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Information about corruption and bribery

FISA was approached about guidance if FISA members receive information about corruption and bribery in state departments that FISA members have to deal with in the execution of their duties. The following points are relevant:

  1. The negative impact of demands for bribes on fiduciary practitioners’ ability to fulfil their obligations under relevant legislation (e.g. the Administration of Estates Act, 1965, and the Trust Property Control Act, 1988) is obvious.
  2. FISA do not have either the ability or the authority to investigate any such allegations.
  3. FISA will relay any information received to the relevant authorities and will protect the identity of the source as far as is legally possible, if requested to do so.
  4. While there may be concerns about victimisation of practitioners who blow the whistle, members should bear in mind that any problem like this will not go away if nobody is willing to do anything about it.
  5. FISA members are bound by the FISA Code of Ethics and of Professional and Responsible Conduct to comply with all legislation and rules of law. Participation in any corrupt activity is a breach of the Code.