Certain approaches have proven effective in a number of countries: paying civil servants more; setting up special anti-corruption courts; punishing companies for corrupt practices in other countries; and creating special offices to collect taxes from the largest taxpayers, to improve compliance.
But Lagarde also stressed the need for rule of law and firm leadership.
“Prosecuting the powerful ‘big fish’ — which is necessary in order to send a clear signal of commitment and change — can only be achieved if a country’s leaders visibly support the process,” she said.