The EU Commission is proposing to modernise and simplify the framework for retail investment across the different sectors of the financial services industry, namely asset management, banking and insurance. On 24 May 2023, the EU Commission published the EU Retail Investment Strategy (RIS). With the ultimate goal of enhancing retail investor participation in capital markets, the RIS consists of a legislative framework designed to empower retail investors to take investment decisions aligned with their needs and to provide them with...

Co-Founders of CILcare: Marie-Pierre Pasdelou Celia Belline Sylvie Pucheu CILcare’s team is honored to have been awarded by the French-American Chamber of New England (FACCNE) in the Women in Business category. The French-American Business Awards took place during FACCNE’s annual gala, which has been celebrating for over 20 years the best French and American companies and entrepreneurs with a connection to New England and France. FACCNE’s mission is to develop business relationships between France and the United States and their respective...

The Biden administration remains locked in a standoff with congressional Republicans over raising the federal debt ceiling. The US government hit its congressionally imposed $31.4 trillion borrowing limit in January, and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned that the country could run out of money as early as June 1 if Democratic President Joe Biden and Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy are unable to hammer out a deal. The latest round of talks have been described by both sides as...

In this edition, we cover annual reporting for employment-related securities arrangements (including changes to HMRC's templates), recent improvements to tax-advantaged plans and some upcoming consultations. We also report on developments across Europe, including recent changes to the Dutch share option regime and a further update on wage tax deferral for German start-ups in an international setting. Employment-related securities | Updated HMRC templates and 6 July 2023 deadline Companies operating employment-related securities arrangements are reminded that the deadline to file their annual...

Every single person wants to be great at what they do, exceptional even. However, when it comes down to it, few actually want to put forth the effort to see that transformation. Those who are willing to live intentionally and take action in their lives will see the rewards of their efforts. Here are seven characteristics or qualities of those who are truly exceptional. Focus Forward. No good will come from keeping your eyes trained backward. This is true...

On 27 March 2023, the European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”) published its Final report on Guidelines on MiFID II product governance requirements (the “2023 Guidelines”). 1. Background The 2023 Guidelines, which were preceded by a consultation paper (“CP”), replace the previous version of the guidelines issued by ESMA in 2017 and take account of recent regulatory and supervisory developments. 2. Aim According to ESMA, the 2023 Guidelines’ main aims are to: reduce the risk of mis-selling and its related financial consequences; reduce...

This week, the European Commission presented a comprehensive reform of the EU Customs Union which will harmonise how customs operate across the EU. Executive Vice President of the European Commission, Valdis Dombrovskis, welcomed the proposed reform describing it as part of the Commission’s “plan to strengthen the EU’s open strategic autonomy”. Commissioner Dombrovskis explained that the reform would “enable EU customs to better defend our financial and economic interest, while ensuring the safety and security of goods entering the...

Game-Changing Platform for Enterprise Sales Makes Commercial Debut. NEW YORK – May 17, 2023 – USAM Group, the distinctive provider of outsourced sales, marketing, and advisory services to growth-stage technology innovators, is excited to announce that Sales Slicer, its unique sales and business intelligence tool, was awarded first place in the Enterprise division of the 2023 Queens (NY) Tech + Innovation Challenge. USAM developed Sales Slicer to bring transparency and accuracy to the enterprise sales process, making it more predictable with...