By Ken Dulieu, Chairman of Capcon Limited and Head of Capcon Argen
Fraud is not just a possibility – it’s a persistent and evolving threat that affects businesses across every sector. As we approach 2025, the urgency for companies to adopt a proactive approach to fraud prevention has never been greater. Whether you’re a small enterprise or a multinational corporation, staying ahead of fraud risks is critical to safeguarding your reputation, finances, and operational integrity.
The Growing Complexity of Fraud Risks
Fraud has become more sophisticated, leveraging technology and exploiting weak points in supply chains, employee oversight, and data security. With the upcoming Failure to Prevent Fraud offence under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act taking effect on September 1, 2025, businesses face increased accountability for fraud committed by associated persons.
This legislation is not merely a compliance exercise – it’s a wake-up call. Companies must demonstrate that they have “reasonable procedures” in place to prevent fraud or risk severe penalties. For businesses that fail to act, the consequences could be devastating, both financially and reputationally.
The Value of Proactive Fraud Prevention
Waiting for fraud to occur before taking action is a strategy no business can afford. Prevention not only reduces the likelihood of fraudulent activity but also builds resilience into your organisation. A proactive approach sends a strong message: fraud will not be tolerated.
At Capcon, we advise companies to prioritise three key pillars of fraud prevention:
- Cultural Integrity: Foster a workplace culture where ethical behaviour is non-negotiable, supported by robust training and clear communication.
- Risk Identification: Regularly assess your operations to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities, such as insufficient oversight or inadequate whistleblowing procedures.
- Technology and Monitoring: Leverage tools like dark web monitoring, advanced analytics, and secure reporting channels to stay one step ahead of fraudsters.
Why 2025 is a Turning Point
The Failure to Prevent Fraud offence represents a fundamental shift in how fraud risks are managed. As Ken Dulieu notes:
“2025 will be a defining year for fraud prevention. This isn’t just about compliance; it’s about safeguarding the future of your business. A proactive approach not only reduces risk but also fosters trust with your stakeholders. In a rapidly evolving risk landscape, doing nothing is simply not an option.”
Taking Action Today for a Safer Tomorrow
With fraud risks becoming more complex and regulatory scrutiny increasing, businesses need to act now to build robust anti-fraud measures. At Capcon, we work with companies across all sectors to design and implement tailored fraud prevention strategies. Our services include:
- Comprehensive risk assessments
- Anti-fraud training programmes
- Dark web monitoring to detect data breaches
- Executive screening and due diligence
- Investigations into suspected fraud
Ken concludes:
“Fraud prevention is not a one-time exercise; it’s an ongoing commitment. By embedding proactive measures into your business operations, you can minimise exposure, reduce financial losses, and create a culture of accountability.”
Partner with Capcon
As a trusted partner in risk management, Capcon is here to help your business navigate the challenges of fraud prevention. Whether you need to strengthen your compliance framework or investigate potential vulnerabilities, our expertise ensures that you’re prepared for 2025 and beyond.
Contact us to discuss how we can support your business: T: +44 (0)1372 237 050 | E: enquiries@capcon.co.uk
