Control Risks: Recent Episodes
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India’s complex regulatory landscape presents significant challenges for businesses navigating anti-bribery enforcement, compliance frameworks, and evolving data privacy concerns. With shifts in global regulatory priorities — such as changes in US FCPA enforcement and the growing influence of the UK Bribery Act — companies must stay proactive in risk management. As technology, including AI and machine learning, reshapes investigations, organisations need robust compliance programmes to mitigate fraud, money laundering, and corruption risks in an evolving enforcement environment.
Join host Brian Mich as he speaks with forensic expert Sushmit Bhattacharya about the intricacies of compliance and investigations in India. They discuss the impact of shifting global anti-corruption policies, the role of AI in forensic analysis, and how businesses can strengthen governance in the face of increasing regulatory scrutiny. From navigating FCPA and UK Bribery Act enforcement to handling emerging risks in data collection and privacy, this episode offers valuable insights for legal and compliance professionals operating in India.
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In the weeks following his inauguration, Donald Trump has already made a series of bold foreign policy moves. What does a second Trump presidency mean for the international order and global business?
Join Partner Claudine Fry for a discussion with Jonathan Wood, a Principal based in our DC office, and Barnaby Fletcher, a Principal based in our New York office. They investigate the key drivers behind the Trump administration’s approach to foreign policy as well as tariffs, trade wars, the future of multilateralism, and the outlook for foreign aid.
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Donald Trump has returned as the 47th President of the United States. African countries are anxious to see what his second term may mean for the continent.
Join Vincent Rouget for a conversation with Patricia Rodrigues, a Director on our Africa team, and Barnaby Fletcher, who leads our Political and Country Risk analysis in North America, for a discussion about how US policy has evolved regarding the continent and Trump’s priorities in this context, what kind of partnerships African countries can expect to have with the US under Trump, and how the presence of South African-born Elon Musk could impact the incoming administration’s stance towards the continent.
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Martina Rozumberkova for a discussion with Principal Regina Zhou about the evolving regulatory environment and the challenges of operating in China. They explore key lessons from high-profile investigations, the strategic importance of robust compliance frameworks, and recent regulatory reforms, like data transfer regulations and foreign investment in medical innovations — as well as new opportunities, despite the complexities of the landscape.
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Opposition candidate John Mahama will return as Ghana’s President following his recent electoral victory. This is a massive comeback for Mahama, who left a shaky legacy. What can we expect from his upcoming administration?
Join Vincent Rouget for a discussion with Control Risks experts Mikolaj Judson and Omobolade Olagunju about why the results turned out the way they did and how Mahama might reboot Ghana's economy.
Find out how we can support your organisation.
Africa is experiencing a wave of fintech innovation. What are the current risks and opportunities?
Join Rolake Oladapo, Senior Consultant in our Investigations and Forensic Accounting practice, for a conversation with Joseph Eimunjeze, Partner at Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie, and Lindelwa Mngomezulu, General Manager at COSEC, as they explore the impact of fintech on financial inclusion and economic development across the continent.
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The incoming Trump administration promises sweeping changes to technology policy, trade dynamics and cyber security strategies.
Join Control Risks experts Nicolas Reys and Barnaby Fletcher for a discussion about what lies ahead for technology and cyber security under Trump, from regulatory fragmentation and trade restrictions to the challenges of navigating a tech landscape increasingly shaped by geopolitics.
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In this two-part episode, take a deep dive into two southern African countries, South Africa and Mozambique. South Africa’s new government of national unity (GNU) has now reached its first one hundred days in office, a good time to take stock of what the coalition has achieved so far. And in Mozambique significant turbulence has surrounded the victory of Daniel Chapo, the ruling Frelimo party’s candidate, in recent elections.
Join Vincent Rouget for a conversation with Michael Bongani Reinders and Nkosiyapha Moyo, two Control Risks experts in Johannesburg, Tristan Gueret, one of our experts in Paris, and Mohamed Cassimjee, former diplomat who served in the South African Service and current Research Fellow at Oxford University. They unpack the post-election challenges of South Africa and Mozambique and what businesses and investors should know.
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Mental health is key part of overall well-being. This is true in both our personal and professional lives. For women, unique social, biological and cultural factors influence mental health in distinct ways, particularly in the workplace.
Join Kanupriya Jain, a director in our Compliance, Investigations and Forensics practice, for a conversation with Janine Mallis, a Senior Associate in the Disputes team at Herbert Smith Freehills in Dubai, and Alexandra Lester, a Commercial Dispute Resolution Partner with Clyde & Co in Dubai. They dive into a few specific issues around women’s mental wellbeing, the challenges women typically face, the progress that has been made, and what still needs to be done to create a healthier, more supportive work environments for women everywhere.
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As election day in the US approaches, fragmented information spheres, disinformation and geopolitics loom, supercharged by emerging technologies, from AI to deepfakes.
Join Control Risks experts Nicolas Reys and Barnaby Fletcher as they explore how generative AI, large-scale misinformation and disinformation, and digital threats are shaping the electoral landscape. From conspiracies to subtle narrative shifts, they discuss the evolving tactics of threat actors and the implications for businesses, governments and voters in this high-stakes digital era.
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How might the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) change depending on the outcome of the 2024 US presidential election?
Join Jerry Fowler, a director who leads our CFIUS and National Security practice in Washington, DC, for a conversation with James Brower, a partner in Morrison Foerster’s Litigation Department. They discuss how CFIUS operated during former President Donald Trump’s first term, how it has functioned under the Biden-Harris administration, and how businesses and investors can prepare for what CFIUS might look like post-election.
Find out how we an support your organisation with risks related to CFIUS
The Africa Risk-Reward Index – produced jointly by Control Risks and Oxford Economics Africa – is an authoritative guide for policymakers, business leaders and investors that illustrates the evolution of the investment landscape in major African markets, and provides a grounded, longer-term outlook of key trends shaping investment in these economies.
Africa's outlook in 2024 is promising. But understanding the nuanced market dynamics and adopting a long-term perspective will be essential for stakeholders – from policymakers and investors to development agencies and civil society – as they navigate the evolving landscape to successful investment outcomes in 2024 and beyond. For African countries and investors looking to invest or grow their business in Africa, the time is now.
Join Patricia Rodrigues, Associate Director Africa, for a discussion about the Index with Control Risks Analysts Tristan Gueret, Trevor Kibet Langat and Mikolaj Judson, and Oxford Economics Senior Economist Jee-A Van Der Linde.
India is an important market for many multinational pharmaceutical, biotech or medical device companies. But it is also a challenging one.
Join Martina Rozumberkova for a conversation with Sushmit Bhattacharya about challenges facing multinational pharmaceutical companies operating in India, from important regulatory changes, including the Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) 2024, to emerging fraud schemes, including fraud in the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and retailer incentive schemes.
In the past few weeks, we have seen a tectonic shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina – who ruled for the last 15 years with what some describe as an Iron Fist, particularly against the opposition – resigned and fled the country in early August following weeks of unrest, which began as student-led demonstrations against job quotas and grew into a nationwide movement that resulted in significant violence.
Now, Nobel laureate Mohammed Yunus is stepping in to lead a caretaker government amid a volatile economic climate, following last year's IMF bailout.
Angela Mancini, Partner, and Aryaman Bhatnagar, Senior Analyst, delves into the implications for Bangladesh's political future and and its business environment.
In the past few weeks, Thailand has undergone a dramatic political transition with the appointment of Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the new prime minister. This development comes on the heels of a period of uncertainty and political turmoil following the dissolution of the Move Forward Party, the main opposition. Paetongtarn is the fourth member of the Shinawatra family to assume the role of prime minister and is under intense scrutiny. Many wonder whether she can navigate the political landscape without meeting the same fate as her predecessors, who were ousted by either the courts or the military.
In this episode, Angela Mancini, Partner, sits down with Harrison Cheng, Director and lead Southeast Asia analyst, to unpack what Paetongtarn’s rise to power means for Thailand's future. They discuss the critical next steps, including the formation of a new cabinet and strategies she might use to avoid the pitfalls that have historically plagued her family. They also discuss the potential impact of Paetongtarn’s leadership on foreign investment and economic policy, with particular attention to how Thailand’s business environment might evolve under her administration.
On 15 March 2024, Bassirou Diomaye Faye was released from prison after nearly a year in detention. Less than three weeks later, he was officially inaugurated as Senegal’s fifth president since independence, winning a resounding victory in the presidential election. His party promised sweeping changes to Senegal’s politics and economy.
Join Vincent Rouget for a conversation with Control Risks’ experts in Dakar, Susanna Eusebi and Renna Hawili, as they discuss what to make of the first 100 days in office of Faye’s new government.
