New Anti-Fraud Laws Hold Companies Accountable: SFO Leads Corporate Crime Enforcement in England and Wales
October 7, 2026
The Fisher review highlights cyber-fraud risks in the digital era, stressing the need for digital-era controls and preventative measures.
Anti-corruption and fraud strategies are essential risk management for organisations in England and Wales, emphasizing preventive internal controls.
The Crime and Policing Act 2026 represents a major reform of corporate criminal liability, altering how organisations are prosecuted and held accountable.
A key development is the introduction of a failure-to-prevent-fraud offense, detailing how organisations may be held criminally liable for failures to implement robust anti-fraud controls.
The piece concludes by tying the rising enforcement landscape to practical steps for organisations, outlining policy, governance, and operational changes needed to meet evolving standards.
SFO case studies illustrate enforcement outcomes and offer practical takeaways for organisations seeking effective anti-fraud and anti-corruption measures.
Over the past year, there has been expanding corporate crime activity in England and Wales, driven by broader corporate liability and heightened enforcement from September 2025 to September 2026.
There is potential for more Deferred Prosecution Agreements, signaling an expanding toolkit for resolving cases without court trials.
OFии sanctions enforcement is undergoing a step change, with tougher monitoring and penalties for sanctions violations.
The Serious Fraud Office is highlighted for its leadership and enforcement posture, with notable casework that shapes corporate crime enforcement and provides concrete compliance lessons.
Summary based on 1 source
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Lewis Silkin • Oct 7, 2026
Corporate crime update: key developments in England and Wales