By David Bassuk & Joel Bines | AlixPartners The consumer has never been more important, or opinionated, than now. Not only are there unending buying choices available, but the explosion of digitally native business models, unprecedented speed of delivery, and personalized experiences have changed the game. Meanwhile, retailers are also trying to navigate a tricky political and economic climate. Here is our annual crystal ball on the state of the industry: 1. Digital natives continue to win share from traditional retailers Brands that were born on the...

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The new year has brought changes that affect insurers writing cross-border business across the EU. Some territories have introduced new requirements, or amendments to existing obligations that necessitate the amendment of reporting procedures for insurers. Here’s a summary of some of the changes that have recently come into force, or are scheduled for 2019. Denmark – Guarantee Fund for Non-Life Insurance Undertakings Act no. 375 of 1 May 2018 amended the Danish Guarantee Fund for Non-Life Insurance Undertakings Act. All non-life insurers...

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By William Rhodes | President & CEO | William R. Rhodes Global Advisors  A decade after the financial crisis, banks haven’t lost their capacity to shock. From Wells Fargo’s fake accounts to Goldman Sachs’ involvement in Malaysia’s 1MDB scandal to allegations of money laundering at Danske Bank, failures of conduct and culture have damaged trust in banks and posed material risks to institutions’ profitability. Urgent reforms are needed to safeguard the health of the global financial system and rebuild public confidence...

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By Marc S. Friedman | Director of Professional Relations| Global Commerce Education In the most recent article in this series, I explained how many non-US companies, including Baltic businesses, are discouraged from exploiting a robust US marketplace by Myth #5 –If we enter the US we may be jeopardizing our valuable intellectual property. In this installment, I will address Myths #6 and 7 which are related  - The US is very litigious and that is too threatening to a small company...

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2019: The Last Year for the Millennium to Be a Teenager The year may be drawing to a close, but it is not clear that Annus Horribilis for investors will end.  The projection of the 2017 synchronized growth upturn into 2018 hit the shoals of the business cycle.   The fiscal stimulus gave the US an adrenalin rush, lifting growth to an average annualized pace of 3.8% in Q2 and Q3, but many models, based on market prices, warn of increased...

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