Investors in Asia are still processing the news of the sudden passing of Vietnam’s long-serving leader, Communist Party Secretary General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in mid-July.
Trong was one of the country’s most powerful leaders in decades and had overseen the explosive growth of the Vietnamese economy – during which GDP more than doubled, Vietnam signed several significant foreign trade agreements (FTAs) and became a primary destination for investors’ China +1 strategies. He is also behind Vietnam’s aggressive anti-corruption campaign, known as the “blazing furnace”, which has taken down several very senior leaders and more recently had been a cause of real concern for foreign investors.
His passing marks the end of an era in Vietnamese politics and has many watching closely to see how Vietnam’s leadership will be structured. Angela Mancini, Partner, sits down with Steve Wilford, Partner, to discuss what the passing of Trong means for Vietnam and its business environment.
Visit www.controlrisks.com/vietnam to contact our experts for an in-depth briefing. If you are looking for more analysis across South East Asia, please visit our South East Asia hub.
The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) wrapped up on 18 July in Beijing. It comes at a critical juncture for an economy beset by profound challenges.
Angela Mancini, Partner, has a discussion with Andrew Gilholm, our Principal and Director of analysis for Greater China and North Asia, on the key takeaways from the Third Plenum, the future direction of China’s economy, and the country’s reactions to the recent geopolitical developments globally.
If you are looking for more analysis across the Asia-Pacific region, please subscribe to our Asia In Focus podcast.
We’re midway through a year in which a record number of people are voting. Much has been made of 2024 as an election year, with a bumper crop of polls taking place across the world. Not all have been or will be free and fair. Not all have produced or will produce surprising results. But in an environment in which democracy is under severe pressure, the polls of 2024 have, so far, delivered a strong message of support for the process.
We have also seen a spike in political violence this election season – demonstrated most dramatically with the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump in the US.
Join Claudine Fry for a conversation with Jonathan Wood, our lead global affairs analyst, as they unpack what the 2024 ballot box is telling us and what the health and trajectories of democracies globally means for business.
Our analysts Michael Bongani Reinders, Alexandra Kellert, Aryaman Bhatnagar and Marina Pera bring their regional expertise to the discussion.
For more on the US election, listen to our previous episode US election 2024: superpower at a crossroads.
Find out how we can support your organisation through the 2024 US election.
A little over a month ago, President William Ruto of Kenya made a triumphant state visit to the White House. During the visit, Kenya was designated a major NATO ally – the first in sub-Saharan Africa – and a few weeks later, Ruto attended the G7 Summit in Italy. But his government faces turmoil at home. Proposals for tax rises have sparked a wave of protests nationwide, leading to protesters invading parliament on 25 June and prompting Ruto to backtrack.
Join Control Risks Africa experts Vincent Rouget, Patricia Rodrigues and David Owiro as they discuss this narrative of contrast, unpacking Ruto’s foreign policy, globally and regionally, alongside an evaluation of his fiscal initiatives and his domestic position.
Find out how we can support your organisation.
The 2024 US election marks a pivotal decision point: what kind of role will the US play in the world? While this may not be the top issue for most American voters, the rest of the world is watching and waiting to see who will be sitting in the Oval Office next year: Joe Biden or Donald Trump.
Join Claudine Fry for a conversation with Jonathan Wood, our lead global affairs analyst, as they discuss the impact of the US election on three key regions: Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. They explore the critical themes businesses need to watch closely, from growing security concerns around NATO to US trade policy with China to the evolving relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia.
Our analysts Alexey Eremenko, Niamh McBurney and Andrew Gilholm, bring their regional expertise to the discussion.
For more on the US election, listen to our Asia in Focus podcast episodes on US-China relations and the election’s impact on Asia and broader markets.
Visit controlrisks.com to learn more about how we make the difference in a changing world.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi secured a third term, but his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unexpectedly lost its parliamentary majority after significant losses in key states to opposition parties, particularly the Indian National Congress (INC). For the first time, Modi must rely on his coalition partners to advance his political agenda.
Angela Mancini, Partner, speaks with Khalid Shah, Analyst, to discuss what this shift mean for India’s growth trajectory, internal inequalities, and the nation’s evolving role on the global stage.
Read our article on the outlook for a weakened Modi, or subscribe to our India updates to get them straight to your inbox.
India is now a key market for foreign investors, but Indian conglomerates are increasingly looking at the world. What happens when disputes arise?
Join Control Risks experts, Aakash Brahmachari and Michael Harrington for part two of our conversation on emerging disputes in India. They are joined by Niyati Gandhi, Dispute Resolution at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, and Co Srishti Jain, Managing Associate at Keidan Harrison LLP, for a conversation about disputes coming in and out of India as the geopolitical situation becomes more complex.
To find out more visit controlrisks.com
A year ago, Bola Tinubu assumed office as the fifth president of Nigeria following the country’s return to democracy in 1999. The new government immediately took a series of bold actions – hailed by the markets – to liberalise the economy and boost investment. Results have been slow to materialise: inflation is soaring, investors are hesitant and security incidents are on the rise.
Join Control Risks experts Vincent Rouget, Mikolaj Judson and Oludamilare Adesola as they assess President Tinubu’s first year in office, from his economic reforms to his approach to security issues around oil theft and militancy. Will his administration be able to turn ambitious rhetoric into concrete results?
Find out how we can support your organisation.
Vietnam’s anti-corruption drive, dubbed the “blazing furnace,” started in 2016 but has intensified since 2021, with many senior officials coming under investigation and being asked to leave their positions or forced to step down. Most recently, Vietnamese property tycoon Truong My Lan was sentenced to death for her role in a USD 12.5 billion financial fraud scheme.
Investors and government officials are increasingly nervous, holding off on making any decisions that might spark a corruption investigation. However, Steve Wilford, Senior Partner at Control Risks, posits that while the business and political environment might be choppy, there is still a lot of opportunity to be worked with.
If you are looking for more analysis across South East Asia, please visit our South East Asia hub here.
The past year has seen a surge in regulatory activity worldwide as authorities continue to combat increasingly sophisticated cyber threats while managing the swift adoption of emerging technologies. Nowhere is this more evident—and potentially transformative—than in the European Union (EU).
In this episode of Decrypt, Associate Director Stina Connor from our Digital Risks team is joined by Associate Director Alexandra Kellert from our Europe geopolitical and country risk team. They discuss the EU's dynamic regulatory landscape and look at the business implications of new regulations like the AI Act, unpacking the challenges these laws pose and the opportunities they present for businesses navigating the EU's complex digital and cyber environment.
This April has seen a surge in bilateral contacts between the US and China, from the Xi-Biden phone call to Janet Yellen and Antony Blinken’s visits to Beijing. Relations between the two countries seem to be entering a holding pattern, as we mentioned in the RiskMap 2024 Top Risks.
President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are competing to raise the stakes against the world's second largest economy as the election approaches. Are we seeing the advent of a durable stabilisation in bilateral relations for the rest of the year, or just a lull before the storm?
Meanwhile, China is stepping up its diplomatic reach with other countries. How will China's growing role and influence on the international stage contribute to reshaping the world order?
Angela Mancini, Partner, talks with Andrew Gilholm, our Principal and Director of analysis for Greater China and North Asia, about the prospects of US-China relations during this election year, how the two candidates differ in their approach to policy around China, the key triggers for escalation to watch, and how companies should prepare for the changing global landscape.
Listen to our recent episode, US election 2024: the possible outcomes and global implications, to hear more of our insights on the US election. If you are looking for more analysis across the Asia-Pacific region, please subscribe to our Asia In Focus podcast.
The demand for the minerals we extract from the sea will continue to grow. What do businesses need to know about the pioneering space of seabed mining?
Join Claudine Fry for a conversation with in-house experts Gabriel Brasil, Senior Analyst and our global lead on energy transition and critical minerals, and Dr Victoria Mitchell, Analyst and lead on maritime issues, about what governments, businesses and activists are saying and doing as activity around seabed mining steps up.
Find more of our analysis on critical minerals here.
After 30 years of dominating South African politics, the African National Congress (ANC) runs the serious risk of falling below 50% of the vote in the general elections – just short of an absolute majority in parliament.
Join Control Risks experts Vincent Rouget, Wayne Malgas and Michael Bongani Reinders for a discussion about the possible scenarios following the vote on 29 May, which sectors will be most impacted and what businesses should expect in terms of security risk.
Read more of our analysis on the 2024 South African general elections.
The “zero trust” security model has been a buzzword in IT circles for a while now. It was hailed as a revolutionary approach to protecting digital assets by assuming nothing inside or outside the network is trustworthy. It’s also proven very difficult to put into practice.
