Safeguarding Business Operations in China
In today's rapidly evolving global market, conducting business in China offers significant opportunities for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and MNCs. However, navigating the Chinese business landscape requires a keen understanding of its unique cultural and working practices. To assist businesses in safeguarding their operations and investments, Loudon Far East (LFE) in collaboration with a financial service provider is introducing a Pre Due Diligence (PDD) service. This exclusive service is designed to provide early warning tools and proactive measures to mitigate potential risks related to financial malpractices and internal controls. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the significance of the PDD service offered by LFE and this financial service provider.
The Collaboration of Loudon Far East and the Financial Service Provider
Loudon Far East (LFE) has a wealth of experience in the Chinese market and has witnessed various instances of embezzlement practices that often go undetected. Understanding the need for a comprehensive PDD service, LFE has joined forces with a reputable professional accountancy firm with qualified experts, including members of prestigious accounting bodies. This unique partnership leverages LFE's expertise and connections with police authorities to gain insights into criminal records, where necessary.
Requirements for a Pre Due Diligence (PDD)
The PDD service offered by LFE and this professional firm examine not only the financial aspects of a company but also delve into its internal policies, processes, and informal business practices. This in-depth examination is necessary because, in China, company law and auditing rules may differ from Western counterparts due to cultural and working style differences. The PDD service serves as a crucial preparatory step before engaging expensive Accounting and Legal firms for formal Due Diligence.
Identifying Red Flags and Preventing Financial Malpractices
The PDD service aims to identify potential red flags and financial malpractices that may jeopardize a company's investments. It investigates whether a Chinese entity maintains a separate financial administration, the role of accountants in the company's financial practices, and potential risks during transitions between accountants. The importance of regular internal audits, independent controller outsourcing, and "Trust But Verify" philosophy is emphasized to ensure good business practices.
The service offers insights into background checks of General Managers and Accountants, looking beyond their CVs to ascertain their business history and potential conflicts of interest. Additionally, the PDD scrutinizes cross-border forex transactions and accounting practices according to China's GAAP, which differs from IFRS but is comparable to other national GAAPs.
Components of the 'Loudon Far East & the Financial Service Provider' PDD
- The PDD service involves a systematic examination of various factors, including:
- Frequency of previous audits and their findings.
- Investigation of approved suppliers, vendors, and clients, along with their associations with the client company's employees.
- Identification of financial malpractices that divert funds away from approved recipients or investors.
- Examination of shared bookkeeping processes and financial accounting systems for different commercial entities.
- In-depth background checks of the China owners and key staff involved in the client's operations.
Do what it takes!
The exclusive PDD service offered by Loudon Far East and the financial service provider is a proactive and essential tool for businesses operating in the Chinese market. By scrutinizing financial practices, internal controls, and key personnel, the service provides valuable insights and helps mitigate potential risks. Leveraging the extensive experience of LFE and the expertise of this partner firm, this PDD service empowers entrepreneurs, SMEs, and MNCs to make informed decisions and safeguard their investments in China. Trusting but verifying, as Deng Xiao Ping advocated, becomes an essential principle in the pursuit of successful business ventures in this dynamic and ever-growing economy.
About The Author
Loudon Far East (LFE) boasts 25 years of valuable business experience in China. Their services encompass assisting companies in achieving their market entry objectives in China, with or without a contact person in LFE's Shanghai office. They offer support in obtaining the necessary business licenses and registrations required in the country. LFE provides a pre-due diligence (PDD) service that serves as a proactive set of warning tools for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and MNCs operating in the Chinese market. This PDD service is based on LFE's own experience and past lessons learned about embezzlement practices that may occur and go unnoticed. It helps businesses mitigate potential risks and safeguard their operations. The company also evaluates Merger & Acquisition and Licensing-in opportunities for both foreign and Chinese companies through its Cross Border access facilities, covering regions such as China, Europe, Japan, Asia Pacific, and the USA. LFE has a consultant, William Stockley, based in the United Kingdom, who provides expertise in this area alongside his management experience in China. Additionally, LFE collaborates with 3EACON, a Netherlands-based company with an office in Leiden Bio Science Park. Together, they support businesses across Europe/Netherlands and the East-Area region of China, Korea, and Japan. Their combined expertise lies in business development, clinical research operations, data management, project management, and medical device registrations. LFE also facilitates foreign market entry and acquisition & licensing-out opportunities for Chinese companies involved in high-tech digital transformation facilities in the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors. LFE's journey has not been without challenges. In 2012, after 16 years of research and business consulting in the Life Science sector, the company received an acquisition offer from a US company. However, during a pre-due diligence process in 2013, it was discovered that the general manager of its Chinese entity had committed embezzlement crimes. Subsequently, the company underwent a restructuring process between 2013 and 2023, responding to changes in the business environment and the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, LFE was relaunched in the second half of 2023.
