Uniform EU-wide definition of “beneficial owner” More natural persons classified as beneficial owners More transparency obligations for trusts On 20 July 2021, the European Commission introduced a package of legislative proposals to combat money laundering, including a draft EU Money Laundering Regulation (COM/2021/420) and a sixth EU Money Laundering Directive (COM (2021) 423). The EU Money Laundering Regulation harmonises provisions on issues such as CDD identity verification and identifying beneficial owners. The sixth EU Money Laundering Directive includes certain...

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On August 6, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved Nasdaq’s proposed “Board Diversity Rule,” noting that this new listing standard “represents a step forward for investors on board diversity.” As discussed in our prior client alert on Nasdaq’s proposed rule changes, the new Board Diversity Rule requires all Nasdaq-listed companies (subject to certain exceptions described below), including smaller reporting companies, to have at least two diverse directors (or explain the reasons why they do not), including one self-identified female and...

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EU businesses’ climate-related investment continues to evolve despite COVID-19. Climate change’s ultimate impact may still be hazy for many businesses, but more EU firms are investing to protect themselves than US firms. Uncertainty about regulation and taxation cited as the biggest obstacle to climate-related investment. Although investment in energy efficiency measures has increased, Europe’s energy savings potential remains largely untapped. As Europe shows global leadership in the fight against climate change with the Green Deal and the new “fit...

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Previously published in Crain's New York Business | Jodi Pulice, Founder & CEO, JRT REALTY GROUP After working more than 13 years as a successful commercial real estate broker at various firms, Jodi Pulice struck out on her own 25 years ago to found JRT Realty group, a woman-owned, full-service commercial brokerage. These days Pulice is responsible for a leasing and management portfolio of approximately 10 million square fee. She has been instrumental in leasing and sales transitions, including 1 World...

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This article is part of Portolano Cavallo’s “INFORM@Digital & IP” Newsletter. Click here to subscribe | The history of intellectual property is a history of technological evolution. While it is true that over the centuries the technological development has constantly raised challenges to the traditional system of protection of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, it is also true that innovation in processes and mechanisms of information exchange has introduced new digital infrastructures that are, in turn, leading to real economic and social...

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What is a SPAC and what is all the fuss about? SPAC stands for "special purpose acquisition company" which is a newly incorporated company with no business operations that is formed to raise capital through an IPO with the intention of deploying that capital on acquisitions of businesses. It is also known as a "blank cheque company" or sometimes a "cash shell"1. SPACs are usually established with a management team who have particular experience in a specific sector which the...

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