New Anti-Fraud Laws Hold Companies Accountable: SFO Leads Corporate Crime Enforcement in England and Wales

October 7, 2026
New Anti-Fraud Laws Hold Companies Accountable: SFO Leads Corporate Crime Enforcement in England and Wales
  • 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.

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