Time for Accelerated Settlement: T+1 as Evolution of Global Financial Markets

We recently spoke to Andrew Douglas, chair of the UK Accelerated Settlement Taskforce and senior director on financial services at APCO, about the global T+1 initiative. Here is the summary of our chat. ...

Stable Yet Unpredictable: Upcoming Elections in Japan and Their Implications for Businesses

Although Japan—one of the largest economies in the world caught in the “lost decades”—is among many countries around the world with critical elections this year, the real and potential implications of the country’s upcoming elections have largely gone under the radar....

Thinking Beyond Pride Month: What’s at Stake for Companies Who Do Not Consider LGBTQ+ Stakeholders

Last year, the U.S. media found themselves in a frenzy over what seemed to be an outpouring of backlash towards the LGBTQ+ community and corporate initiatives around Pride Month. Some in the corporate space are left wondering whether there was still room to support LGBTQ+ causes without risking major public scrutiny....

In Memoriam: Stewart Gamage

A Brave New World? Insights From Working on CSRD

On 5 January 2023, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) entered into force. For the past 15 months, we’ve been working with clients, based in and outside the European Union, on identifying what CSRD means for them and preparing for implementation....

A Resurgence of Labor Organizing and Influence

Labor organizing has experienced a resurgence in recent years, kickstarted by the pandemic. This resurgence has been so powerful that Americans support of unions has burgeoned to its highest point since 1965. In 2023, the labor movement was extremely active, but provided a mixed bag to workers, despite many headlines....

Sustainability Intelligence: Seizing Business Potential in Dubai's Bag Ban Era

In Dubai, the ban on single-use bags has commenced. Starting from January 1, 2024, Dubai Municipality initiated a three-phase plan to eliminate single-use bags across the Emirate, as per Executive Council resolution No. 124. This includes banning all types of single-use bags, including plastic, recycled plastic, paper and biodegradable materials under 57 microns....

Beyond Ramadan: Lessons from the Iftar Table on Muslim Community Engagement

With 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide, it is likely that a portion of your workforce observes Ramadan. This ninth month of the Islamic calendar is the yearly spiritual pinnacle for many Muslims, and in recent years, it has become a heightened opportunity for conscious brands and organizations to connect meaningfully with global audiences....

From Good Intentions to Great Retention

The sentiment that companies can and should be doing more to reach net zero targets is most pronounced among employees residing in Sub-Saharan Africa, closely followed by employees in Europe and the Americas. Although employees in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Asia Pacific (APAC) regions have slightly more positive perceptions of their employer's progress towards net zero, just over half believe that their employer is taking sufficient action in this regard....

“Recalibrating” in the Era of Essentialism

As we settle into what will likely be a tumultuous 2024, we’re seeing pronounced shifts in the business environment. Corporate announcements from retailers and enterprise software companies to toy makers signal an era of cost cutting, including layoffs, as some businesses look to strengthen their market position. Others are refocusing their efforts on mission-critical opportunities....