based research. Our resources include:
- International business verification
- Individual business interest search
- Personal profile on individual subjects
- Company profile on corporate entities
- Historical ownership analysis
- Identification of subsidiaries and connected parties
- Global and national criminality and regulatory records check
- World-check politically exposed person database
- international media research
- Country-specific databased that include litigation checks, law enforcement agencies and capital market, regulators
- Company background analysis
- Industry reputational assessment
- FCPA, UK Anti-Bribery and corruption risks databases
- Global terrorism check
- Global Financial authorities check
- Money laundering risk databases
- Financial reports
CRI Group™ investigations delve deep into every aspect of the third-party provider, including operational performance, financial condition, reputation, references, present and past litigation, key principals, internal controls, current relationships, customer services, quality control and insurance coverage. A company’s reputation is one of its greatest assets and should be protected at all costs. Unfortunately, one dishonest associate or poor choice of investment can do a lot of damage to a company’s image as well as to its bottom line. A proper due diligence investigation can protect you and your business from bad investments, unpleasant surprises, and even legal troubles. Getting a more complete picture of a situation through due diligence can help you make better, more profitable decisions. If you’re ready to perform a due diligence investigation but don’t know where to start, contact CRI Group™ today.
Who is CRI Group™?
Based in London, CRI Group™ works with companies across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia-Pacific as a one-stop international Risk Management, Employee Background Screening, Business Intelligence, Due Diligence and other professional Investigative Research solutions provider. We have the largest proprietary network of background-screening analysts and investigators across the Middle East and Asia. Our global presence ensures that no matter how international your operations are we have the network needed to provide you with all you need, wherever you happen to be. CRI Group™ also holds BS 102000:2013 and BS 7858:2012 Certifications, is an HRO certified provider and partner with Oracle.
We’d like to share with you 10 great reasons to partner with CRI Group™ today:
- CRI Group™’s personal touch: Our high level of service sets us apart from our competitors: As your partner, our team become members of your team – working for you with our “boots on the ground” approach to gathering information. Our experts excel at deterring, detecting and investigating fraud and other crimes against businesses.
- Our vast business intelligence network: We access information from 180 countries, gathering local knowledge in places our competitors cannot. Our presence in Pakistan, Oman, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Qatar, Egypt, Kuwait, Bahrain, as well as other countries in Africa and the whole of Southeast Asia, means that many of our competitors contact us for information from those countries.
- Competitive pricing: CRI Group™ does not maintain the high overhead of larger firms, many of which lack our specialisation and level of individual client attention. We work within your budget, as CRI™ Group’s prices are consistently lower than our competitors’ rates.
- “3PRM” – Our Third-Party Risk Management Strategy™: At CRI Group™, we have developed our own comprehensive service for helping clients manage third-party risks. Our team of experts provide the highest level of protection for companies worldwide.
- CRI Group™’s wide knowledge base: Our experts come from a variety of professions and possess industry knowledge and experience serving clients spanning the oil and energy, banking, investments, international finance, and public and privately held multinational business sectors. CRI Group™ professionals work closely with your business to analyse systems and develop effective solutions that reduce the risk of your company falling prey to employees, suppliers or outside crime.
- Our background checks catch everything: CRI Group™’s background screening and pre-employment screening services expose vulnerabilities and threats within your organisation and can significantly reduce the potential of business and financial crime, fraud and malpractice from occurring within your workplace.
- We’re recognised and acclaimed: As well as winning awards for “Anti-Fraud Advisor of the Year,” “Leading Adviser in UAE”, and “Business Due-Diligence Firm of the Year,” CRI Group™ is also working towards the “Investors in People” accreditation.
- We are discreet: Let’s face it; there are some problems you just don’t want announced to the world. Fraud, internal investigations, due diligence or liability issues – CRI Group™’s experts are trained to maintain the highest levels of client confidentiality. We keep your private business private.
- Our updates keep you in the know: As industry experts, we offer a publication called Fraud 360, which is produced on a quarterly basis, with monthly email updates offering awareness, knowledge, latest trends and helpful advice for companies on fraud. If you would like to be on our mailing list, please subscribe here.
- CRI Group™ is truly international. We maintain offices in UAE, Turkey, Pakistan, Qatar, Singapore, Hong Kong, the United States and the United Kingdom. For more information, please visit www.crigroup.com.
Check out our “Why Partner With CRI Group™” InfoPack
In 2016, CRI Group™ launched Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC™) Center of Excellence – an independent certification body established for ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management Systems, ISO 37301:2021 Compliance Management Systems and ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management, providing training and certification. ABAC™ operates through its global network of certified ethics and compliance professionals, qualified auditors and other certified professionals. As a result, CRI Group™’s global team of certified fraud examiners work as a discreet white-labelled supplier to some of the world’s largest organizations. Contact ABAC™ for more on ISO Certifications and trainings.
Why Partner with CRI Group™? We’re Glad You Asked
Since 1990, Corporate Research and Investigations Limited “CRI Group™” has safeguarded businesses from fraud and corruption, providing insurance fraud investigations, employee background screening, investigative due diligence, third-party risk management, compliance and other professional investigative research services. CRI Group’s expertise will add to the diverse pool of business support services available within your region. We’d like to share with you 10 great reasons to partner with CRI Group™ today:
1. CRI Group’s personal touch
Our high level of service sets us apart from our competitors: As your partner, our team become members of your team – working for you with our “boots on the ground” approach to gathering information. Our experts excel at deterring, detecting and investigating fraud and other crimes against businesses. We also have a flat structure which means that you will have direct access to senior staff members throughout the due diligence process.
2. Our vast business intelligence network
We access information from 180 countries, gathering local knowledge in places our competitors cannot. Our presence in Pakistan, Oman, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Qatar, Egypt, Kuwait, Bahrain, and other countries in Africa and the whole of Southeast Asia, means that many of our competitors contact us for information from those countries.
3. Competitive pricing
CRI Group™ does not maintain the high overhead of larger firms, many of which lack our specialisation and level of individual client attention. We work within your budget, as CRI Group™’s prices are consistently lower than our competitors’ rates.
4. “3PRM” – Our Third-Party Risk Management Strategy™
At CRI Group™, we have developed our comprehensive service for helping clients manage third-party risks. Our extensive solutions include due diligence, employee pre and post background screening, business intelligence and compliance, facilitating any decision-making across your business no matter what area or department. Making our solutions easily customisable flexible, we will tailor our scope to address your concerns and risk areas, saving you time and money.
5. CRI Group™’s wide knowledge base
Our experts come from various professions and possess industry knowledge and experience serving clients spanning the oil and energy, banking, investments, international finance, and public and privately held multinational business sectors. CRI Group™ professionals work closely with your business to analyse systems and develop effective solutions that reduce the risk of your company falling prey to employees, suppliers or outside crime.
