A Due Diligence Result Reports Assessed Risk, Not Guilt

Position

A due diligence result reports assessed risk based on corroborated and, where relevant, uncorroborated but disclosed information. It is not a finding of wrongdoing, and it carries no legal or regulatory effect.

Basis

1Cert.org is not a court, a regulator, or a law-enforcement authority. Its due diligence function assesses information available through open sources, records and filings, licensed data, and, where the engagement requires it, direct enquiry — and reports what that information supports, clearly distinguishing corroborated findings from disclosed allegations.

Application

Organisations that commission a due diligence assessment remain responsible for their own compliance and acceptance decisions. The assessment is one input to that decision, not a determination on their behalf.