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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 has connections to particularly deep resources of US and UK 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 clients, as well as regulatory bodies, 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.