6. Our background checks catch everything
CRI Group™’s background screening and pre-employment screening services expose vulnerabilities and threats within your organisation and can significantly reduce the potential of business and financial crime, fraud and malpractice from occurring within your workplace.
7. We’re recognised and acclaimed
As well as winning awards for “Anti-Fraud Advisor of the Year,” “Leading Adviser in UAE”, and “Business Due-Diligence Firm of the Year,” and to ensure the best quality of the services, CRI Group™ is always seeking the highest level accreditations, certifications, and maintains relationships with leading global organisations in the fields of due diligence, fraud investigation such as PBSA, DQG, Fraud Advisory Panel, BS 102000:2018; BS7858:2019; ACFE; CIFAS and more
8. We are discreet
Let’s face it; there are some problems you just don’t want announced to the world. Fraud, internal investigations, due diligence or liability issues – our team of experts provide the highest level of protection for companies worldwide. CRI Group™’s experts are trained to maintain the highest levels of client confidentiality. We keep your private business private.
9. Our updates keep you in the know
As industry experts, we offer a publication called Fraud 360, which is produced quarterly, with monthly email updates offering awareness, knowledge, latest trends and helpful advice for companies on fraud. If you would like to be on our mailing list, please subscribe here.
10. CRI Group™ is truly international
We are based in London, but we maintain offices in UAE, Turkey, Estonia, Pakistan, Qatar, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the United States. Our multi-lingual teams have conducted assignments on thousands of subjects in over 80 countries, and we’re committed to maintaining and constantly evolving our global network. For more information, please visit www.crigroup.com.
Matters surrounding risk management and compliance can be daunting, so why not contact CRI™? Our experts have years of experience and have been trained to provide your business with bespoke advice that fits your organisations’ needs. Don’t hesitate. Implement preventative measures in your workplace today and guide your team to an ethical and correct way of working.
Who is CRI Group™?
Based in London, CRI Group™ works with companies across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia-Pacific as a one-stop international Risk Management, Employee Background Screening, Business Intelligence, Due Diligence and other professional Investigative Research solutions provider. We have the largest proprietary network of background-screening analysts and investigators across the Middle East and Asia. Our global presence ensures that no matter how international your operations are we have the network needed to provide you with all you need, wherever you happen to be. CRI Group™ also holds BS 102000:2013 and BS 7858:2012 Certifications, is an HRO certified provider and partner with Oracle.
In 2016, CRI Group™ launched Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC™) Center of Excellence – an independent certification body that provides education and certification services for individuals and organisations on a wide range of disciplines and ISO standards, including ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management- Guidelines; ISO 37000:2021 Governance of Organisations; ISO 37002:2021 Whistleblowing Management System; ISO 37301:2021 (formerly ISO 19600) Compliance Management system (CMS); Anti-Money Laundering (AML); and ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management Systems ABMS. ABAC™ offers a complete suite of solutions designed to help organisations mitigate the internal and external risks associated with operating in multi-jurisdiction and multi-cultural environments while assisting in developing frameworks for strategic compliance programs. Contact ABAC™ for more on ISO Certification and training.
OUR MISSION AND VISION
- CRI™ mission is to safeguard the corporate world by detecting and exposing those elements that can cause irreparable harm to a business.
- Stand up against the outside forces that, through corruption, collusion, coercion and fraud, can cause financial, organisational, reputational and legal harm to our global clients.
- Stand out as the preeminent provider of specialised investigative services that enable our clients to exhibit the highest standards of business integrity, ethics and behaviour.
Check out our Why Partner With CRI Group™ InfoPack
Stop Gender Based Violence: Incorporate Risk Assessment Into Your Due Diligence Process
Gender Based Violence: Incorporate Risk Assessment Into Your Due Diligence Process
Gender based violence is constantly on the rise – research by the UN Women, “The economic costs of violence against women” suggests that the cost of violence against women is 2% of global GDP, equivalent to US$1.5 trillion – incorporating gender-based violence into risk and mitigation analyses is a must. The company and country-level economic costs of violence include losses in productivity and increases in health and legal costs according to UN Women, “Ending violence against women”
Gender-based violence is known to increase in emergency situations, and the global COVID-19 pandemic has increased the urgency across the globe. During this global pandemic with long-lasting effects, the rising rates of violence are impacting every country and sector. Incorporating an analysis of gender-based violence can help to mitigate the risks of a future that looks very different than it did even three months ago.
UNICEF has launched the 2022 Covid-19 Diligence Tool Criterion. This tool equips investors to understand the risk their investments are exposed to because of gender-based violence and to incorporate that risk assessment into the due diligence process.
Due diligence is a standard process that all investors undertake when deciding whether and how to invest in a company. This tool is designed to align with standard diligence processes for direct private investments. It also offers recommendations and tools that investors can use to mitigate the risks of violence. The risk assessment is also relevant to public investors at the sector and market levels.
Covid-19 Diligence Tool Criterion highlights the areas of focus in due diligence to determine a company’s exposure to risks created by gender-based violence in the company. This tool provides you with company-level due diligence questions that can help you mitigate any risk:
- Is the company leadership, including the board, aware of potential regulatory changes?
- Have any policies been reviewed or changed in response to the pandemic?
- How has the company responded during the crisis? Have disaster mitigations been measured, effective, and gender-balanced?
This tool is one component of a broader global effort to ensure the right to live free of violence and toward greater gender equality. Download the report now.
The mere process of asking questions about gender-based violence creates an impact and could result in improved practices and business.
Staying one step ahead of any critical risk to your organisation is part of being an effective business leader. Contact us today to get started on implementing a robust program that will serve you well for years to come. Get your FREE QUOTE now!
Let’s Talk!
Don’t leave hiring to chance. Take a proactive stance with the highest level of background screening as a part of your essential corporate strategy. Contact us today to learn more about our full range of services to help your organisation stay protected.
Who is CRI Group™?
Based in London, CRI Group™ works with companies across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia-Pacific as a one-stop international Risk Management, Employee Background Screening, Business Intelligence, Due Diligence and other professional Investigative Research solutions provider. We have the largest proprietary network of background-screening analysts and investigators across the Middle East and Asia. Our global presence ensures that no matter how international your operations are we have the network needed to provide you with all you need, wherever you happen to be. CRI Group™ also holds BS 102000:2013 and BS 7858:2012 Certifications, is an HRO certified provider and partner with Oracle.
In 2016, CRI Group™ launched Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC™) Center of Excellence – an independent certification body that provides education and certification services for individuals and organisations on a wide range of disciplines and ISO standards, including ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management- Guidelines; ISO 37000:2021 Governance of Organisations; ISO 37002:2021 Whistleblowing Management System; ISO 37301:2021 (formerly ISO 19600) Compliance Management system (CMS); Anti-Money Laundering (AML); and ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management Systems ABMS. ABAC™ offers a complete suite of solutions designed to help organisations mitigate the internal and external risks associated with operating in multi-jurisdiction and multi-cultural environments while assisting in developing frameworks for strategic compliance programs. Contact ABAC™ for more on ISO Certification and training.