In this episode, Nic Reys brings on Jim Fitzsimmons to dissect the principles, the effectiveness and the challenges of zero trust, from critical dependencies to navigating the complexities of modern cyber threats. What does zero trust really entail and is it the cybersecurity panacea it's touted to be? In other words, is it still a thing?
Find out more about how we're supporting organisations face digital risk.
In a busy election year, the most high-profile race in 2024 is undoubtedly the rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump as the two candidates once again vie for the Oval Office.
With six months until election day, how the rematch could unfold, and its global implications, are top-of-mind for many businesses. Organisations need to prepare for a range of compounding risks associated with the possible outcomes.
Angela Mancini, Partner, sits down with Daniel Rechtschaffen, our Washington DC-based political and regulatory risk Senior Analyst for North America, to discuss the forecast for 2024 US election, the policy priorities of the two candidates and the impact for Asia and broader markets.
Read the article, The business implications of a Biden-Trump rematch, for more of our thoughts on the US election. If you are looking for more analysis across the Asia-Pacific region, please subscribe to our Asia In Focus podcast.
India is increasingly becoming a pivotal market in the corporate world, with disputes involving the country gaining greater international significance.
Join Control Risks experts Aakash Brahmachari and Michael Harrington for a discussion with Prateek Bagaria, Partner at Singularity Legal. They’ll explore the complexities of disputes involving India amidst an evolving geopolitical landscape and look at what this means for legal teams.
Visit controlrisks.com to learn more about how we make the difference in a changing world.
The Ukraine war is receiving less attention now, but the implications continue to reverberate.
The Ukraine war will define a generation's understanding of European identity, the future of Russia's relationship with NATO, US engagement in Europe, and the cohesion of the Western alliance. It will also shape Russia's influence in the Global South and that of its allies, impacting businesses worldwide.
Join Claudine Fry for a conversation with two of Control Risks’ senior experts in geopolitics: Sorana Parvulescu, Partner and head of our geopolitical risk business in EMEA based in Dubai, and Jonathan Wood, a Principal Washington, DC.
Visit controlrisks.com to learn more about how we make the difference in a changing world.
Over two years have passed since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This has been a period marked by relentless battlefield activity, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and a complex and evolving digital threat landscape. As business looks to rebuild a country still defending itself from invasion, how can CISOs and security teams ensure their organisations remain secure?
In this episode, Nic Reys chats with Control Risks experts Stina Connor and Bota Iliyas about the current state of digital threats in Ukraine, the changing motivations of threat actors, and what to consider when operating in or entering a market sat at the nexus of geopolitical tensions.
Find out more about what we're paying attention to in the digital risk space.
On 6 March 2024, Houthi rebels in the Red Sea attacked a ship called True Confidence, killing three crew members. Up until this attack, the Houthis had managed to damage vessels, but this was the first time one of their attacks resulted in death. With the situation likely to continue and even escalate, the maritime community remains vulnerable.
Join Control Risks experts, Aakash Brahmachari, Cormac McGarry, and Dina Arakji for a conversation with Akshay Misra, Managing Associate at Penningtons, about disputes arising from the Red Sea crisis and what companies can do to better prepare themselves as events unfold in the region.
Read more of our thinking on disputes arising from the Red Sea crisis.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the market size of key energy transition minerals has doubled over the past five years. The IEA predicts another doubling of demand for those same minerals by 2030. What are the environmental, social, and governance impacts of a ramped up critical minerals sector?
Join Maria Knapp, Yadaira Orsini, and Rob Bailes as they dissect how companies can best approach a sector that is evolving at a rapid pace, but which comes with significant risks, including pollution, poor working conditions, and increased regulation.
Explore our take the critical minerals sector here.
Indonesia will announce the official results of its presidential elections on March 20. Pro-business ex-defence minister Prabowo Subianto looks set to win the presidency outright, avoiding a run-off in June.
Longtime followers of Indonesia will know Prabowo as an unpredictably belligerent general and the son-in-law of authoritarian President Suharto, who in the late 1990s was banned from the US and fired from the Indonesian army for allegations of human rights abuse. How did Prabowo get elected and what should businesses expect from him?
Angela Mancini, Partner, speaks with Achmad Sukarsono, Associate Director and Indonesia Lead Analyst based in our Singapore office, about what a Prabowo presidency would look like and how the business risk landscape in Indonesia is expected to change.
Find more of our analysis on South East Asia here.
India is often regarded as sitting in a geopolitical sweet spot. The country is seen as a rising power on the global stage as well as an ally to several Western states. All eyes will be on the country in April and May 2024 as India heads to the polls in its upcoming general election, which will see 900 million people cast their votes. While no surprises are expected, the outcome will set the tone and direction for businesses operating in India for the next 5 years.
But the general election will likely not derail India’s growth agenda. India’s Vision 2047 document, expected to be formally unveiled this year, will lay out a path to elevate India’s economy from a gross domestic product of USD 3.4 trillion to USD 30 trillion by 2047. Alongside incentives to drive investment and the opportunities that come with a large, aspirational consumer market, businesses should also expect inefficiencies and obstacles to doing business; myriad climate challenges; a massive digital infrastructure vulnerable to threat actors; and all the complexity of centre / state, regional, and social challenges.
In this episode of Asia In Focus, Angela Mancini, Partner, speaks with Khalid Shah, Analyst, about how businesses operating in India can prepare for the future.
Visit our India Business page to find our latest analysis on India, or read our analysis on the top risks and opportunities for India in 2024.
If you are looking for more analysis across the Asia-Pacific region, please subscribe to our Asia In Focus podcast.
The yearlong buzz and panic following the launch of Chat-GPT has given way to the nuts and bolts of implementation. For companies large and small, from developers to end users, the question is: what’s at stake?
Join Nicolas Reys, Steve Sacks, and Caitlin Egen, experts based in New York, DC, and London, respectively, for a conversation about the work they’re doing with clients who are weighing the risks and opportunities of implementing AI – from assessing vendors to tracking regulation.
Investing in African Mining Indaba is a staple in the mining industry’s calendar. Once again, attendees from all over the globe met to discuss and explore the latest trends and developments in Africa’s mineral industry under the theme “Embracing the power of positive disruption: A bold new future for African mining”.
Join Wayne Malgas for a conversation with Jon Greenaway and Vincent Rouget, experts in our Sydney, Johannesburg and London offices, respectively, as they discuss the main issues from this year’s Mining Indaba, which include topics around critical minerals and resource nationalism.
Critical minerals are a hot topic right now, but most people don’t realise how truly critical they are until there is a restriction on their use. Critical minerals drive AI, the cloud, the energy transition – but they also power our phones, keep the lights on, the dishwasher running. The US defines critical minerals as those which serve an essential function in one or more energy technology, and which are at high risk of supply chain disruption. Securing access to them is existential.
Claudine Fry, Director of Control Risks’ Global Issues team, chats with Stephen Norris, a Partner in Control Risks’ Tokyo office, to discuss the current critical minerals down-cycle, geopolitical dynamics, and how he anticipates regulation and investment in the sector will evolve.
Find out how we can support your organisation.
Just as the shipping industry was recovering from years of pandemic disruption, its vulnerability has been laid bare yet again. This time the extra costs, delays and clogged berths are compounded by destroyers, drones and a higher-octane geopolitical tension. Growing insecurity in the Red Sea is a reminder that geopolitics underpins global trade and can threaten it as easily as it can uphold it.
Join Control Risks Partner Claudine Fry for a conversation with Control Risks' experts Cormac Mc Garry and Arran Kennedy about why businesses need to be paying attention what’s happening in the Red Sea -- and not just to the near-term risk -- and not just to the near-term risk.
2023 felt like an uneven, transitional year. Global inflation has fallen sharply, and supply chains have recovered without a major economic crisis. But overwhelming geopolitical volatility, including ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Europe and the Sahel, as well as a looming swathe of elections worldwide haunts any attempt to paint an overly rosy picture. 2023 also saw the emergence of a new multipolar world order as Middle Powers flexed their muscles and leaps in AI supercharged just about everything. Businesses must be ready to monitor and adapt.
What’s next? Join Control Risks Partner, Claudine Fry, for a conversation with Control Risks experts Jonathan Wood, a Principal in our Global Risk Analysis team based in the US, and Andrew Gilholm, a Principal in our Global Risk Analysis team based in South Korea, as they examine the key events and trends from 2023 and what these mean for the year ahead.
For more on what businesses need to watch in 2024, check out RiskMap, Control Risks’ annual forecast of business risks, compiled by Control Risks experts worldwide. With risk ratings and in-depth analysis, RiskMap is your essential guide to mitigating risk and seizing opportunity in the year ahead.
Find out more about how we can support your business.
