Sunil Patel featured in Compliance Week on the future of self-reporting fraud in the UK (16 June 2025)

Sunil Patel, Solicitor and Director in the Litigation Department at Duncan Lewis Solicitors, was recently quoted in Compliance Week discussing the UK Serious Fraud Office’s (SFO) latest efforts to encourage companies to self-report fraud.

 In the article, titled “UK regulator’s efforts to coax self-reporting fraud could fall flat, experts warn”, Sunil offers a practical view on the SFO’s updated guidance around Deferred Prosecution Agreements (DPAs). While the changes signal a more collaborative, negotiation-led approach, Sunil cautions that the success of the regime will depend on how well the SFO delivers on its promises of speed, consistency, and fairness.

 He explains that companies facing allegations, particularly those involving complex fraud, insolvency, or director misconduct, need not only early and informed legal advice but also confidence that engaging with the SFO will lead to a fair and timely resolution. This includes working closely with clients to clarify the facts, secure evidence, and identify any individuals involved before making decisions around self-reporting.

 Sunil also highlights the commercial realities faced by companies considering disclosure. “If businesses continue to see the DPA process as uncertain and slow-moving, they may take the view that early negotiated pleas or even non-disclosure could be a safer option. That’s a problem if the goal is to build a stronger culture of compliance.”

 With the new corporate offence of failing to prevent fraud due to come into force in September, he stresses the urgency of a more pragmatic and predictable enforcement strategy. “The SFO’s direction is right, but unless it follows through with effective delivery, many companies will remain cautious about self-reporting.”

 The full article can be read here: UK regulator’s efforts to coax self-reporting fraud could fall flat, experts warn

 Sunil Patel is a Solicitor and Director in the Litigation department, specialising in commercial and civil dispute resolution. His expertise spans a wide range of complex legal matters, including both corporate and personal Insolvency, multi-track litigation and property disputes.

 Sunil’s notable cases include representing a high-net-worth individual before the EU General Court to secure the removal of sanctions and advising partners in a multi-jurisdictional practice on contractual rights in insolvency-related matters. With extensive experience in high-value and complex cases, Sunil provides strategic and effective solutions tailored to his clients’ needs.

 For advice or assistance on a civil litigation matter, contact Sunil via email at sunilp@duncanlewis.com, or by telephone at 02031141180.

 Duncan Lewis Solicitors

 Duncan Lewis is an award-winning Times Top 250 law firm, which is ranked as Top Tier by both the Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 directories. The company represents clients in more than 25 practice areas across 13 key offices nationwide. This year the company was crowned Law Firm of the Year at the LexisNexis awards 2024 and has been noted for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.