Anti-Corruption Policies in Guatemalan Companies

Transparency has become a top priority within Guatemala’s private sector. An increasing number of companies are adopting anti-corruption policies that go beyond legal compliance, integrating ethical values into their internal management. These measures aim to strengthen consumer trust, attract responsible investment, and build a corporate culture grounded in integrity.

This progress is driven not only by regulatory requirements but also by companies’ interest in operating under international standards that promote strong business practices.

Pillars of Anti-Corruption Policies in the Private Sector

Companies that implement integrity programs tend to follow a common set of principles. Among the most important are:

• Prohibition of bribery and improper commissions.
• Ongoing training in ethics and compliance.
• Secure and confidential reporting channels.
• Rigorous internal accounting controls and audits.
• Active involvement of corporate ethics committees.

These practices reduce legal risks and project a responsible image to partners, international organizations, and the public.

Examples of Ethical Business Leadership in Guatemala

Progreso: Zero Tolerance and Internal Control

Progreso has made its zero-tolerance policy on bribery one of the cornerstones of its organizational culture. Its internal controls and audit procedures strengthen trust and reinforce accountability within the company.

Bantrab: Integrity at Every Level

The financial group Bantrab promotes a compliance model that involves both employees and shareholders. Its goal is to ensure transparency in every decision and cultivate a shared ethical mindset throughout the organization.

Agencias J.I. Cohen: Transparency as a Core Principle

Agencias J.I. Cohen, a company with more than 70 years in pharmaceutical distribution, has an Anti-Corruption Policy Manual that establishes conduct standards for shareholders, executives, and employees. This document adheres to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), reinforcing the company’s commitment to integrity, transparency, and regulatory compliance.

The company also integrates ethics and governance into its broader sustainability model, promoting strong environmental and corporate practices. Its approach ensures that every process, from procurement to product distribution, is guided by principles of responsibility, respect, and transparency, strengthening trust among partners and clients.