Control Risks

The US-Iran conflict is far from over. As shipping through the Strait of Hormuz slows once again, concerns over energy security, supply chains and inflation continue to shape boardroom discussions around the world. In this episode of Ground Truth, we examine why the months ahead may prove more volatile than many expect.    Speakers: Sorana Parvulescu Barnaby Fletcher Arran Kennedy

Kidnap-for-ransom and extortion incidents are rising, becoming more complex, opportunistic and global.  In this episode of Ground Truth, we draw on Control Risks’ latest report, Kidnap and Extortion in 2026, pairing expert analysis with frontline response experience to unpack what’s driving trends and how organisations can protect their people and operations. Guests: Mark Rossin, Control Risks Director of Response Operations  Michael Barty, Control Risks Director of Special Risks Analysis

Six months on from RiskMap 2026, Control Risks experts assess how the global risk landscape is actually unfolding. From geopolitical shocks and shifting US policy to accelerating AI risk and rising societal pressure, this episode cuts through the noise to identify what matters now and what business leaders should prepare for next. 2026 RiskMap top risks: New rules-no rules world | Rise of activated societies | Growing web of organised crime | The AI compute test | The normalisation trap Guests:  Claudine Fry, Partner Caitlin Egen, Director Jonathan Wood, Principal Read the full RiskMap 2026 report.

How do you know when you have enough evidence to act? In investigations, determining the sufficiency of evidence gathered is often the thorniest part of the job. Join host Sushmit Bhattacharya as he speaks with Control Risks' Brian Mich on the real-world challenge of evaluating evidence, especially when it is circumstantial.

The US’ recent designation of certain Latin American criminal groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) means a far broader range of activities can now implicate companies and investors doing business in areas where these groups operate. How has this changed the risk landscape for companies in the region? Join host Martina Rozumberkova as she speaks with experts Ana Cortes and Ana María Ramirez about how this new designation has intensified risk for companies with operations or supply chains in Latin America.

As diplomatic tensions between the US and India make headlines, the extensive economic ties between the two nations face a new test. With India standing as one of the world's largest consumer markets, these tensions raise critical questions about its future direction and the risks for its businesses. Join host Sushmit Bhattacharya as he speaks with experts Ryan Rohlfsen, Kunal Gupta, and Brian Mich to unpack these issues. They explore whether Indian companies should prepare for heightened regulatory scrutiny from US regulators amid the ongoing friction.

As multinational development banks (MDBs) intensify their enforcement efforts, companies under scrutiny face a range of potential consequences from public sanctions and limits on future business to lasting reputational harm. Navigating this complex and high-impact process requires expert guidance. Join host Jon Preston as he speaks with experts Sârra-Tilila Bounfour and Joyce Nkini-Iwisi to unpack what happens when MDBs sanction companies under review.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology-enabled tools have transformed how compliance leaders navigate regulatory obligations, far beyond the capacity of legacy systems. When used well, AI capabilities enable early risk detection, inspiring confident decision-making. But without a clear strategy, AI use invites incredible risks into the room.  Join Control Risks' Principal, John Kim in conversation with Matt Reeder, Head of Legal at Bluesky Social, on effectively implementing and improving AI-driven compliance programmes, with a focus on three essential pillars: people, priorities and processes.

Multilateral development banks (MDBs) play a crucial role in global development, but when misconduct arises in MDB-financed projects, the consequences can be serious. From fraud and corruption to workplace misconduct, these institutions conduct rigorous investigations that can lead to public sanctions and long-term reputational damage. For companies operating in high-risk environments, understanding the MDB investigative process is essential. Join host Jon Preston in conversation with experts Sârra-Tilila Bounfour and Joyce Nkini-Iwisi as they unpack the lifecycle of MDB external investigations. They explore how cases are triggered, what companies can expect during field missions, and the importance of cooperation and compliance. With insights from both the investigative and advisory sides, this episode offers practical guidance for navigating MDB scrutiny and strengthening internal controls. Find out more.

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are high-stakes ventures, and in today’s volatile geopolitical and regulatory environment, the risks of fraud, corruption and financial crime are more pressing than ever. As dealmakers navigate complex cross-border transactions, the need for robust compliance frameworks and proactive due diligence has never been greater. Join host Martin Tornberg in conversation with experts Hannah Harrison and Oleg Kozlov as they examine the evolving landscape of M&A fraud risk. They discuss the implications of the UK’s new failure to prevent fraud offence, the challenges of post-deal integration, and how companies can protect themselves from liability through enhanced due diligence and compliance planning. Find out more.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed eDiscovery, from early structured analytics and keyword filtering to the sophisticated use of large language models. As legal teams face growing data volumes and tighter deadlines, AI offers powerful tools for early case assessment, multilingual document review and even bespoke investigative workflows. Professionals in eDiscovery, whose work is routinely submitted to regulators and courts, must be careful when using AI in their practice. Join host Sushmit Bhattacharya in conversation with experts Maggie Burtoft and Stuart Hall as they explore the evolution of AI in eDiscovery. They discuss the shift from traditional technology-assisted review (TAR) to generative AI, the benefits of custom-built solutions and how to address client concerns around cost, accuracy and hallucinations. Find out more.

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.  Find out more.

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. Find out more.

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. Find out more.

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. Find out more.

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.  Find out more.

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. Find out more.

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.   Find out more.

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. Find out more.

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. Find out more.

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 “burning furnace,” started in 2016 but has intensified since 2021.   Many senior officials in the country have come under investigation. They’ve been asked to leave their positions or have been 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 growing increasingly nervous and are holding off on making any decisions that might spark a corruption investigation. But that’s not the whole story.   Angela Mancini, Partner, sits down with Steve Wilford, Partner, to discuss Vietnam’s current business and political environment and how, despite the challenges, there is still a lot of opportunity.  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.