POWERED BY MOMENTUM MEDIA
Companies poor on corruption
The good news for institutions looking to invest in Australia is that this country is amongst the least corrupt in the world. The bad news is that less than half of our publicly listed companies have specific policies prohibiting staff from engaging in bribery and corruption.
As startling revelations continue to emerge from the inquiry, the in Canberra has released data showing only around 51 per cent of Australian publicly listed companies have adopted bribery policies, compared to 80 per cent in the US, 91 per cent in Europe and 92 per cent in the UK.
It said the incidence of Australian companies addressing “facilitation payments” was far lower than those addressing bribery, with less than 25 per cent of S&P/ASX100 companies regulating facilitation payments and only 15 per cent actually prohibiting the practice.
The research said the take-up rate of such policies was even lower for those companies with interests in at-risk countries or industries, with only 6 per cent prohibiting the use of facilitation payments.
It said that a total of 18 S&P/ASX100 companies explicitly prohibited bribery and had a comprehensive system for ensuring that employees complied.
“Only five companies listed on the S&P/ASX100 have prohibited facilitation payments and have a comprehensive system for implementing the policy,” the research said.
AUTHOR
Mike Taylor
Recommended for you
Australian super funds have posted early gains in FY26, driven by strong share market performance and resilient long-term returns.
Following the roundtable, the Treasurer said the government plans to review the superannuation performance test, stressing that the review does not signal its abolition.
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has placed superannuation front and centre in its 2025-26 corporate plan, signalling a period of intensified scrutiny over fund expenditure, governance and member outcomes.
Australian Retirement Trust (ART) has become a substantial shareholder in Tabcorp, taking a stake of just over 5 per cent in the gaming and wagering company.
TOP PERFORMING FUNDS
ACS FIXED INT - AUSTRALIA/GLOBAL BOND
Fund name
3y(%)pa
1
DomaCom DFS Mortgage
74.26 3 y p.a(%)
2
Global X 21Shares Bitcoin ETF
72.60 3 y p.a(%)
3
Global X GlobalX FANG+ ETF
44.46 3 y p.a(%)
4
Pengana High Conviction Equities B
39.12 3 y p.a(%)
5
Pengana High Conviction Equities A
39.05 3 y p.a(%)
