Frances
McLeod
Founding Partner
Washington DC
English
German
French
Mandarin
Head of FRA’s US offices, Frances McLeod has 30 years’ global experience with high-profile investigations, compliance monitorships and expert testimony. Among a select few to be appointed multiple times by the US DOJ as independent compliance monitor, she is trusted by global clients across complex industries. A “highly respected expert” (Lexology Index), she is known for her creativity, pragmatism, and ability to navigate high-stakes regulatory challenges.
Read More
- Binance: Appointed by the US DOJ to serve as an independent compliance monitor to the global digital asset exchange, assessing the company’s compliance with AML and US sanctions laws.
- Balfour Beatty: Serving as the DOJ-appointed independent compliance monitor for the global real estate company, evaluating the implementation and enforcement of its corporate compliance program and adherence to anti-fraud laws.
- FCA US LLC: Acting as the court-appointed independent compliance monitor for a large American automobile manufacturer following its settlement with the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, assessing internal controls and adherence to federal labor laws.
- IAV GMBH: Served as the independent compliance monitor for a monitorship imposed on IAV by the DOJ in connection with “Dieselgate” and the conspiracy to defraud a US agency in connection with environmental regulations.
- Global Mining Group: Supporting the Independent Consultant appointment by the SEC to review the company's risk management processes and internal controls as they relate to the impairment process, company’s disclosure, and reporting obligations
- Asia Pacific Group: Led the team providing technical advice to the Asia Pacific Group on money laundering under a mandate from the Asian Development Bank.
- Alstom: Led the FRA team responding to anti-corruption investigation data requests in all jurisdictions for Alstom in the US, the UK, Brazil, Indonesia, Poland, Sweden, etc., which included addressing French data privacy and Blocking Statute issues.
- Medical Device Company: Supported an international medical devices company that entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with regulators over compliance failures related to FCPA violations.
- Holocaust Settlements: Designed and implemented claim evaluation and administration systems for the USD 1.3b Swiss Bank and USD 2.5b German Slave Labor Holocaust settlements.
2024 Global Elite Thought Leader - Consulting Experts – Forensic Accountants, Lexology Index
2024 Thought Leader - GIR - Investigations Forensic Accountants, Lexology Index
2023-2024 Thought Leader - USA - Experts - Forensic Accountants, Lexology Index
2023-2025 Thought Leader - USA - Investigations Forensic Accountants, Lexology Index
2022-2023 Global Leader - Consulting Experts - Forensic Accountants, Lexology Index
2021-2022 Global Leader - Investigations Forensic Accountants, Lexology Index
2021 Top FCPA Practitioners, Global Investigations Review
2018 Women in Investigations, Global Investigations Review
No items found.
Biography
Head of FRA’s US offices, Frances McLeod has 30 years’ global experience with high-profile investigations, compliance monitorships and expert testimony. Among a select few to be appointed multiple times by the US DOJ as independent compliance monitor, she is trusted by global clients across complex industries. A “highly respected expert” (Lexology Index), she is known for her creativity, pragmatism, and ability to navigate high-stakes regulatory challenges.
What our clients say
Chambers’ research quoted market commentators who noted that FRA Founding Partner Frances McLeod's "client service and general level of service is very strong" and described her as "very talented."
Client Reference
Chambers and Partners, Litigation Support Guide 2024
What our clients say
What our clients say
Frances McLeod is considered an “outstanding” practitioner within the field. She has over 25 years of experience in advising clients on anti-corruption and fraud matters on an international scale.
Client Reference
Lexology Index
What our clients say
What our clients say
“it doesn’t get better than Frances McLeod.” She is a top-notch, creative and practical expert” who is “an excellent leader, abreast of industry trends.”
Client Reference
Lexology Index
What our clients say
What our clients say
Global Elite Thought Leader Frances McLeod is a "top-notch" figure whose "sharp mind" and personable approach make her a firm favourite.
Client Reference
Lexology Index
What our clients say
What our clients say
Frances McLeod is “great with clients” according to sources, who applaud her depth of experience and knowledge of corruption, fraud and money laundering issues.
Client Reference
Lexology Index
What our clients say
What our clients say
Frances McLeod excels on anti-corruption and fraud matters. Peers comment that "she heads a superb team" and is "a pleasure to work with".
Client Reference
Lexology Index
What our clients say
Awards & Recognition
2024 Global Elite Thought Leader - Consulting Experts – Forensic Accountants, Lexology Index
2024 Thought Leader - GIR - Investigations Forensic Accountants, Lexology Index
2023-2024 Thought Leader - USA - Experts - Forensic Accountants, Lexology Index
2023-2025 Thought Leader - USA - Investigations Forensic Accountants, Lexology Index
2022-2023 Global Leader - Consulting Experts - Forensic Accountants, Lexology Index
2021-2022 Global Leader - Investigations Forensic Accountants, Lexology Index
2021 Top FCPA Practitioners, Global Investigations Review
2018 Women in Investigations, Global Investigations Review
Accreditations
No items found.
Languages
English
German
French
Mandarin
