Category: Articles and Analysis

As the festive season approaches, schools and families look forward to a well-deserved Christmas break (finally saying goodbye to Elf on the Shelf for another 12 months). This time of the year presents an opportunity to reflect on online safety, and how schools can enhance data protection practices. With increasing digital use among students, it’s…

As the global hub for innovation and digital transformation, Dubai has taken a proactive approach to regulating virtual assets (VAs) with the establishment of Dubai’s VARA, Virtual Asset Regulation Compliance, under Law No. (4) of 2022.   VARA aims to build trust, transparency, and consumer protection while enabling a thriving ecosystem for virtual asset service providers (VASPs) and users alike.   For businesses…

Introduction to Computer Forensics As of 2024, the average data breach cost in the United Kingdom was around £3.4m due to data breaches, according to IBM Security Data Breach Report. This staggering figure highlights how devastating data breaches can be, both financially and reputationally, for businesses. Consequently, using computer forensics to investigate such breaches is…

What is the ECCTA 2023? The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) 2023 received Royal Assent on 26 October 2023. Several provisions of the Act came into force earlier this year, while others will become effective once the government has published additional guidance on their interpretation. The Act is intended to encourage organisations to establish or reinforce their…

Minimising financial losses at your organisation requires strategies to prevent corporate fraud. Cost-benefit analyses have shown that investing in strong fraud prevention controls makes good financial sense. Fraud significantly impacts profits, meaning that companies need to sell more to cover the losses incurred. According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, organisations are estimated to…

Political instability is a significant catalyst for financial crimes, particularly in the context of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) efforts. As political instability undermines governance, it enables money laundering and terrorist financing by weakening institutional oversight and enforcement of financial regulations. In regions marked by turmoil, the erosion of governance structures and rampant…

Why Prioritise Data Protection Compliance While Creating a Startup Business Plan? I recently attended an event at the Business Terrace focused on start-up businesses, and it got me thinking about a critical issue that’s often overlooked—data protection. With all the excitement and focus on growth, it is easy to forget how important it is to…

Data protection laws like the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) significantly impact organisations. To understand how businesses and public bodies deal with these regulations, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) conducted a study that included surveys and interviews.   The findings give a detailed look at how different organisations manage their data, the challenges they face,…

It is widely agreed that knowledge is power, and there is no exception in our current economy. Intellectual property (IP) is a company’s most valuable asset. IP forms the backbone of a business’s competitive edge, from trade secrets and proprietary software to innovative designs and unique content. Historically, there have been several high-profile cases of…

The EU AI Act, effective from 1 August 2024, introduces comprehensive regulations for artificial intelligence across Europe. This framework promotes responsible AI development while safeguarding public health, safety, and fundamental rights. The Act seeks to protect rights, democracy, the rule of law, and environmental sustainability from high-risk AI while also boosting innovation and positioning Europe…

Introduction to FCA Listing Rules 2024 The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) recently introduced new listing rules. The rules aim to simplify the listing process on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). These rules do not effect AIM directly. However, there are indirect effects on companies looking to list on AIM and Nominated Advisers (NOMADs). Are the…

Introduction The UAE has become a major global financial hub, especially in Dubai, over the last few decades. Behind the glitter and flamboyance of the city lies a shadowy world of financial crimes. The city’s strategic location, coupled with its liberal economic policies and free trade zones, has made it an attractive destination for foreign…