Global

Sowing the seeds of success

ACFE President and CEO Bruce Dorris, J.D., CFE, CPA, discusses Cressey Award winner, Tony Kwok and his success fighting corruption in Hong Kong. Kwok was the deputy commissioner of Hong Kong's anti-graft agency, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). Dorris also discusses the growing problem of corruption all over the world.

Agents of change

Over the past 20 years or so, Africa has seen an exponential growth in anti-corruption agencies as governments across the continent seek to fight what’s still considered to be an endemic problem. Here we look at the history behind ACAs, some case studies and how CFEs can assist in these efforts.

5 most scandalous fraud cases of 2021

Each year always brings a fresh array of fraud-related scandals, and 2021 was no different. The massive theft of COVID-relief funds continued to play out, but other notable schemes hit the headlines. Here we list the most scandalous of the lot.

Hot-ticket tokens

Non-fungible tokens are all the rage in the crypto world, potentially revolutionizing the sale of everything from art to real estate. But their complexity and the public’s poor understanding of the new technology make NFTs perfect vehicles for fraudsters.

Case of the empty crates

Fraudulent use of letters of credit has run rampant in Libya amid a chaotic civil war. We look at cases in this opaque corner of the trade finance market to better understand how fraudsters are exploiting a financial instrument that helps drive global trade but also opens doors for wrongdoing.

CFE Exam moves to Prometric testing platform and the ACFE COVID-19 Benchmarking Report

Deciphering the cyber threat

Game-changing digital background checks and asset searches

Fraud examiners understand the importance of knowing whom you’re doing business with. From compliance and due diligence to investigative asset tracing, solid background-checking skills are key tools for CFEs. But beyond traditional methods, new techniques are emerging to greatly enhance business transparency — and some may surprise you.

Ponzi schemes and the pandemic . . . a perfect storm?

If 2020 wasn’t bad enough, some experts believe the COVID-19 pandemic is creating the perfect conditions for an increase in Ponzi schemes. Here’s some advice on how best to deal with this type of fraud and why these schemes persist.

Managing insider-fraud risks in a pandemic

Insider-fraud risks are on the rise as the economic and psychological fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic takes its toll on organizations and their employees. Understanding these risks and knowing how to manage them will be an important part of many CFEs’ jobs.

Is a U.K. version of SOX compliance on the horizon?

The U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 mandated strict reforms to existing securities regulations and imposed tough new penalties on lawbreakers. The U.K. might soon adopt similar legislation, which could significantly change board responsibility for fraud risk management and increase demand for anti-fraud professionals.

32nd Annual ACFE Global Fraud Conference builds on 2020’s breakthrough event

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic last June, the ACFE pivoted the ACFE Global Fraud Conference to a virtual format to keep attendees, speakers and sponsors safe. The ACFE stood firm in its commitment to provide quality education and resources for anti-fraud professionals, and it delivered. More than 4,000 fraud fighters gathered virtually in a breakthrough format to share knowledge, network with like-minded professionals and learn from the industry’s top leaders.