Counterparty due diligence in the context of M&A or any other established commercial relationship is an accepted part of doing business. Meeting compliance obligations is a baseline. Our clients come to us for carefully -researched, insightful analysis of adverse events, and to scrutinise and substantiate the reputation, integrity, and track record of individuals and businesses. We take a deep investigative approach to open-source research, using specialist resources and the expertise of our multi-national and multi-lingual team. We also speak confidentially – and within a robust set of compliance parameters – with knowledgeable sources and experts to develop a full picture of the subject.
In the course of business, risks to integrity arise despite best efforts at prevention. Suspicions or allegations of internal misconduct or wrongdoing by a partner, key supplier or other third -party, can present considerable legal and reputational risk. Working in close cooperation with our clients’ in-house or external legal advisors, fp assists in fact-finding to identify or substantiate issues of concern. Where necessary, we can conduct a discreet internal investigation both within the organisation, as well as with local authorities and communities using fp's regional experts and trusted sources on the ground.
Regulation designed to improve governance and fight cross-border corruption has been caught up by increasing geopolitical uncertainty. Rapidly-evolving sanctions regimes have the potential to affect businesses across the world. Our research is carried out in light of these dynamics, exceeding industry standards for checking counterparties against the extensive scope of legal, regulatory and financial sanctions lists and frameworks. Drawing from our experience in supply- chain analysis and advisory services, we look for substantive linkages that present a legal risk to our clients.