A message from the outgoing Senior Co-Chair, Adriana Dantas

Adriana Dantas
Lefosse Advogados, São Paulo

Dear colleagues, 

As the outgoing Senior Co-Chair of the IBA Anti-Corruption Committee, it is my pleasure to present this newsletter that reflects on the remarkable journey we have shared throughout 2025. This year has been defined by our commitment to advancing anti-corruption standards, fostering global dialogue and driving meaningful change across jurisdictions. It was a year of impactful events and collaboration. Our flagship event, the 21st Annual IBA Anti-Corruption Conference, held in Paris, brought together leading practitioners, policymakers and academics from around the world. The conference addressed critical subjects such as the implications of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ‘pause,’ cross-border anti-corruption developments, the evolving role of the OECD and new trends in whistleblowing regulations. Panels explored the challenges of sanctioning corruption in public procurement, the transition from a rules-based compliance programme to a true culture of ethics in decision-making and the growing importance of AML prosecution.

This year’s conference once again attracted senior officials from leading anti-corruption agencies, including the head of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) in the UK and the head of the Agence Française Anticorruption (AFA) in France. Their participation, alongside senior in-house lawyers, senior officials from multilateral development banks and compliance officials from major corporations, enriched our discussions and brought invaluable perspectives to the table. The presence of these distinguished guests, together with our diverse membership, has significantly amplified the IBA Anti-Corruption Committee’s ability to foster networking and build meaningful connections. 

Beyond the conference, our Committee has organised monthly meetings, workshops and collaborative retreats, including a compliance roundtable and client-focused events in partnership with international firms. These initiatives strengthened our network, promoted best practices and elevated the visibility of our members and their organisations. I am grateful that our events have become a unique platform for practitioners, regulators and thought leaders to exchange ideas, share best practices and collaborate on advancing the global fight against corruption. This expansion of our network not only strengthens our collective expertise, but also empowers us to drive real change and promote a more ethical business environment worldwide.

One of the most rewarding aspects of serving as Senior Co-Chair has been ensuring that anti-corruption remains at the forefront of discussions among prominent practitioners. It has been a privilege to contribute to a more ethical society worldwide, keeping our agenda vibrant and relevant, and witnessing the ripple effect of our work across borders and industries.

To my successor – Maximiliano d’Auro – who I greatly admire, I offer this advice: have fun while addressing the many emails that will come your way! This is a truly international group of highly qualified individuals, and the diversity of perspectives is one of our greatest strengths. The work may be demanding, but every effort will pay off in the end. Embrace the opportunity to learn, connect and make a lasting impact.

In departing, I want to share my personal goal for the Committee: to keep the momentum, ensuring that the IBA Anti-Corruption Committee remains impactful and alive. I encourage each of you to continue pushing boundaries, fostering collaboration and championing integrity in all that you do.

Thank you for your dedication and engagement. I look forward to seeing the Committee thrive in the years ahead.

Warm regards,

Adriana Dantas
Immediate-past Co-Chair, IBA Anti-Corruption Committee