We start 2024 with some positive notes and expectations that we want to share with you. We are optimistic that the macro data for 2023 will finally show that there has been a rebound in the weight of the insurance sector in Spain’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). As is well known, insurance activity represents approximately 5% of our country’s GDP, which is no cause for satisfaction, as it is two percentage points below the European average, and well behind...

On April 5th, President Biden took an aerial tour of the accident site that caused a tragic loss of life where he gave remarks in Baltimore. Here we will review the impact of the Port of Baltimore and the Key Bridge to supply chains, the timeline for reopening the various transitways, and potential federal government support, including financial. The Port of Baltimore is one of the few in the nation which ranks in the top twenty busiest in three major categories: total tonnage...

The spotlight may be on the US 2024 presidential election, but tax executives can’t afford to take their eyes off 2025 and beyond. That’s when federal and global tax policies will come to a head. Key individual provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 expire, and changing TCJA international provisions could result in US corporate tax increases even as other countries are moving to collect higher corporate taxes. Now is the time to evaluate how...

On April 7, House Energy & Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced a bipartisan, bicameral draft of comprehensive data privacy legislation, the American Privacy Rights Act (APRA). The APRA represents a significant compromise and, according to Rodgers and Cantwell, “strikes a meaningful balance on issues that are critical to moving comprehensive data privacy legislation through Congress,” such as preemption of state laws and a consumer private right of action. Applicability Covered entities subject...

On 12 March 2024, the European Parliament approved the proposed Cyber Resilience Act (Proposal for a regulation on horizontal cybersecurity requirements for products with digital elements; "CRA"). The CRA now has to be formally adopted by the European Council in order to come into law. This is expected in April 2024. The CRA is aimed at improving the cybersecurity of products with digital elements, such as doorbells, smart home devices and Wi-Fi routers, sold on the EU market. It introduces...

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly important in the enterprise, thanks in part to the rise of generative AI (GenAI). While not a new technology or concept, AI (including machine learning) holds tremendous promise to transform various business functions and activities worldwide — from accounting and finance to cybersecurity, customer experience and more. In boardrooms and C-suite offices everywhere, AI is inspiring conversations on reimagining how the business operates. Realizing AI’s opportunities, measuring and managing both benefits and risk, becomes...

The European Central Bank is optimistic about inflation hitting its 2% target, strengthening arguments for lowering record-high borrowing costs, as indicated in its recent meeting summary that was reported by Reuters. Despite maintaining rates in March, officials hinted at a possible June rate cut, given progress in managing inflation and moderating wage growth. Although there's confidence in reaching the inflation goal, the bank remains cautious, opting to wait for more data before making rate decisions. Upcoming meetings may solidify plans for...