The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Has Become a Critical, Yet Often Misunderstood, Law for Companies Doing Business Overseas

The International Business Council launched its newest programmatic initiative this fall, a series titled "Navigating Global Risk". The third event in the series will focus on the impact the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and related global anti-corruption laws have on U.S. companies doing business overseas.

In recent years, the FCPA has become one of the most critical laws for companies and their counsel, as an increasing number of businesses now conduct at least some aspect of their business overseas. The record set for FCPA enforcement actions and settlements in 2007 continued into 2008 and 2009 along with an increasing number of foreign corruption investigations, civil actions collateral to FCPA investigations, and the introduction of legislation providing for a private right of action under the FCPA. This trend will no doubt continue in 2010.

Understanding and managing your risks is imperative in today’s global market environment. This practical program will give you the background and tools you will need to spot the issues early, develop workable risk management processes and implement effective compliance programs.

The program will be held December 2 and is designed for both corporate executives and in-house and outside counsel interested in gaining a practical, in-depth understanding of the FCPA, as well as the legal and ethical responsibilities of those companies subject to the Act and their legal, accounting and financial advisors.

The Navigating Global Risk Series, co-sponsored by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control and the University of Texas at Dallas School of Management, offers a calendar of programs scheduled through 2011. The Series is designed to educate North Texas executives on successfully competing in the international marketplace while mitigating the associated risks. Topics will range from country-specific programming to financial tools and policy know-how, and participants will include executives from a cross-section of industries. The Series will offer continuing education credits.

For more information about the Navigating Global Risk Series, please visit www.dallaschamber.org/global, or contact Anakarina Pina at apina@dallaschamber.org or
(214) 712-1968.