Why the Private Investigations Act reshapes corporate integrity management

The Private Investigations Act introduces a new standard for compliant, credible and defensible corporate investigations.

In brief

• The PIA strengthens the legal framework for corporate investigations and raises expectations around how organizations manage integrity risks. 
• The act ensures investigations meet strict legal standards, improving the credibility and admissibility of findings.
• Organizations must reassess their preparedness, policies and investigative protocols under this heightened regulatory environment.

The Private Investigations Act (PIA), in force since 16 December 2024, marks a significant shift in how organizations must manage integrity and governance, fraud risk management, and broader corporate investigations. The act introduces a clearer and more robust legal framework defining who may conduct investigations, under which conditions, and with which professional standards. As regulatory expectations tighten and stakeholder scrutiny intensifies, this evolution is more than a legal update; it is a fundamental governance milestone in regulatory compliance.

The PIA requires that investigations involving employees, counterparties or third parties are performed by properly qualified professionals who operate within strict legal boundaries. This strengthens the quality, independence and evidentiary value of forensic investigations, while reducing the risk that organizations inadvertently breach privacy, labor law or procedural rules when responding to suspected misconduct and fraud.

This matters because the profile of integrity risks is expanding. Fraud schemes are becoming more sophisticated, digital footprints larger, and expectations around transparency higher. Many investigations now rely on the collection and analysis of structured and unstructured data, including transactional records, emails, documents and device information. The PIA ensures that these activities take place within a compliant and controlled framework, supporting proper evidence handling and safeguarding both the organization and the individuals concerned.

The act also elevates the importance of preparedness. When allegations emerge, response times must be rapid, proportionate and defensible. The ability to collect and preserve data correctly from day one and to escalate or de‑escalate based on facts can significantly limit financial, legal and reputational exposure. Under the PIA, the admissibility and credibility of findings depend on the professionalism of the investigation process and the use of consistent, data‑driven investigations methodologies.

For organizations, the message is clear: integrity, compliance and investigations can no longer be approached as reactive or isolated exercises. They sit at the intersection of governance, culture, technology and regulation. Ensuring alignment with the PIA means reassessing internal capabilities, reviewing policies, strengthening internal controls, and understanding how data must be handled across the entire lifecycle of an incident.

The act ultimately raises the bar. It promotes greater trust in internal investigations, clearer accountability and a more consistent standard across the Belgian market. For organizations, it is both a compliance requirement and an opportunity to reinforce ethical conduct, protect assets and strengthen their approach to integrity and governance.