In the latest episode of the Global Financial Industry Podcast, Baker McKenzie associates discuss: Sovereigns series – key principles of investment treaty protection. The episode covers recent examples of sovereign wealth fundsSWFs bringing investment treaty claims and how others can obtain access to these protections. The episode also analyzes why investors should consider investment treaties as part of their decision-making process.

In this special edition, Eva-Maria Segur Cabanac, a partner in our Vienna office and global sustainability lead for financial institutions, and Jennifer Klass, a partner in our New York office and co-chair of the financial regulation and enforcement practice in North America, talk with Ying Yi Liew on how the COVID-19 pandemic led to the prioritization of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations among financial institutions (FIs).

The Global Financial Institutions Industry Podcast includes 13 episodes on the following topics: Operational Risk, Risk Management Guidelines, Fintech, Financial Institutions, Insurtech, Insurance and Financial Sponsors.

Episode 12: Singapore – MAS Revises Technology Risk Management Guidelines The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) recently revised its Technology Risk Management Guidelines 2021 after feedback from a 2019 public consultation and engaging with cyber security experts. In this episode, Stephanie Magnus, Ken Chia, and Ying Yi Liew take a closer look at compliance, regulator expectations, cyber threats, and other important considerations — taking into account that financial institutions encompass large multinational banks, insurance companies and small fintech startups.

Episode 11: Fintech – Trends, Investments, and M&A In this episode, We share observations on recent innovations and take a closer look at various strategies behind the increase in investment and M&A activity. Fintech players, once seen as market disruptors, are becoming essential and critical in the future of financial institutions.

Episode 9: Financial Institutions in Post-COVID Africa This episode puts the spotlight on Africa, with a focus on South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Ethiopia. Wildu du Plessis, a partner in our Johannesburg office and head of Africa, talks about the situation in Africa, in the context of the current pandemic…

Deal making activity in sub-Saharan Africa dropped in terms of both volume and value in 2020, compared to 2019. As the continent readies itself for post-pandemic recovery, the opportunities presented by free trade across Africa as well as the post-pandemic focus on technology, healthcare and renewable energy, will be key…

In brief Wildu du Plessis, Head of Africa for Baker McKenzie, quotes from a recent Baker McKenzie report – Unprecedented: Converging Crises – as he outlines the key industry group trends in a post-pandemic Africa, and discusses what will specifically emerge in these sectors as the continent gears up for its recovery…

Wildu du Plessis, Partner and Head of Banking & Finance, and Marc Yudaken, Corporate/M&A Partner , in Baker McKenzie Johannesburg, discuss current trends in private equity investment in Africa, the opportunities and challenges available to PE investors, and what might change in a post-pandemic environment. African private equity (PE) investment…

In early March 2020, after COVID-19 had already begun its journey of destruction around the world, the European Commission (Commission) published its Comprehensive Strategy with Africa, outlining the region’s plans for its new, stronger relationship with the continent. The Commission had earlier stated that 2020 would be a pivotal year…