Procurement fraud and bribery emerge as Asia-Pacific’s top risks as AI-driven deception accelerates
According to ACCA’s new report, Combatting fraud in a perfect storm, organisations across Asia-Pacific are contending with a diverse and fast-evolving fraud landscape, shaped by procurement fraud (34%), bribery and corruption (20%), and growing blind spots in crypto fraud and ESG misrepresentation. Rapid innovation in digital payments and super-app platforms has expanded attack surfaces, with AI-enabled deception accelerating the speed and sophistication of fraud across the region.
Cultural dynamics remain a defining factor. In many Asia-Pacific markets, openly discussing fraud is still perceived as disloyalty, and hierarchical norms discourage whistleblowing. Independence of investigators and clear protections against retaliation are therefore critical, particularly for junior staff, who reported the highest levels of concern.
Drawing on responses from over 2,000 professionals and 31 roundtable discussions around the world, the study – launched during International Fraud Awareness Week – underscores the need to embed behavioural risk assessments and align fraud-prevention efforts with local cultural realities. Conventional controls alone are no longer sufficient in a region where technological change is reshaping financial, commercial and consumer ecosystems at speed.
Regional survey results show reporting ease averaging 3.82/5, with junior staff the most concerned about retaliation, highlighting a persistent imbalance in power dynamics that restricts upward reporting. Respondents emphasised the importance of culturally attuned governance, transparency of process, and leadership-led accountability to build trust.
In collaboration with ACFE, IIA, CISI, ISC2, Airmic and ACi, the report introduces a new Prevalence vs Materiality matrix lens to help organisations make better decisions about allocating resources before fraud diminishes them. Through its companion Calls to Action and Thematic Typology, the report also provides new guidance on assessing what works and doesn’t – and crucially how to incorporate behavioural insights into risk governance, moving fraud prevention from compliance theatre to operational reality.
Key regional findings:
• Procurement fraud (34%) and bribery and corruption (20%) are major concerns across Asia-Pacific.
• Crypto fraud and ESG misrepresentation are rising blind spots in rapidly digitising markets.
• AI-enabled deception accelerates attack speed and challenges traditional controls.
• Reporting ease averages 3.82/5, with junior staff most concerned about retaliation.
• Independence of investigators, clearer reporting policies and culturally sensitive frameworks are critical enablers for speaking up.
• Fraud prevention must be tailored to hierarchical norms, cultural dynamics and the region’s expanding digital ecosystem.
‘Asia-Pacific’s fraud risks are shaped as much by culture as by technology, said Rachael Johnson, head of risk management and corporate governance in ACCA’s policy and insights team. ‘Digital innovation brings enormous opportunity, but it also accelerates misinformation and deception. Organisations must recognise how hierarchical norms and fear of retaliation limit visibility, creating cultural barriers to governance that supports safe, trusted reporting.’
‘Addressing fraud in Asia-Pacific requires culturally grounded solutions,’ said Pulkit Abrol, director …
[5:00 pm, 18/11/2025] Fakhir MM: CBD PUNJAB LAUNCHES “THE SECOND WALK” A NEW HUB FOR RETAIL & DINING
Lahore: Tuesday,18 November 2025: After the remarkable success of the iconic CBD Walk, the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as CBD Punjab, has launched its second commercial phase, “The Second Walk.” The project reflects the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, who aims to reshape Lahore through modern architecture, world-class retail concepts, and vibrant public spaces.
Located in the CBD Quaid District, adjacent to the CBD Walk and CBD Lake, The Second Walk is set to become a new landmark for premium retail, fine dining, and contemporary lifestyle experiences. Building on strong investor response to CBD Walk, this new phase is designed to further elevate commercial activity and footfall in the district.
CBD Punjab is offering 20 premium 4-marla commercial units in a shell-and-core structure (Basement + Ground + 2 Floors + Rooftop) at a fixed price of PKR 160 million.
While expressing his views CEO CBD Punjab, Imran Amin, said, the launch of The Second Walk marks another milestone in developing a modern, future-ready Lahore that supports entrepreneurship and economic growth.
The launch of The Second Walk marks a new chapter for CBD Punjab as it continues to deliver landmark projects that contribute to Punjab’s economic growth, urban modernization, and global competitiveness.