The UK Supreme Courts’ recent decision to rule that many litigation funding arrangements are damages-based agreements and must therefore comply with relevant regulatory regimes has received a lot of attention, posing questions on what it means for the litigation funding sector.
Join our host, Aakash Brahmachari for a discussion with Control Risks’ Partner, Ramon Ghosh, J-P Pitt, Partner at Hereford Litigation and Fraser Mitchell, Partner at Armstrong Teasdale as they unpack what the UK Supreme Court’s recent decision on funding arrangements means for the litigation funding sector, its implications on ongoing matters, and how it impacts the future of the funding sector.
Find out more about our Litigation and Dispute services.
Indonesia just closed its presidential candidate registration on 25 October, 2023. After much anticipation, voters finally have confirmation that there will be 3 presidential pairings set for the Valentine’s day vote next year, which is unlikely to produce a winner with a majority of the 200 million votes up for grabs.
As current president Joko “Jokowi” Widodo is unable to run for a third term, businesses and investors can expect to see policies accelerating his legacy projects from now until the inauguration of the new president in October 2024.
Angela Mancini, Partner, speaks with Achmad Sukarsono, Associate Director and Indonesia Lead Analyst based in our Singapore office on what businesses can expect between now and October 2024, and how they can be prepared for the new presidency.
Visit our Indonesia Elections page to find our latest analysis on the presidential race, or subscribe to our South East Asia updates to get them straight to your inbox.
If you are looking for more analysis across the Asia-Pacific region, please subscribe to our Asia In Focus podcast.
Geopolitical turbulence is shaping trends in ESG regulation and enforcement globally. Indeed, the significant role geopolitics is playing in driving business risk and determining commercial success for companies has prompted some discussion about whether the “G” in ESG should be focused on “geopolitics” rather than “governance”.
Join Claudine Fry as she sits down with Control Risks experts Gabriel Brasil and Shikha Kher to explore how a better understanding of the interplay between geopolitics and ESG is key to proactively managing compliance and taking advantage of emerging, associated opportunities.
Find out more about how we're helping organisations mitigate risk and seize opportunity in the ESG space.
Understanding the culture norms of a counterparty is not only advantageous on the road to settling a dispute but is also important to avoid any potential mishaps on the negotiating table.
Join our host, Christine Soon for conversation with Managing Partner for Developing Global Leaders Asia, Zsuzsanna Tungli in our latest installment of In Re’s Negotiation series as they discuss cross-cultural differences in communication styles, the cultural factors that have the most impact on a negotiation as well as how to resolve cultural differences when trying to reach a settlement.
Find out more about our Litigation and Dispute services.
In some cultures, silence may be viewed as a sign of respect or thoughtfulness whilst in others, it may be seen as a lack of engagement, disagreement, or discomfort.
Misinterpreting different cultural norms can lead to misunderstandings and assumptions on the negotiation table.
Join our host, Christine Soon for conversation with Managing Partner for Developing Global Leaders Asia, Zsuzsanna Tungli in our latest instalment of the Negotiation Series as they discuss differences in communication styles between parties and how to resolve cultural differences when trying to reach a settlement.
For more information on how we can support your organisation at every stage of a dispute, download our Disputes Advisory Brochure.
Find out more about our Litigation and Dispute services.
The Middle East is changing rapidly, with consequences for sport, culture, politics, energy and economics. This is particularly true for the Gulf states. Join Control Risks Partner Claudine Fry for conversation with Control Risks Senior Analyst Niamh McBurney about the evolving power dynamics, global influence and business landscape of the Middle East.
Visit controlrisks.com to find out how we help businesses mitigate risk and seize opportunity.
After the US Department of Justice (DOJ) updated its guidelines for compliance in 2020 to include the use of data analytics, many companies have been contemplating how to integrate analytics into their compliance and audit programs. While Asian regulators are currently less stringent in their guidance, it is highly likely that others will follow suit, and companies both inside and outside Asia need to be prepared.
In this episode, Angela Mancini, Partner talks to Allanna Rigby, Partner and regional head for Control Risks’ data analytics in EMEA and Asia Pacific on how compliance officers, audit teams, and risk teams can embrace the use of data and analytics to adhere to regulations, even when they think that that have “bad data”.
Interested in our analysis? Visit Our Thinking to learn more.
For more insights across the Asia-Pacific region, please subscribe to our Asia In Focus podcast.
In this episode of our podcast series on insider risk, Catherine Marinis-Yaqub is joined by Doug Thomas, the Managing Director for the Threat Detection and Analysis Office at JP Morgan Chase.
Establishing and operating an insider risk management program can often be a daunting and overwhelming experience for companies, and our speakers delve into the challenges facing insider risk programmes and how organisations can increase engagement throughout their organization, confront sensitive issues such as employee privacy, and why insider risk is, at the end of the day, a “team sport”.
Cross border disputes often lead to offshore jurisdictions where limited information is available to investigators.
Join our host, Aakash Brahmachari for a discussion with Joel Seager, Partner at Fladgate LLP and Jagdish Menzies, Counsel at Quinn Emanuel on how investigators can work alongside lawyers to identify opportunities and obtain information via disclosure applications – a powerful tool in an any investigator’s arsenal.
Find out more about our Litigation and Dispute services.
In the new world order, middle power countries like Brazil, Turkey, India, and Egypt, are poised to be a significant force. These are countries capable of playing key strategic roles internationally or regionally, with natural resources, demographic advantages or historic links at their disposal.
Join Claudine Fry for a conversation with Control Risks experts Gabriel Brasil and Patricia Rodrigues for a conversation about what makes a country a middle powers, what makes them a force on the geopolitical stage, and why understanding them matters for business.
Find out more about how we can support your business.
Control Risks and Americas Society / Council of the Americas (ASCOA) recently put out the fifth edition of the Capacity to Combat Corruption (CCC) Index. The report assesses Latin America’s ability to detect, punish, and prevent corruption.
In this episode of Americas in Focus, Control Risks experts Gavin Strong, Alejandra Soto, Laura Lizarazo and Mario Braga discuss what the report tells us about three key countries in the region: Mexico, Brazil and Colombia.
Download the full report here.
Addressing compliance and sustainability issues along your supply chain isn’t only about keeping regulators happy. It’s also just good business. As organisations race to stay ahead of regulations and elevate their supply chain practices, Maria Knapp and Yadaira Orsini speak to Microsoft’s Senior Manager for Responsible Sourcing, J.J. Messner de Latour, about whether Compliance’s prominent role in managing ESG in supply chains is truly a good idea.
This is the second episode of Control Risks’ new ESG podcast, The Good Idea.
Multiple data leaks in recent years have prompted governments across the region to scrutinise the processing and flow of information within and beyond their societies. As technology adoption surges, regulators are increasingly concerned about the implications for national security – and are building national frameworks on how information is being processed. While China is often emphasised in the headlines, digital sovereignty actually is a broader concern across Asia.
In this episode, Angela Mancini, Partner talks to Jim Fitzsimmons, head of our APAC Digital Risk team about how companies are affected by this move, and how they can adapt their business models to navigate the ever-changing regulatory landscape across the region.
Visit our cyber content hub for more analysis on the digital risks companies face.
For more insights across the Asia-Pacific region, please subscribe to our Asia In Focus podcast.
Artificial Intelligence has been on the minds of governments for many years. But with the sudden advent of widespread public access to generative AI like ChatGPT, governments are now on the back foot. Join Control Risks Partner, Claudine Fry, for a conversation with Control Risks Principal, Jonathan Wood, for a conversation about how the threat of AI may be its ability to reinforce current geopolitical dynamics rather than upending them.
Find out how our global team of political and country risk experts can support your organisation by visiting our website. And stay up to date with our cyber team at our cyber hub.
Reaching an agreement or an amicable dispute resolution outside of court is often voluntary and based on good faith, which in some cultures can be seen as a sign of weakness whereas in others, incentivised.
Join our host, Christine Soon for a final conversation with Professor of Law at the Singapore Management University, Nadja Alexander in In Re’s Negotiation series as they discuss how to bring the parties to the negotiation table.
Find out more about our Litigation and Dispute services.
From choosing which relevant parties to involve around the negotiating table, to identifying the long-term reputational risks or opportunities associated with the issues, preparation is key to a successful agreement.
Join our host, Christine Soon for a conversation with Professor of Law at the Singapore Management University, Nadja Alexander in the second episode of In Re's Negotiation Series. Together, they consider the course of action organisations can make to prepare for a desired outcome in a commercial dispute.
Find out more about our Litigation and Dispute services.
From bargaining a discount off a purchase you’re looking to make, to reaching an agreement on your rent with a landlord, negotiating can be part of our everyday lives. Quite often - particularly in a commercial dispute - we don’t consider effective negotiation strategies, which can make for a confusing journey to a desired outcome.
