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Cuatrecasas | CASPs and EMTs under MiCA: Three Scenarios for Providing Services with EMTs

The European Banking Authority (“EBA”) has published a new opinion EBA/OP/2026/01 of February 12, 2026 (the “Opinion”), establishing the supervisory expectations and scenarios applicable to crypto-assets service providers (“CASPs”) supplying payment services using electronic money tokens (“EMTs”) once the transitional period ends on March 2, 2026, as established in the EBA’s No Action letter to the national authorities in June 2025 (“No Action Letter,” EBA/Op/2025/08). For more information on the No Action Letter, see our Legal Flash | EBA No Action Letter on the interaction between MiCA and PSD2. In this Opinion, the EBA identifies three...

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Chapter News, News, Trade & TTIP Related

United States Census Bureau | Monthly U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, December 2025

FEBRUARY 19, 2026 CB 26-31, BEA 26-09 The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced today that the goods and services deficit was $70.3 billion in December, up $17.3 billion from $53.0 billion in November, revised. December exports were $287.3 billion, $5.0 billion less than November exports. December imports were $357.6 billion, $12.3 billion more than November imports. The December increase in the goods and services deficit reflected an increase in the goods deficit of $15.7 billion to $99.3...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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