DIFC Hosts Expert on Global Transparency Issues

Lucinda Low, an internationally recognized expert on transparency and U.S. and international anti-corruption laws, and American Consul General Justin Siberell were received today by senior officials of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

Ms. Low and Consul General Siberell toured the DIFC District and later held discussions with senior DIFC officials on a wide range of topics including the current global economic crisis and the importance of compliance and benchmarking at financial hubs around the world.

DIFC officials provided an overview of the organisation's strategy and vision, and pointed out that DIFC is the fastest growing financial hub in the world with its business community now having over 800 institutions.

Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, Chief Executive Officer, DIFC Authority, said: "The visit of Ms. Lucinda Low, a leading global expert on transparency and accountability, gave us an opportunity to highlight the efficient and best-of-breed international legal system that governs all activities and member firms at DIFC."

“It was also an excellent opportunity to discuss the opportunities for cooperation with the financial industry of the United States, many of whose major players are well known to Ms. Low,” Abdulla added.

DIFC officials expressed hope that Ms. Lucinda Low, who is a partner in the Washington office of Steptoe & Johnson, could bring her considerable experience in helping advance the DIFC-Hawkamah led initiative to help improve transparency in the DIFC Region.

Ms. Low later gave a presentation to a DIFC audience on “The Development of International Standards Regarding Transparency and Accountability in International Business and Government”. 

Ms. Low said: "Developing and implementing international standards of transparency and accountability is critical to success in today’s global marketplace.  I was pleased to visit DIFC to see first-hand the accomplishments of this global financial hub, and to speak with DIFC and Hawkamah leadership about their important regional initiatives to improve transparency.”

Ms. Low is an internationally recognized expert, advising clients on matters ranging from preventive work to representation in internal investigations and enforcement matters worldwide. She is a widely recognised authority in the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and related international conventions from the OECD, OAS, United Nations, and European Union.  Ms. Low’s visit to the United Arab Emirates is sponsored by the U.S. Consulate General through the Department of State’s International Speaker Program.

Ms. Low’s expertise includes internal compliance programme development and implementation for multinational companies, including establishing workable compliance policies and procedures; training for company management and employee personnel; benchmarking and auditing programmes for best practices and effectiveness; due diligence in mergers and acquisitions, third-party relationships, and other transactions; developing risk-mitigation strategies; conducting internal investigations, audits, and risk assessments; dealing with parallel proceedings; opinions and expert testimony; and representing clients before enforcement agencies and bodies, such as the SEC, the US Department of Justice, and other authorities.

Her clients include companies, boards of directors, individuals, and other professional firms.

Ms. Low is a member of the Board of Directors of Transparency International - USA, and the U.S. Secretary of State’s Advisory Committee on International Law. She is a former Chair of the ABA Section of International Law, and former Vice-President and member of the Executive Committee of the American Society of International Law.