Join our host, Christine Soon for a conversation with Professor of Law at the Singapore Management University, Nadja Alexander as they discuss what makes a successful negotiated agreement between parties.
Find out more about our Litigation and Dispute services.
Talk of India’s economy being on the rise has been around for the last decade. Its skilled workforce, coupled with low labour and production costs makes it an attractive market for investors. India's strategic position also provides resilience to regional supply chains for neighbouring countries navigating geopolitical tensions. However, there are challenges inherent in this complex market, and businesses often find themselves navigating what feels like many separate nations.
In this podcast, Angela Mancini, Partner, speaks Aryaman Bhatnagar and Shikha Kher, Senior Analysts based in our Delhi office to understand how foreign businesses can navigate the ever-evolving landscape of India to be equipped for the promise that India holds.
Interested in our India analysis? Read our article, India's Modi Operandi: Why the economic gains might trump the social pains to make this India’s decade or contact our India experts for tailored advice.
For more analysis across the Asia-Pacific region, please subscribe to our Asia In Focus podcast .
Thailand held its general elections recently on 14 May, where the opposition beat the incumbent pro-military coalition. Surprisingly, it was the progressive Move Forward Party that emerged as the largest party, not pre-election favourite Pheu Thai. However, forming the government will be a tricky prospect as the incumbent coalition and the Senate could spoil the party for the opposition.
The people of Thailand have signalled a desire for change – which is by no means a guaranteed outcome – but investors should already be preparing for the impacts and opportunities to come.
Angela Mancini, Partner, speaks with Harrison Cheng, Director and South East Asia Lead Analyst to find out how businesses should prepare themselves in the short and medium term.
Visit our South East Asia hub to explore the issues of doing business in one of the world's fastest-growing markets.
If you are looking for more analysis across the Asia-Pacific region, please subscribe to our Asia In Focus podcast.
What does ‘ESG’ mean for the responsible investor? What aspects of ESG as a risk management approach should we carry forward, and which we might want to leave behind in favour of another approach?
Join ESG Director Maria Knapp for a conversation with Phil Davis, Director of ESG at Helios Investments LLP as they explore the effectiveness and suitability of the ESG framework while addressing pressing questions surrounding the private equity (PE) industry. How much pressure does PE face from the mounting mandatory reporting and disclosure requirements?
They also dive into the impact of ESG as a compliance and risk management framework on PE, discussing how it occupies valuable time and resources.
Demographics are routinely cited as a factor influencing unrest, elections, economic fortunes, politics.
Join Claudine Fry and Serena Pilkington as they unpack current global demographic trends, how these drive everything from economic vitality to unrest, and the implications for business now and into the future.
On and off the pitch the use of digital technology is becoming increasingly relied upon by the sporting industry. But in this era of growing connectivity, are organisations in danger of being kicked into touch by ever more sophisticated threat actors?
Control Risks Partner Nic Reys sits down with Control Risks Global Head of Sport, Entertainment and Major Events, Daniel Heal and Senior Consultant, Steve Sacks to discuss what is going on with cyber security in the sports industry.
Find out more about our cyber and digital services.
Email cyber@controlrisks.com to get in touch.
Thailand will be holding its general elections less than a week, on 14 May. This upcoming election is shaping up to be the most competitive one since 2011. In the past, elections have almost always favoured the current opposition party Pheu Thai led by former premier Thaksin Shinawatra. Now, Thaksin – more specifically his daughter – is now back in the spotlight as Pheu Thai tries to repeat its electoral feats of the past.
Will this election produce political stability, and free up the government from military rule to focus on economic transformation, or will there be a return of large-scale demonstrations in Bangkok like in 2013-14?
Angela Mancini, Partner, speaks with Harrison Cheng, Director and South East Asia Lead Analyst to find out what all these mean for foreign investors.
Read our article Geopolitical sanctuary: Thailand’s upcoming election and investment opportunities for more analysis on Thailand, or visit our to explore the issues of doing business in one of the world's fastest-growing markets.
If you are looking for more analysis across the Asia-Pacific region, please subscribe to our Asia In Focus podcast.
As the hype and media chatter around Artificial Intelligence grows, organisations and boards are increasingly facing questions regarding the impact of this emerging technology and how best to prepare for it.
In this episode, Nic Reys is joined by Control Risks Partner Michele Wiener as they discuss the implications of artificial intelligence today and into the future.
Find out more about our cyber and digital services.
Email cyber@controlrisks.com to get in touch.
The message from Western developed economies, but particularly from the United States, is to stop making things so far away from home. Is this the end of globalisation?
Join Charles Hecker and Claudine Fry for a conversation with Control Risks experts Alejandra Soto and Aryaman Bhatnagar about what the outlook for two nearshoring hotspots, Mexico and India, tells us about where supply chains, manufacturing and the global economy are headed.
Visit controlrisks.com to find out how we can help you navigate changing world.
In March, the White House released its National Cybersecurity Strategy with the aim “to better secure cyberspace and ensure the United States is in the strongest possible position to realize all the benefits and potential of our digital future”.
Join Steve Sacks on a Decrypt Deep Dive for an overview of what’s included, the key takeaways for business, and how the strategy can play a role in cyber security strategies within your organization.
Email cyber@controlrisks.com to get in touch.
The Communist Party of Vietnam has been on an aggressive anti-corruption drive. Earlier this year, in a move unprecedented in recent Vietnamese political history, three key national leaders including the ex-president were forced to step down on charges of corruption.
The campaign, commonly described as the ‘burning furnace’, has mainly affected the real estate, healthcare and banking sectors, but there are concerns that other sectors will come under heat.
Angela Mancini, Partner, speaks with Linh Nguyen, Associate Director and Lead Vietnam Analyst on what anti-corruption drive means for businesses with exposure in Vietnam. They also discuss whether the Vietnamese economy will be affected by external factors such as the re-opening of China, the banking crisis in the West, and if there is a silver lining for investors in all of this turbulence.
Watch the on-demand recording of our webinar, Power, Politics, Potential: The new realities of doing business in Vietnam or listen to our podcast episode, Vietnam: Immense opportunities in a complex market for more in-depth analysis.
If you are looking for more analysis across the Asia-Pacific region, please subscribe to our Asia In Focus podcast.
Without the necessary and effective preparation, cyber crisis management can look very different in practice compared to on paper, leaving organisations exposed to an increased potential for damage.
Join Stina Connor for a discussion with Control Risks experts Elspeth Robertson and Emma Sanderson on the key challenges organisations face with cyber crisis management and how they can effectively prepare.
Find out more about our cyber and digital services.
Email cyber@controlrisks.com to get in touch.
China’s reopening after three years of zero-COVID policy has been one of the most discussed topics for international companies recently. The policy shift spurred hopes of a broad economic revival. With pent-up demand being released, China saw a strong rebound in consumption in January, directed at sectors like tourism and retail. Business activity is also picking up, something that can be seen in the surge of global CEOs traveling to China. Despite signs of improvement, China's prospects for future growth are far from certain. Long-standing and emerging issues continue to pose risks to business operations.
Join Angela Mancini, Partner, as she talks with Kent D. Kedl, Partner and Head of Greater China and North Asia, and Yifei Zhang, General Manager of East China. They discuss the most recent developments in China after an about-turn in its zero-COVID policy, the outlook for the country in 2023, the key issues at the top of the agenda for many of our clients right now, and how businesses should correctly calibrate their risk vs. opportunity lens to derive the maximum value from China’s opening up.
Read our article on the good, the bad and the uncertain on China’s growth outlook, or visit our China Business page to explore the issues of doing business in one of the world's most dynamic market.
If you are looking for more analysis across the Asia-Pacific region, please subscribe to our Asia In Focus podcast.
Investing in African Mining Indaba is a staple in the mining industry’s calendar. This year over 6,500 attendees came together to discuss and explore the latest trends and developments in Africa’s mineral industry. With ESG, digitization, diversity, transparency, decarbonisation and technology being high on the agenda , one thing was clear throughout: the time for African mining is now.
Join Shawn Duthie and other experts from our Johannesburg, Paris, and Americas office as they discuss the key themes from this year’s Mining Indaba, how these key themes may transpire at the 2023 Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC), specific countries to watch, and what risks and opportunities companies can expect to face in the year ahead.
The invasion of Ukraine by Russia was designed to decapitate the Ukrainian administration in just a matter of days. The war has now ground on for a year. What does the long-term really look like?
Join Charles Hecker and Claudine Fry for a conversation with Control Risks expert Anna Walker to discuss the near-term uncertainty for the conflict on the ground, the potential end goals for both Russia and Ukraine, and the wider geopolitical implications as the war continues.
Pakistan is expected to hold general elections later this year, but the country is also grappling with serious economic challenges and mounting security threats.
