Business and forensic investigations

Half of Irish organisations have experienced economic crime in the last two years. In times of crisis, you need to minimise and manage reputational, regulatory and financial risks.

Protect business value, emerge stronger

Investigating possible instances of fraud, corruption and other economic crime requires a thorough, independent approach.

We work with independence and discretion, investigating and analysing problems with cutting-edge digital technologies, which allow us to identify, collect and investigate vast amounts of electronic and hardcopy data.

We help you to protect value and build trust in your processes and systems. Our investigators use forensic accounting, forensic technology and corporate intelligence, coupled with our global reach and credibility with regulators, to reassure you with expertise and speed.

How can we help you respond to issues and challenges?

Businesses worldwide are under increasing pressure to demonstrate high ethical standards and transparency. As a result, investigations are on the rise. Dealing with them thoroughly, discreetly and quickly takes time, effort and investment. That requires skills that typically go beyond the capabilities of a business.

Accounting irregularities or corporate misconduct

An incident with potential legal or regulatory consequences – whether an accounting misstatement, suspected fraud or a potential breach of regulations – needs to be thoroughly and robustly investigated. Analysis must be independent, have an appropriate scope and be carried out by experts. It must be able to withstand challenges from relevant stakeholders, for example regulatory bodies.

The quality of your investigation affects everything that happens next.

We thrive on dealing with the most difficult  problems. Our forensic approach and mindset allows us to create clarity and confidence out of complexity and doubt.

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Establishing the facts in a time-sensitive manner

You may require the skills and knowledge of an investigative accountant, auditor or financial analyst to establish the facts, carry out an independent review or forensic investigation, or indeed to interpret evidence.

A swift clarification of the facts can play a key role in managing and minimising financial and regulatory risks, as well as preserving the reputation of the company.

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Responding to a crisis

A crisis will happen, it’s the response that matters.

As the global economic landscape grows more complex and connected, companies are at threat of sudden shocks. They could be corruption scandals that spread globally, a data breach that shakes customer confidence, or allegations of fraud. With crisis comes opportunity. An incident managed well allows an organisation to take on opportunities with the knowledge that future threats will be spotted and addressed quickly.

We can help you prepare, respond and emerge stronger from crises and other unplanned events.

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Remediation of key controls

Dealing with an incident of economic crime goes beyond the investigation. Organisations need to learn from what’s happened and bring in mechanisms to reduce future risks.

If your incident requires remediation, we bring expertise from across our local and global network – of over 3,500 forensic specialists in 69 countries – to help you recover losses and strengthen your processes and controls.

We work to develop strategies for planning, prevention, detection and response, so that fraud management becomes part of your enterprise-wide operations. It also gives reassurance to regulators, law enforcement, customers and other stakeholders.

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What does the Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Act 2022 mean for Irish employers?

All private sector entities with over 50 employees must now establish formal internal reporting channels and procedures, which provide for the acknowledgment and investigation of any report received. Reporting channels can be operated by a person or department designated for that purpose, or outsourced to a specialist third-party.

An effective reporting system will protect your reputation and prevent or mitigate against financial losses. We can provide you with an independent reporting mechanism that will assist you in complying with your legal obligations and encourage your staff to speak up.

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Our business and forensic investigation services

Forensic and business investigations

We have access to forensic services professionals in over 60 countries. This provides us with deep investigative experience, local insight and knowledge of specific industries and sectors. 

Our wealth of knowledge can be brought to bear on any investigation, financial or non-financial, including those arising out of:

  • Corporate irregularities
  • Asset misappropriation
  • Financial reporting fraud
  • Bribery and corruption
  • Regulatory violations
  • Suspicious transactions
  • Companies Acts investigations
  • Anti-money laundering
  • Competition / Anti-trust
  • Market abuse

Regulatory investigations

More than ever, regulators are holding organisations to a higher standard of compliance. The risks of failing to comply have never been more serious. We can help you navigate the challenges and seize opportunities.

Any kind of activity directly related to government contact or regulations can trigger costly investigations, allegations, fines, sanctions, criminal trials and reputational damage. Our team can help you address evolving regulatory mandates so that you can protect your business, strategy, reputation and value.

Whistleblower advisory services

Employees who suspect wrongdoing or corporate misconduct should be able to report their concerns through an internal whistleblower reporting channel. An effective reporting system can protect your company’s reputation, and prevent financial and legal losses.

We have experience in helping Irish companies establish formal reporting mechanisms. Our experts can assist in implementing effective whistleblower solutions and provide related advice based on your company’s specific circumstances and needs.

Our services include:

  • Advising on best practice whistleblower policy and procedures

  • Acting as an independent third-party that handles all cases securely and confidentially, and operates the whistleblower solution for your company

  • Independent investigation of suspected wrongdoing

Crisis management

A successful business relies on its reputation, and a good reputation can be lost with terrifying speed.

Yet, in a globalised world, business threats arrive without warning, from both outside and within. When a crisis strikes, you need to trust that you’re getting the right advice. You need to understand the facts quickly, and you need to face stakeholders with credible solutions.

We help clients to confidently navigate disruptive events and position their business to thrive, working beside you to help you prepare for, respond to and recover from misconduct and crisis. So you can confront it, withstand it, and recover.

Contact us

Deirdre McGrath

Partner, PwC Ireland (Republic of)

Eoghan Linehan

Director, PwC Ireland (Republic of)

Tel: +353 (86) 312 4475

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