Expose the hidden psychology behind workplace betrayal, overcome critical organizational blind spots, and build proactive controls to stop insider fraud before it happens.
Many significant frauds are not uncovered because of sophisticated forensic techniques or unexpected whistleblower disclosures. Instead, post-investigation reviews often reveal that warning signs were visible long before the misconduct was exposed. Colleagues noticed unusual behaviour, managers received complaints, auditors identified concerns, and control weaknesses were documented. Yet despite these indicators, action was delayed or never taken.
The challenge is rarely a complete absence of information. More often, organisations struggle with how information is interpreted, communicated, escalated, and acted upon. Cognitive biases, organisational culture, misplaced trust, competing priorities, and fear of consequences can all contribute to environments where fraud risks are recognised but not effectively addressed. As a result, fraud can continue for years despite multiple opportunities for intervention.
This session explores why organisations fail to act on known fraud risks and examines the behavioural, cultural, and governance factors that allow misconduct to thrive in plain sight. Drawing on fraud research, major case studies, and lessons from organisational failures, participants will gain practical insight into recognising organisational blind spots and strengthening fraud prevention, escalation, and accountability mechanisms.
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2 activities • 1 videos • duration: 1h 8m
Associate Professor in Accounting and Fraud Research Group Leader | Aston University| CPA|CFE
Dr Kassem is a senior academic with more than 20 years of experience in higher education and an internationally recognised research expert in fraud and financial crime. She is the Founder and Director of the Aston Fraud Research Group, leading interdisciplinary research that informs policy, practice, and professional standards. She is the Founder and Chair of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) Anti-Fraud Working Group and serves on the UN PRME Anti-Corruption Steering Committee, contributing to global initiatives that advance integrity, transparency, and responsible management education. She has authored more than 50 publications on fraud and related topics, with research that has informed academic debate, professional practice, and public policy. A Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Dr Kassem maintains extensive engagement with practitioners and policymakers. She is a consultant on insider fraud for Cifas, a member of the UK Government's Cross-Sector Advisory Group for the Counter Fraud Profession, a member of the Fraud Board for the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), and a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) Advisory Council. She collaborates extensively with counter-fraud practitioners, policymakers, industry, and law enforcement to address fraud across the public, private, and third sectors. This sustained engagement ensures her research remains closely aligned with real-world challenges and informs policy, professional practice, and the development of effective counter-fraud strategies.
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