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FCPA Enforcement Pause: 5 Critical Compliance Strategies to Mitigate Risk Now

ROE Latam > Consulting > FCPA Enforcement Pause: 5 Critical Compliance Strategies to Mitigate Risk Now
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FCPA Enforcement Pause: 5 Critical Compliance Strategies to Mitigate Risk Now

The recent executive order pausing FCPA enforcement has sent shockwaves through multinational corporations. While the DOJ’s temporary halt signals a shift in priorities, compliance officers must act swiftly to uphold anti-corruption standards. Kirk Foster of HII Mission Technologies and Michael DeBernardis and David Tannenbaum of Hughes Hubbard & Reed reveal essential steps to safeguard your organization (https://www.corporatecomplianceinsights.com/holding-line-compliance-during-fcpa-enforcement-pause/)

Why Compliance Remains Crucial (Despite the Pause)

The DOJ’s enforcement pause does NOT make bribery legal—yet it risks creating a dangerous perception gap. Employees in high-risk markets may assume reduced consequences, while unethical competitors could exploit the lull. Without urgent action, companies face catastrophic reputational damage, legal exposure, and regulatory backlash when enforcement resumes.

5 Powerful Compliance Strategies to Protect Your Business

  1. Double Down on Zero-Tolerance Messaging

Leadership must reinforce that corruption is unacceptable—no exceptions. A clear, bold statement from executives helps counteract false assumptions. Companies with strong ethical cultures will weather this storm best.

  1. Strengthen Internal Reporting Channels

Silence is risky. Ensure employees know exactly how to report concerns. Hotlines, training, and transparent communication are non-negotiable to prevent misconduct.

  1. Audit Third Parties Immediately

90% of FCPA cases involve third parties. Now is the time for aggressive due diligence—audits, spot checks, and enhanced contract clauses can prevent costly violations.

  1. Revisit Investigation Protocols

With less pressure for rapid self-disclosure, companies can conduct more thorough internal reviews. Use this time to refine compliance processes before enforcement ramps up again.

  1. Proactively Identify & Stop Violations

The statute of limitations is still ticking. Companies that root out misconduct now may avoid devastating fines later. Act fast—this could be your best chance to mitigate future liability.

Final Warning: Don’t Let Guard Down

The FCPA pause is not a free pass—it’s a critical test of corporate integrity. Businesses that cut corners today will face harsh consequences tomorrow.

Stay vigilant. Reinforce ethics. Protect your future.

How can ROE Latam help you implementing and auditing your compliance system

ROE Latam is a trusted business management consulting firm specializing in ESG consulting, FCPA compliance, and ISO 37001 anti-bribery management systems for companies operating in Latin America. Their expertise ensures businesses navigate complex regulatory landscapes while maintaining ethical standards and risk mitigation.

Key Ways ROE Latam Supports Compliance Implementation & Auditing

1. ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management Systems

  • Helps organizations prevent, detect, and address bribery risks through structured frameworks.

  • For example, recently trained CORSAIN (El Salvador’s state-owned enterprise) on ISO 37001 implementation, reinforcing transparency in port operations and investment ventures ROE Latam Advises CORSAIN of El Salvador on the Implementation of ISO 37001 .

  • Offers supply chain audits to ensure third-party compliance with anti-corruption standards.

2. Whistleblowing & Compliance Frameworks (ISO 37002 & 37301)

  • Implements secure whistleblowing systems to encourage internal reporting.

  • Establishes compliance management systems (CMS) aligned with international best practices.

3. ESG & Regulatory Alignment

  • Integrates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards with compliance programs.

  • Provides bilingual legal support (English/Spanish) to interpret local and international regulations 1.

4. Proactive Compliance Audits

  • Conducts internal audits to identify gaps in policies, risk management, and controls.

  • Emphasizes corrective action plans to address non-compliance and improve processes.

5. Training & Culture Building

Why Choose ROE Latam?

  • 22+ years of regional experience in Latin American compliance challenges.

  • End-to-end solutions from policy design to post-audit remediation.

  • Proven track record with state-owned enterprises and multinationals.

For businesses seeking a robust, audit-ready compliance system, ROE Latam combines local expertise with global standards to ensure long-term integrity and competitiveness. Contact them today to tailor a solution for your needs 

This blog post incorporates insights from Kirk Foster (HII Mission Technologies), Michael DeBernardis, and David Tannenbaum (Hughes Hubbard & Reed). Additional context was drawn from the analysis of Matteson Ellis, James Tillen, and Maria Lapetina. For further details, readers may refer to the original article, available here https://www.corporatecomplianceinsights.com/holding-line-compliance-during-fcpa-enforcement-pause/

Recommended Reading
For additional insights on compliance best practices and regulatory updates, we suggest exploring these related books:

  1. “The FCPA in Latin America: Common Corruption Risks and Effective Compliance Strategies for the Region” by Matteson Ellis, available here https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Matteson-Ellis-ebook/dp/B01MXDHHBT/ 

  2. “Best Practices Under the FCPA and Bribery Act” by Thomas Fox, available here https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Thomas-Fox-ebook/dp/B00ET7N7G4/

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For tailored guidance on implementing robust anti-corruption programs or conducting compliance audits in Latin America, please contact our team at online@roelatam.com

Our specialists are ready to help you navigate regulatory challenges while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

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