S-RM: Dealing in Uncertainty: Diligence & Integrity Risks in a Recovering World

The unprecedented healthcare and economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have seen governments globally resort to drastic measures in a bid to save both lives and livelihoods. Now, as thoughts turn to recovery, attention is shifting to fiscal measures that – if successful – will stimulate investment, growth and employment. Whatever shape the recovery ultimately takes, it is inevitable that many will find themselves in financial distress, requiring debt restructuring or even facing bankruptcy.

In times of uncertainty and fear, and when resources are stretched, opportunities for corrupt practices increase. Vast amounts of money being dispersed at speed, combined with a global recession – the likes of which we have not seen for 100 years – will inevitably lead to a spike in fraud, corruption and cybercrime. Against this backdrop, the challenges faced by investors, corporate decision-makers and legal counsel also become more complex.

With this in mind, S-RM’s teams examine these challenges through a new lens, one that has been coloured by shifting public, corporate and regulatory priorities, alongside contributions and commentary from:

• Veteran Private Equity Lawyer and Coach Phil Sanderson

• Carl Bowles, Head of Contentious Insolvency at Alvarez & Marsal

• Joseph Laws, Head of M&A Insurance at AXA XL

• Richard Blaksley, S-RM Advisor and seasoned investigator

• Duncan Hames, Director of Policy at Transparency International

• Blair Glencorse, Founder of Accountability Lab

• Henry Williams, Head of Investigations at Themis