This week’s biggest DOJ headline is the sweeping overhaul of the Department’s corporate enforcement policies, aimed squarely at white-collar crime and designed to transform how American companies respond to wrongdoing. On May 12th, DOJ Criminal Division Chief Matthew Galeotti took the stage at the SIFMA Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Crimes Conference, declaring that the department is “turning a new page on white-collar and corporate enforcement” and is determined “to strike an appropriate balance between prosecuting corporate wrongdoing and minimizing unnecessary burdens on American enterprise.”

What’s changed? The DOJ now promises much bigger incentives for companies that voluntarily confess and cooperate when misconduct emerges. Under the revised Corporate Enforcement Policy, businesses that step forward, clean up their act, and compensate any victims can now expect “a clear path to declination”—essentially, DOJ dropping the case entirely, provided there are no serious aggravating circumstances. This represents a break from the past, when companies could only hope for leniency. Now, if they act quickly, the reward is virtually guaranteed. Galeotti emphasized that this isn’t just about being tough—it’s about being fair, efficient, and focused. Prosecutors are getting new marching orders to resolve cases more quickly, and DOJ will only require independent compliance monitors when absolutely necessary, reducing what Galeotti called “heavy-handed intervention.” That’s a big deal for businesses concerned about ballooning legal costs and uncertainty.

This policy reset is coupled with an expanded pilot program for whistleblower awards, now covering violations like federal immigration offenses and international cartel activity. Whistleblowers whose tips lead to significant recoveries—especially cases involving money laundering, sanctions violations, and trade fraud—could now receive major payouts, a move the DOJ says will “encourage and reward credible whistleblowing.” According to the DOJ, these priorities line up with the administration’s “America First” objectives: fighting waste, fraud, national security threats, and abuse in areas ranging from procurement to healthcare to international trade.

Why does this matter? For American citizens, this renewed focus targets conduct that can erode trust in large institutions, threaten national security, and siphon taxpayer dollars. For businesses, it changes the stakes: there’s now significant upside for transparency and robust compliance, but also an environment where failing to self-report is riskier than ever. State and local governments could see DOJ working even more closely with their own law enforcement arms to tackle public corruption and procurement fraud.

Internationally, these changes strengthen US standing as an anti-corruption leader—critical for ongoing cooperation on cross-border crime and sanctions enforcement. The DOJ has also promised to accelerate investigations, so companies and the communities around them can get swifter resolutions, and victims can see compensation sooner. Experts are already calling this shift one of the most consequential for corporate America in a decade, with potential ripple effects across the global business landscape.

As for what’s next, DOJ officials say new metrics for monitor assignments and detailed compliance guidance are rolling out in the coming months, and more public roundtables are planned so stakeholders—including everyday citizens—can weigh in on additional reforms. For those who want to learn more or provide feedback, check out justice dot gov or your local US Attorney’s Office.

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