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Legal Anti-Corruption Policy

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LEGAL ANTI-CORRUPTION POLICY

This Legal Anti-Corruption Policy (the Policy) is made and entered into as of Effective Date: , by and between Company Name: , principal place of business at Company Address: and Covered Party Name: , with principal place of business at Covered Party Address: .

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Company has adopted policies to ensure that all business is conducted in compliance with applicable anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws, including prohibitions on offering, promising, giving, or receiving any improper payment, benefit or thing of value to influence an official act or obtain an improper advantage; and

WHEREAS, Covered Party provides goods, services, or engages in business activities on behalf of or for the benefit of Company and accordingly must adhere to Company’s standards for lawful and ethical conduct; and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to set forth the policies, procedures and responsibilities required to prevent, detect and remediate bribery, corruption and related misconduct in connection with the parties’ business relationships.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, the parties agree as follows:

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Policy is to establish binding standards and procedures to prevent all forms of bribery and corruption, to ensure compliance with applicable anti-corruption laws, and to require timely reporting and remediation of suspected violations.

2. SCOPE

This Policy applies to Covered Party, its employees, agents, subcontractors and any person or entity acting on behalf of Covered Party in connection with any activity that affects Company’s business, whether domestic or international.

3. PROHIBITED CONDUCT

Covered Party shall not, directly or indirectly, offer, promise, pay, authorize, request or accept any bribe, kickback, facilitation payment, or other improper payment or benefit to or from any public official, political party, candidate, or private person for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business, directing business to any person, securing an improper advantage, or influencing any decision or act.

4. GIFTS, HOSPITALITY AND EXPENSES

Gifts, hospitality or entertainment provided or received in connection with Company business must be reasonable, proportionate, lawful and transparent. Covered Party must not offer or provide cash or cash equivalents. All such expenditures must be recorded accurately and promptly in Covered Party’s books and records.

5. THIRD-PARTY DUE DILIGENCE

Covered Party shall conduct due diligence proportionate to the risk of the engagement on all agents, consultants, intermediaries, joint venture partners and subcontractors retained to act on behalf of Company. Due diligence shall include verification of identity, business reputation, ownership, and screening for corruption risk.

6. BOOKS, RECORDS AND ACCOUNTING CONTROLS

Covered Party must maintain accurate and complete books, records and accounts that reflect all transactions and dispositions of assets and must implement adequate internal controls to prevent and detect improper payments or dishonest conduct.

7. REPORTING AND INVESTIGATIONS

Covered Party shall promptly report any knowledge or reasonable suspicion of bribery, corruption or non-compliance with this Policy to Company’s Compliance Officer. Company shall investigate reported concerns in a timely and confidential manner and take corrective action where warranted.

8. TRAINING AND COMMUNICATION

Covered Party shall ensure that employees and agents engaged on Company matters receive appropriate anti-corruption training and are made aware of the standards of conduct required by this Policy and applicable law.

9. COMPLIANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

Covered Party shall appoint a senior individual responsible for ensuring compliance with this Policy and cooperating with Company in audits, investigations and remediation efforts. Covered Party shall provide reasonable access to records and personnel for purposes of verifying compliance.

10. REMEDIAL ACTIONS AND TERMINATION

Violation of this Policy by Covered Party, or any agent acting on its behalf, shall constitute grounds for remedial measures including but not limited to suspension of work, repayment of amounts improperly obtained, and termination of agreements for cause. Company retains the right to seek damages and injunctive relief.

11. CONFIDENTIALITY AND NON-RETALIATION

Reports made in good faith regarding potential violations will be treated confidentially to the maximum extent practicable. Covered Party shall not retaliate against any person for reporting suspected violations in good faith.

12. AUDITS AND MONITORING

Company or its designated auditors may, upon reasonable notice, audit Covered Party’s compliance with this Policy. Covered Party shall remedy any identified deficiencies within a reasonable time and report remediation steps to Company.

13. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Covered Party represents and warrants that it has not, and shall not, engage in any conduct that would violate applicable anti-corruption laws in connection with performing services or supplying goods for Company. Covered Party further warrants that it has implemented reasonable procedures to ensure compliance with this Policy.

14. RECORDS OF COMPLIANCE

Covered Party shall retain and make available records demonstrating compliance with this Policy for a period of no less than five (5) years or for such longer period as required by law.

