International Anti-Corruption Day 2026—Inside Airbus: Lessons from a landmark global corruption investigation

Marked each year on 9 December following the adoption of the United Nations Convention against Corruption in 2003, the International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) raises global awareness of corruption and reaffirms the importance of integrity.

On 26 November 2026, we at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will host our flagship IACD event. “Inside Airbus: Lessons Learned from a Landmark Global Corruption Investigation” will explore the high-profile global bribery investigation into Airbus’ aircraft sales. The investigation culminated in coordinated resolutions between Airbus and the French, UK and US authorities in 2020, with combined penalties totalling approximately €3.6 billion, making it the largest corruption settlement in the world to date.

But what happens behind those headline figures? How does misconduct take hold in a sophisticated global organization? What warning signs were missed? And what does it take to put things right?

Following opening remarks from EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso, our Chief Compliance Officer, Jelena Madir will moderate a panel discussion with three leading practitioners who were directly involved in the investigation, resolution and remediation of the Airbus case:

• Karl Hennessee, Senior Vice-President and Head of Litigation & Investigations at Airbus;
• Karen Coppens, Global Head of Ethics at Crédit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank and former National Partner at Dechert LLP; and
• Charlie Patrick, Partner at Forensic Risk Alliance.

The discussion will go behind the headlines to explore the human and organisational lessons from the case: culture, speaking up, commercial pressure, leadership, remediation and what all organisations can learn from the experience.

The event will be followed by a networking reception with light refreshments and drinks.

Join us to hear first-hand insights from those involved in this landmark case and explore the practical lessons it offers for strengthening compliance and integrity.

Places are limited. To register, please email anticorruptionday@ebrd.com with your full name, company, and email address. If you have a disability or require any additional support to ensure your participation in the event, please also include this information in your registration email so that appropriate arrangements can be made.