01 Nov
Member News

Midstream oil & gas—is a wave of restructuring looming?

The rapid growth of oil & gas production in North America from 2009 to 2014 spurred a cycle of historic demand for midstream infrastructure in the form of gathering, transportation, and processing. However, midstream segment economics are under increased pressure given the current climate of sustained depressed prices and limited exploration activity. Most of the midstream contracts were negotiated at a time when crude oil prices were at all-time highs and exploration budgets were relatively unlimited. To maximize value and enhance returns,...

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01 Nov
Member News

Bank Shares Rise on Economic News

Bank share prices rose again as economic data and market activity bolstered expectations for a Fed rate increase. Initial estimates for Q3 GDP came in above expectations, fueling an increase in bond yields. The 10-year Treasury yield rose 11 basis points to 1.845%, while the broader stock market fell. Regional bank shares rose 1.8% for the week, while the largest banks’ shares rose a smaller 0.9%. Banks have had a good run recently, with banks’ shares advancing 4.9% and 6.4%...

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01 Nov
Member News

Will the Jig Be Up for the Gig Economy?

Employers who rely heavily on independent contractors or temporary workers should take note: “Gig” economy companies are now a priority of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC recently approved its Strategic Enforcement Plan (SEP) for fiscal years 2017 –2021, updating and identifying areas of priority for the agency. In particular, the EEOC is interested in “larifying the employment relationship and the application of workplace civil rights protections in light of the increasing complexity of employment relationships and...

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01 Nov
Member News

Into the unknown: European M&A Outlook 2016

2016 has been dominated by the UK’s decision to leave the European Union. With this in mind, our latest survey of senior Europe-based executives was taken once before the 23 June, and then again with the same participants in the months after the Brexit vote. The result is a unique contrast of expectations for European M&A pre- and post-referendum, as corporates and private equity firms wrestle with its consequences for their businesses and dealmaking prospects. The results show that, in...

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01 Nov
Member News

The Most Cost-Effective Way You Can Protect Your Trade Secrets

I was giving a talk recently when a senior executive asked me, “If we have the time and resources to focus on just one thing to improve our information security, what would you suggest?” I didn’t hesitate: “Train your workforce.” As we know from multiple studies, the biggest threat to information assets comes from “insiders,” which means (mostly) your employees. It’s not that you have a team packed with spies; but employees notoriously misunderstand their confidentiality obligations. In a recent...

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01 Nov
Member News

FDA Launches Website for Allegations Against Medical Device Manufacturers

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently launched a website1 that will now make it easier to report allegations of medical device manufacturer misconduct to the agency.2 Misconduct reports were historically submitted electronically (e.g., by email) or by letter. As many reporters wished to maintain anonymity, third parties (e.g., law firms) were often engaged to submit these reports. And once a third-party report was submitted, it was difficult to determine if the FDA commenced an investigation until an...

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31 Oct
Chapter News, New York Related News

News from the NYC Mayor’s Office for International Affairs

New York City just released a Call For Innovations to implement pilot projects related to electricity and heat/hot water in public housing. The City seeks pilot project proposals that use innovative technologies to help the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), the largest low-income residential landlord in North America, become an efficient and effective landlord while improving the comfort and well-being of its residents. Those selected will pilot their solutions at a NYCHA development, and if successful, NYCHA may...

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31 Oct
Chapter News

EU and Canada sign CETA

Today, the EU and Canada signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and a new Strategic Partnership Agreement that deepens cooperation in vital areas such as human rights, international peace and security, economic and sustainable development, justice, freedom and security. European Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker, speaking at his joint press conference with the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and European Council President, Donald Tusk, said, “Today, the people of Canada and the European Union have opened a new chapter...

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31 Oct
Chapter News

EU – Canada Summit: An historic juncture in our political and economic partnership

The 16th Summit between the European Union and Canada held today in Brussels marks a historic juncture in our political and economic partnership, in the 40th year of formal cooperation. Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, Robert Fico, Prime Minister of Slovakia, and Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, signed two landmark agreements: the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA). "Today, the people of Canada and the...

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31 Oct
Chapter News

Report on financial structures details structural changes in the euro area financial sector

Consolidation in the banking sector continued in 2015 Median CET 1 ratio increased to 14.6% from 14% in 2014 and profitability of the euro area banking sector improved In 2015 the median NPL ratio of banks, although still elevated, declined for the first time since 2008 The banking system increased its reliance on deposit funding and became less dependent on wholesale and central bank funding Insurance companies and pension funds are starting to adjust structurally to the low-yield environment The non-bank financial sector (including...

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