High-Risk Jurisdictions and Complex Environments
Proelium Law LLP | The UK’s Foremost Legal Authority on High-Risk Jurisdictions and Specialist Risk Services
Proelium Law understands the unique legal challenges of operating in high-risk jurisdictions and complex environments, such as conflict zones, failed or failing states, regions with significant insurgencies, terrorism, or piracy. With a legal team that includes former military personnel and local lawyers, we excel in protecting clients' interests while ensuring compliance with UK, international and local laws through working with in country legal advisors.
‘No other law firm operates in this space the way we do, we don’t just sit in an office, we deploy with clients.’
In order to assist clients and indeed anyone who may need to understand legal complexities of operating in these countries, we provide our view on the legal systems of these countries and in some cases reports on the countries in general. To find them, click on or hover over the Legal Profiles in the menu above.
Classifications
High-Risk Jurisdictions
Such classifications are of course subject to scrutiny and change so we acknowledge there will be differing opinions. Consequently, in line with our capabilities, we provide you legal profile reports on the places we class as high risk, and we also outline below how we classify high-risk jurisdictions which may help your understanding.
Currently, the countries we class as high risk include Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Lebanon, Libya, Iraq, Israel, Yemen, Myanmar, DRC, Sudan, Somalia, Burundi and Haiti as well as those countries or areas where piracy is an issue including the Malacca Straits, South China Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Guinea, Benin, Somalia, Indonesia, Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.
High Risk Jurisdictions Characteristics
- Ongoing substantial civil unrest, recent coups, volatile conflict which could be full scale (internal or external) armed conflict
- A significant insurgency or terrorist campaign
- A country around the coast of which piracy is prevalent
Classifications
Complex Environments
As a business, understanding the different approaches you should adopt to complex environments versus high-risk jurisdictions is important. We see complex environments as very broad in scope, and our understanding of these areas leads us to define them as follows:
Complex Environments Characteristics
- Med to high levels of political violence or a risk of it occurring
- Financial complexity such as being listed as one of the top corrupt countries on the Transparency International website
- Recent history of human rights abuses
- There is post conflict reconstruction efforts in place following a recent conflict in order to stabilise the country
- Significant cultural complexities that make business difficult
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Challenge
Legal Complexities in High-Risk Environments
Operating in high-risk areas and complex environments poses unique legal challenges for organisations. Ongoing conflict, political instability, economic complexity, and cultural differences complicate navigating the legal landscape.
Challenges include complying with not just local laws, but extra terriortorial application of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regulations, anti-bribery legislation, understanding how duty of care is applied and consdiering how to apply the right jurisdcition to your commercial contracts along with mitigating legal and reputational risks of operating in these environments.
Compliance with AML/CTF & Anti Bribery Regulations
In high-risk areas, organisations need strong anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) policies, procedures, and controls to reduce financial crime risks. Including detailed risk assessments, customer due diligence, and reporting suspicious activities.
Differences in Regulatory Frameworks
Operating in multiple jurisdictions poses a unique challenge for organisations as they navigate varying laws, regulations, and legal procedures across countries. This complexity can make it difficult to maintain compliance and deliver services in line with obligations under differing jurisdictions.
Global Regulations & Enforcement
In the event of a regulatory investigation or enforcement action, organisations must navigate differences in investigatory powers, legal privilege, and cultural norms between jurisdictions which can complicate their response.
Proliferation Financing Risks
Organisations operating in high-risk jurisdictions face the risk of being used for proliferation financing, which involves the use of funds or assets for developing weapons of mass destruction. Industries like manufacturing, commodities, shipping, and aviation may be particularly vulnerable.
Unpredictable Risks
In complex systems, accurately predicting significant risks is often impossible, even when the general risk is known. How risks may emerge and evolve in intricate settings is usually unpredictable. Therefore it is crucial for organisations to have strong risk management systems in place.
Reputational & Liability Risks
Involvement in illicit financial activities in high-risk areas can expose organisations to regulatory sanctions, lawsuits, and serious reputational harm. This can negatively affect business and stakeholder relationships. Organisations must proactively mitigate these risks to protect their reputation.
Allocating Compliance Resources Appropriately
Smaller organisations may struggle to devote the same level of resources to AML/CTF compliance as larger firms, requiring them to implement proportionate systems and controls. This can be a challenge, but it is crucial for organisations to allocate resources appropriately.
Data Protection & Cybersecurity Risks
In today’s digital world, businesses face threats of data breaches and cyber-attacks, leading to serious legal and reputational damage. Cross-border data transfers are increasingly risky. In high-risk areas, weak data protection laws and poor cybersecurity infrastructure amplify these threats.
Solution
Legal Services for High-Risk Environments
Operating in high-risk areas and complex environments poses unique legal challenges that demand specialised expertise. Organisations can mitigate these risks by leveraging expert legal services for advice and support.
