International Private Client

• 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.

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• 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. 

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• 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.

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• 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. 

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• 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.

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• Sanctions against Russia have increasingly targeted the global shipping and maritime industry as the U.S., UK, EU, and other allied governments seek to enforce its crude oil price cap more aggressively.
• With Russian crude exports on the rise, individuals and businesses with ties to the global shipping and maritime industry – particularly Greek and Cyprus-based companies – could find themselves exposed to the widening sphere of Western sanctions.
• We explain how individuals and businesses with ties to the Cypriot shipping industry and their advisors may be able to mitigate potential risks.

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• Ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) operating outside the United States have recently come under increasingly aggressive scrutiny from U.S regulators, including the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and international cooperation agencies such as INTERPOL.
• If an UHNWI is not adequately prepared, these accusations could potentially spiral into global asset freezes and seizures.
• Below, our team discusses pre-emptive measures these potential targets can take to mitigate associated risks.

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• Relations between China and the U.S. will likely remain tense for the foreseeable future, as evidenced by the recent U.S. law mandating TikTok be divested or face a ban.
• Companies and individuals with perceived Chinese associations – including in Greater China, Southeast Asia and the wider region – could be at risk of invasive and politically motivated government enforcement actions.
• Those at risk can take several proactive steps to protect their assets, reputation and liberty.

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• Bad-faith opponents often use elaborate mechanisms to publicly discredit high-net-worth individuals.
• Misinformation can spread across borders rapidly, resulting in reputational harm across borders and languages.
• HNWIs in contentious situations should take a robust and active approach with a carefully calibrated mix of legal and communications interventions.

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