Coalition round-up: 28 August – 11 September 2026
A round-up of UK-focused research, reports and blogs from UKACC members, along with a look ahead at upcoming events.
Open Ownership
Launched their new Beneficial Ownership Transparency Evidence Centre, an online library bringing together research, investigations and country cases on the impact of beneficial ownership transparency (BOT) in one searchable, easy-to-use resource.
Spotlight on Corruption
Published a briefing for the Ministry of Justice setting out three ways the justice system could do more to tackle corruption.
Published analysis of the government’s new amendment banning cryptocurrency political donations, calling for further safeguards as the Representation of the People Bill continues through Parliament.
Published analysis of a confidential settlement between the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and mining company, Eurasian National Resources Corporation (ENRC), ending a decade-long legal battle. The SFO had investigated ENRC for suspected corruption but dropped the case, after which ENRC sued the SFO for $290 million, arguing it had been treated unfairly during the investigation. The two sides have now settled privately, leaving the public in the dark about how much of that $290 million will actually be paid.
Transparency International UK
Today, TI-UK launch their new asset returns paper, looking at what happens to money and property the UK seizes that is suspected to be the proceeds of corruption, and argues the current process falls short on transparency and civil society involvement.
Launched a documentary series with Democracy for Sale, Going, Going, Almost Gone, examining the growing influence of political mega-donors in the UK.
RAID
Published a longer piece on the same ENRC case, tracing it back to a mining deal in the Democratic Republic of Congo and warning that the settlement shouldn't be used to rewrite the story of what happened. The piece also points to four Congolese mine workers who are still waiting for the High Court to decide whether they count as victims of the alleged corruption.
Coming Up…
17 September: The Institute for Government is hosting a panel discussion with Robert Barrington (Centre for the Study of Corruption), Kamila Kingstone (Spotlight on Corruption) and former Anti-Corruption Champion John Penrose, chaired by Dr Rebecca McKee. The discussion will explore the scale of corruption risks in the UK today, where current safeguards fall short, and what reforms may be needed. Register here.
23 September: Open Ownership is hosting a virtual launch event for the BOT Evidence Centre, introducing the library in more detail. Register here.