The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has today, 13 October 2026, reinforced its guidance for corporations regarding the self-reporting of suspected fraud, bribery, and corruption. This update introduces a new pathway for legal representatives to communicate directly with the organisation’s Director of Legal Services.
This revision, announced by Director of Legal Services and General Counsel Matthew Wagstaff at the International White Collar Institute in London, responds to feedback from legal practitioners gathered since the guidance was initially revised in April 2025.
Under the new procedure, corporate legal representatives can now discuss potential self-reports directly with Mr Wagstaff via a dedicated email address, GeneralCounsel@sfo.gov.uk, prior to committing to a formal report.
“"We believe a swifter, clearer path to enter negotiations for a deferred prosecution agreement is in the best interests of everyone and so we’ve taken this feedback on board. That’s why, as of today, we are strengthening our guidance so that a corporate’s legal representatives can, if they wish, communicate directly with me before they formally submit a self-report."
The SFO's Corporate Cooperation Guidance, first established in April 2025, commits to inviting corporations that report promptly and cooperate fully to negotiate a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA), barring exceptional circumstances. The guidance outlines that the SFO will respond within 48 business hours of a self-report, provide ongoing updates, decide on opening an investigation within six months, and aim for prompt conclusion of investigations.
“"As a responsible prosecutor, there will rightly always be limits to the commitments that we can make. Nevertheless, I believe that in this guidance we have challenged ourselves as an organisation to make the strongest possible offer to responsible corporates."
In addition to the new communication channel with the Director of Legal Services, the updated guidance clarifies expectations for corporates to adopt a proportionate, risk-based approach in identifying the full scope of any criminal offending. It also confirms that the six-month timeframe for concluding DPA negotiations commences upon acceptance of an invitation to negotiate.
The complete updated guidance, which includes details on how to self-report, is accessible on GOV.UK.