Meet the CEO
Zafar I. Anjum is Group Chief Executive Officer of CRI Group™, a global supplier of investigative, forensic accounting, business due to diligence and employee background screening services for some of the world’s leading business organizations. Headquartered in London (with a significant presence throughout the region) and licensed by the Dubai International Financial Centre-DIFC, the Qatar Financial Center – QFC, and the Abu Dhabi Global Market-ADGM, CRI Group™ safeguard businesses by establishing the legal compliance, financial viability, and integrity levels of outside partners, suppliers and customers seeking to affiliate with your business. CRI® Group maintains offices in UAE, Pakistan, Qatar, Singapore, Malaysia, Brazil, China, the USA, and the United Kingdom.
Contact CRI Group™ to learn more about its 3PRM-Certified™ third-party risk management strategy program and discover an effective and proactive approach to mitigating the risks associated with corruption, bribery, financial crimes and other dangerous risks posed by third-party partnerships.
Zafar Anjum, MSc, MS, CFE, CII, MICA, Int. Dip. (Fin. Crime) | CRI Group™ Chief Executive Officer
37th Floor, 1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AA United Kingdom
t: +44 207 8681415 | m: +44 7588 454959 | e: zanjum@crigroup.com
New Legislation to Tackle Global Economic Crime
The Government Has Brought Forward New Legislation (Economic Crime – Transparency and Enforcement- Bill) To Tackle Economic Crime And Improve Corporate Transparency
The Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Bill has been introduced in Parliament this week for its first reading. Following the commitments announced by the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, last week (21 February 2022), the government has brought forward the new legislation to tackle economic crime following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Legislation to crack down on dirty money in the UK and corrupt elites was introduced in Parliament on 1 March 2022, and the new Policy paper is out already. The new legislation will help the National Crime Agency prevent foreign owners from laundering their money in UK property and ensure more corrupt oligarchs can be handed an Unexplained Wealth Order (UWO).
As part of this, a Register of Overseas Entities will be developed to crack down on foreign criminals using UK property to launder their money. The Register of Overseas Entities will be at the heart of a new global standard for transparency and significantly contribute to improved ownership transparency. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “There is no place for dirty money in the UK. We are going faster and harder to tear back the facade that those supporting Putin’s campaign of destruction have been hiding behind for so long. Those backing Putin have been put on notice: there will be nowhere to hide your ill-gotten gains.” The new register will require anonymous foreign owners of UK property to reveal their real identities to ensure criminals cannot hide behind secretive chains of shell companies, setting a new global standard for transparency. Entities who do not declare their ‘beneficial owner’ will face restrictions overselling their property. Those who break the rules could face up to 5 years in prison.
What does this mean for Companies?
Under the reforms being brought in on UWOs, those who hold property in the UK in a trust will be brought within the scope. The definition of an asset’s ‘holder’ will also be expanded to ensure individuals can’t hide behind opaque shell companies and foundations. The reforms will also remove critical barriers to the use of UWOs by increasing the time available to law enforcement to review material provided in response to a UWO and reforming cost rules to protect law enforcement agencies from incurring substantial legal costs if they bring a reasonable case that is ultimately unsuccessful.
The Treasury will also intensify sanctions enforcement by introducing a more wide-ranging ‘strict civil liability test’ for monetary penalties, rather than the current one, which requires firms to have knowledge or a ‘reasonable cause to suspect’ sanctions are being breached. This will make it easier for the Office for Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) to impose significant fines. A further change will mean OFSI will publicly name organizations that have breached financial sanctions but have not received a fine.
These new measures are being introduced as one part of our response to tackling the scourge of economic crime in the UK and will safeguard our reputation as a clean and safe place for legitimate investment. In addition, the government is today (4 March 2022) publishing a detailed White Paper setting out its plans to upgrade Companies House, which will mean:
- Anyone setting up, running, owning or controlling a company in the UK will need to verify their identity with Companies House;
- Companies House will be given the power to challenge the information that appears dubious and will be empowered to inform security agencies of potential wrongdoing;
- Company agents from overseas will no longer be able to create companies in the UK on behalf of foreign criminals or secretive oligarchs;
- The quality of the information provided by companies to Companies House will be improved so that the thousands of small companies who rely on it to make business decisions can trust who they are doing business with;
- Filing processes for small businesses will be streamlined and digitalised; and
- Company directors will be better able to protect personal information published by Companies House, which might put them at risk of fraud or other harm.
Reform of Companies House will form part of further legislation which will be introduced in the coming months via an additional Economic Crime Bill to clamp down on illicit finance and improve corporate transparency, which will also include:
- New powers to seize crypto assets and bring them within the scope of civil forfeiture powers to tackle the growing threat from ransomware and the use of crypto assets for money laundering;
- Strengthened AML powers to give businesses more confidence to share information on suspected money laundering and other economic crime; and
- Reforms to bear down on the use of limited partnerships as vehicles for facilitating international money laundering (including illicit Russian finance) and illegal arms movements.
How to comply with the new Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Bill?
As a global business entity with a range of subsidiary partner operations that cross several distinct business sectors (including but not limited to telecommunication, financial services, petrochemicals, energy production/ distribution, chemicals, fertilizers and food), your organization needs to recognize that it is targeted by hostile entities seeking to take advantage of your market presence. The government has taken unprecedented action in the face of barbaric Russian aggression and we are all in this together. This new legislation is a reminder of how important it is to protect your business and the world.
Money that is unknowingly, unwittingly or (in the case of fraud and corruption) even consciously ‘laundered’ through the organization could ultimately support, finance and promote international terrorism and the drugs trade. One of the key challenges is corporate finance’s control and movement and ensuring that effective AML Framework procedures and practices are in place. Refusal to accept the risks and your organization is openly exposed to:
- corporate fraud
- corruption
- exploitation from the theft of money and other assets
Our CRI™ AML advisory services can help you analyze systems and develop effective solutions that not only make sure you comply with the new legislation but also reduce your company’s risk of falling prey to employee, supplier or outside corporate and financial crimes. Our vast Anti-Corruption and Compliance network provides the protection you need when making critical bottom-line decisions crucial to your organization’s success. An effective AML framework is a testament to your organization’s position against crime. As global corporate citizens aware of their responsibilities, any international organization must comprehensively address these concerns and implement policies, procedures, and associated risk assessment mechanisms.
Leave it for experts. Ensure you have the 360-degrees analysis of your challenges – get in touch with the experienced CRI Group’s AML team for a bespoke quote.
Engage Due Diligence Services to Protect Your Business!
Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “The new register will shine a light on who owns what in the UK so we can flush out the oligarchs, criminals and kleptocrats who think they can use UK property to hide their illicitly obtained wealth.” At CRI Group™, we specialize in Integrity Due Diligence, working as trusted partners to businesses and institutions worldwide. Our global integrity DueDiligence360TM investigations provide your business with the critical information you need to reduce risks – including risks arising from the FCPA (Foreign Corrupt Practices Act) and the UKBA (UK Bribery Act) and comply with the new legislation. Unlike other kinds of control (audits, market analysis, etc.), it must be completely independent and rely as little as possible upon information provided by the researched subject.
The other significant difference lies in the methodology: commercial or financial due diligence analyses available information, investigative type provides reliable and pertinent, but raw, information. Our people work with energy, insight and care to ensure we provide a positive experience to everyone involved – clients, reference providers and candidates. CRI Group’s unique identity and vision evolved from our fundamental desire to support our clients and candidates. Safeguard your business and its integrity with DueDiligence360™.
VIEW DUEDILIGENCE360TM BROCHURE
Our DueDiligence360™ expose vulnerabilities and threats that can cause serious damage to your organization and can significantly reduce business. CRI™ is trusted by the world’s largest corporations and consultancies – outsource your due diligence to an experienced provider. You will only ever have to look forward, never back. CRI™ investigators employ a proven, multi-faceted research approach that involves a global array of databases, courts and public record searches, local contacts, industry and media resources, and in-depth web-based research. Our resources include:
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VIEW DUEDILIGENCE360TM BROCHURE
More Details on the New Policy Paper Corporate Transparency and Register Reform
This white paper sets out the government’s position on reforming Companies House ahead of introducing legislation into Parliament. It concludes the results of further consultation and policy development since September 2020. It contains responses to the following talks:
- Corporate transparency and register reform: powers of the registrar
- Corporate transparency and register reform: implementing the ban on corporate directors
- Corporate transparency and register reform: improving the quality and value of financial information on the UK companies register
The white paper is accompanied by 2 impact assessments:
- Corporate Transparency and Companies House Register Reform Impact Assessment
- Exceptions to prohibition of corporate directors set out in the SBEE Act (2015)
About CRI Group™
For short, Corporate Research and Investigations Limited, or CRI Group™, has been safeguarding businesses from fraud, bribery, and corruption since 1990. Globally, we are a leading Compliance and Risk Management company licensed and incorporated entity of the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) and Qatar Financial Center (QFC). CRI™ protects businesses by establishing the legal compliance, financial viability, and integrity levels of outside partners, suppliers and customers seeking to affiliate with your business. Based in London, United Kingdom, CRI™ is a global company with experts and resources located in key regional marketplaces across the Asia Pacific, South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, North and South America. Our global team can support your organisation anywhere in the world.
CRI Group™ invites you to schedule a quick appointment with us to discuss in more detail how our risk management solutions can help you and your organisation.
CRI™ Named Certified Provider by HRO Today Association
CRI Group™ has been approved by the HRO Today Association as a Certified Provider to the human resources services industry. CRI Group™ completed a rigorous audit process and “demonstrated a high level of accountability of standards and ethics,” according to an HRO Today Association statement.
“The HRO Today Association has long been the HR industry’s standard-setting organisation,” said Renee Preston, Global Executive Director of the HRO Today Association. “We are pleased to add CRI Group™ to the growing list of certified providers who are dedicated to offering the highest level of service to the HR community.”
“We are extremely proud to be recognised by HRO Today Association for our diligence and rigorous processes to ensure best practices across organisations,” Anjum said. “At CRI Group™, we share the vision with HRO Today Association that shifting demographics and increased globalisation means that human resources truly lead from the front among employers, candidates and customers,” Anjum said.
Established in 1990, CRI Group™ is a leading global provider of expert employee background screening services. Serving clients worldwide, CRI Group™ also provides investigative due diligence, third-party risk management, compliance and other professional investigative research services. Addressing a need for thorough pre- and post-employment background screening, CRI Group™ developed its own EmploySmart™ background screening service to avoid negligent hiring liabilities. EmploySmart™ can be tailored into specific screening packages to meet the requirements of each specific position within an organisation.
Proper pre-employment checks can reduce the risk of hiring someone who could cause irrevocable damage. Zafar Anjum, founder and CEO of CRI Group™, said “Firms spend years, thousands, even millions to brand their products and services, and one bad hire can cause loss of capital and reputation. EmploySmart™ focuses on using best practices, technological solutions, and a ‘boots on the ground’ approach to provide the best possible background screening for clients.”
About HRO Today Provider Certification Program
HRO Today Association certified members demonstrate that they have undergone evaluation and testing to verify themselves as credible and trusted providers. This form of certification ensures customers have access to qualified service providers in the HR services and technology industry.
Let us know if you would like to learn more
If you have any further questions or interest in implementing compliance solutions, please contact us.
About CRI Group™…
Based in London, CRI Group™ works with companies across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia-Pacific as a one-stop international Risk Management, Employee Background Screening, Business Intelligence, Due Diligence, Compliance Solutions and other professional Investigative Research solutions provider. We have the largest proprietary network of background screening analysts and investigators across the Middle East and Asia. Our global presence ensures that no matter how international your operations are, we have the network needed to provide you with all you need, wherever you happen to be. CRI Group™ also holds BS102000:2013 and BS7858:2019 Certifications is an HRO certified provider and partner with Oracle.
In 2016, CRI Group™ launched the Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC™) Center of Excellence – an independent certification body established for ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management Systems, ISO 37301 Compliance Management Systems and ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management, providing training and certification. ABAC™ operates through its global network of certified ethics and compliance professionals, qualified auditors and other certified professionals. As a result, CRI Group™’s global team of certified fraud examiners work as a discreet white-labelled supplier to some of the world’s largest organizations. Contact ABAC™ for more on ISO Certification and training.
Meet our CEO
Zafar I. Anjum is Group Chief Executive Officer of CRI Group™, a global supplier of investigative, forensic accounting, business due to diligence and employee background screening services for some of the world’s leading business organizations. Headquartered in London (with a significant presence throughout the region) and licensed by the Dubai International Financial Centre-DIFC, the Qatar Financial Center – QFC, and the Abu Dhabi Global Market-ADGM, CRI Group™ safeguard businesses by establishing the legal compliance, financial viability, and integrity levels of outside partners, suppliers and customers seeking to affiliate with your business. CRI Group™ maintains offices in UAE, Pakistan, Estonia, Turkey, Singapore, Malaysia, Brazil, China, the USA, and the United Kingdom.
Contact CRI Group™ to learn more about its 3PRM-Certified™ third-party risk management strategy program and discover an effective and proactive approach to mitigating the risks associated with corruption, bribery, financial crimes and other dangerous risks posed by third-party partnerships.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Zafar Anjum, MSc, MS, CFE, CII, MICA, Int. Dip. (Fin. Crime) | CRI Group™ Chief Executive Officer
37th Floor, 1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AA United Kingdom
t: +44 207 8681415 | m: +44 7588 454959 | e: zanjum@crigroup.com
The Global Business Climate is Changing. So Are Your Third-Party Partners
The current business climate requires a review and reassessment of your organization’s third-party relationships. The global pandemic is rattling economies worldwide, disrupting supply chains, interrupting production, wreaking havoc on industry sectors and shuttering businesses.
