In today's rapidly changing business environment, digitalization has become an essential component for companies scaling in multiple markets. Businesses that are able to harness the power of technology to expand their operations are often better equipped to meet the needs of stakeholders and focus on commercial growth. Digitalization involves the use of digital technology to automate business processes, improve efficiency, and enhance customer engagement. This can include everything from digital marketing and online sales channels to cloud-based services and automated...

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The UK government has provided further color on its proposed rule to limit non competes to a period of three months post termination. The UK government has published its full response to consultation.  We do not yet have draft legislation, so some questions remain, but we now know: The UK will not follow the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) proposed outright ban on non competes nor will it follow the model adopted by many EU states, which provides paid non competes. ...

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The FTC recently published a policy statement with its enforcement priorities for the misuse of biometric information. To be clear, there are no new federal laws that specifically regulate the collection or use of biometric information. Instead, the FTC issued its policy statement under its broad enforcement authority of Section 5(a) of the FTC Act, which prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices. The policy statement describes several ways in which the collection or use of biometric information may trigger...

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The EU Commission is proposing to modernise and simplify the framework for retail investment across the different sectors of the financial services industry, namely asset management, banking and insurance. On 24 May 2023, the EU Commission published the EU Retail Investment Strategy (RIS). With the ultimate goal of enhancing retail investor participation in capital markets, the RIS consists of a legislative framework designed to empower retail investors to take investment decisions aligned with their needs and to provide them with...

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Co-Founders of CILcare: Marie-Pierre Pasdelou Celia Belline Sylvie Pucheu CILcare’s team is honored to have been awarded by the French-American Chamber of New England (FACCNE) in the Women in Business category. The French-American Business Awards took place during FACCNE’s annual gala, which has been celebrating for over 20 years the best French and American companies and entrepreneurs with a connection to New England and France. FACCNE’s mission is to develop business relationships between France and the United States and their respective...

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The Biden administration remains locked in a standoff with congressional Republicans over raising the federal debt ceiling. The US government hit its congressionally imposed $31.4 trillion borrowing limit in January, and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned that the country could run out of money as early as June 1 if Democratic President Joe Biden and Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy are unable to hammer out a deal. The latest round of talks have been described by both sides as...

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In this edition, we cover annual reporting for employment-related securities arrangements (including changes to HMRC's templates), recent improvements to tax-advantaged plans and some upcoming consultations. We also report on developments across Europe, including recent changes to the Dutch share option regime and a further update on wage tax deferral for German start-ups in an international setting. Employment-related securities | Updated HMRC templates and 6 July 2023 deadline Companies operating employment-related securities arrangements are reminded that the deadline to file their annual...

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Every single person wants to be great at what they do, exceptional even. However, when it comes down to it, few actually want to put forth the effort to see that transformation. Those who are willing to live intentionally and take action in their lives will see the rewards of their efforts. Here are seven characteristics or qualities of those who are truly exceptional. Focus Forward. No good will come from keeping your eyes trained backward. This is true...

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On 27 March 2023, the European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”) published its Final report on Guidelines on MiFID II product governance requirements (the “2023 Guidelines”). 1. Background The 2023 Guidelines, which were preceded by a consultation paper (“CP”), replace the previous version of the guidelines issued by ESMA in 2017 and take account of recent regulatory and supervisory developments. 2. Aim According to ESMA, the 2023 Guidelines’ main aims are to: reduce the risk of mis-selling and its related financial consequences; reduce...

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This week, the European Commission presented a comprehensive reform of the EU Customs Union which will harmonise how customs operate across the EU. Executive Vice President of the European Commission, Valdis Dombrovskis, welcomed the proposed reform describing it as part of the Commission’s “plan to strengthen the EU’s open strategic autonomy”. Commissioner Dombrovskis explained that the reform would “enable EU customs to better defend our financial and economic interest, while ensuring the safety and security of goods entering the...

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