Our research is based on detailed analysis of 348 actual investigations into fraud (including many cases of financial misreporting) drawn from thousands conducted by KPMG's global forensic specialists.
Our research has revealed that globally, board members at divisional, subsidiary and corporate levels commit nearly one fifth of fraud (18%), and that senior management still accounts for the largest proportion of fraud perpetrated (35%).
In 2011, some 56% of frauds had exhibited one or more prior red flags but only 10% of those had been acted on. This means that company and public sector employees are consistently failing to identify, or respond appropriately to warning signs.
While cost cutting is critical in many businesses, the need to ensure that areas susceptible to fraud risks are properly identified, understood, and have appropriate controls over them, is paramount.