Patrice Poitevin
Overview
Patrice Poitevin is a globally recognized leader in anti-corruption, corporate ethics, compliance, and financial crime. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Canadian Centre of Excellence for Anti-Corruption (CCEAC) and CEO of the Active Compliance and Ethics Group (ACEG), he has dedicated over four decades to fostering ethical governance, advancing innovative compliance solutions, and supporting organizations worldwide in navigating complex ethical challenges. With 35 years of distinguished service in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Mr. Poitevin specialized in international corruption, organized crime, and financial crime investigations. His operational expertise and strategic vision have made him a trusted advisor to governments, corporations, and global organizations. Renowned for his ability to integrate cutting-edge technology with ethics, he empowers organizations to address emerging risks and enhance their governance frameworks.
Canadian Centre of Excellence for Anti-Corruption (CCEAC)
The CCEAC, co-founded by Mr. Poitevin, is a university-affiliated NGO and international hub for collaboration and collective action against corruption. Its mission is to empower organizations, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), by providing practical tools, resources, and best practices to enhance governance, address corruption risks, and promote responsible business conduct. Through its innovative Internet Hub, the CCEAC facilitates knowledge-sharing and collective efforts to strengthen organizational capacity and build ethical cultures. Under Mr. Poitevin’s leadership, the CCEAC has been instrumental in developing anti-corruption initiatives, partnering with international stakeholders, and delivering tailored solutions to address complex challenges in both public and private sectors.
Global Anti-Corruption Initiatives and Capacity Building
Mr. Poitevin’s contributions to international development reflect his deep expertise in creating and implementing tailored anti-corruption frameworks. Collaborating with agencies such as Global Affairs Canada (GAC), the German development agency (GIZ), and global NGOs, he has driven capacity-building efforts that align local needs with international standards. Notable achievements include working with GAC’s Trade Commissioner Service to establish Centers of Excellence in Colombia, Ecuador, and Indonesia. These Centers, modeled on the CCEAC, promote ethical governance and sustainable compliance frameworks. Mr. Poitevin has also supported GIZ-funded initiatives in Tunisia, conducting needs assessments, designing training programs, and enhancing investigative processes for the Tunisian Anti-Corruption Commission (INLUCC). Additionally, he has led training for government agencies and businesses worldwide, customizing programs to strengthen their capacity to combat corruption and implement effective compliance measures. His work in Paraguay through GAC-funded programs included mentoring federal prosecutors and investigators, while his collaboration with the NGO IMPACT in Burkina Faso focused on developing regulatory frameworks to address corruption in artisanal mining. These initiatives underscore his ability to adapt global best practices to diverse cultural and organizational contexts.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
During his RCMP career, Mr. Poitevin served as a senior investigator and subject matter expert in anti-corruption and compliance. His responsibilities included managing international corruption investigations, evaluating corporate compliance programs, and advising investigative teams on emerging risks and mitigation strategies. In his role with the Sensitive and International Investigations unit, he provided strategic guidance to businesses, helping them mitigate bribery and corruption risks. His extensive work in proceeds of crime, money laundering, and asset tracing further highlights his leadership in addressing financial crime.
International Standards and Governance
Mr. Poitevin has significantly influenced the development of global governance standards. He was a member of Canadian project committees for ISO 37001 (Anti-Bribery Management Systems) and ISO 37002 (Whistleblowing Management Systems). He actively contributes to the Standards Council of Canada’s mirror committees for ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 42 (Artificial Intelligence) and ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 40 (IT Service Management and AI Governance). As Chair of the Canadian General Standards Board committee, he leads efforts to develop the National Standard for Responsible Business Conduct, aligning ethical principles with governance frameworks.
Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics
Mr. Poitevin’s extensive expertise in corporate governance, ethics, and compliance is complemented by his leadership in integrating advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics, into governance and risk management strategies. He advises public and private organizations on adopting AI-driven tools to enhance compliance processes, detect fraud, and mitigate emerging risks effectively. His approach ensures that technological innovation aligns with ethical imperatives, fostering proactive cultures and enabling organizations to address global challenges with agility and integrity.
Speaker, Researcher, and Author
A sought-after speaker, Mr. Poitevin regularly presents at international conferences, universities, and forums on ethics, compliance, and anti-corruption. He co-founded the Global Anti-Corruption University Project (GAUP) to advance interdisciplinary education and build future leaders in governance and integrity. Additionally, Mr. Poitevin has authored several articles in prominent publications, sharing insights on governance, compliance, and anti-corruption strategies. He is also a contributing author to The Routledge Handbook of Anti-Corruption Research and Practice, further cementing his role as a thought leader in the field. A sought-after speaker, Mr. Poitevin regularly presents at international conferences, universities, and forums on ethics, compliance, and anti-corruption. He co-founded the Global Anti-Corruption University Project (GAUP) to advance interdisciplinary education and build future leaders in governance and integrity. He has co-authored reports for the International Monetary Fund, contributed to the UN and G20 anti-corruption initiatives, and served on Canada’s high-level Anti-Corruption Task Team, providing recommendations on improving regulatory frameworks.
Training and Organizational Development
Mr. Poitevin has developed and delivered practical, tailored training programs for diverse audiences, from government agencies to multinational corporations. His initiatives emphasize engaging methodologies that equip participants with the tools to strengthen compliance, detect corruption, and build ethical cultures. Additionally, he acts as an advisor to organizations, helping them build their ethics, compliance, and risk management capacity to align with global standards and address their unique challenges effectively. Mr. Poitevin has developed and delivered practical, tailored training programs for diverse audiences, from government agencies to multinational corporations. His initiatives emphasize engaging methodologies that equip participants with the tools to strengthen compliance, detect corruption, and build ethical cultures. By leveraging eLearning technologies, he has extended the reach and impact of his training programs, helping organizations worldwide align with global standards and effectively manage their ethical and compliance responsibilities.
Professional Designations and Education
• Certified Anti-Corruption Manager (CACM) – USA
• TRACE Anti-Bribery Specialist (TASA)
• Degree in Police Sciences
• University studies in Business Administration
Professional Affiliations
• Member, Transparency International Canada
• Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)
• UN Global Compact Canada
• ISO Organizational Governance Committee
• American Anti-Corruption Institute
• Anti-Money Laundering Association
• International Association of Financial Crime Investigators (IAFCI)
Awards and Recognition
• Recipient of the Government of Canada National Merit Award
• RCMP Commendation for excellence and leadership
Patrice Poitevin’s career reflects an unwavering commitment to integrity, innovation, and excellence. Through his leadership and expertise, he continues to shape the global ethics and compliance landscape, empowering organizations to build resilience and elevate their governance frameworks.