Inflationary pressures and higher interest rates are now front and center of the executive agenda. Planning for the future based on the realities of this new environment and considering areas of risk is essential. As regulators and markets react to the recent banking disruption, many factors are adding complexity to this equation, even following the recent quarter-point rate hike. Federal guarantees for uninsured deposits, backstops for collateral lending facilities, and an assumed slowdown in the pace of interest rate hikes...

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Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto and United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken signed a Joint Statement on Cooperation in Advanced Wireless Communications between Finland and the United States in Helsinki on 2 June. In the Joint Statement, Finland and the United States confirm their common ambition to cooperate in key areas of 6G research and development and to increase interaction between Finnish and US actors. 6G will represent a major transformation from the preceding generations of wireless...

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On 31 May, the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) held its fourth Ministerial meeting in Luleå, Sweden. During the meeting, the importance of the TTC’s role in the transatlantic agreement was emphasised and both the United States (U.S.) and the European Union (EU) expressed their joint leadership in upholding the rule-based international order. Among other themes, the TTC covered a range of important topics, such as trade, technology, semiconductors, and climate change. Final statements included working on sustainable trade initiatives,...

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) sets new world trends, especially in the ever-evolving fashion industry. Through cutting-edge technology, fashion designers can create, produce and market their products in new innovative ways, as well as contribute to increasing the industry’s efficiency and sustainability. From trend prediction to conscious impact This new and revolutionary technology is impactful in many areas of fashion design; however, it is in trend prediction and analysis that its significance is more noticeable. Through advanced algorithms, vast amounts of data can...

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A new law permits limited liability companies that have been incorporated and registered in the EU to convert their legal form to that of a company under the laws of another EU Member State.  It is expected that the same arrangements will soon be extended to the European Economic Area (“EEA”).  The new law also recasts and updates the existing EU cross-border company merger and divisions regimes, including permitting divisions of EEA companies by the formation of new companies. ...

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Malicious elements are constantly trying to harm your computer and your network. Protect yourself and your company by following 10 basic cybersecurity rules. Key insights Your data, identity, and money can be stolen easier than you might think. Strong passwords, anti-virus software, and system scans are some of the ways you can help safeguard your computer. Regularly update and back up your computer system. Ever-evolving cyber threats require an awareness strategy for employees, constant vigilance, and a strong cybersecurity plan. Phishing...

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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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