International Private Client

• The new U.S. administration will likely continue to embrace economic sanctions as a tool for pressuring political adversaries abroad.
• Recent moves include pressure on historically aligned nations such as Canada, Mexico, and Colombia and sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC).
• Should relations between the U.S. and other governments or organizations shift from the status quo, at-risk entities and individuals may take proactive steps to mitigate potential risks.

Read More

• The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) continues to expand its aggressive enforcement efforts of non-U.S. individuals in money laundering investigations.
• Recent amendments to the statute of limitations for these violations have extended the prosecution timeframe from 5 to 7 years.
• At-risk individuals should take proactive steps to ensure they are protected.

Read More

• As Africa's landscape continues to open new opportunities for investors in the extractive industries, challenges such as navigating high-risk jurisdictions and maintaining the support of governments and local business partners persist.
• Rapid political shifts can strain or irreparably damage relationships, while adverse actions by key local business partners can create significant operational hurdles.
• While the decision to operate in volatile markets can be a lucrative one, businesses and individuals can take the proactive steps below to ensure their investments stay protected.

Read More

• The UK continues to use sanctions as an aggressive political strategy to attack adversarial governments and their perceived allies. 
• While Russian entities have borne the focus of these efforts in recent years, the potential use of secondary sanctions—targeting those with connections to sanctioned countries or individuals—could be on the horizon.
• This development may significantly impact Chinese businesses and citizens engaged in trade or holding interests in the UK.

Read More

• Disinformation is the creation and proliferation of inaccurate information with the intent of causing harm, posing a significant threat to ultra-high-net-worth individuals as it is often designed to cause serious financial and reputational damage.
• From disgruntled former business partners seeking retribution to political adversaries trying to influence governments against their targets, disinformation can cause a ripple effect of dire consequences.
• Some tools can help mitigate risks and combat harmful narratives. 

Read More

• Western enforcement agencies like the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) increasingly pursue Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWIs) with cross-border investigations throughout Africa.
• These investigations threaten the UHNWIs' liberty, assets, and reputation and are often initiated solely based on allegations made in the media by adversaries.
• The increased focus of the U.S. DOJ and the aggressive tools at its disposal can put individuals and companies operating throughout Africa at risk of global asset freezes, seizures, and/or other penalties.

Read More

• Recent political unrest in Latin America poses increased risks for global investors with deep financial ties to the region. Attempted coups and disputed elections have increased investor concerns over potential disruption to companies' onshore operations. 
• Rapid changes in political regimes affecting relationships with local governments or adverse actions taken against key local business partners may cause business challenges. 
• Extractive industries such as lithium mining and oil and gas face significant exposure to these geopolitical events. 

Read More

• The creation and proliferation of inaccurate information are among the most potent threats facing ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI) navigating disputes.
• This misinformation can corrode and obscure the truth, risking a person’s reputation, lawfully held assets, and freedom to move across borders.
• When facing these types of risks, UHNWIs and their advisors should contemplate proactive steps to protect their legitimate business interests.

Read More