The
region’s most important event dedicated to both analyzing and preventing fraud
and malpractice began Sunday with the opening of the 2019 ACFE Fraud Conference Middle East.
Hosted
by the Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority (ADAA) and drawing on the expertise
of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the first of the
conference’s three days witnessed the participation of more than 450 stakeholders
in a comprehensive program of keynote addresses, seminars and panel discussions
centered on understanding the root causes of this phenomenon,
as well as defining and sharing leading practices in defending corporate and
public ecosystems against the negative impact of fraud on society.
The
organizers of the event, the ACFE, stated that Abu Dhabi’s hosting of the conference
for the second consecutive year demonstrates the important role the Emirate is
playing in terms of enhancing transparency, supporting governance and promoting
assurance.
“This
year’s ACFE Fraud Conference Middle East explores the fraud-related challenges impacting
economies around the globe. Topics include cyber fraud, anti-fraud strategies
and measures, and the topic of shell companies and how to investigate them. Internationally-renowned
speakers from related fields and disciplines will discuss these challenges and
share their experiences and knowledge, exploring case studies and assessing best
practices for conducting investigations,” said H.E. Hamad Al Hurr Al Suwaidi,
Chairman of ADAA.
“Bringing
together assurance, compliance, governance, security and anti-fraud
professionals from all industries and backgrounds, the conference is a leading
platform to showcase the latest experiences and methods of countering fraud and
corruption,” he added.
The
2019 ACFE Fraud Conference Middle East agenda includes a series of sessions
examining relevant and prevailing topics in the quest for sound governance and
prudent practices. Keynote speakers include Dr. Eugene Soltes, author of ‘Why They Do It: Inside the Mind of the
White-Collar Criminal’ – a book described as being a ‘a groundbreaking
study on white-collar criminality.’ Soltes, whose research focuses on how
individuals and organizations confront and overcome challenging situations, was
awarded the 2015 Charles M. Williams Award for outstanding teaching.
Addressing
forum participants on the opening day was Dr. Stephen Hill, Ph.D., MLPI, CIIP,
the managing director of Hill Bingham Ltd, who educated attendees about how the
new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that imposes strict new rules on
controlling and processing personally identifiable information, and which came
into force in May last year, will affect cybersecurity. He also applauded ADAA’s
dedication to promoting and supporting leading practices in the anti-fraud
industry.
“We
now live in a world were data has become our biggest asset but is also our
biggest responsibility. New European GDPR legislation takes data protection to
the next level and amongst many things has identified concerns from the public
when it comes to the protection of their data, thus making data processors and
controllers more accountable. The impact of financial crime on the world
economy is immense and the current fraud figures are so large they can scarcely
be comprehended. Directors and managers need to know the fraud risks that their
businesses face and how to protect themselves against these risks,” he said.
“It
is encouraging that Abu Dhabi are focusing on fraud and how to mitigate against
it impacting on the economy. The collaboration with organizations such as the ACFE
demonstrates a determination not to alarm but to educate those who are in a
position to identify and stop this activity from happening. By bringing people
together at the 2019 ACFE Fraud Conference Middle East, it allows delegates to
share experience and hear from some of the best speakers both in the UAE and
further afield to improve their resilience and continue the fight against fraud,”
he added.
The
first day of the event also saw attendees learning about optimizing their
cross-border investigations from Richard Trainer, CFE, legal director at
Mishcon de Reya LLP.
“Suing
to recover assets lost to fraud is very different from ordinary litigation as
fraudsters do not play by the rules. The good news is that the courts of most
jurisdictions are here to help, even those in 'shadowy' offshore jurisdictions
where fraudsters typically salt away the proceeds,” he explained.
The
2019 ACFE Fraud Conference Middle East
runs from February 24-26, 2019 at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, West Corniche, Abu
Dhabi. The conference draws on the expertise of the ACFE - the world’s largest
anti-fraud organization and a premium provider of anti-fraud training and
education. The ACFE works to reduce business fraud worldwide and inspire public
confidence in the integrity and objectivity of the counter-fraud profession.
For more information on the agenda, speakers and location, visit FraudConference.com/MiddleEast.
About the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
Based in Austin, Texas, the ACFE is the world’s largest anti-fraud organization and premier provider of anti-fraud training and education. Together with nearly 85,000 members, the ACFE is reducing business fraud worldwide and inspiring public confidence
in the integrity and objectivity within the profession. For more information, visit ACFE.com.