In previous news updates we have informed you about the introduction of ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) registers across EU member states. These registers were mandated by the 4th EU Anti-Money Laundering Directive. EU directives only provide a framework and mandated targets for implementation by member states, which gives them considerable flexibility.

On 25 May 2018, the EU General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”)(2016/679) will come into effect. It’s the biggest change in data protection for 20 years – and something that companies should be preparing for.

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has developed the Common Reporting Standard (CRS), which more than 100 countries have agreed to implement. Fifty three countries are in the second group of adopters and many have already enacted local legislation implementing CRS.

In 2018 both global and US corporate Mergers & Acquisitions (“M&A”) activity hit record highs, driven by deal-making in the energy, media and healthcare sectors.