This development is assessed under Economic and Structural Influence. PwC’s consulting ban by a Saudi fund minimizes its engagement with a regime often criticized for authoritarian practices. Such a separation reduces potential economic collaboration with regimes that undermine democratic values, making it a positive move from an anti-fascist perspective.

PwC's Consulting Ban From Saudi Fund Has Rivals Hunting for Work

The suspension of PwC’s advisory services by Saudi Arabia's PIF highlights problematic economic collaboration with a state apparatus known for authoritarian practices. This incident underscores PwC's entanglement with an authoritarian regime, adversely affecting its ethical standing in economic engagements.

PwC seeks to mend relations with PIF following temporary advisory suspension

The decision by Saudi Arabia's wealth fund to block PwC from lucrative advisory contracts underscores the risks and controversies associated with engaging in economic collaborations with authoritarian regimes. PwC's continued involvement in such markets raises serious concerns about enabling repressive structures, despite being forced out in this instance.

Saudi wealth fund blocks PwC from advisory work for one year

The report elaborates on PwC’s rigorous supply chain due diligence and supplier risk management processes, including targeted assessments of high-risk suppliers and enhanced procurement policies designed to mitigate risks of modern slavery. This proactive ethical approach underscores PwC’s strong commitment to responsible sourcing.

PwC Australia Joint Modern Slavery Statement 2024

The survey also discusses broader economic crime risks such as fraud and corruption in the context of global mergers and acquisitions. By exposing these risks, PwC enhances transparency regarding economic practices that can underpin authoritarian structures, fostering accountability in economic collaborations.

Global Economic Crime Survey 2024

PwC Australia’s donation of substantial sums to political parties at a time of internal crisis and regulatory scrutiny is indicative of attempts to influence political outcomes. This behavior, especially in the context of a broader trend of consultancies using political contributions to secure favorable conditions, is seen as complicity in bolstering an environment that may accommodate authoritarian practices. The practice undermines transparency and accountability, essential for preventing undue corporate influence over public policy.

Crisis-hit consultancies among firms throwing money at Australian political parties

The article clearly stresses the need for companies to integrate human rights due diligence into their supply chains, thereby addressing forced labour and other modern slavery concerns. This proactive stance enhances ethical sourcing, transparency, and accountability in business practices—a positive measure against the erosion of labor rights and aligns with anti-authoritarian values.

Integrate respect for human rights in your supply chains

PwC Australia's decision to ban most of its political donations amid a tax leaks scandal represents a positive move in reducing corporate political influence. By ceasing contributions that previously funneled over $200,000 a year to major political parties, PwC is aligning itself with ethical funding practices and diminishing the risk of supporting authoritarian influences. This step is viewed favorably from an anti-fascist perspective, as it helps limit the undue power of corporate money in politics.

PwC to ban political donations over tax leaks scandal