It’s highly probable that, at some point, organizations that affiliate with outside providers will eventually have to deal with any number of operational interruptions resulting from a third-party related issue. And while the risks involved in partnering with outsiders haven’t changed over time, the potential level of liability has been ratcheted up several notches.
International Borders have been ripped down. Technology has improved the way businesses communicate. Easy access to data and information enables the media to report on business news before a business can adequately respond. Consequently, the markets quickly react based on this 24/7 on-demand news cycle.
The result of this increased liability can be highly problematic:
- Business litigation has skyrocketed.
- Due to the fallout from the current global pandemic, corporate reputations are negatively impacted.
- Risk management frameworks are continually evolving to acclimate to changing business environments.
- Board members are becoming increasingly subjected to intense scrutiny from outside critics.
THE CHALLENGE: A highly educated market responds immediately with their pocketbooks
- Organizations suffer financial loss as the supply chain falters and loses customers because of poor-quality service from a third party.
- Company data systems are exposed and breached because of poor security practices by third parties.
- Companies are experiencing supply chain issues due to poor disaster recovery procedures by third parties.
- Organizations are increasingly being exposed to litigation because of relationships with an outside provider that significantly violated contractual terms, potentially resulting in regulatory exposure.
THE OUTCOMES: Identifying Red Flags
- Inadequate Compliance Framework
- Human Rights Violations
- Environmental Negative Impact
- Inadequate Governance Policies
- Undisclosed third-party transactions
- Material misrepresentations or omissions
- Unreported financial liabilities
- Criminal or regulatory sanctions
- Prior bribe or corruption allegations
- Undisclosed legal or bankruptcy proceedings
- Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs)
THE SOLUTION: Qualify Your Partners. Protect Your Organization
Corporate Research and Investigations Limited (CRI Group™) is pleased to announce the rollout of its 3PRM-Certified™ a third-party certification program, specifically designed for organizations across the Middle East, Europe and Asian regions. CRI Group’s 3PRM-Certified™ Risk Management Program Presents an Effective Strategy to Vet Outside Partnerships.
This highly specialized Third-Party Risk Management assessment and certification program was developed to help organizations accurately determine the legal compliance, financial viability, and integrity levels of outside partners, suppliers, and customers who seek to affiliate with and represent your business.
CRI Group’s 3PRM-Certified™ third-party risk management strategy can safeguard your organization against:
- Business Interruption;
- Brand Damage;
- Corporate Liability; and
- Director Liability.
The 3PRM-Certified™ program consists of gap analysis investigative due diligence on targeted third-party partners, suppliers and agents seeking to affiliate with your organization. This comprehensive program can reveal any Anti-Corruption, Compliance and Risk Management deficiencies associated with the international regulatory framework. The International Standards Organization ISO achieves another milestone to launch ISO 37000:2021 Governance of organizations, ISO 37002:2021 Whistleblowing Management systems in-line with ISO 37301 Compliance Management Systems to demonstrate effective corporate compliance and Environmental, Social, and Governance.
CRI Group™ employs a network of locally qualified, subject-specific auditors, investigators, certified fraud examiners and industry-specific professionals across the Middle East, European and Asian regions who can provide expert counsel in offering 3PRM-Certified™ strategies as an effective preemptive measure.
3PRM™ Gap Analysis can also be combined with a accredited certification by CRI Group’s independent certification body “ABAC™ Center of Excellence Limited” for the scope of:
- ISO 37000:2021 Governance of organizations;
- ISO 37002:2021 Whistleblowing Management Systems;
- ISO 37301 Compliance Management Systems; and
- ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management System certification to demonstrate effective corporate compliance and Environmental, Social, and Governance.
Has your organization adequately vetted its third-party relationships lately? Contact CRI Group™ to learn more about our 3PRM-Certified™ third-party risk management strategy program and discover a practical and proactive approach to mitigating the risks associated with corruption, bribery, financial crimes and other dangerous threats posed by third-party partnerships. We invite you to schedule a quick appointment with us to discuss you third-party risk management strategy needs.
Let’s Talk!
Don’t leave TPRM to chance. Take a proactive stance with the highest level of TPRM as a part of your essential corporate strategy. Contact us today to learn more about our full range of services to help your organization stay protected.
Who is CRI Group™?
Based in London, CRI Group™ works with companies across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia-Pacific as a one-stop international Risk Management, Employee Background Screening, Business Intelligence, Due Diligence and other professional Investigative Research solutions provider. We have the largest proprietary network of background-screening analysts and investigators across the Middle East and Asia. Our global presence ensures that no matter how international your operations are we have the network needed to provide you with all you need, wherever you happen to be. CRI Group™ also holds BS 102000:2013 and BS 7858:2012 Certifications, is an HRO certified provider and partner with Oracle.
In 2016, CRI Group™ launched the Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC™) Center of Excellence – an independent certification body that provides education and certification services for individuals and organisations on a wide range of disciplines and ISO standards, including ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management- Guidelines; ISO 37000:2021 Governance of Organisations; ISO 37002:2021 Whistleblowing Management System; ISO 37301:2021 (formerly ISO 19600) Compliance Management system (CMS); Anti-Money Laundering (AML); and ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management Systems ABMS. ABAC™ offers a complete suite of solutions designed to help organisations mitigate the internal and external risks associated with operating in multi-jurisdiction and multi-cultural environments while assisting in developing frameworks for strategic compliance programs. Contact ABAC™ for more on ISO Certification and training.
Meet the CEO
Zafar I. Anjum is Group Chief Executive Officer of CRI Group™ (www.crigroup.com), a global supplier of investigative, forensic accounting, business due to diligence and employee background screening services for some of the world’s leading business organizations. Headquartered in London (with a significant presence throughout the region) and licensed by the Dubai International Financial Centre-DIFC, the Qatar Financial Center – QFC, and the Abu Dhabi Global Market-ADGM, CRI Group™ safeguard businesses by establishing the legal compliance, financial viability, and integrity levels of outside partners, suppliers and customers seeking to affiliate with your business. Based in London, CRI Group™ maintains offices in UAE, Pakistan, Qatar, Singapore, Malaysia, Brazil, China, Turkey and the USA.
