By Katanga Johnson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said on Friday that Britain’s WPP (LON:) had agreed to pay more than $19 million to resolve charges that it violated the anti-bribery, books and records, and internal accounting controls provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).

According to the SEC, WPP (the world’s biggest advertising company) did not deny or admit the charges against it but paid the penalty.

It said that WPP had an aggressive business strategy, which included the acquisition of majority stakes in local advertising agencies located in high-risk areas.

According to the SEC, WPP did not ensure its subsidiaries adhered to their internal accounting policies and compliance policies. The order was made in response to concerns in India China Brazil Peru.

WPP did not respond quickly or properly to multiple warning signs or failures in control at some subsidiaries, due to structural weaknesses.

These issues concern a time period from 2013 to 2018.

Charles Cain from the SEC’s FCPA Unit chief stated, “A company can not focus on profitability and market share at the expense of appropriate control.”

Companies must also identify root causes when there are red flags to stop a pattern or corruption from spreading.

As the country’s leading securities watchdog attempts to eradicate abuses in U.S. market, Friday’s action comes at a time when companies are not following required controls.

WPP didn’t immediately reply to our request for comment.