The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (“FCPA”) presents significant liability, risks, and compliance challenges for U.S. firms pursuing business opportunities in India.

U.S. regulators have brought numerous FCPA enforcement actions based on business activities in India, including actions against companies such as Oracle, Tyco International, Dow Chemical Company, Pride International, Textron, and Diageo.

In general, the FCPA makes it a federal crime to promise, offer, or make a bribe, directly or indirectly, to a foreign official to retain business or to secure an improper business advantage. The FCPA also requires companies that are traded on a U.S. stock exchange to maintain accurate books and records and to use an adequate system of internal financial and accounting controls.

Co-authored with Zulfiquar Memon and Sherbir Panag of MZM Legal.