White-Collar Crime & Corporate Investigations | Asia-Pacific

Allens maintains an experienced practice, widely acknowledged for its sophisticated offering that spans a broad range of white-collar crime issues and corporate investigations, including expertise in risk management and compliance issues, transactional due diligence and support in regulatory and criminal investigations. The firm is notably active counselling clients on the effective conduct of their own internal inquiries. It is well versed in dealing with corporate regulators and the Australian Federal Police, and backed by an ability to tap into a global network of similarly specialised practitioners. Key clients of the firm include Aware Super, Macquarie Bank and KB Securities.

A&O Shearman fields a specialist practice, prominent in matters with extensive Asian or US FCPA dimensions, often acting in close cooperation with colleagues across the firm's global network. The team maintains a strong focus on assisting clients with regulatory compliance or enforcement issues or requiring due diligence support on cross-border transactions. It is noted for its especially close acquaintance with the regulatory regimes in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Chrysos and Fortescue Metals are among the firm's key clients. On 1st May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman.

Clayton Utz is recognised for its thorough coverage of all practice area disciplines, with a strong emphasis on risk management with regard to internal governance and policy, transactional due diligence and compliance with relevant regulatory regimes. The team frequently assists clients with anti-bribery enforcement investigations and proceedings. It is noted for its versatile business sector range, including agribusiness, energy and resources, financial services and logistics. It has significant cross-border expertise relevant to Australian Federal Police and foreign law enforcement agency investigations, underpinned by a network of associations with leading firms around the world.

Corrs Chambers Westgarth fields a versatile practice noted for white-collar crime-related expertise in sectors such as construction, energy and resources, and financial services, handling both investigatory and compliance issues. The firm often acts on matters involving allegations of bribery, corruption and misconduct. It is also noted for its independence from global structures and consequent freedom to partner with a wide range of international firms on cross-border mandates. Clients include international corporates, major banks and accounting firms, such as ME Bank, Google and Robodebt Commonwealth Royal Commission.

Baker McKenzie has a well-regarded white-collar crime and corporate investigations practice with long-established expertise, both domestically and as part of the firm's global network, frequently acting on matters with cross-border elements. The firm offers comprehensive coverage of both compliance and enforcement briefs and is recognised for its knowledge of the US white-collar crime scene. It is frequently involved in the writing and publication of guides, updates and training materials on the subject of anti-bribery and corruption regulation, and is active in the development of readily accessible online applications to assist in interactions with regulatory authorities or facilitate the harmonisation of compliance policies.

Norton Rose Fulbright offers comprehensive coverage across internal investigatory, compliance and training support as well as in response to enforcement action. It is backed by an international network and connections to particularly deep resources of US and UK-related white-collar crime expertise. The firm is regularly engaged by high-profile public and private sector clients, frequently on cross-jurisdictional assignments, and offers specialised expertise in issues concerning individual company directors and officers.

Clifford Chance has an established practice with substantial experience advising clients on corporate investigations, white-collar crime and anti-bribery and anti-fraud programmes. It frequently acts with regard to matters involving regulatory bodies such as ASIC, the AFP and the CDPP. The team fields expertise from offices in both Sydney and Perth and is able to draw on the firm's global network to further assist clients.

DLA Piper has a notable practice acting for clients on investigations and proceedings relating to allegations of fraud, corruption and bribery. It also advises on matters relating to anti-bribery and corruption and whistle-blower programmes. The firm counts international corporates among its clientele, as well as regulatory bodies such as ASIC and the ACCC, which it assists on the running of investigations and prosecutions.

Jones Day is noted for its well-regarded practice group backed by closely integrated global resources and noted for its particular familiarity with US practice. It acts primarily on investigatory or other representational mandates with cross-jurisdictional aspects, and is particularly experienced in the construction, engineering, and energy and resources sectors.

MinterEllison has experience in both compliance and transactional support mandates, and assisting with investigations into alleged instances of both individual and corporate misconduct. The firm additionally offers deep familiarity with the procedures of Australia's key regulatory authorities and often advises clients on matters relating to corporate crime. ASIC, Dexus and Westpac are among the firm's key clients.