NOTICES

All notices, requests, consents and other communications required or permitted under this Policy shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses set forth below or to such other address as a party may designate by notice.

AMENDMENT; WAIVER

No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Policy will be effective unless in writing and signed by authorized representatives of both parties. No waiver will be deemed a waiver of any other provision or of any subsequent default.

GOVERNING LAW

This Policy shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State or jurisdiction identified as Governing Law: , without regard to conflict of laws principles.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY

This Policy constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings. If any provision of this Policy is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

COUNTERPARTS

This Policy may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Signatures provided by electronic means shall be effective as originals.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By signing below, Covered Party acknowledges receipt of this Policy, represents that it has read and understood the Policy, and agrees to comply fully with its terms and to cooperate with Company’s efforts to ensure compliance.

Company Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Covered Party Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Enter text✕

What a Legal Anti-Corruption Policy Is and Why It Matters

A Legal Anti-Corruption Policy is an internal corporate document that defines prohibited conduct, reporting channels, compliance controls, and disciplinary measures related to bribery, facilitation payments, gifts, and third-party interactions. It sets expectations for employees, officers, contractors, and agents; requires training and monitoring; and documents due diligence for agents, vendors, and intermediaries. The policy helps organizations meet legal obligations under U.S. and international anti-corruption laws, supports consistent decision-making, and provides an auditable record for regulators and enforcement agencies.

Why a Clear Anti-Corruption Policy Reduces Legal and Operational Risk

A well-written policy reduces exposure to criminal enforcement, civil fines, and reputational harm by establishing controls, escalation procedures, and recordkeeping standards aligned with U.S. enforcement expectations (DOJ and SEC). It also supports consistent third-party due diligence and helps demonstrate a culture of compliance during investigations or audits.

Why a Clear Anti-Corruption Policy Reduces Legal and Operational Risk

Who Needs to Read, Approve, and Follow the Policy

The policy applies across the organization: executives set tone, compliance teams maintain the program, and all employees must follow rules and report concerns.

  • Senior management and board members — responsible for approval, resourcing, and oversight of compliance controls.
  • Compliance, legal, and internal audit teams — maintain policy, conduct risk assessments, and handle investigations.
  • Front-line staff and third parties — required to follow procedures, complete training, and report suspected violations promptly.

Clear role assignments improve accountability and ensure the policy has practical effect across hiring, procurement, sales, and external partnerships.

How to Formalize and Publish the Policy

Follow these sequential steps to adopt a compliant and operational Anti-Corruption Policy.

  • 01
    Assess Risks: Identify high-risk jurisdictions, functions, and third parties for focused controls.
  • 02
    Draft Policy: Use clear prohibitions, procedures, and disciplinary language aligned with DOJ/SEC guidance.
  • 03
    Approve Internally: Obtain sign-off from legal, compliance, and a senior executive or board designee.
  • 04
    Publish & Train: Distribute to staff and complete training within specified timelines.

Essential Elements of a Professional Anti-Corruption Policy

A strong policy combines clear rules, practical procedures, and verification measures so it is enforceable and usable in daily operations.

Clear Prohibitions

Explicitly ban bribery, facilitation payments, improper gifts, and illicit payments to public officials to remove interpretive ambiguity.

Third-Party Due Diligence

Require screening, enhanced due diligence for high-risk agents, and written contracts with anti-corruption clauses.

Reporting & Investigations

Define confidential reporting channels, investigation procedures, and timelines for internal reviews.

Training & Certification

Mandate periodic training for relevant employees and documented attendee records to demonstrate programmatic commitment.

Monitoring & Audits

Include periodic risk-based monitoring, transaction sampling, and audit reporting to compliance and the board.

Discipline & Remediation

Specify sanctions for violations, remediation actions, and processes for self-reporting to authorities where required.

