In March 2025, Belgian prosecutors charged five individuals in a bribery investigation involving Chinese tech giant Huawei and the European Parliament, where officials allegedly accepted bribes to influence policy decisions. This incident underscores the fragile state of trust in global business, as highlighted by the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer, which reveals that 68% of people worldwide worry that business leaders purposely mislead the public. As we navigate an era where technology, geopolitics and corporate expectations intersect, the fight against bribery and corruption is at a pivotal juncture. This article explores the current landscape, anticipates forthcoming changes, and outlines bold strategies businesses must adopt to rebuild and sustain trust in the evolving global marketplace

The Current Landscape

​In the current business environment, many companies maintain anti-bribery programmes; however, their effectiveness varies significantly. While some organisations have embedded robust compliance cultures, others engage in superficial ‘box-ticking’ exercises that fail to prevent unethical practices. For instance, in January 2025, the Swiss Federal Criminal Court convicted Trafigura, a global commodities trading firm, for bribery offences in Angola, highlighting the inadequacy of mere formal compliance measures.

Enforcement actions are on the rise globally. In the United States, however, President Trump’s February 2025 executive order paused enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) for 180 days, introducing uncertainty into the regulatory landscape. Conversely, European authorities are intensifying their anti-corruption efforts, with new task forces emerging to fill the enforcement gap. ​

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations are increasingly influencing investor expectations, linking corporate governance to ethical business practices. However, a trend known as ‘greenhushing’ has emerged, where companies adopt sustainable practices but refrain from publicising them due to political backlash and fear of regulatory scrutiny. ​

There is a growing recognition that trust is not merely about avoiding penalties but serves as a strategic asset. Organisations need to foster ethical cultures that go beyond compliance checklists. Companies that cultivate such genuine ethical cultures and demonstrate transparency are undoubtedly better positioned to navigate the complexities of the global marketplace and build enduring relationships with stakeholders.

What’s Changing in 2025: New Forces at Play

​But the landscape of anti-bribery and corruption is undergoing significant transformations in 2025, driven by technological advancements, geopolitical shifts and evolving stakeholder expectations. These key changes include three particular elements.

1. The Rise of Real-Time Transparency

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain and data analytics are revolutionising the monitoring of financial transactions and third-party risks. AI algorithms can now analyse vast datasets in real time to detect suspicious activities, enhancing fraud detection and prevention. Blockchain technology offers increased transparency and traceability by recording transactions in an immutable ledger, thereby improving data integrity. For example, in the UK, major banks and tech companies have committed to live data-sharing initiatives to clamp down on fraud, enabling early detection of fraudulent activities through real-time exchange of indicators such as suspicious URLs and unusual transaction patterns. ​

2. Global Fragmentation of Anti-Corruption Standards

The post-globalisation era is witnessing a divergence in anti-corruption standards across major economies. Recent actions in the United States, as noted above, have introduced uncertainty into the regulatory landscape. Conversely, European authorities are intensifying their anti-corruption efforts, with new task forces emerging to fill the enforcement gap. This “compliance nationalism” necessitates that companies tailor their strategies to navigate varying regulations and avoid being caught in the crossfire of geopolitically driven investigations.​ This presents a significant challenge.

3. Stakeholder-Led Accountability

There is a growing demand from activist shareholders, consumers and employees for visible ethical leadership. The rise of employee whistleblowing platforms and increased consumer scrutiny mean that “silent complicity” is no longer acceptable; even passive associations with corrupt practices are under fire. For instance, the Corruption Perceptions Index released by Transparency International in 2024 revealed that many nations experienced their worst scores in over a decade, highlighting consistently high global corruption levels and increasing public concern. Companies are now expected to demonstrate proactive measures in combating corruption to maintain trust and credibility in the marketplace.​

These evolving dynamics underscore the imperative for businesses to adapt and innovate in their anti-bribery and corruption strategies to sustain trust in a rapidly changing global environment.​

What Needs to Change: Reinventing Corporate Trust

Corporate trust certainly needs to be rebuilt!  But rebuilding corporate trust necessitates a multifaceted approach that transcends traditional legal compliance. Companies must embrace cultural transformation, radical transparency and ethical technology deployment.

  1. Cultural Engineering, Not Just Legal Engineering

Integrating anti-corruption measures into a company’s core culture is paramount. This involves recognising and rewarding ethical decision-making within performance evaluations. For instance, the annual “World’s Most Ethical Companies” recognition by the Ethisphere Institute honours organisations that demonstrate a steadfast commitment to ethical business practices, highlighting the importance of cultural integration over mere legal compliance. ​

  • Radical Transparency

Moving beyond minimal disclosure, organisations should adopt “strategic transparency.” This approach includes making third-party due diligence reports publicly accessible and implementing open-source compliance dashboards. Such practices not only build trust but also invite external scrutiny, fostering an environment where ethical conduct is the norm. The Australian corporate sector’s push towards hybrid Annual General Meetings (AGMs) in 2025 exemplifies this shift, aiming to enhance shareholder engagement through transparent communication channels. ​

  • Ethical Tech Use

We must all be aware that technology serves as both a catalyst for ethical advancement and a potential risk. The deployment of AI auditing tools offers powerful capabilities; however, unchecked, they can perpetuate biases or amplify corrupt data. Boards must not only approve AI initiatives but also actively engage in understanding their ethical implications. The concept of the “Windfall Clause” proposes that AI firms commit a significant portion of extraordinary profits to societal benefits, ensuring that technological advancements contribute positively to humanity. ​

Looking Ahead: The Trust Dividend

In the coming years, it seems clear that trust will emerge as a pivotal differentiator in supply chains, partnerships and talent acquisition. Companies that prioritise ethical practices and transparency are poised to reap significant benefits.​

  1. Trust in Supply Chains and Partnerships

Organisations that cultivate trust within their supply chains can unlock the “trust dividend,” characterised by collaborative information sharing, mutual investments and aligned objectives. This synergy leads to enhanced efficiency and shared value creation. For example, the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) exemplifies this approach by uniting industry players to collectively combat corruption, resulting in more equitable and efficient maritime operations. ​

  • Trust in Talent Acquisition

Trust extends beyond operations to human resources. Companies renowned for ethical conduct attract top talent, as professionals are drawn to organisations that align with their values. Investments in supply chain talent, for instance, yield dividends in cost savings, competitive advantage, risk mitigation and customer satisfaction. ​

  • Anti-Bribery as an Innovation Catalyst

Progressive companies are recognising that anti-bribery measures transcend compliance; they serve as catalysts for innovation. By fostering a culture of integrity, organisations create environments conducive to creative problem-solving and ethical decision-making. This perspective transforms anti-corruption efforts from perceived costs into strategic assets that drive business growth. Research indicates that robust anti-corruption measures can enhance firm innovation by reducing the negative impacts of corruption on creative processes. ​

No More Business as Usual

It is clear that the evolving global landscape demands a departure from traditional business practices. Organisations that continue with “business as usual” risk falling behind in an environment that increasingly values transparency, ethical conduct and innovation. The companies that will thrive are those that view anti-bribery and corruption measures not as burdens but as foundational elements of a bold, transparent and trustworthy future. Embracing these principles is not merely a compliance obligation but a strategic imperative that drives sustainable success in the modern marketplace.

And what about you…?   

  • Do you view anti-corruption initiatives as a legal obligation or a strategic opportunity for innovation and growth? How could these efforts be leveraged to enhance your business performance?
  • Looking ahead, do you believe that businesses which focus on building trust and ethics will have a competitive advantage?