What are grease payments?

Grease payments, often referred to as “facilitation payments,” are typically small sums provided to lower-level foreign officials to expedite or secure the performance of a routine governmental action. Such actions can include processing permits, providing services, or issuing licenses that are already typically entitled to the payer. The primary purpose of these payments is to speed up processes rather than to secure favorable treatment, which distinguishes them from bribes that are aimed at obtaining a benefit that is not entitled.

Understanding this nuanced definition is critical in global business operations, especially in the context of compliance and ethics. It highlights the importance of distinguishing between acceptable facilitation of normal business operations and corrupt practices that can lead to significant legal consequences and damage to a company's reputation. The distinction is vital in international business practices, as grease payments may be legal in some jurisdictions while considered unethical or illegal in others, aligning with varying global standards on anti-corruption.