Security and Compliance Measures to Protect Policy Records

Encryption in transit: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit
Encryption at rest: AES-256 encryption at rest
Audit trail: Immutable audit logs retained
Regulatory certifications: SOC 2 Type II available
Health-data protection: HIPAA compliance (BAA required)
Validation standards: 21 CFR Part 11 compatibility

Consequences of Noncompliance and Common Legal Risks

Criminal Penalties: DOJ enforcement; fines and imprisonment possible
Civil Fines: SEC penalties, disgorgement, and civil liability
Contract Risk: Termination of government and commercial contracts
Reputational Harm: Media exposure and client loss
Whistleblower Claims: Private suits and protected disclosures
Remediation Costs: Investigations and compliance program overhaul

Common Pitfalls When Drafting or Implementing the Policy

  • Vague language — leaving definitions of key terms ambiguous can frustrate investigations and weaken enforcement.
  • Incomplete scope — failing to include affiliates, agents, or subsidiaries may create enforcement gaps and inconsistent treatment.
  • Poor recordkeeping — inadequate documentation of due diligence, approvals, or training undermines ability to demonstrate compliance.
  • Insufficient training — one-off notices without role-specific instruction leads to uneven understanding and implementation.

Typical Anti-Corruption Policy Workflow

This high-level workflow shows how the policy is enforced from risk assessment to remediation.

  • Risk Assessment: Identify and prioritize corruption exposure across operations.
  • Policy Issuance: Publish policy and assign responsibilities to business owners.
  • Training: Deliver role-based training and track completion records.
  • Monitoring: Conduct audits, monitor transactions, and investigate reports.

Configuring an Electronic Policy Distribution Workflow

Set up a documented workflow for publishing, signing, and storing the policy using your document management system.

Field Configuration
Document Upload PDF/A or DOCX master copy
Signer Roles Executive, Compliance, Local Manager
Authentication Email link, SMS code, or 2FA
Retention Archive signed copies and audit trail

Digital Distribution and eSignature Considerations

Choose a platform that captures intent, consent, attribution, and retains records consistent with 15 U.S.C. §7001 and UETA.

  • File formats: PDF, DOCX, and PDF/A supported
  • Integrations: Salesforce, Microsoft 365, NetSuite
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, or advanced KBA

Ensure the platform preserves an audit trail (timestamp, IP, signer identity) and supports exportable records for internal and external review.

Key Timelines: Review, Training, and Reporting

Establish clear deadlines to keep the program current and responsive to incidents.

Policy Review Cycle:

Annual review recommended; sooner after material change.

Training Cadence:

Annual mandatory training for high-risk staff; refresher as needed.

Reporting Response:

Acknowledge internal reports within a defined internal timeframe (e.g., 7 business days).

Investigation Timeline:

Complete initial fact-gathering within 30–60 days where feasible.

Self-Reporting:

Consider self-reporting timelines under DOJ/SEC guidance if misconduct discovered.

Vendor Pricing and Feature Overview for Policy Distribution

Compare base pricing and common capabilities for eSignature platforms used to distribute and retain signed policies; signNow appears first per vendor ordering rules.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes (Business Premium) Yes Yes Yes Varies
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Real-World Examples of Policy Adoption and Compliance Outcomes

These examples show how organizations applied signature workflows and compliance controls to operationalize anti-corruption policies.

Martin Properties

Tim Martin, Founder: The interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team; more importantly, it is just as easy for our customers.

  • Point: Fast remote acknowledgements reduced turnaround.
  • Outcome: The company now documents policy receipt and training for every tenant-facing manager and retains audit trails for future audits and reviews.

BIS

Dan Rotelli, CEO: We felt most comfortable with the SOC 2 certification and strict focus on ESIGN and UETA compliance.

  • Point: Secure audit trails supported internal investigations.
  • Outcome: BIS improved third-party onboarding controls and maintained demonstrable compliance in two regulatory reviews.

Practical Tips to Keep Your Policy Enforceable and Usable

Apply these best practices to improve clarity, reduce friction, and strengthen defensibility of your anti-corruption program.

Keep language precise
Avoid vague or aspirational wording; use concrete prohibitions, defined exceptions, and measurable procedures so investigators and managers can apply the policy consistently.
Document approvals
Record executive and board-level approvals with dated signatures to show governance and oversight during audits or enforcement inquiries.
Use role-based training
Design training that addresses specific risks for sales, procurement, finance, and third-party management; track completion and reassignments.
Centralize evidence
Store signed acknowledgements, due diligence records, and investigation files in a secure, searchable repository with retained audit trails for the required retention period.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Legal Anti-Corruption Policy

Answers to common questions about drafting, adopting, and maintaining an anti-corruption policy, focused on legal validity, practical application, and recordkeeping.


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