From risk to resilience: why companies must lead on business integrity

Corruption remains a significant barrier to economic stability, social progress and sustainable development. It undermines economic growth, deepens inequality and erodes trust in institutions. Corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. It can take many forms, such as bribery, fraud, embezzlement, undue influence and other practices that distort markets and weaken governance systems. 

Corruption doesn’t only affect institutions; it disrupts the stability and fairness businesses rely on to operate effectively. For companies, corruption creates serious operational, financial and reputational risks, affecting everything from supply chains and partnerships to investment decisions and long-term resilience.

Corruption distorts markets, inflates costs and creates unpredictable operating conditions. It diverts resources from productive investment and exposes companies to legal, financial and reputational consequences. As stakeholder scrutiny increases, unmanaged corruption risk can threaten a company’s licence to operate.

However, the case for action extends well beyond risk management. Companies that embed integrity strengthen long-term value and help create markets where businesses can compete and grow fairly.

Ethical business practices drive long-term value. Companies committed to integrity are better positioned to attract investment, build stronger relationships with customers and partners, retain top talent and navigate risks more effectively. Transparent and accountable companies also operate with greater stability and are better equipped to identify emerging risks early. Fighting corruption is good for business and essential for shaping competitive, resilient markets.

Neither Governments nor the private sector can tackle corruption alone. Collaborative efforts are essential to creating a future guided by integrity. Through the partnership of governments, businesses and the public sector, collective action is possible. Through collaborative effort and partnerships, the private sector can adopt integrity measures to prevent and combat corruption. At the same time, renewed global attention on business integrity signals a growing recognition that progress depends on collective commitment.

Businesses play a critical role. Companies should adopt zero-tolerance corruption policies backed by strong leadership and translate these commitments into robust ethics and compliance programmes that include due diligence, reporting channels, whistleblower protection and regular monitoring. Strengthening risk management, embedding integrity into corporate culture and engaging business partners are all essential steps. Participation in Collective Action initiatives, bringing together companies, Governments and civil society, is one of the most powerful ways to level the playing field and build trust.

Corruption undermines stable, transparent and competitive markets. By acting with integrity and implementing meaningful anti-corruption measures, companies strengthen their resilience, protect their licence to operate and contribute to healthy business environments. Businesses that take corruption seriously help shape fairer markets, build trust and support long-term, sustainable growth.