Member News, News

Stephenson Harwood | Neural Network- February 2026

In this edition of the Neural Network, we look at key AI developments from January and February. In regulatory and government updates, Ireland has announced an AI Bill; South Korea’s extra-territorial AI law has taken effect; and the ICO raises the possibility of data protection law derogations to facilitate AI development. In AI enforcement and litigation news, the European Commission joins Ofcom and the ICO in announcing further investigations into Grok; and a Chinese court has ruled that a service provider...

Read more

Chapter News, News

IMF | Stock-Bond Diversification Offers Less Protection From Market Selloffs

Blog  Diversification has become harder since 2020 as stocks and bonds tend to move in tandem during sharp selloffs, adding to financial stability concerns Spreading investments across asset classes can reduce risk and smooth returns. The classic diversification between stocks and bonds worked historically because they moved in opposite directions. When stocks fell, investors sought safety in bonds. Bonds rallied, cushioning losses and stabilizing portfolios. Since the start of the pandemic period—with supply shocks that fueled inflation—bonds have become less effective in...

Read more

Member News, News

MAST Advisors | Why U.S. Acquisitions Should Be a Core Growth Lever for European Companies

CROSS BORDER ACQUISIITONS EUROPEAN COMPANIES INVESTING IN THE UNITED STATES Why U.S. Acquisitions Should Be a Core Growth Lever for European Companies European capital has flowed into the United States for more than three centuries, and the U.S. remains the single most important geography for outbound European foreign direct investment, accounting for approximately 40% of all European FDI stock globally. Within that investment, acquisitions—not greenfield builds—have emerged as the dominant entry and expansion mechanism, particularly for companies seeking speed, scale, and local...

Read more

Member News, News

Wilson Sonsini | Court of Justice of the European Union Confirms Judicial Review of EDPB Binding Decisions

On February 10, 2026, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) confirmed in a landmark judgment that companies can seek annulment of European Data Protection Board (EDPB) binding decisions before the adoption of a final decision by their lead Supervisory Authority (SA). This decision opens the floodgates to substantive review of EU-level General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) enforcement. It will create dual-track litigation for GDPR sanctions: before the General Court (GC) against EDPB decisions and before national courts, against national...

Read more

Member News, News

Ogletree Deakins | Transitioning Remote Employees Back to the Office: 7 Key Insights for Global Employers

Many companies have been reconsidering their work-from-home policies in the years since the COVID-19 pandemic forced office closures. While reversing these policies may be straightforward in the United States, the process is far more complex internationally. Understanding international employment law can help ensure a smooth and legally compliant return to the office. Here are key insights. Quick Hits In the United States, non-unionized companies can mandate a return to the office due to at-will employment norms, but this may strain...

Read more

Member News, News, Trade & TTIP Related

Troutman Pepper Locke | US Rescinds 25% Additional Duties on Indian-Origin Imports

On February 6, 2026, the president issued Executive Order 14384 (the Order), rescinding the additional 25% ad valorem duties imposed on imports of Indian-origin goods under Executive Order 14329. This modification applies to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. ET on February 7, 2026 (the effective date). Because India has pledged to stop importing Russian oil, increase purchases of U.S. energy, and expand defense cooperation with the United States, the president concluded...

Read more

Chapter News, News

OECD | The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development appoints Stefano Scarpetta as Chief Economist

Stefano Scarpetta has been appointed as the next Chief Economist of the OECD. He will take up his duties on 1 April 2026. Mr Scarpetta brings an outstanding international reputation as a leading economist, built over more than three decades of distinguished service. Since 2013, he has led the OECD Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs, where he oversaw landmark initiatives including the OECD Jobs Strategy and strengthened the Organisation’s capacity to assess the impact of major structural transformations...

Read more

Member News, News

Greenberg Traurig | Outlook 2026: Emerging Technology

As innovations continue to accelerate, the technology landscape in 2026 may reach a turning point, marking a shift from research and development (R&D) to adaptation. This year’s outlook highlights a shift towards smarter, autonomous systems that operate within the physical world. Organizations that embrace this shift may thrive, while those that lag behind may risk losing pace with a rapidly accelerating digital economy. 1. Moving Toward AI Integration Virtually every industry has begun adopting AI, moving from experimentation to practical, integrated...

Read more

Member News, News

IPTI | Property Tax in the News – February 2026

PROPERTY TAX IN THE NEWS – FEBRUARY 2026 IPTI’s usual monthly newsletter - the “President’s Message” - contains, inter alia, some summarised news articles from around the world. This IPTI publication - “Property Tax in the News” - contains some of the more interesting news articles concerning property taxes in North America and Europe which is where many of our members have a particular interest. Links to these and more, similarly summarised, articles - from North America, Europe and around...

Read more

Chapter News, News, Trade & TTIP Related

ECB | Opening remarks by Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB, at a roundtable discussion on “Chain Reaction: Navigating Geoeconomic Shifts and Dependencies” at the Munich Security Conference, Germany

Munich, 14 February 2026 It is a mark of how much our world has changed that a central banker speaks at the Munich Security Conference on supply chains. A decade ago, this would have seemed like a category error. Today, everyone in this room recognises that trade is as much a security issue as an economic one. Economic interdependence has deepened substantially in recent decades, creating intricate webs of cross-border trade flows. Where this was once seen as a source of stability,...

Read more