Ernst & Young, one of the world's leading professional
services organizations, has announced a three-year sponsorship
programme with Transparency International (TI), the global civil
society organization leading the fight against corruption.
As part of its sponsorship, Ernst & Young will become a
participant in the Global Corporations for Transparency International
(GCTI) initiative and will specifically support TI's highly regarded
corruption measurement tools.
Announcing the sponsorship agreement, James S. Turley, Chairman
and CEO of Ernst & Young, said, "Corporations have a vital part to
play in the economic and social health of our communities. Corruption,
and particularly its manifestation through bribery, can have
devastating consequences for ordinary people far removed from the
source of the crime. We can lead by example and help our clients deal
with their own incidences of fraud and corruption when operating under
challenging conditions."
Turley added, "TI's measurement tools are a major asset in the
fight to change attitudes and behaviors across the globe, spotlighting
the worst offenders and encouraging fundamental reforms. By supporting
Transparency International, Ernst & Young is showing our commitment to
encouraging a global environment where businesses can create lasting
economic value in their communities."
David Nussbaum, Chief Executive of Transparency International,
said, "Through their generous contribution, Ernst & Young recognizes
the importance of Transparency International's work in reducing the
devastating impact of corruption on millions of people around the
world. By supporting our measurement tools Ernst & Young is
demonstrating its commitment to corporate transparency and integrity.
This support contributes to the success of TI's anti-corruption work
and we are grateful."
Patrick Mahassen, Resources Director at Transparency
International, added, "Transparency International seeks to engage all
sectors of society in the fight against corruption. The success of
this endeavour is reflected by the growing support we receive from the
private sector. We are pleased Ernst & Young have chosen to make the
fight against corruption a priority."
David L. Stulb, joint leader of the Ernst & Young global Fraud
Investigations and Dispute Services practice, who will lead the
relationship with TI on behalf of Ernst & Young, said, "Our own recent
global fraud survey has highlighted corruption and bribery as the most
threatening fraud risk in emerging markets. For many corporations the
risk of employees using differences in local business practices to
rationalize bribery is significant. TI is playing an important part in
creating healthy business communities where unacceptable behaviors are
recognized and discouraged."
Transparency International seeks to provide reliable ways to
measure levels of transparency and corruption, globally and locally.
These quantitative diagnostic tools provide insights into the demand
and supply sides of corruption. Through this sponsorship programme
Ernst & Young will support three measurement tools and related launch
events.
The measurement tools that will receive support as part of the
sponsorship are:
-- Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI): First released in 1995,
this is the best known of TI's tools. It is widely credited
with placing the issue of corruption on the international
policy agenda. The CPI ranks more than 150 countries by
perceived levels of corruption, as determined by expert
assessments and business surveys.
-- Bribe Payers Index (BPI): This index assesses the supply side
of corruption internationally and ranks it by country and
industry sector.
-- Global Corruption Barometer (GCB): This public opinion survey
assesses the general public's perception and experience of
corruption in more than 60 countries.
About Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young, a global leader in professional services, is
committed to restoring the public's trust in professional services
firms and in the quality of financial reporting. Its 107,000 people in
140 countries pursue the highest levels of integrity, quality, and
professionalism in providing a range of sophisticated services
centered on our core competencies of auditing, accounting, tax, and
transactions. Further information about Ernst & Young and its approach
to a variety of business issues can be found at
www.ey.com/perspectives. Ernst & Young refers to the global
organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of
which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited does
not provide services to clients.
About Ernst & Young's global Fraud Investigations and Dispute
Services practice
The practice is focused on helping global organizations navigate
through the intricacies of corporate investigations and the
complexities that may arise out of today's regulatory environment. In
particular the practice focuses on three areas: fraud investigation;
dispute services; and providing forensic legal technology support.
Based in over 20 countries and operating worldwide, the practice
brings together over 1000 specialist professionals including leading
forensic accountants, former government and regulatory agency
officials, and former prosecutors and law enforcement agents.
About Transparency International
Transparency International is the global civil society
organization leading the fight against corruption, with approximately
100 locally established national chapters and chapters-in-formation.
These organizations fight corruption in the national arena by bringing
together relevant players from government, civil society, business and
the media to promote transparency in elections, in public
administration, in procurement and in business. TI's global network of
chapters and contacts also use advocacy campaigns to lobby governments
to implement anti-corruption reforms.
About Global Corporations for Transparency International
Global Corporations for Transparency International (GCTI) is a
program for the private sector to support TI's anti-corruption
efforts. Acceptance of a donation by TI does not imply its endorsement
of a donating company's policies or record. Further information
regarding Transparency International's donation programme can be found
at www.transparency.org/supportus.
This press release has been issued by EYGM Limited, a member of
the global Ernst & Young organization, with Transparency International
