Anti-corruption statement from professional bodies across the UK
A group of professional bodies spanning law and accountancy today pledged to continue their work to tackle bribery, corruption, tax-evasion, money laundering and the financing of international terrorism as leaders from across the world gather in London for an anti-corruption summit.
The organisations, convened by the Law Society of England and Wales, include the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), STEP, Law Society of Northern Ireland, Law Society of Scotland, IFAC, ACCA, CIPFA, ICAS, Chartered Accountants Ireland, CIMA, ATT, AIA, CIOT, IAB, ICB, IPA, IFA and UK200.
They made their statement on the eve of the UK government organised meeting saying they "deplored corruption and the significant harm it causes".
They said: "For many years, professional bodies have worked alongside government, regulators, law enforcement and international bodies and supported our members to combat bribery, corruption, tax-evasion, money laundering and the financing of international terrorism. We will continue this work and provide support to facilitate national and international co-operation and to improve monitoring and enforcement systems.
"We deplore corruption and the significant harm it causes; we play a vital role in training, educating and supporting our professions to uphold the highest levels of integrity and ethical standards."
Jonathan Smithers, President of the Law Society of England and Wales said: "The UK has a leading role to play in tackling this blight. We already have some of the toughest anti-money laundering rules, and the profession of solicitors along with accountants and others stand united against corruption in all its forms."
Christine McLintock, President of the Law Society of Scotland, said: “We fully support this initiative. It’s important that we work alongside the UK Government and our colleagues across the legal and financial sectors to ensure that UK is a hostile environment for anyone involved in fraud or corruption.
Michael Izza, ICAEW Chief Executive, said: “Corruption does not just enrich criminals, it does untold damage to society and business by undermining trust. This is why professional bodies work with national and international regulators and law enforcement to support our members' efforts to combat all forms of financial crime. Today’s pledge is a commitment to continue that fight for the very highest standards of ethics and integrity.”
George Hodgson, Deputy Chief Executive of STEP, said: “We recognise the importance that both governments and the general public attach to tackling corruption and money laundering. Enormous progress has been made recently. We look forward to continuing to work with governments and international bodies to develop and enforce practical and cost-effective international standards to tackle criminal abuse and to rebuild confidence in the international financial system.”
The UK Government has invited the 20 member states of the G20 to the summit. US Secretary of State John Kerry is among those due to attend at the London-based event on 12 May.
Read the joint statement: http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/news/stories/anti-corruption-statement-by-professional-bodies/
ENDS
Notes to editors:
The full names of the co-signatories are as follows:
The Law Society of England and Wales; The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners; The Law Society of Northern Ireland; The Law Society of Scotland; The International Federation of Accountants; The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants; The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy; The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland; Chartered Accountants Ireland, The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants; The Association of Taxation Technicians; The Association of International Accountants; The Chartered Institute of Taxation; The International Association of Book-Keepers; The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers; The Institute of Financial Accountants; UK200.