Join Control Risks senior analyst Arsla Jawaid and Chris Torrens, Partner as they discuss how Pakistan has been drawing on key strategic bilateral relationships ahead of its 2023 elections – specifically with China, which is envisioning a greater role for itself in the region.
Catastrophic failures in the digital domain and large-scale cyber spill over have been puzzlingly absent from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Why?
Join Nicolas Reys for a discussion with Control Risks experts Stina Connor and Jayan Perera about the not always clear-cut cyber risk lessons of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, what companies and governments are getting right in protecting themselves, and the longer-term implications as the conflict heads into its second year.
Find out more about our cyber and digital services.
Email cyber@controlrisks.com to get in touch.
There has been much discussion recently about the erosion of democracy worldwide. As always, the picture is more nuanced than it seems at first glance. In 2023, where does democracy stand?
Join Charles Hecker and Claudine Fry for a conversation with Control Risks' expert Achmad Sukarsono and Elisabeth Braw, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, about how businesses should be approaching threats to democracies, best practice for operating and investing in maturing democracies, and why the notion of democratic erosion is perhaps a Western-centric idea that isn’t always a helpful starting point.
Nic Reys is joined by Control Risks Principal Lianne Kennedy-Boudali and Senior Consultant Steve Sacks to discuss how bringing together defenders from both the physical and cyber domains in your organisation can be the first crucial step in deterring and mitigating emerging threats to your organisation.
Find out more about our cyber and digital services.
Email cyber@controlrisks.com to get in touch.
How will China project itself on the world stage in 2023? Join Charles Hecker and Claudine Fry for a conversation with Control Risks' lead China Analyst, Andrew Gilholm, about the foreign policy implications of the recent National Chinese Communist Party Congress, the outlook for business critical issues like supply chain, and China’s relationship with the US and Russia.
Find out more about how Control Risks can help your organisation succeed.
From attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure to holding the country of Costa Rica to ransom, evidence suggests the means to carry out a financially or geopolitically motivated attack for mass disruption in a target country exists.
With a nation-state’s critical infrastructure from power grids to transportation networks all connected, Control Risks Partner Nic Reys sits down with host of The Global Insight Charles Hecker and Associate Director Stina Connor to ask why we haven’t seen the lights go out in New York City.
Find out more about our cyber and digital services.
Email cyber@controlrisks.com to get in touch.
Few National Congresses of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in history seem to have generated as much global media attention and market response as this year’s, underscoring how business is increasingly driven by politics. Companies are concerned about how China's political trajectory and business environment will evolve over the next five years or more. Have the fundamentals of China's long-term growth changed?
Join the discussion between Angela Mancini, Partner, and Andrew Gilholm, Director of Analysis for China and North Asia. They discuss the outcomes of the CPC National Congress, the short-term market reaction, the outlook for China, and key takeaways for businesses.
Read our article on the CPC National Congress for more insights about this significant political event, or subscribe to our Asia In Focus podcast series to keep track of dynamics in the Asia market.
If you are looking for more analysis on other issues from our experts all over the world, please visit the Our Thinking section on Control Risks’ website.
Which factors are driving inflation and, in turn, how is the rising cost of living driving social unrest worldwide? What do businesses need to know when evaluating the efficacy of government policies and moves by central banks? Join Claudine Fry and Jonathan Wood for a conversation with Ben May, Director of Global Macroeconomic Research at Oxford Economics about the impacts of inflation on global economic performance, on social and political stability, and on the business environment right around the world.
Find out more about how Control Risks can help your organisation succeed.
The Pacific Islands are gaining attention amid the great power rivalry. All sides are stepping up their engagement with the region to expand influence. But the Pacific islands are not just pawns in the geopolitical contest – they are taking it as a chance to promote their own agenda, which may lead to new interest from businesses.
Angela Mancini, Partner, has a talk with Daniel Rechtschaffen, Analyst, and Harrison Cheng, Director. They discuss the growth of big powers’ presence in the region in the past years, the view from Pacific Island nations and the key priorities and areas they would like to address, and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for companies.
For more discussions on the Asia market, please subscribe to our Asia In Focus podcast series.
If you are looking for more analysis on other issues from our experts all over the world, please visit Control Risks’ Our Thinking section.
With hard-built reputations on the line, the increasing prevalence of double extortion ransomware attacks are costing organisations more than just their financial stability.
Control Risks Partner Nic Reys sits down with experts Luke Fardell and Mark Fawcett to discuss the dangers from threat actors around double extortion and what makes for an effective response to them.
Find out more about our cyber and digital services.
Email cyber@controlrisks.com to get in touch.
Cryptocurrency, bitcoin, blockchain, distributed ledgers, CBDCs – the flood of new terms and concepts surrounding digital currency can make your head spin. How should companies be approaching this fundamental shift to the way the world transacts, and why are central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) a key development to watch? Join Charles Hecker and Claudine Fry for a conversation with Josh Lipsky, Senior Director of the Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center, as he demystifies digital currencies and the risks they pose for business.
Dive deeper with the Atlantic Council’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Tracker, which takes you inside the rapid evolution of money all over the world.
Learn more about cybersecurity risks around digital currency in this report from the Atlantic Council.
Find out more about how Control Risks can help your organisation succeed.
Sri Lanka still faces political uncertainty and deep economic turmoil. Global attention remains on the country. Economies with the potential for similar issues see its plans to manage debt with international creditors and set for IMF bailout to be replicable, and – despite the challenges – there are still opportunities in Sri Lanka for international businesses.
Join Angela Mancini, Partner, as she talks with Steve Wilford, Partner based in Singapore, and Khalid Bashir Shah, Analyst based in Delhi. They discuss the most recent developments in Sri Lanka and its outlook, what the country’s trajectory means for similar economies, and how companies should learn from the crisis to harness opportunities in key industries and mitigate risks.
For more discussions on the Asia market, please subscribe to our Asia In Focus podcast series.
If you are looking for more analysis on other issues from our experts all over the world, please visit Control Risks’ Our Thinking section.
The energy crisis spurred by the Russia-Ukraine conflict has led to the weaponisation of energy by governments and blocs on all sides to protect their energy security. Join Charles Hecker and Claudine Fry for conversation with Control Risks experts Oksana Antonenko and Patrick Osgood about how energy weaponisation is manifesting differently around the world, the implications for energy transition, and what steps businesses can take to adapt and even thrive amid energy instability and fragmentation.
Find out more about how we can help your organisation succeed.
The imprisonment of Malaysia's former Prime Minister Najib Razak made headlines recently. The scandal tied directly to him is not just a personal blow, but also affects the prospects of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), Malaysia’s leading political party. While political stability is a perennial issue in Malaysia, it remains a well-placed investment destination for companies looking for opportunities, especially in the sectors that are on the rise.
Listen here as Angela Mancini, Partner, and Harrison Cheng, Director, discuss the impacts of Najib’s jailing on Malaysia’s political spectrum and governance standards as the 2023 elections approach. They will look at the country’s investment climate and the promising industries, as well as the key challenges for investors and operators.
For more discussions on South-East Asia, please listen to our podcasts about Vietnam and the supply chain diversification.
If you are looking for more analysis on other issues from our experts all over the world, please visit Control Risks’ Our Thinking section.
The Africa Risk-Reward Index -- produced jointly by Control Risks and Oxford Economics Africa -- is an authoritative guide for policy makers, business leaders and investors, that illustrates the evolution of the investment landscape in major African markets and provides a grounded, longer-term outlook of key trends shaping investment in these economies. In an era of exacerbated global uncertainty and geopolitical change, Africa’s role with the world is being redefined. With the challenges this will present will also come significant opportunities for African countries and investors. Seizing them will be more imperative now than ever.
Join Robert Hutchinson, Partner for our East Africa region for a discussion about the Index with Patricia Rodrigues, a Senior Analyst for Africa; Vincent Rouget, an Associate Director who leads Control Risks analyst team for Africa; Zainab Animashaun, Senior Analyst; Seamus Duggan, Head of Tactical Intelligence; and Jacques Nel, head of Macro at Oxford Economics Africa, the Africa-focused subsidiary of our partners, Oxford Economics.
Having a strong grasp on where cyber compliance and regulations are headed should be a top concern for any organisation, especially those with global footprints.
Control Risks Partner Nic Reys sits down with experts Stina Connor and Jim Fitzsimmons for a conversation about key regional divergences around data privacy, how politics and national security agendas are driving cyber regulations, and what organisations can do to adapt to a perpetually shifting and fragmented cyber landscape.
Email cyber@controlrisks.com to get in touch or visit our website for more information.
From WikiLeaks to the Pandora Papers, there has been a huge increase in the amount of data leaked into the public domain.
