The Evolution of Corporate Investigations: Independence, Standards, and the Human Role in an AI World
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Independence, accountability, and human oversight in a technology-driven era.
What do modern corporate investigations really look like - beyond the headlines and beyond the technology?
In this episode of The Salient Edge, host David Fisk speaks with Ash Sharma, seasoned corporate investigator and Chief Strategy Officer of the Association of Corporate Investigators (ACI), about the evolution of corporate investigations over the past 25 years - and the structural, regulatory, and technological forces reshaping the profession today.
From his early career at the Crown Prosecution Service and Serious Fraud Office to leading complex global investigations across banking, Ash shares firsthand insight into how corporate investigations differ fundamentally from law enforcement. Today's investigators must navigate international fraud, bribery and corruption, sanctions violations, supply chain fraud, workplace misconduct, regulatory exposure and cross-border financial crime - all within increasingly complex corporate structures.
A core theme of the discussion is investigator independence. Ash explains why investigations should not sit under legal or HR functions, how reporting structures influence outcomes and why true independence - ideally reporting directly to the audit committee or board - is critical to defensibility, transparency, and accountability.
Current trends covered include:
- The rise in supply chain fraud, vendor fraud, and third party risk
- Increasing workplace misconduct investigations (bullying, harassment, retaliation)
- Cross-border regulatory enforcement under legislation such as the UK Bribery Act and FCPA
- The growing complexity of pharmaceutical, sanctions, and global trade investigations
- The practical realities of AI in investigations - including generative AI, automation, and the risk of over-reliance
While AI and technology are improving efficiency in transaction monitoring, eDiscovery, and case triage, Ash makes a compelling case for maintaining the human-in-the-loop. Investigations require judgement, contextual understanding, and the ability to challenge outputs - qualities that cannot be automated.
This episode is essential listening for corporate investigators, compliance leaders, legal teams, forensic accountants, audit committees, and governance professionals seeking to strengthen investigative independence, reduce regulatory risk, and build defensible internal investigation frameworks.
Corporate investigations are becoming more sophisticated - but independence, professional standards, and human judgement remain non-negotiable.
What do modern corporate investigations really look like - beyond the headlines and beyond the technology?
In this episode of The Salient Edge, host David Fisk speaks with Ash Sharma, seasoned corporate investigator and Chief Strategy Officer of the Association of Corporate Investigators (ACI), about the evolution of corporate investigations over the past 25 years - and the structural, regulatory, and technological forces reshaping the profession today.
From his early career at the Crown Prosecution Service and Serious Fraud Office to leading complex global investigations across banking, Ash shares firsthand insight into how corporate investigations differ fundamentally from law enforcement. Today's investigators must navigate international fraud, bribery and corruption, sanctions violations, supply chain fraud, workplace misconduct, regulatory exposure and cross-border financial crime - all within increasingly complex corporate structures.
A core theme of the discussion is investigator independence. Ash explains why investigations should not sit under legal or HR functions, how reporting structures influence outcomes and why true independence - ideally reporting directly to the audit committee or board - is critical to defensibility, transparency, and accountability.
Current trends covered include:
- The rise in supply chain fraud, vendor fraud, and third party risk
- Increasing workplace misconduct investigations (bullying, harassment, retaliation)
- Cross-border regulatory enforcement under legislation such as the UK Bribery Act and FCPA
- The growing complexity of pharmaceutical, sanctions, and global trade investigations
- The practical realities of AI in investigations - including generative AI, automation, and the risk of over-reliance
While AI and technology are improving efficiency in transaction monitoring, eDiscovery, and case triage, Ash makes a compelling case for maintaining the human-in-the-loop. Investigations require judgement, contextual understanding, and the ability to challenge outputs - qualities that cannot be automated.
This episode is essential listening for corporate investigators, compliance leaders, legal teams, forensic accountants, audit committees, and governance professionals seeking to strengthen investigative independence, reduce regulatory risk, and build defensible internal investigation frameworks.
Corporate investigations are becoming more sophisticated - but independence, professional standards, and human judgement remain non-negotiable.
Chapters
- 00:01 Introduction and guest background
- 01:34 Career evolution from government to corporate investigations
- 04:16 Evolution of the corporate investigations profession
- 07:34 Lack of standardisation in corporate investigations
- 10:38 ACI's standardisation efforts and resources
- 12:59 The critical importance of investigator independence
- 18:21 Ideal reporting structure for investigations
- 21:35 Impact of changes to US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act enforcement
- 26:57 Current trends in corporate investigations
- 33:25 Technology's role in investigations and AI impact
