Ukraine: Approval of Defence City regime for arms manufacturers including tax and customs incentives
In brief On 21 August 2025, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine enacted two significant pieces of legislation — Law No. 13420 and Law No. 13421 — creating the legal foundation for the Defence City initiative. Law No. 13420 on Defence City framework and tax incentives received presidential assent on 3 September 2025. The Defence City […]
Yes, You Can Fire an Employee for a Problematic Post, but Should You?
“This is what we stand for” is an oft-repeated phrase when social media posts create controversy, but few companies pause to ask whether values genuinely inform decisions or surface only when convenient. Ask an Ethicist columnist Vera Cherepanova examines where fiduciary duty lies when free speech, company reputation and political pressure collide. I sit on […]
United States: White House publishes plan for the taxation of cryptocurrencies and other digital assets
Tax News and Developments September 2025 In brief Earlier this summer, the US Administration’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets (“Working Group“) published a report, entitled Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology (“Report“). The Report contains recommendations for revising existing legislation and IRS guidance regarding trusts engaged in cryptocurrency staking, Code provisions that may deny recognition […]
The Role of Usability and Support in Compliance Training
Even the best training content won’t be effective if the platform is frustrating, or support is hard to reach. In many cases, the experience of accessing and managing the training is just as important as the content itself. Constant technical issues or delayed responses can undermine even the most well-designed programs, adding extra stress for […]
Deregulation Déjà Vu: 3 Cycles Every Compliance Leader Should Remember
The savings and loan crisis, 2008 financial collapse and 2023 bank failures all followed the same script: deregulation, excessive risk-taking, crisis, bailout and eventually, stricter regulation. Elaine F. Duffus of Wolters Kluwer has watched this cycle repeat throughout her career — until now. For the first time in modern banking history, we’re responding to crisis […]
European Union: ESAs see progress in PAI disclosures under SFDR but room for further improvement
In brief While the quality of principal adverse impact (PAI) disclosures under the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) has improved year on year, the European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) recommend several changes to the current format. Contents In more detail Background Main findings Firms that choose not to disclose PAIs Firms that choose to disclose PAIs […]
Why Anonymous Reporting Channels Are No Longer Optional
Despite the widespread rollout of workplace training programs, harassment and discrimination often remain under the radar — not because they don’t happen, but because employees don’t report them. Traliant’s 2025 State of Workplace Harassment Report revealed that nearly half of employees (49%) say they would not report harassment at all if they couldn’t do so […]
War & Peace: What You Need to Know About the Defense Production Act
Although the Defense Production Act was enacted to support defense readiness during the Korean War era, the federal government has expanded its use to address nonmilitary national priorities as well. DPA contracts take priority over commercial ones, so it is imperative for contractors to be prepared so they can comply in the event they are […]
United Kingdom: Crypto week and beyond the GENIUS Act
In brief The week of July 14 to 18, 2025 marked a historic moment for the U.S. cryptocurrency industry, as the U.S. House of Representatives officially designated it “Crypto Week.” This initiative signaled a profound shift in how Washington approaches the burgeoning digital asset landscape, moving from cautious observation to active legislative engagement. While much […]
Customization to Support Your Culture
Too often, compliance training feels one-size-fits-all. While the purpose behind training is important, oftentimes the execution doesn’t quite connect with your employees. It can feel disconnected, basic and generic: set in a corporate office featuring someone reciting what you should or shouldn’t do. It rarely explores the gray areas employees actually face and can overlook […]