These services are crucial for compliance with numerous extra territorial laws and regulations, managing regulatory differences, addressing financial risks, and reducing reputational and liability risks.
At Proelium Law, our experienced team offers tailored solutions for security and defence entities and other organisations operating in difficult territories. With a thorough grasp of the legal challenges, we help with contract negotiations, export licensing, intellectual property protection, and compliance with international laws. We also guide on employment, duty of care and employee safety in high-risk regions. We don’t advise on local laws, but we do work with local lawyers to assist them to understand the needs of our clients.
A major advantage of our services is the provision of detailed legal reports and risk map on high-risk jurisdictions, offering current insights to inform decision-making on conflicts, political stability, corruption, and cultural issues.
Our clients choose us because they want a legal team who can keep pace with their demands by quickly and flexibly drawing from disparate areas of law, regulatory procedures and management practice to provide timely and informed advice.
how we help
How Proelium Law Can Help
At Proelium Law LLP, we have unparalleled expertise in advising organisations operating in high-risk jurisdictions and complex environments.
From years of working in hostile countries, we have extensive experience providing expert legal services to clients conducting business in some of the most volatile and complex environments around the world.
Our approach is tailored to each specific location and situation, taking into account factors such as political violence, financial complexity, human rights concerns, and cultural complexities.
Our goal is to provide our clients with peace of mind by mitigating potential legal challenges and ensuring their operations comply with all relevant regulations.
Cybersecurity, Digital & Data Law
Mergers & Acquisitions
Commercial Contracts
Corporate Structures
Litigation Services
Employment Law
Support in Navigating International Laws
Travel Risk Management
Import and Export
Regulation & Compliance
Obtaining Firearms Licence
Defence Contracting
Industries We Serve
We have a diverse range of clients from various industries operating in high-risk jurisdictions and complex environments.
From oil and gas, mining, and construction to financial services and defence manufacturing, we have provided expert legal services to clients in a wide range of industries.
Our experience allows us to understand the unique challenges each industry faces when operating in these areas and provide tailored solutions accordingly.
Security Companies
Risk Management Companies
NGOs & Charities
Defence Manufacturing
Government & Defence Contractors
Companies Exporting Dual Use Goods
Financial Services
Intelligence Organisations
Oil & Gas
Maritime & Shipping
Mining & Natural Resources
Construction & Infrastructure
why proelium law
Why Choose Proelium Law?
There are many reasons to choose Proelium Law as your trusted legal partner.
Beyond our excellent service and competitive rates, we assist our clients to operate globally using our knowledge of UK trade regulations and international law.
- Supported by our local partners in foreign jurisdictions, we provide a unique set of qualities that distinguish us from other law firms
- Expertise from former military personnel who understand the complexities and challenges of operating in high-risk jurisdictions
- Prompt communication to ensure our clients receive timely and efficient legal advice
- Transparent pricing, ensuring our clients are aware of all costs upfront
- An unwavering commitment to our clients, prioritising their interests above all else
- Extensive knowledge and understanding of high risk environments allowing us to provide tailored solutions for this unique industry
- Compliance with international laws and regulations, ensuring our clients remain in good standing
- Experience in conflict zones giving us a deep understanding of the legal challenges that may arise
As an ABS law firm, we do not restrict our services to a single area of law. We are able to support our clients with discreet specialised advice, through to large-scale project work. We also draw from a network of associates that provide us with local knowledge and experience across the world.
How Our Legal Services Work
Step 1: Request a Consultation
We’ll start with a risk-free consultation to review your needs and help you determine your next steps. Then, we will walk you through the process.
Step 2: Tailored Solutions
Based on your specific needs, we will provide tailored solutions to address them effectively ensuring compliance and protection of your interests throughout the process.
Step 3: On-Going Support
As a trusted legal partner, we are committed to providing ongoing support for all your legal needs in the defence and security sector. Contact us to get started.
What We Do
Examples of our consultancy services work
Contracted by a partner organisation to deliver mentoring and training to legal advisors of a foreign intelligence agency
Contracted by a partner organisation to deliver mentoring and training to legal advisors of a foreign intelligence agency
Provided project management support to an insuretech provider
Adding Value
How Much Does Our Services Cost?
At Proelium Law, our top priority is providing our clients with unparalleled value for their investment in our legal services. See our transparent pricing on our website or contact us today for an in-depth quote.
With Proelium Law, you can trust that your legal needs will be met with expertise, understanding, and unwavering commitment to protecting your interests. Contact us today to see how we can support your operations.
Drop us a message
To learn more about our legal services in high risk and complex environments, kindly reach out by completing the form on the right.
Alternatively, you can contact our office at +44 (0) 20 3875 7422 or leave us a message.
Our team of experts are looking forward to assisting you with your legal needs in this sector.
Need advice?
Contact us to discuss your requirements and how we can help