Join Control Risks experts Lorna Van Oss, Freyda Owino and Patrick Sewell for a conversation about discussing data leaks, hacks, data brokering and its impact on the world of investigations.
Find out more by visiting our website.
Against a backdrop of overwhelming humanitarian and an economic strife, an extraordinary election cycle has been playing out this year across Latin America. Join Charles Hecker and Claudine Fry for conversation with Control Risks experts Gavin Strong and Silvana Amaya about how organisations should understand the candidates, policies and populations in a region ready for change.
Learn more about how we can support your organisation.
A few weeks after Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, media attention started to dwindle, but the ripple effect is long-lasting. Pelosi's trip may have ushered in a new normal of increased US-China tensions, growing actions and countermeasures around Taiwan and more broadly, and a deepening dilemma for businesses. From security to supply chain, the risk exposure is greater than what companies may have expected.
Please join Angela Mancini, Partner, as she talks with Andrew Gilholm, Director of Analysis for China and North Asia, on the outlook of the regional and global impacts following Pelosi’s visit, the top issues faced by businesses in the long term, and what organisations should do to mitigate existing and emerging risks.
For more written analysis around this, read our article on the various geopolitical flashpoints in the Northeast Asia region.
If you are looking for more analysis on other issues from our experts all over the world, please visit Control Risks’ Our Thinking section.
Decrypt is the podcast making sense of cyber and technology issues impacting your organisation.
Since the start of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, there have been drastic changes to the cyber threat landscape, including a sharp increase in ransomware attacks. In this episode of In Focus, Control Risks Partner Nicolas Reys talks with experts Joe Buckley and Mark Fawcett about these changes, how they might develop and what this means for organisations preparing for and responding to ransomware attacks.
Email cyber@controlrisks.com to get in touch or visit our website for more information.
Despite the global headwinds, Vietnam continues to offer a strong value proposition for investors, and has continued to attract keen investor interest with its strong growth story. However, Vietnam is also known for its opaque regulatory and political landscape.
Join Angela Mancini, Partner, as she discusses with Stephen Norris, Partner and lead analyst for Southeast Asia, and Linh Nguyen, Associate Director, about the challenges that foreign companies face in the country, what they should be doing to mitigate those risks, the opportunities and growth sectors that lie ahead, and finally, can Vietnam really replace China in global supply chains?
Read our article on the great supply chain relocation where we explained how companies can expand operations into Southeast Asia in light of China’s COVID-19-related disruptions, or listen to our discussion on this topic in our podcast episode, The future of the global supply chain: China and South-East Asia.
If you are looking for more of such analysis and insights from our experts all over the world, please visit Our Thinking section.
Kenya’s general elections will be held on 9 August, 2022, and the outcome is far from certain. Join Charles Hecker and Claudine Fry for conversation with Control Risks experts Patricia Rodrigues and Rose Mumanya about the roll ethnicity, inflation, misinformation and the Ukraine-Russia conflict are playing in the elections and what businesses need to watch.
Learn more about how we can support your organisation.
Rising concerns in the context of geopolitical tensions and COVID-19 have intensified the focus on global supply chains. Judging by the numerous headlines and discussions about diversification from China to South-East Asia, it would appear that the supply chain landscape is in the process of being completely reshaped. But in fact, many businesses underestimate not only how reliant on China their supply chains are, but also the operational challenges in South-East Asia, a region known for its diversity.
Angela Mancini, Partner, speaks with Julia Coym, Director based in Shanghai, and Harrison Cheng, Associate Director based in Singapore. Referring to field observations and experience in supporting clients, they discuss the changing supply chain landscape in China, the opportunities and risks of running supply chains in South-East Asia, and what businesses should be considering no matter which market they will focus on in the future.
Read further analysis here on the great supply chain relocation.
If you are looking for more of such analysis and insights from our experts all over the world, please visit Our Thinking section.
One of the broad implications of the Ukraine-Russia conflict is the acceleration of a trend already in motion: the pressure on companies to engage with geopolitics and take clear stances. Join Charles Hecker and Claudine Fry for a conversation with Control Risks expert Maria Knapp about what organisations need to keep front of mind when engaging with thorny issues and why staying silent is no longer an option.
Learn more about how we can support your organisation.
Subscribe to our twice-weekly Russia-Ukraine Monitor straight to your email, including dashboard summary, likely scenarios, scenario triggers and implications, and summaries of key developments.
Over the past few months, China's COVID control measures - as highlighted by the Shanghai lockdown - have not only created new operational disruptions for companies, but also amplified the underlying and long standing challenges of operating in China. With life now returning to normal in Shanghai, it’s time for companies to shift their focus from short-term COVID response to the longer-term challenges of doing business in China.
Angela Mancini, Partner, and Yifei Zhang, General Manager for East China, discuss the lessons that should be learnt from the Shanghai lockdown, the prospects of China’s next zero-COVID chapter, and what organisations should focus on and prepare for right now.
Read further analysis here on the impacts of China lockdowns.
If you are looking for more of such analysis and insights from our experts all over the world, please visit Our Thinking section.
US president Joe Biden’s inaugural trip to Asia reflects an acceleration in geopolitical shifts in recent years. With geopolitics increasingly reshaping the regional environment, how will business be affected by these changes?
Angela Mancini, Partner, speaks to Andrew Gilholm, Principal and Director of Analysis for Greater China and North Asia. They discuss the big-picture significance of the visit, the future of the flashpoints in the region, and what business should do to strengthen resilience against the potential risks.
Read further analysis here on the updated geopolitical landscape in Northeast Asia.
If you are looking for more of such analysis and insights from our experts all over the world, please visit Our Thinking section.
Emmanuel Macron may have won the 2022 presidential election, but he still has a lot on his plate. Join Charles Hecker and Claudine Fry for a conversation with Control Risks expert Alexandra Kellert about the challenges France and the EU will face in the coming years, from rising energy and living costs to security concerns.
Find out more about how we're helping organisations here.
The recent Philippine presidential election saw Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr – the son and namesake of the late long-time dictator – winning convincingly by a landslide, but what does this mean for the Philippines and for businesses in the country?
Join Angela Mancini, Partner, as she discusses with Dereck Aw, Senior Analyst and lead analyst for the Philippines, and Charlie Warren, Partner and Head of Business Intelligence for Southeast Asia, about the impact of this election outcome, the concerns of businesses and investors on the ground, how business outlook might change, and what businesses should be considering right now.
Read more about what Dereck has written in his analysis about the Philippine election, from which much of the conversation in this podcast is based on.
If you are looking for more of such analysis and insights from our experts all over the world, please visit Our Thinking section.
Since the start of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, there have been drastic changes to the cyber threat landscape, including a sharp increase in ransomware attacks. In this episode of In Focus, Control Risks Partner Nicolas Reys talks with experts Joe Buckley and Mark Fawcett about these changes, how they might develop and what this means for organisations preparing for and responding to ransomware attacks.
How will the Ukraine-Russia conflict effect food in the longer term? Join Control Risks Partners Join Charles Hecker and Claudine Fry for a conversation with in-house expert Jonathan Wood about the impact food shortages and price increases will likely have on a range of risks, exacerbating political instability, social unrest and the effects of climate change.
Subscribe to our twice-weekly Ukraine-Russia Monitor, which includes dashboard summary, likely scenarios, scenario triggers and implications, and summaries of key developments—all straight to your inbox.
Join Maria Knapp for a discussion with Control Risks experts Michael Zimmern and Joyce Nkini-Iwisi about the challenges organisations face when investigating breaches to human rights, such as workplace harassment and labour violations. Get insight into how organisations can better prepare for conduct and human rights investigations, including issues around evidence gathering, cultural sensitivities and stakeholder rights.
What will be the longer-term impact on energy of the Ukraine-Russia conflict? Join Charles Hecker and Claudine Fry for a conversation with in-house expert Oksana Antonenko about the tensions between energy security and energy transition, the uncertainty facing both importers and exporters and why organisations should be prepared for major supply disruption.
Subscribe to our twice-weekly Ukraine-Russia Monitor, which includes dashboard summary, likely scenarios, scenario triggers and implications, and summaries of key developments—all straight to your inbox.
Join Control Risks analyst Marisa Lourenço and Gerrit Van Rooyen from Oxford Economics Africa as they discuss the outlook for Angola’s economy in 2022 and how Angola managed to pull itself back from the edge of a fiscal cliff. They also discuss lessons for other countries in the region with mounting debt loads and if Angola’s government can still produce enough of its most precious commodity: oil.
Amid rising geopolitical turbulence, the business of sport is not only a bellwether for emerging trends, but shapes and is shaped by them. Join Charles Hecker and Claudine Fry for a conversation with in-house experts Daniel Heal, James Lewry and Kent D. Kedl about the work we're doing in the world of sport and what sport can tell us about geopolitics, sustainability and the role of risk in decision making.
