Chapter News

IMF | Global Inflation Pressures Broadened on Food and Energy Price Gains

The chart of the week shows how surging energy costs have boosted inflation, especially in Europe, after fossil-fuel prices nearly doubled in the past year. Rising food prices have also helped to boost inflation. Meanwhile, continuing supply chain disruptions, clogged ports, logistics strains and strong demand for merchandise have broadened these price pressures, especially in the United States. Higher imported goods prices have contributed to inflation in some regions, including Latin America and the Caribbean. Inflation is likely to remain elevated....

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Member News

Steptoe | Beth Tractenberg Named a ‘Notable Women in Law’ by Crain’s New York Business

(December 20, 2021, New York) — Steptoe partner Beth Tractenberg has been named to Crain's New York Business's 2022 list of "Notable Women in Law." The list recognizes lawyers who serve as role models or mentors to other women attorneys, promote inclusive workplace practices and lead professional organizations and civic/community service initiatives outside of the firm. A partner at Steptoe since 2015, Tractenberg is largely responsible for establishing the firm’s Trusts and Estates Practice Group. As the co-chair of Steptoe's...

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Member News

Weaver | Decrypting Crypto: The Basics for Businesses

With cryptocurrencies becoming more mainstream, Weaver is consistently asked to decrypt what crypto means for individuals and businesses that want to learn more. Recently, we co-hosted a webinar with BGSF covering various business implications of cryptocurrency. Our Cryptocurrency Task Force covered topics such as regulation and compliance, financial reporting, taxation and information technology considerations. Below are some of the key takeaways from each of the topics presented. Regulation & Compliance Both federal and state regulators face an issue with the classification of cryptocurrency....

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Chapter News

ECB | The euro: a trusted and safe means of payment

Euro banknote counterfeiting at historically low level in 2021 347,000 counterfeit euro banknotes withdrawn from circulation in 2021, a historically low level in proportion to banknotes in circulation About two-thirds of total withdrawn counterfeits were €20 and €50 banknotes Euro banknotes remain a trusted and safe means of payment Authenticity of euro banknotes can be verified using “feel, look and tilt” method Some 347,000 counterfeit euro banknotes were withdrawn from circulation in 2021 (180,000 in the second half of the...

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Member News

Vulcan Insight | EU Commission proposes Declaration on digital rights and principles

On Wednesday, the European Commission presented a draft Declaration on European Digital Rights and Principles for a ‘human-centred’ digital transformation. In the eyes of the Commission, this new Declaration would act as a new guiding framework for citizens, businesses, and policy makers for the digital decade 2030. The new draft Declaration, which will still need to be adopted by both the European Parliament and the Council, is based on the December 2020 Berlin Declaration signed under the previous German Presidency of the...

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Member News

USAM Group | New hire power hitters bring additional strategic depth to help USAM’s clients

Fintech industry veterans add expertise and extensive networks to match fintech buyers and sellers. NEW YORK Jan. 26, 2022 -- USAM Group, the distinctive provider of outsourced sales, marketing, and advisory services to growth-stage financial technology innovators, is pleased to announce two new additions to our global team. As a founder and CEO of Bonds.com and AxTrading, George O'Krepkie has an impressive track record of spotting opportunities and meeting them head on with game-changing solutions that significantly improve electronic securities trading....

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Chapter News

IMF | Pandemic Tests Resilience and Credibility of Fiscal Rules

Record debt and deficits during the pandemic prompted many nations to suspend their fiscal rules. Since 1990, a growing number of countries have adopted fiscal rules to strengthen budgetary discipline and enhance the credibility of public finances. These numerical limits on spending, deficits, or debt signal a government’s commitment to prudence. At the same time, fiscal councils are becoming more common to provide independent oversight and monitor the compliance of rules. What happens when a country must respond to a large...

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Chapter News

IMF | Low Real Interest Rates Support Asset Prices, But Risks Are Rising

A large and sudden jump in real interest rates could lead to a further selloff in stocks. Supply disruptions coupled with strong demand for goods, rising wages and higher commodities prices continue to challenge economies worldwide, pushing inflation above central bank targets. To contain price pressures, many economies have started tightening monetary policy, leading to a sharp increase in nominal interest rates, with long-term bond yields, often an indicator of investor sentiment, recovering to pre-pandemic levels in some regions such as...

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Chapter News, COVID-19 News

COVID-19: EU Council adopts a revised recommendation on measures affecting free movement, based on the individual situation of persons and no longer on the region of origin

The EU Council today adopted a recommendation on a coordinated approach to facilitate safe free movement during the COVID-19 pandemic. This recommendation responds to the significant increase in vaccine uptake and the rapid roll-out of the EU digital COVID certificate, and replaces the previously existing recommendation. It will enter into force on 1 February 2022, on the same day as a delegated act amending the digital COVID-19 certificate regulation and providing for an acceptance period of 270 days for...

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Chapter News

EU Commission puts forward declaration on digital rights and principles for everyone in the EU

Today, the Commission is proposing to the European Parliament and Council to sign up to a declaration of rights and principles that will guide the digital transformation in the EU. The draft declaration on digital rights and principles aims to give everyone a clear reference point about the kind of digital transformation Europe promotes and defends. It will also provide a guide for policy makers and companies when dealing with new technologies. The rights and freedoms enshrined in the EU's...

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