The 34th Cambridge International Symposium on Economic Crime: Economic Crime – where does the buck stop? Who is responsible – facilitators, controllers and or their advisers?

The thirty-fourth international symposium on economic crime has an ambitious programme both in terms of objective and content. This year the symposium seeks to address perhaps the most significant question in any system – simply put, where should the ‘buck stop?’ – for committing or facilitating misconduct, that undermines stability, security and development. Who should society, through its various systems whether of law, compliance or public criticism, blame for crimes perpetrated against, through or with our financial and business structures? This is not just an issue of confidence or doing the right thing, but reinforcing integrity without which our systems and markets will suffer.

There is also the issue of whether we, in seeking to impose fines and other forms of condemnation on those who have simply ‘permitted’ misconduct to occur, disproportionately penalise and indirectly harm those who we should be protecting. The recent financial crisis, compounded by the increased use of financial sanctions, together with our near obsession with attempting to inhibit money laundering and create financial intelligence, have arguably created unsustainable risks for those who in the ordinary course of their business mind other people’s wealth and for those who advise them.

The symposium was conceived to promote understanding of the real issues in controlling economically motivated crime and facilitate co-operation and effective action – ideally preventive. The symposium is supported by a number of governments and their agencies, with some of the world’s leading universities, research organisations, the professions and, of course, those in the financial and business sectors, from around the world. This year over 600 specialists, most with topical and practical experience, will address in plenary sessions, workshops and think tanks as many issues pertaining to the real concerns of those at the ‘coal face’ and their managers. Over 1,600 participants from nearly 100 different countries are expected. The opportunities for networking and developing meaningful co-operation are unique.

Those who are concerned to protect and promote the integrity and wellbeing of their national economy, institution or enterprise – or who are concerned to better understand the risks facing business today, cannot afford to miss this very special event.

Here is the direct link to the 34th Symposium programme.