Finance Ministry earns dual ISO certification for anti-bribery and compliance management

In a landmark achievement for governmental integrity, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Finance and Economy (MHE) has obtained dual ISO certifications validating its anti-bribery and compliance management systems. The certifications, conforming to the rigorous international benchmarks of ISO 37001 (Anti-Bribery Management Systems) and ISO 37301 (Compliance Management Systems), signify a major advancement in the ministry’s institutional governance framework.

The formal certification ceremony was presided over by Néstor Julio Matos, Director of the Dominican Institute for Quality (Indocal), with Finance Minister Magín Díaz formally accepting the accolades. Minister Díaz characterized this accomplishment as a testament to the ministry’s ‘mature and effective’ internal control mechanisms, underscoring a renewed dedication to ethical administration and public accountability.

Independent auditors conducting the exhaustive evaluation reported exceptional findings, praising the ministry’s deeply embedded culture of integrity. The assessment commended the cohesive involvement across all departmental units, the clarity and implementation of policy directives, and the robustness of procedural compliance. Specific initiatives that drew acclaim included the comprehensive modernization of internal controls, enhanced safeguards for whistleblowers, and sustained educational programs focused on integrity standards.

Looking forward, Minister Díaz outlined the ongoing challenge of not only preserving these elevated standards but also further embedding a zero-tolerance philosophy towards corruption within the institution’s ethos. He stated that the certification establishes the MHE as a ‘benchmark within the Dominican state,’ and confirmed the ministry’s unwavering commitment to the perpetual identification of compliance risks and the strengthening of reporting channels for misconduct.