Overview

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) makes it unlawful for certain people and entities to make payments to foreign government officials to assist in obtaining or retaining business. The FCPA’s provisions regarding bribery of foreign officials apply to all U.S. persons and certain foreign issuers of securities.

Companies with securities listed in the U.S. must also meet the FCPA’s accounting provisions. See 15 U.S.C. § 78m. In general, companies covered by the provisions must (a) make and keep books, records and accounts that accurately and fairly reflect the transactions of the corporation and its disposition of assets and (b) devise and maintain an adequate system of internal accounting controls.

Click here for the full statute:

Click here for DOJ’s guide on the operation of the FCPA.