Transition to the new ISO 37001:2025 revision (anti-corruption)

The issue of anti-corruption is becoming increasingly important in the domestic economy. The Corruption Perceptions Index 2024 shows that Austria has slipped significantly in the international ranking over the last three years. Quality Austria Certification now offers certification for companies in accordance with the newly revised ISO 37001:2025 (anti-corruption management systems).

Austria as a business location is currently facing many challenges, one of which concerns the corruption scandals of recent years. Its poor ranking in the Corruption Perceptions Index (25th place with 67 points) is damaging its reputation and requires comprehensive and systematic improvements to restore trust and transparency in the country. Certification based on objective and independent audits is the safest way to be fit for future requirements and to comply with legal guidelines.

ISO 37001:2025 represents a targeted further development of the previous standard and takes into account current global developments and increased expectations for effective compliance and governance systems. This is the perfect opportunity for organizations to update their management system or introduce an anti-bribery management system.

What does this mean for existing ISO 37001 certifications?

The transition to the new revision is straightforward:

• The changeover can take place as part of the next surveillance audits.
• Only a small amount of additional effort is required.
• Existing management systems remain fundamentally unchanged.

The experienced auditors at Quality Austria Certification provide practical and efficient support.

Key changes in ISO 37001:2025

The revision particularly strengthens the risk-based and future-oriented approach of the management system:

• Regular risk analyses: Corruption risks must be assessed systematically, regularly, and on an ad hoc basis.
• Conflicts of interest: The requirements for identifying, assessing, and dealing with conflicts of interest have been clarified.
• Awareness and culture: Greater emphasis on awareness, training, and the establishment of a corporate and management culture of integrity.
• Climate-related requirements in ISO standards: Since the beginning of 2024, ISO has required proactive engagement with climate change, including climate-related risks and measures, in over 30 management system standards.

Why an anti-corruption system is needed

Corruption remains one of the key global challenges. Transparency International emphasizes this point:

“Corruption is an evolving global threat that does far more than undermine development – it is a key cause of declining democracy, instability, and human rights violations. The international community and every nation must make tackling corruption a top and long-term priority,” says François Valérian, Chair of Transparency International.

ISO 37001:2025 supports organizations in addressing these challenges with concrete, effective, and verifiable measures. The management system according to ISO 37001 creates the basis for identifying risks at an early stage, introducing appropriate control mechanisms, and promoting transparency and integrity through targeted measures such as training and guidelines. At the same time, it supports a corporate culture of ethics and responsibility.