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.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer commands general market endorsement as one of the leading players in this space, drawing on its combination of national and regional experience and global capability. The law firm advises businesses and individuals subject to investigations and actions brought by the Australian Federal Police and Independent Commission Against Corruption, as well as full risk identification and compliance services. The team forms part of one of the largest white-collar crime practices in the Asia-Pacific region and is especially highly valued for its expertise in China-related mandates, underpinned by constant interaction with the firm's leading Greater China anti-corruption practice.

Ashurst has a well-respected practice, fielding established expertise in the anti-bribery, fraud and corporate crime spaces. Its clients include corporates and individual executives coming from a variety of sectors, including energy and financial services. The firm demonstrates the ability to act on cross-border matters, assisted by its international network of offices, including in Papua New Guinea.

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.

Johnson Winter Slattery fields a specialist group with a dedicated white-collar crime focus and broad expertise covering both Australia and numerous foreign jurisdictions. The team handles investigatory briefs and prosecutions. It also advises on policy design, coordinating as appropriate with relevant practices within the firm and international partners. The firm acts extensively for clients across a wide range of sectors including the energy and resources sector and manufacturing and finance sectors. The firm also acts individual directors and officers and is sought out by overseas regulatory authorities to assist with the development of their own anti-corruption guidelines.

King & Wood Mallesons advises extensively on compliance and due diligence issues, regularly acting for leading financial services providers, and benefits from its international network, particularly its respected China-related capability. It is noted for its capability in advising on anti-bribery and corruption issues arising from M&A transactions, as well as corrupt practices and proceeds of crime investigations.

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 global A&O Shearman 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.

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 clients, as well as regulatory bodies, which it assists on the running of investigations and prosecutions.

Gadens operates a notable practice representing a range of clients from governmental bodies, corporations to individuals at all levels. The firm offers expertise in advising on and defending against regulatory investigations. The firm is regularly engaged in litigation concerning fraud, directors' duties and other breaches of the Corporations Act 2001.

Gilbert + Tobin operates a strong ASIC investigatory practice acting for both individuals and organisations. The firm additionally offers expertise in professional negligence and internal investigations.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan has a notable practice acting for individuals and organisations in regulatory investigations and criminal proceedings. The firm is also able to leverage its international capability to advise on U.S. regulatory law and sanctions.