Contact CRI Group™ to learn more about its 3PRM-Certified™ third-party risk management strategy program and discover an effective and proactive approach to mitigating the risks associated with corruption, bribery, financial crimes and other dangerous risks posed by third-party partnerships.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Zafar Anjum, MSc, MS, CFE, CII, MICA, Int. Dip. (Fin. Crime) | CRI® Group Chief Executive Officer
37th Floor, 1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AA United Kingdom
t: +44 207 8681415 | m: +44 7588 454959 | e: zanjum@crigroup.com
2021 CPI Overview is Out Now!
The newly published Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI 2021) is out. This year’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) reveals that corruption levels are at a worldwide standstill. The CPI ranks 180 countries and territories around the world by their perceived levels of public sector corruption. The results are given on a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). This year, the global average remains unchanged for the tenth year in a row, at just 43 out of a possible 100 points. Despite multiple commitments, 131 countries have made no significant progress against corruption in the last decade. Two-thirds of countries score below 50, indicating that they have serious corruption problems, while 27 countries are at their lowest score ever. That proves the need to implement more stringent anti-bribery anti-corruption measures worldwide. In this article, we discuss solutions to tackle bribery in these regions.
What’s Happening Around the World?
At the top of the CPI, countries in Western Europe and the European Union continue to wrestle with transparency and accountability in their response to COVID-19, threatening the region’s clean image. In parts of Asia Pacific, the Americas, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, increasing restrictions on accountability measures and basic civil freedoms allow corruption to go unchecked. Even historically high-performing countries are showing signs of decline.
In the Middle East and North Africa, the interests of a powerful few continue to dominate the political and private sphere, and the limitations placed on civil and political freedoms are blocking any significant progress. In Sub-Saharan Africa, armed conflict, violent transitions of power and increasing terrorist threats combined with poor enforcement of anti-corruption commitments rob citizens of their basic rights and services. Download the 2021 Transparency International Corruption Perception Index and compare with last years (2020) corruption wins, scandals and predictions for each region (Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Pakistan).
Trouble at the Top, COVID-19 and Human Rights
The current business climate requires a review and reassessment of your organization’s third-party relationships. The global pandemic is rattling economies worldwide, disrupting supply chains, interrupting production, wreaking havoc on industry sectors and shuttering businesses.
It’s highly probable that, at some point, organizations that affiliate with outside providers will eventually have to deal with any number of operational interruptions resulting from a third-party related issue. And while the risks involved in partnering with outsiders haven’t changed over time, the potential level of liability has been ratcheted up several notches.
International Borders have been ripped down. Technology has improved the way businesses communicate. Easy access to data and information enables the media to report on business news before a business can adequately respond. Consequently, the markets quickly react based on this 24/7 on-demand news cycle.
The result of this increased liability can be highly problematic:
- Business litigation has skyrocketed.
- Due to the fallout from the current global pandemic, corporate reputations are negatively impacted.
- Risk management frameworks are continually evolving to acclimate to changing business environments.
- Board members are becoming increasingly subjected to intense scrutiny from outside critics.
THE CHALLENGE: A highly educated market responds immediately with their pocketbooks
- Organizations suffer financial loss as the supply chain falters and loses customers because of poor-quality service from a third party.
- Company data systems are exposed and breached because of poor security practices by third parties.
- Companies are experiencing supply chain issues due to poor disaster recovery procedures by third parties.
- Organizations are increasingly being exposed to litigation because of relationships with an outside provider that significantly violated contractual terms, potentially resulting in regulatory exposure.
THE OUTCOMES: Identifying Red Flags
- Inadequate Compliance Framework
- Human Rights Violations
- Environmental Negative Impact
- Inadequate Governance Policies
- Undisclosed third-party transactions
- Material misrepresentations or omissions
- Unreported financial liabilities
- Criminal or regulatory sanctions
- Prior bribe or corruption allegations
- Undisclosed legal or bankruptcy proceedings
- Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs)
THE SOLUTION: Qualify Your Partners. Protect Your Organisation
Corporate Research and Investigations Limited (CRI Group™) is pleased to announce the rollout of its 3PRM-Certified™ a third-party certification program, specifically designed for organisations across the Middle East, Europe and Asian regions. CRI Group’s 3PRM-Certified™ Risk Management Program Presents an Effective Strategy to Vet Outside Partnerships.
This highly specialised Third-Party Risk Management assessment and certification program was developed to help organisations accurately determine the legal compliance, financial viability, and integrity levels of outside partners, suppliers, and customers who seek to affiliate with and represent your business.
CRI Group’s 3PRM-Certified™ third-party risk management strategy can safeguard your organisation against:
- Business Interruption;
- Brand Damage;
- Corporate Liability; and
- Director Liability.
The 3PRM-Certified™ program consists of gap analysis investigative due diligence on targeted third-party partners, suppliers and agents seeking to affiliate with your organisation. This comprehensive program can reveal any Anti-Corruption, Compliance and Risk Management deficiencies associated with the international regulatory framework. The International Standards Organisation ISO achieves another milestone to launch ISO 37000:2021 Governance of organisations, ISO 37002:2021 Whistleblowing Management systems in-line with ISO 37301 Compliance Management Systems to demonstrate effective corporate compliance and Environmental, Social, and Governance.
CRI® Group employs a network of locally qualified, subject-specific auditors, investigators, certified fraud examiners and industry-specific professionals across the Middle East, European and Asian regions who can provide expert counsel in offering 3PRM-Certified™ strategies as an effective preemptive measure.
3PRM™ Gap Analysis can also be combined with a accredited certification by CRI® Group’s independent certification body “ABAC™ Center of Excellence Limited” for the scope of:
- ISO 37000:2021 Governance of organisations;
- ISO 37002:2021 Whistleblowing Management Systems;
- ISO 37301 Compliance Management Systems; and
- ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management System certification to demonstrate effective corporate compliance and Environmental, Social, and Governance.
Has your organisation adequately vetted its third-party relationships lately? Contact CRI® Group to learn more about our 3PRM-Certified™ third-party risk management strategy program and discover a practical and proactive approach to mitigating the risks associated with corruption, bribery, financial crimes and other dangerous threats posed by third-party partnerships. We invite you to schedule a quick appointment with us to discuss you third-party risk management strategy needs.
Let’s Talk!
Don’t leave TPRM to chance. Take a proactive stance with the highest level of TPRM as a part of your essential corporate strategy. Contact us today to learn more about our full range of services to help your organisation stay protected.
Who is CRI Group™?
Based in London, CRI Group™ works with companies across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia-Pacific as a one-stop international Risk Management, Employee Background Screening, Business Intelligence, Due Diligence and other professional Investigative Research solutions provider. We have the largest proprietary network of background-screening analysts and investigators across the Middle East and Asia. Our global presence ensures that no matter how international your operations are we have the network needed to provide you with all you need, wherever you happen to be. CRI Group™ also holds BS 102000:2013 and BS 7858:2012 Certifications, is an HRO certified provider and partner with Oracle.
In 2016, CRI Group™ launched Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC™) Center of Excellence – an independent certification body that provides education and certification services for individuals and organisations on a wide range of disciplines and ISO standards, including ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management- Guidelines; ISO 37000:2021 Governance of Organisations; ISO 37002:2021 Whistleblowing Management System; ISO 37301:2021 (formerly ISO 19600) Compliance Management system (CMS); Anti-Money Laundering (AML); and ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management Systems ABMS. ABAC™ offers a complete suite of solutions designed to help organisations mitigate the internal and external risks associated with operating in multi-jurisdiction and multi-cultural environments while assisting in developing frameworks for strategic compliance programs. Contact ABAC™ for more on ISO Certification and training.
