
Serving development organizations & corporates exposed to integrity risks
Why Drakensberg
Development organizations and corporates operating in development countries are exposed to a wide variety of legal, financial, operational and reputational integrity risks.
Risks escalate as public and investor scrutiny increases, local instability grows, and integrity regulations become stricter.
Tackling such risks and integrity violations — such as fraud, corruption, collusion or workplace misconduct— is becoming essential for development organizations to fulfill their mission, and for companies to operate effectively while remaining competitive.
*
Drakensberg’s mission is to help these organizations and corporates prevent, and respond to, integrity risks and violations affecting their activities.
We notably support entities:
operating or funding activities in countries/sectors exposed to high integrity risks;
participating in activities funded by international organizations (e.g., MDBs/IFIs) or national development agencies;
subject to strict integrity regulations or extraterritorial anticorruption legislation (e.g., FCPA, Sapin II);
suspecting integrity violations involving their employees or external stakeholders; or
involved in MDB or national proceedings.
We also advise entities exposed to ESG integrity risks (environmental, social and governance violations).
How we Help
We help our clients prevent, and respond to, integrity risks/violations through compliance, investigative and legal advisory services.
We help our clients assess
their integrity risks and enhance their compliance programs – as part of preventive/regulatory efforts or in connection with MDB/national proceedings.
We conduct investigations into suspected integrity violations – whether these investigations are launched internally or triggered by external proceedings.
We advise our clients on
integrity issues, at all stages of a project cycle or contractual engagement – from the due diligence/bidding to the execution and monitoring phases.
Who we are
Drakensberg is a boutique international law firm serving development organizations (IFIs/MDBs, UN agencies, development/oversight agencies, impact investors, philanthropic foundations, non-profits and NGOs) and corporates (multinationals and SMEs) exposed to integrity risks and violations.
It was built on the unique expertise of its founder, Benoit Doublet, a lawyer admitted to the Paris and New York Bars, with prior experience at the World Bank (Integrity Vice Presidency) and within the United Nations system (IFAD).
* Our edge *
Specialized in integrity, investigations and compliance-related matters
Insider knowledge of MDB/IFIs’ compliance expectations, investigative practices and sanctions frameworks
Expertise and proven track-record in both compliance and investigations at national and international levels
Legal insight into French, U.S., and international integrity standards
Holistic approach to integrity risk management
Network of international and technical partners
Experience in sensitive and conflict-affected environments
International exposure and field experience in developing countries, particularly in Africa
Boutique firm structure with highly responsive client service and pricing transparency
Unique background, at the intersection of law, public affairs and corporate management