Experts express skepticism toward ‘challenging’ SFO strategy
By 
Neil Hodge2024-05-31T15:47:00
The U.K. Serious Fraud Office (SFO) last month published its five-year strategic plan outlining how it intends to improve information gathering and international cooperation, as well as its enforcement record.
Under its new director, Nick Ephgrave, the SFO wants to upskill its workforce so investigators can use the latest tech to streamline case management and make better use of the agency’s resources. It wants to pursue a more proactive approach to crime prevention using both existing powers and potential new ones, including exploring whistleblower incentivization and pushing for a better disclosure regime.
In 2026/27, the SFO will conduct a mid-plan assessment to see if its efforts are paying off.
THIS IS MEMBERS-ONLY CONTENT
You are not logged in and do not have access to members-only content.
If you are already a registered user or a member, SIGN IN now.
Related articles
-
ArticleSFO sharpens framework for judging compliance programs in bribery and fraud cases
The U.K. Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has updated its guidance about how it evaluates corporate compliance programs when considering whether to prosecute or offer leniency to companies that have breached bribery and corruption laws.
-
PremiumExperts question effectiveness of new enforcement tool SFO is finally wielding
The U.K.’s Serious Fraud Office has made its first use of an enforcement tool that was meant to bring oligarchs and kleptocrats to book. But lawyers are unsure whether the move signifies either a change in direction or fortune for the agency.
-
PremiumExperts: Prepare now with U.K. failure to prevent fraud offense on horizon
Fraud prevention is about to get more complicated with penalties rising sharply for U.K. organizations. Starting Sept. 1, larger businesses will be liable to criminal prosecution if any of their employees–or an agent, subsidiary, or other “associated person”–commits fraud that is intended to benefit the company.
More from Regulatory Policy
-
ArticleU.K. Employment Rights Act will lead to rise in tribunal claims
The number of U.K. employment tribunal cases could rise following reforms in the Employment Rights Act 2025. Several changes take effect this year, including shorter unfair dismissal qualifying periods, day-one worker rights, stronger protections for pregnant women, and an end to exploitative contracts.
-
ArticleU.K. government scraps long-awaited audit reforms to prioritize growth
Long-awaited reforms to the U.K. audit regime have been “scrapped” from the government’s legislative plans. The decision has led to an outburst of disappointment and frustration from audit bodies and pension funds that argued the reforms would increase trust in companies and support growth.
-
News BriefCFPB, DOJ withdraw guidance to lenders considering borrowers’ immigration status
Two months after the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposed a rule change to narrow anti-discrimination requirements for lenders, it has reversed previous guidance on noncitizen customers looking to borrow.