How to Protect Your IP with Brand Protection Investigations?
Intellectual Property (IP) is an exclusive right of the brand owner. This property includes intangible creations of the brand owners’ human intellect; therefore, the brand owners are lawful copyright or trademark owners. However, when unscrupulous individuals indulge in manufacturing and distributing counterfeit products of well-known brands, the result is the loss of sales, a tarnished brand image and erosion of brand loyalty, not to mention the ill effects of consumption by the consumer and the loss of revenue to the government. This is when Brand protection services are crucial to business integrity.
Counterfeiting threatens the fabric of national economies, endangers safety and frequently kills. It devalues corporate reputations, hinders investment, funds terrorism, and costs hundreds of thousands of people their livelihood annually. Companies and organizations face IP-related risks from a multitude of sources, namely:
- From within the organization itself;
- From entities in the ecosystem of the organization;
- From competitors;
- From independent 3rd parties; and/or
- From illegal entities.
It is important to consider the risks to your intellectual property and take the steps necessary to protect your brand. Because of the potential complexity of IP investigations you should consider consulting experts. Investigators who are specially trained to protect the brand equity and customer loyalty you’ve built by providing professional assistance in the areas of:
- Trade Secret Breaches
- Data Breaches & IP Leaks
- Theft of Proprietary Customer Data
- Copyright Abuse
- Unauthorized Use of Trademarks
- Counterfeit & Pirated Products
- Threats to Brand Integrity & Reputation
- Brand Imitation & Product Copying
- Global Counterfeiting Investigations
Getting help
Brand protection services can:
- Research and investigate the legal aspects of copyright, trademark and patent claims
- Identify the company and/or individuals that have breached your IP rights
- Perform background and financial investigations on subjects involved in IP infringement
- Pinpoint the source and location of the manufacturer in counterfeit product claims
- Establish new delivery channels for the trade of your products
As an integral member of the ICC Counterfeiting Intelligence Bureau, CRI Group™ is certified to advise and assist organizations with intellectual property investigations involving grey market and product counterfeiting crimes.
CRI Group™ utilizes various techniques, analytics, and global technology to investigate intellectual property infringements, including the use of international Counterfeiting Seizure Maps and International Anti-Counterfeiting Directories. Our strategic partnerships with IP firms worldwide ensure that leads are identified and investigated and claims are settled expeditiously.
CRI Group™ Intellectual Property (IP) Investigations:
- Trademark Investigations
- Intellectual Property Acquisition Services
- Patent Investigations
- Brand, Media and Internet Monitoring Services
- Anti-Counterfeiting Programs
- Brand Integrity Programs
- Copyright Abuse Investigations
- Cyber Surveillance
- Litigation Support
CRI™ is an ideal partner to be the eyes and ears of brands across markets, offline and online. Our multidisciplinary experts regularly review and scan the online marketplaces to keep a close eye on fake products. From online surveillance to supply chain audits and real-time market surveys, brands will find CRI™ the ideal long-term partner to keep a close eye on all markets. You, meanwhile, can focus on running the business and building your brand.
CRI Group™ invites you to schedule a quick appointment with us to discuss in more detail how our Brand Protection Solutions can help you and your organization.
About CRI Group™
For short, Corporate Research and Investigations Limited, or CRI Group™, has protected businesses from fraud, bribery, and corruption since 1990. Globally, we are a leading Compliance and Risk Management company licensed and incorporated entity of the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) and Qatar Financial Center (QFC). CRI™ protects businesses by establishing the legal compliance, financial viability, and integrity levels of outside partners, suppliers and customers seeking to affiliate with your business. Based in London, United Kingdom, CRI™ is a global company with experts and resources in key regional marketplaces across the Asia Pacific, South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and North and South America. Our global team can support your organization anywhere in the world.
What are Cultural Barriers in Background Screening Across the Globe?
Background Screening Cultural Barriers
Background screening cultural barriers: the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the expansion in wireless connectivity between personal and working communities around the globe; however, this has not come without the trials in upholding an operational and compliant employment background screening program in the globalization of the digital workforce. Background Screening plays a significant role in reducing bad hires by ensuring that your candidates are qualified to do the job they have applied for. This is important in safeguarding the reputation of an organization and the nature of how commerce is conducted.
CRI® Group surveyed to gauge the state of human resources in which it was revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic is raising fears of fraud and the protection of sensitive and confidential data since the implementation of virtual in work-from-home (WFH) arrangements.
It was estimated that roughly 88 per cent of the surveyed admitted that the pandemic is indeed having an impact on the way their HR operations are being carried out, while 65 per cent are considering new ways to hold on to employees during the crisis outside of government schemes, i.e., the furlough scheme in the UK. Alarmingly, a staggering 54 per cent of the surveyed admitted to not screening their employees for criminal, media, employment history perspectives before any work-from-home arrangement as they would have done if they were being asked to work from the office despite being these employees having access to sensitive information.
Before COVID-19, it was found that an estimate of 85% of organizations testified to conducting background screening of some type. On the same note, a vast 92 per cent stated that they trust their employees with confidential data but without the assistance of a background screening measure. Background screening is vital to organizations of all types and industries as it can assist in authenticating your employees track record and help avoid a bad hire.
Find out other ways COVID has impacted the hiring process or download our brochure.
Are Background Screening Checks Essential?
Background checks are essentially an inquiry into an employee’s/candidate’s character inside and outside their vocations. At CRI® Group, we offer a complete, in-depth background screening service for candidates and employees at all levels across the globe. Working with different cultures in different geographies raises background screening challenges that should be considered when conducting a thorough background check – to be able to conduct business successfully in a geographic location that you are unfamiliar with, it is crucial to consider these aspects to be able to integrate your organizations into the locality seamlessly; these are particularly important if you are considering a partnership with oversea organizations.
CRI® is certified by British Standard Institute BSI for the scope of BS 7858:2019 Screening of individuals working in a secure environment, Code of practice and BS 102000:2018 Code of practice for investigative services. The BSI is the only BS 7858 accredited background screening services provider in the UAE and across the Middle East. Find out more about the BS 7858:2019 below or download the free playbook.
The Different Challenges of Background Screening Across the Globe
Regulatory policies
- The guidelines for background screening checks differ from country to country, with personal privacy and data protection being a universally passionate debate. The laws in the United States, for example, are not the same as those that impact investigations in the Middle East and the Middle East policies vary from the European ones. International Background Screening necessitates compliance with personal data protection regulations across regions where it is conducted. Background screening in the US typically must conform with the Fair Credit Reporting Act to conduct domestic background investigations. In the case of Europe, its GDPR effectively fell into force in 2018.
If you need more information on establishing GDPR procedures in your organization, read our guide on maintaining GDPR compliance.
