French Legislation Requires Medium And Large Companies To Implement Anti-Corruption Compliance Programs

French legislation known as the Sapin II bill will change the legal framework for prevention and prosecution of corruption in France after its anticipated adoption by the end of the year. The final text has not yet been authorized, but the new provisions will most likely require, for the first time, companies that conduct business in France to implement anti-corruption compliance programs. These programs will be similar to those implemented by UK and US companies. This will be particularly important with the addition of a new, strengthened anti-corruption French agency monitoring the effectiveness of these compliance measures. In addition, the legislation has new protections for whistleblowers who report corruption in France.