EFCL Inaugural Conference 2016
Conference Report
The European Fraud and Compliance Lawyers Association (EFCL) held its inaugural international conference together with the Fraud Lawyers Association (FLA). The conference took place on 17 June 2016 at the London office of K&L Gates.
The conference was a sell-out and proved to be a resounding success. Lawyers who specialise in fraud and compliance law from many different countries across Europe and the USA attended the conference which focused on the Cutting Edge Issues in Corporate Crime and Fraud.
The conference commenced at 10am with introductions from Prof Dr Holger Matt (Chair of the ECBA) and Louise Hodges (Chair of the FLA). A very warm welcome was extended to all and they each provided a brief overview of the EFCL and FLA aims and objectives.
Following the introductions a keynote address was delivered by the Director of the Serious Fraud Office, David Green CB QC. Mr Green gave a very insightful speech setting out the SFO's key successes over the last year and highlighting its objectives going forward.
The conference then moved onto the first of its four sessions. Each session involved a panel of experts discussing topics at the very forefront of fraud issues throughout Europe.
The first panel discussed the subject, Assessing credit for corporate co-operation: can the SFO learn from the DOJ's past mistakes? The EFCL was very pleased to welcome both Charles Duross and Mary Mulligan (both USA) who attended to provide their expert observations on this issue. They were joined by Christine Braamskamp and Amanda Pinto QC (both United Kingdom). The panel was chaired by Harry Travers.
The second session focused on The long arm of the law: dealing with US investigations in Europe. This discussion was chaired by Benjamin Borsodi (Switzerland). The panel comprised of Ross Dixon (United Kingdom), Judy Krieg (USA) and Dr Martina de Lind van Wijngaarden (Germany).
The third session focused on Decision-making in criminal matters – impact in connected civil proceedings. This was chaired by Fiona Simpson. The panel provided their views on the subject which included Susan Monty, Ali Sallaway and Christopher Waren-Smith (all United Kingdom).
The final session discussed the topic of Thief or whistle-blower? From Falciani to Mossack Fonseca – use and abuse of data for tax and fraud investigations. The panel for this discussion comprised of Michael Bowes QC (United Kingdom), Jean-Cédric Michel (Switzerland) and Astrid Mignon Colombet (France). This discussion was chaired by Roberto Pisano.
The daytime conference concluded with closing remarks from the EFCL chair, Dr Oliver Kipper who outlined the key aims and objectives of the EFCL. He was keen to encourage lawyers to join the EFCL and offer their support to help achieving the aims.
In the evening the EFCL and FLA hosted a drinks reception at the beautifully charming OXO2, on the Southbank of the Thames River. This was again a sold out event which proved to be an overwhelming success.
The EFCL would like to express its sincere thanks to the FLA for co-hosting the conference. The EFCL also want to say a special thanks to our speakers and delegates, as well as all those who helped to organise and ensure the successful running of its inaugural conference.
Please click here for the conference programme.
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