- Other investigations outside of the West are considered far more complex. Middle Eastern countries have no prohibitive legislation governing employment screening or employee due diligence. This means that the process largely relies on consent from the applicants. Background screening industry professionals in the Middle East must follow strict data protection requirements (such as the GDPR, local Data Protection regimes, DIFC Data Protection, ADGM Data Protection and QFC Data Protection regulations) to process consensually based on personal data information. In contrast, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Data Protection standards allow for processing sensitive personal information, including criminal history, with signed consent from the data question for operative due to diligence necessities. Read more about compliance with privacy laws in the UAE. With this in mind, it is important to bear regulatory policies in mind and do further research on them when conducting these checks overseas.
Find out more about CRI Group’s compliance solutions below or contact us to get a free quote.
Local Practices
- Much like the regulatory policies, obtaining background screening data differs from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The Middle East, for example, have background investigators journey to remote destinations to conduct interviews, find and use other resources and enlist local assistance to verify the information. Leading background screening firms often conduct investigations that regularly involve a thorough review of local press records and online and proprietary databases to locate the appropriate public records. This is not a requirement in the US as the data is digitized and available in official sources. In South Africa, on the other hand, such a procedure would require the candidate’s fingerprints due to the digital gap. Investigators would have to go through the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) in Australia.
Technology gap
- As mentioned before, the same technology is not available in all countries across the globe. The technology gap is an additional task that can impact the effectiveness of a comprehensive background screening check. The technology gap is an echo of local practices and regulatory policies; this solidifies the notion that auditors must adapt to meet the organization’s needs centered on the resources they have available to them. It is a good idea to collaborate with a screening firm in the designated country that an organization wishes to hire to make sure that no policies are being broken nor any obstacles, such as the technology gap, hinder the HR process.
Political Differences
- Political differences and solidarities should be considered during a screening as it means that the officials and authorities of the country may have different priorities than the organisation’s country of habitation. The cultural barrier index shows Africa and Middle East regions having unrest due to political instability as a significant challenge. Africa, for example, principally concentrate on preserving law and order leading to organizational processes such as verification being of lesser priority to them. In geographies where the socio-economic conditions are worse than the organization’s abode, there will certainly influence the turnaround time, which is why it is mandatory to implement the correct procedures in place – especially if you would like your organization to reap larger benefits of outsourcing.
Time differences and regional natural disasters
- This reason is not as easily recognized but is just as important for successfully performing background screening checks. The climate is known to fluctuate from one geography to another, which means that some regions are more prone to natural disasters. Some natural disasters such as earthquakes or typhoons in certain regions might impact the speed of conducting a background screening. Another important aspect to consider is the time difference and the difference in working days. The working week differs across regions, some dependent on societal expectations and others on religious understanding – this is more than likely to impact the turnaround time of completing a background check. While the working week in Europe is usually considered to be Monday to Friday, the offices in UAE shut their doors earlier, with the weekend starting on Fridays and the 5-day working week beginning on Sunday. As the UAE is a predominantly Muslim country, Fridays are typically a shorter day in the working week for devout observations such as Jumu’ah (Friday) prayers.
Local Festivities
- Replies from employees, employers, education institutions and even government officials may slow down during Christmas in the Western world, Ramadan in the Middle East region, or Lunar New Year in Asia. It is an effective strategy to bear the national holidays in mind when hiring or screening your candidates, and it prevents any further delays than what has already occurred.
Social behavior
- Social behavior can vary from one district to another within the same land, so any visitor, individual or corporation is anticipated to acknowledge the cultural norms and social behaviour of the country they are visiting and to respect it as a measure of good practice. In some areas, what could be considered normal practice might be disrespectful or offensive in others. For this reason, the cultural index was established. The cultural index is a directory that notes the different cultural barriers and their impact on various regions; it is typically measured on a scale of 1, known as “not a challenge” to 5, which is “highly challenging”. Social behaviour was rated as three across countries in APAC and the Middle East as was rated as two across other regions. Again, establishing a local team will ensure a seamless process due to their awareness of how to conduct HR processes.
Language
- Failure to read or the inability to translate documents required for any step of any HR procedure would increase the turnaround time for completing the background screening process. Europe is typically challenged in this aspect as it is a continent that is representative of several diverse official languages, and a background screening service that is not adaptable nor accommodating to several languages could lead to a language barrier, thus resulting in delays and data inaccuracy. Based on this, CRI® Group has implemented a ‘boots on the ground strategy and employs local experts in remote areas in the world, who are equipped with technical skills and local knowledge and understand the cultural subtleties to help set the tone at the top.
Next steps, Locating Reputable Screening Firms
It is crucial that your organization works hand in hand with a reputable screening firm to ensure the screening process is effective in the organization’s homeland and overseas – this will aid in minimizing most if not all of the cultural barriers we have discussed thus far. Most firms who work with partners overseas are likely to adapt to your organization’s work culture fast enough as they are used to the concept of outsourcing and malleability. The best way to go about locating a reputable screening firm in the country of your choice is by following the steps below:
- Research home and overseas background screening firms supplied by the Professional Background Screening Association https://thepbsa.org/.
- Research the local and regional laws beforehand and ask your firm how they conform to local and regional laws governing individual privacy and data protection.
- Screening firms are also capable of outsourcing their cases to a third party. Avoid this by ensuring that the firm’s physical address is in the region in which you’re looking to conduct investigations.
- Know how your chosen firm investigates and conducts background screening; it is best to steer clear of firms that investigate exclusively through media searches. This provides very little personal information on the candidate.
- Auditors in your chosen firm should comply with GDPR and maintain Information Security Management System ISMS (ISO27001). This is important for data management and protection laws. It is best to avoid those with no (international) standards implemented.
- Evade firms that specialize in checks of the International Terrorist Watch List and the OFAC watch list; these lists are available online at no cost to the general public.
- Ask your firm how old the data collected is, and steer clear of firms that won’t supply you with the source of the records they have acquired.
- Background checks must involve investigative research and not just press clippings. Make certain that your firm will merge in-depth field investigations with routine public records searches as part of its process.
- Service delivery is essential in foreign investigations, so it is best to look into average turnaround times and get commitments from your chosen firm for delivery in advance.
- Ask for references as you would from your potential employees.
Like any aspect of corporate conduct, background screening has its challenges, but that is not to say that they are impossible to deal with. By default, proper planning, research, and local knowledge can help your organization navigate the cultural barriers to successfully run services overseas. The more you invest in sourcing morally correct corporate conduct, the more you can expect to be rewarded with a catalytic action to grow and expand your organization.
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Zafar Anjum, MSc, MS, CFE, CII, MICA, Int. Dip. (Fin. Crime) | CRI Group™ Chief Executive Officer
37th Floor, 1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AA United Kingdom
t: +44 207 8681415 | m: +44 7588 454959 | e: zanjum@crigroup.com
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