Search for:
Category

ESG

Category
In ESG

European Union: EU institutions give businesses the gift of legal certainty on sustainability rules

by , , , and 4 Mins Read

The EU has finalized measures to simplify and delay the application of key sustainability regulations, providing businesses with greater clarity and planning certainty. The changes follow the Omnibus package introduced earlier in 2025 and include amendments to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), and related frameworks. The EU Parliament approved the amendments, and EFRAG released revised European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) to streamline reporting obligations. Updates to the EU Taxonomy, adopted in July 2025, will apply from January 2026, and targeted simplifications and delays to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) were also endorsed.

Read More
In Employment

United States: Immigration update — What employers should know about immigration changes in Q4

by , and 6 Mins Read

Major recent US immigration changes are reshaping employer compliance and visa processes—from social media vetting to costly new programs and reduced work permit validity. Find out what these updates mean for your workforce and future planning. For example, the Gold Card Program launched, offering a path to permanent residence but with unclear timelines and requirements. EAD validity periods have been shortened, and automatic extensions removed for most categories, increasing compliance risks. Proposed ESTA changes will require extensive social media history, making applications more complex.

In ESG

Europe: European Parliament and Council reach agreement on the EU Deforestation Regulation

by , , and 3 Mins Read

On 9 December 2025, the European Parliament and Council agreed on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which aims to prevent products linked to deforestation from entering or leaving the EU market.
The Regulation introduces a due diligence system requiring operators and traders to ensure products are “deforestation-free,” provide geolocation data, and submit compliance statements. Non-compliance may result in fines of up to 4% of EU turnover. The main obligations will apply from 30 December 2024.

In ESG

European Union: EU institutions give businesses the gift of legal certainty on sustainability rules

by , , , and 4 Mins Read

On 23 September 2025, the EU Environment Commissioner proposed delaying the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by another year due to IT system challenges. Originally set for 30 December 2025, the compliance deadline may be extended to 30 December 2026. The delay aims to reduce uncertainty for authorities and stakeholders and ensure the IT infrastructure can handle operational demands. Further discussions among EU institutions are expected before a formal announcement.

Read More
In AML & Financial Services Regulatory

European Union: SFDR 2.0 — simplified disclosures, new categories and stricter marketing rules

by , , and 4 Mins Read

On 20 November 2025, the European Commission proposed major changes to the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) to simplify disclosures and strengthen investor protection. The new framework introduces three product categories—Transition, Sustainable, and ESG Basics—each requiring a 70% investment commitment and exclusion of harmful industries. Simplified two-page templates will replace current disclosure rules, and entity-level obligations like principal adverse impacts are removed.
Only products in these categories may use sustainability-related terms in marketing. Taxonomy disclosures become optional, with a 15% safe harbor for aligned assets. Application is expected 18 months after adoption, likely in 2028, marking a significant shift toward clearer, stricter sustainability standards.

In ESG

Brazil: CONAR announces new rules to combat greenwashing

by and 3 Mins Read

On 22 November 2025, Brazil’s National Council for Advertising Self-Regulation (CONAR) introduced new rules to combat greenwashing in advertising. The changes cover biodiversity, climate change, and waste disposal, reinforcing the sector’s commitment to environmental protection.
Two new articles encourage responsible socio-environmental communication and set guidelines for sustainability claims and technical terminology.
Advertisers must provide detailed data on emissions, carbon offsets, and product life cycles, along with specific deadlines and action plans for environmental goals. These changes aim to ensure transparency and prevent misleading sustainability claims.

In ESG

Brazil: Superior Court of Justice establishes binding precedent on the crime of pollution

by , and 2 Mins Read

On 8 October 2025, Brazil’s Superior Court of Justice (STJ) issued a binding precedent on the criminal offense of pollution under Article 54. The ruling, delivered through Special Appeal under the system of repetitive appeals, clarifies that the offense is of a formal nature and constitutes an abstract danger crime. It establishes that potential harm to human health is sufficient for liability, without requiring proof of actual harm or technical expertise. Evidence may be provided through any suitable means. This precedent simplifies prosecution and will guide lower courts nationwide, reinforcing environmental compliance obligations.

Read More
In Cybersecurity, Data and Tech

Canada: Clarifying compliance – Canadian enforcement trends in youth privacy and age assurance

by , and 3 Mins Read

Canadian privacy regulators are intensifying scrutiny of platforms used by minors, emphasizing age assurance and youth privacy. Investigations reveal that self-declared age gates and adult-oriented consent language are inadequate. Platforms must adopt layered age verification, youth-friendly privacy communications, and contextual data practices. Enforcement is shaping standards ahead of formal guidance, urging proactive compliance measures.

In Cybersecurity, Data and Tech

Brazil: Data Protection Authority becomes a regulatory agency and assumes new responsibilities for the digital protection of children and adolescents

by , , and 3 Mins Read

The Brazilian Data Protection Authority (ANPD) has become an autonomous regulatory agency with expanded powers under Provisional Measure No. 1.317/2025 and Decree No. 12.622/2025. It now oversees digital protections for children and adolescents, including enforcing court orders, setting security standards, and coordinating with other agencies. The ANPD can issue regulations, supervise entities, and ensure proportional obligations for tech providers, prioritizing children’s rights and data protection in digital environments.

In ESG

European Union: Commission considering delaying EUDR application for another year

by , and 2 Mins Read

On 23 September 2025, the EU Environment Commissioner proposed delaying the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by another year due to IT system challenges. Originally set for 30 December 2025, the compliance deadline may be extended to 30 December 2026. The delay aims to reduce uncertainty for authorities and stakeholders and ensure the IT infrastructure can handle operational demands. Further discussions among EU institutions are expected before a formal announcement.

Read More
Load More