BDO's Leaders, Pei Li and Ashane Jayasekara were interviewed by Risk and Compliance about Anti-corruption developments in Asia Pacific. A link to the full article, published in Risk and Compliance, is available at the bottom of this page.
Bribery and corruption remain persistent threats worldwide, and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is no exception. The manifestation of corruption varies across countries, influenced by economic conditions, political environments, and cultural practices. While nations like Singapore, New Zealand, and Australia are recognized for their robust governance and strong anti-corruption frameworks, others such as Bangladesh, Myanmar, and North Korea continue to struggle, as reflected in their lower rankings on Transparency International’s Corruption Index. Recent trends indicate that criminal activity is evolving with technological advancements, including the increased use of digital assets and cryptocurrencies in illicit transactions. The post-pandemic economic recovery has also seen more complex cross-border bribery schemes and a rise in fraudulent activities within international trade and supply chains, driven by higher tariffs and costs.
Despite the existence of anti-corruption laws and frameworks across APAC, many governments fall short of delivering on their pledges. Key gaps persist in areas such as beneficial ownership transparency, whistleblower protection, and enforcement of foreign bribery laws. Countries like Afghanistan, Myanmar, and North Korea remain particularly vulnerable, with limited reforms and weak enforcement. According to TRACE’s Bribery Risk Matrix, many APAC markets face risks above the global average due to frequent interactions with public officials and inconsistent enforcement. Weaknesses in government transparency, civil service oversight, and civil society monitoring further exacerbate these challenges.
The effectiveness of anti-corruption legislation in APAC is uneven, with enforcement often hampered by political interference, resource constraints, and limited judicial independence. While agencies like Hong Kong’s ICAC and Singapore’s CPIB set regional benchmarks, many others lack prosecutorial autonomy and struggle to investigate complex financial flows or act against politically connected individuals. Strengthening investigative powers, enhancing forensic capabilities, and fostering cross-border cooperation are critical to ensuring that anti-corruption laws are more than just symbolic.
Recent high-profile cases across the region highlight the ongoing risks of operating in APAC jurisdictions. In 2025, Indonesian authorities arrested executives linked to a state-owned energy firm for alleged corruption, implicating over ten individuals from both public and private sectors. Malaysian authorities charged a businessman in a bribery case involving government officials and a Singapore-registered company. In China, investigations into senior officials and their families underscore the government’s continued crackdown on public corruption. These cases reveal that law enforcement actions increasingly target both public officials and private sector individuals, especially in industries with significant state involvement such as oil and gas, construction, financial services, and natural resources. Organizations must therefore prioritize robust compliance programs and thorough due diligence to mitigate these risks.
As technology continues to enable sophisticated criminal activity, it also offers powerful tools to combat corruption. Companies and agencies can leverage data analytics to identify anomalous transactions, use AI to predict and intercept potential red flags, and implement blockchain technology for greater transparency and traceability in supply chains and contract management. By adopting these technological solutions, organizations can strengthen their monitoring programs and enhance their ability to detect and prevent corrupt activities.
BDO’s Forensics and Investigations practice is uniquely positioned to help organizations address these concerns. Our team of experienced professionals combines deep regional knowledge with cutting-edge forensic tools and methodologies to assist clients in navigating anti-corruption risks. Whether it’s conducting thorough due diligence, investigating suspected misconduct, or implementing advanced data analytics to detect irregularities, BDO provides practical solutions tailored to your specific needs. For more information or to discuss how BDO can assist your business, contact our Forensics and Investigations Consulting team.