UK SFO publishes internal guidance on Deferred Prosecution Agreements

Viewpoints
November 16, 2020
1 minutes

The UK's Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has published a new chapter in its internal Operational Handbook, which offers guidance on the SFO's approach to Deferred Prosecution Agreements (DPAs). 

DPAs were first introduced in the UK in 2014 as an alternative to prosecution for certain criminal offenses. 

The Guidance sets out a number of non-exhaustive factors that the SFO will consider in determining whether a DPA is appropriate.

In particular, companies seeking DPAs from the SFO should take into account that self-reporting, co-operation, and good corporate governance will be key considerations for the SFO.

For further information about the guidance, please click here.