Find out more at controlrisks.com.
What does Germany’s new coalition government mean for the risk landscape both within and beyond the nation’s borders? Join Charles Hecker and Claudine Fry for a conversation for a discussion with in-house expert Florian Otto about the implications for geopolitics, energy transition, and digitalisation as Germany enters a new era.
Find out more at controlrisks.com.
All eyes are on Asia Pacific as it emerges from the pandemic, but questions remain as to how fast its recovery will be and what the “new normal” will look like. COVID-19 has created a backdrop for a rise in state intervention in several parts of the region. 2022 is poised to kick start the decade where transition dynamics, climate risk and climate action raise major implementation challenges for Asian economies and businesses. With many of the world's supply chains originating in Asia, risks of supply chain disruption remain high.
However, opportunities abound for companies that understand these operational nuances and have the skills to navigate the growing plethora of ESG-related regulation, the nativist backlashes, and the geopolitical tensions. In this podcast, Angela Mancini speaks to our panel of experts from China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and India as they discuss the key risks to businesses in Asia Pacific in 2022, as well as the key opportunities for growth.
While governments scramble to respond to the Omicron variant, many companies, particularly those with global footprints, are finding success working from their own pandemic playbooks. Join Charles Hecker and Claudine Fry for a conversation with in-house expert Allison Wood about where the pandemic is headed and why your organisation needs to evolve with it.
Angela Mancini, Partner, speaks to Andrew Gilholm, Global Issues lead for Asia Pacific, about Asia’s geopolitical dynamics and some of the key big picture issues that are keeping our clients awake at night. They discuss the key themes in Asia as we head into 2022, US-China dynamics, and China.
As more and more of our lives move onto the internet, risk is intensifying – from cyber security to carbon footprints. Join Charles Hecker and Claudine Fry for a conversation with in-house cyber experts Nicolas Reys and Stina Connor about current trends in cyber and why the decisions organisations make today will determine whether they exist at all in the decades to come.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought supply chain risk centre stage, particularly issues in the maritime world. While the sector has adapted and held up well, risks loom. Join Charles Hecker and Claudine Fry for a conversation with in-house maritime experts Cormac Mc Garry and Victoria Mitchell about current trends in maritime, where the sector is headed, and what it means for business.
Against the backdrop of all that’s happening in Myanmar, exiting the country is definitely an option. But should international companies make the harder choice to stay? Join Partner Dane Chamorro and Director John Bray for a discussion about the post-coup business environment in Myanmar.
Learn more at controlrisks.com.
Listen to Control Risks experts Lorna Van Oss and Ramon Ghosh discuss the how they approach the challenging process of sovereign asset tracing — the investigative process of enforcing against sovereign states.
Are you in need of asset tracing or other investigative services? Visit controlrisks.com.
COP26 in Glasgow is taking place in the midst of a global energy crisis and a global climate crisis. Political, social and economic tensions are running high and focus from the activist community is laser sharp. Join Charles Hecker and Claudine Fry for a conversation with in-house experts Oksana Antonenko and Reema Bhattacharya as they discuss what companies and investors should - and should not - expect from the conference.
Find out how we're helping businesses at controlrisks.com.
What do the changing security dynamics in the Sahel mean for business? Join Director Anna Walker for a conversation with Control Risks experts Oulimata Soumaré and Michael Barty about trends in militant and kidnapping activity in the Sahel and the operational implications for businesses operating in the region.
For more information on how we're helping our clients around the world, visit controlrisks.com.
The political, economic and security landscape of Libya is changing. A period of relative stability, large oil reserves and Libya's strategic positioning next to Europe have led a considerable number of international companies to reassess doing business in the country. But significant challenges remain that companies need to prepare for. Join Partner Tom Griffin for a discussion with Control Risks experts Sherif El-Ashmawy, Andrew Lipinski and Gillan McNay about how companies can mitigate some of the key risks at play in Libya.
For more information on how we're helping our clients around the world, visit controlrisks.com.
The announcement of AUKUS generated many dramatic headlines, but with the passing of time, it's clear that the underlying geopolitics are more important than the anger of a broken deal. Join Charles Hecker and Claudine Fry for a conversation with in-house experts Julia Coym, Alexandra Kellert and Cory Davie as they discuss the different interests converging on the Indo-Pacific and what this means for companies and investors.
Find out how we're helping businesses at controlrisks.com.
The Africa Risk-Reward Index -- produced jointly by Control Risks and Oxford Economics Africa -- is an authoritative guide for policy makers, business leaders and investors, that illustrates the evolution of the investment landscape in major African markets and provides a grounded, longer-term outlook of key trends shaping investment in these economies. Africa is still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is no longer all-consuming. Glimpses of the post-pandemic landscape are coming into view, and other issues are deserving of attention.
Join Wayne Malgas, Partner for our South Africa region for a discussion about the Index with Barnaby Fletcher, an Associate Director who leads Control Risks analyst team for East and Southern Africa; Seamus Duggan, an Associate Director with a specialism in tactical security; and Jacques Nel, head of Macro at Oxford Economics Africa, the Africa-focused subsidiary of our partners, Oxford Economics.
The tragic events of September 11, 2001 changed the world as we knew it. But with the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, the 9/11 era is over. Join Charles Hecker and Claudine Fry for a discussion about the legacy of 9/11, the implications of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, and the shifting balance of global power with Sir William Patey, Control Risks International Affairs and Advisor and former British Ambassador to Afghanistan, Jonathan Wood, a Principal based in our DC office and Oksana Antonenko, a Director based in our London office.
Read Jonathan Wood's most recent article on the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Visit controlrisks.com to see how we can support your organisation with political, security, compliance and integrity risk.
FFP was originally established by UEFA a decade ago to tackle overspending at European clubs and in an attempt to curb the pursuit of short-term success at the expense of long-term financial damage. Join Control Risks Partner Jonathan Brown and Jason Shardlow-Wrest, Managing Associate in Dispute Resolution at Linklaters, for an exploration of Financial Fair Play, looking at its origination and more recent evolution in response to COVID-19. They also consider the future of FFP amidst recent procedural changes and public statements from UEFA that the rules are currently being reviewed and will be overhauled with new regulations coming into play potentially as soon as next year.
The polls closed on 18 June, with conservative figure Ebrahim Raisi securing a landslide and ending reformist President Hassan Rowhani’s eight-year rule. Join Henry Smith for a conversation with Control Risks in-house expert Nicki Siamaki, Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, the founder and CEO of the Bourse & Bazaar Foundation and Dr. Farid Sigari-Majd, Partner at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer where they discuss the impact Raisi will have on the ongoing negotiations with the US, Iran’s sanctions environment in the coming year and challenges and opportunities that foreign businesses will be presented with in Iran’s market.
Malaysia’s tumultuous politics has left many asking about the country’s political and economic outlook in the coming months. Dane Chamorro, Partner, discusses with Harrison Cheng, Associate Director and Lead Analyst for Malaysia, about the potential of a political coup in Malaysia, the handling of the Covid-19 situation by the government and its impact on the country’s economy, the human rights allegations in certain sectors in Malaysia and how companies need to manage such reputational risks in their supply chains, as well as his prediction of the political situation until the end of the year.
Stay updated with new episodes by subscribing wherever you listen to your podcasts and more content can be found www.controlrisks.com.
The recent unrest in South Africa surfaced underlying tensions and led to significant operational disruption. But it fitted a known pattern of turbulence associated with local political and socioeconomic triggers, and it is best understood as part of a nuanced risk landscape that includes criminality, corruption, crumbling critical national infrastructural and a degree of policy uncertainty. Join Charles Hecker and Claudine Fry for a conversation with in-house South Africa expert Seamus Duggan about the drivers of instability and the outlook for the business environment in South Africa.
Read the article on our website.
Beijing’s probe into Didi Global has sent shockwaves through investors and multinationals with operations in or exposure to China. Many are left wondering if this is just good data policy poorly executed or a more calculated step to undermine the U.S. financial system and its regulators. Carly Ramsey, Head of Global Risk Analysis for Greater China and Yifei Zhang, General Manager, North China discuss recent events and how they might be viewed in the context of China’s domestic policy and regulatory developments.
Stay updated with new episodes by subscribing wherever you listen to your podcasts and more content can be found www.controlrisks.com.
The recent chain of extreme weather events in the US, Europe and China is a stark reminder that now is the time for companies to address the climate crisis. Join Charles Hecker and Claudine Fry as they speak with Jonathan Wood about how Control Risks is helping clients in this area and why climate change is rapidly becoming the most important factor for domestic policy, foreign policy and business strategy.