World Bank's Updated Integrity Compliance Guidelines (Nov 24, 2025)

Scope & Purpose

• Released on 24 Nov 2025, marking the first update since the original 2010 version. [lexology.com], [afslaw.com]
• Developed by the Integrity Compliance Office (ICO) within the Integrity Vice‑Presidency,
• They apply to entities sanctioned by the World Bank Group (WBG), including IBRD, IDA, IFC, and MIGA,
• Also serve as pre-emptive compliance standards for any company engaged in or bidding for Bank-financed projects. [documents1…ldbank.org], [afslaw.com]

Core Principles & Controls

• Expanded from 11 original indicators in 2010 to a structured framework of 28 standards:
• 13 Core Principles and
• 15 Internal Controls. [lexology.com], [afslaw.com]
• At a minimum, a compliant program must be capable of preventing, detecting, investigating, and remediating sanctioned misconduct such as
• Fraud, bribery, collusion, coercion, and
• Obstructive practices. [lexology.com], [documents1…ldbank.org]

Key Enhancements

1. Risk-Based Focus: Risk assessment is now a top-level core principle performed at least annually across all operations. [lexology.com], [afslaw.com]
2. Inclusion of Obstructive Conduct: Explicit measures to combat practices that obstruct investigations by the Bank. [afslaw.com], [mondaq.com]
3. Business Partner Controls: Stricter due diligence and monitoring of agents, suppliers, JV partners, and other third parties. [documents1…ldbank.org], [afslaw.com]
4. M&A & Business Development Safeguards: Entities must assess and integrate acquired entities into compliance programs, with controls to ensure accuracy and completeness in bids and proposals. [compliance…illkie.com], [mondaq.com]
5. Technology Governance: New sections govern compliance tools, including AI or chatbots, requiring accuracy, consistency, confidentiality, and monitoring protocols. [lexology.com], [hankunlaw.com]
6. Expanded Management Responsibilities: Compliance oversight extends beyond senior leaders to middle management, reinforcing a culture of integrity at all levels. [lexology.com], [hankunlaw.com]
7. PEP & Political Contributions Oversight: The definition and due diligence around politically exposed persons have been enhanced; political donations and sponsorships now require heightened scrutiny. [mondaq.com], [afslaw.com]

Application in Debarment & Procurement

• Entities seeking to exit debarment or qualify for conditional release must demonstrate compliance frameworks aligned with these Guidelines, as determined by the World Bank's Integrity Compliance Officer. [documents1…ldbank.org], [integrityc…dgehub.org]
• Beyond sanctions, these standards increasingly serve as a benchmark for mitigating integrity risks, and non-adherence may affect eligibility for World Bank-financed contracts and other multilateral procurement opportunities. [mondaq.com], [compliance…illkie.com]

Implications for Enterprises

• Entities working on or bidding for Bank-funded projects should:
• Conduct a gap analysis and update their compliance programs accordingly [mondaq.com], [afslaw.com]
• Integrate robust systems for risk assessments, partner due diligence, obstructive conduct controls, tech oversight, and multi-tiered management accountability.

These revised Guidelines reflect the WBG’s commitment to elevating global standards for compliance and integrity in international development financing.

Key Sources:

• World Bank Group Integrity Compliance Guidelines (Nov 24 2025) [documents1…ldbank.org], [afslaw.com]
• Lexology / Han Kun (Dec 2025) – Main updates overview [lexology.com]
• Willkie Compliance Concourse (Dec 2025) – M&A & business development controls [compliance…illkie.com]
• Mondaq / SJ Steptoe (Dec 2025) – Technology, PEPs, and sanctions impact https://www.mondaq.com/unitedstates/corporate-and-company-law/1723450/the-world-bank-group-issues-new-compliance-program-guidance