The supplier risks , a key area requiring vigilance to secure your supply chain ISO 37001 training: developing recognized anti-corruption expertise

In a globalized economy, supply chain disruptions, resource shortages, and cost increases impact you as a contractor. By identifying these risks early on, you strengthen your organization's resilience and secure your supply chain.

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The benefits of a supplier risk approach

Are you a buyer or purchasing manager who has to manage numerous service providers, suppliers, and subcontractors? You know that supplier risks can undermine your CSR commitments, regulatory compliance, and the strength of your relationships with internal decision-makers. With the AFNOR Group's risk mapping platform, you benefit from a strategic tool, designed by and for buyers, to manage your purchases responsibly throughout the entire life cycle of your products or services.

Source of figures: AgileBuyer-CNA

55 000business bankruptcies in 2024

2 out of 3Purchasing departments rank supplier failure as the number one risk.

42 %purchasing departments concerned about cyber risk

40 %Purchasing departments use AI on a daily basis.

What is the ISO 37001 standard?

The ISO 37001 standard serves as the international benchmark for establishing an effective anti-corruption management system. First published in 2016 and updated in 2025, this standard helps organizations prevent, detect, and address corruption risks in their operations.
Applicable to any type of organization, regardless of its size or industry, ISO 37001 sets out specific requirements for the implementation robust anti-corruption policies. This includes staff training, due diligence procedures for business partners, and financial controls.
This systematic approach complies with legal requirements such as the Sapin 2 Act, while strengthening stakeholder trust and the organization’s reputation.

Which companies are ISO 37001 certified?

The certified companies Organizations certified to ISO 37001 come from a variety of sectors where corruption risks are closely monitored. Major multinational companies in the banking, energy, and public works sectors were among the first to adopt this certification. These organizations seek to strengthen their reputation and meet growing regulatory requirements.

According to the International Organization for Standardization, more than 1,500 sites worldwide have obtained this certification since 2016. France is among the most active European countries in this effort, alongside the United Kingdom and Germany.

The companies Companies that take this approach generally operate in high-risk sectors such as construction, financial services, energy, and international trade. Their primary motivation is to protect themselves against legal action and to strengthen their compliance functions in relation to business partners.

ISO 37001: Anti-Corruption as a Competitive Advantage

This international framework transforms the fight against corruption into competitive advantage tangible. Organizations that adopt this approach enjoy global recognition, which is particularly valued in international tenders where integrity is a key selection criterion.

Certification provides enhanced legal protection when dealing with regulatory authorities. It facilitates internal and external audits by providing a structured framework for demonstrating compliance with national and international anti-corruption laws, including the UK Bribery Act. This preventive approach enables executives to significantly reduce their exposure to financial and criminal penalties.
Beyond regulatory requirements, the standard promotes a corporate culture based on transparency and ethics. It helps raise employee awareness of conflicts of interest and questionable practices, fostering a healthier work environment and building lasting business relationships with partners.

What are the requirements of the 37001 standard? 

The standard requires several basic requirements that organizations must comply with in order to obtain certification. The first mandatory step is to conduct a detailed corruption risk assessment. This analysis must identify areas of vulnerability specific to each activity and geographic region.

The organization must appoint a qualified individual to oversee the anti-corruption function and ensure that procedures are followed. The systematic training Staff training is also essential, with programs tailored to different levels of responsibility. Enhanced financial controls help detect suspicious transactions.

Due diligence with regard to business partners represents a key element under close scrutiny. Companies must carefully evaluate their suppliers, distributors, and subcontractors before entering into any contractual agreements. This vigilance extends to high-risk projects that require a thorough analysis of the stakeholders involved.

2016: When the Sapin 2 Act and ISO 37001 Redefined Anti-Corruption Compliance


The year 2016 marks a turning point in the global fight against corruption. France passed the Sapin 2 Act in December, imposing strict preventive measures on large companies. At the same time, ISO published Standard 37001 in October, creating remarkable alignment between national regulations and international standards.

This convergence of timing is radically transforming the compliance landscape. French companies are suddenly discovering a regulatory framework international standards that are fully aligned with their new legal obligations. This alignment is quickly becoming a strategic asset for organizations seeking to structure their anti-corruption approach.

The impact extends beyond France's borders. This dual development is accelerating the global adoption of harmonized anti-corruption practices, establishing 2016 as the founding year of the modernization of daily life economic ethics. The first voluntary commitments applicable are emerging, heralding a new era of organizational transparency.

The AFNOR Group helps you define your needs

Bruno Frel
Bruno FrelSupplier risk expertSee his Linkedin profile
Contact our expert

Implement a supplier risk management approach in 3 steps

  • Rely on a robust foundation of 13 CSR issues (environmental, societal, governance) to create a clear and comprehensive risk map, by purchasing category (950) and by country (170). The data is consolidated by AFNOR business experts and cross-referenced with reliable sources: ILO, World Bank, COFACE, etc.

  • Each purchasing family benefits from personalized recommendations based on industry benchmarks. This allows you to mitigate gross risks, build a structured improvement plan, challenge your suppliers, and refine your specifications.

  • Made necessary by requirements for space savings, traceability, and sometimes legal evidence, electronic archiving and faithful digitization are processes governed by voluntary standards that specify how to proceed and what terminology to use. Are you an archiving service provider? Promote the quality and performance of your services with NF Service certification for "Archiving and outsourced management of physical documents." 

    Certification guarantees comprehensive management of the physical document lifecycle: handling of documents as archives, referencing, storage, and disposal in accordance with best practices. 
     

Supplier risk standards
to know

Assessing supplier risks

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Does your business rely on suppliers, service providers, or subcontractors? What risks do they pose if they fail? Our tools enable you to protect yourself: discover Acesia and risk mapping.

Our strengths 

  • A trusted and recognized third party
  • Comprehensive expertise in standards and benchmarks
  • A large pool of auditors

ISO 37001 Training: Building Recognized Anti-Corruption Expertise

The programs of ISO 37001 training enable professionals to gain recognized expertise in anti-corruption management. These training modules are designed for compliance officers, internal auditors, and executives who wish to master risk prevention mechanisms.
The training covers the evaluation of business partners and the implementation of appropriate due diligence procedures. Participants develop their skills in vulnerability mapping and the continuous improvement of control mechanisms. This expertise is particularly valuable during negotiations with international suppliers.
The essence of our offering

  • A management system approach
  • A look at the combination of standardization and regulation
  • A first step toward personal certifications
     

The AFNOR Group helps you define your needs

Bruno Frel
Bruno FrelSupplier risk expertSee his Linkedin profile
Contact our expert

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