India

India has become a focal point of late; with the Mumbai terrorist attack unprecedented in the country catching global attention, October‟s mission to the moon, and its longstanding nuclear power, India's position as a regional power in South Asia and growing presence as an international player are indisputable. As the world's second most populous country, its vast potential is difficult to ignore; huge amounts of wealth are being created by Indians investing not just locally but internationally. Four of the top ten richest individuals in the world are from India. Still, the country faces challenges politically and commercially because of its caste, religious and regional tensions. Corruption and political influence at all levels are prevalent and mark both daily and business operations. This month's Satyam scandal (“India‟s Enron”) has dismayed investors and raised fresh concerns on governance issues. This has created an environment where opportunities seem almost endless, but where their success depend on a careful understanding of the forces at play including political patronage, opposition interests, regional disparities and the influence and self-interests of family-dominated business.

Posted date 14-01-2009


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Libya

The spectre of Libya as an attractive market opportunity for foreign investment in the aftermath of regime change does raise difficulties for verifying the sort of information and procedures necessary to protect investors from FCPA and Bribery Act infringements; indeed, to protect them from losing money and reputation.

From Switzerland to Singapore

There is an eastward shift underfoot in the world of private banking. As pressure builds in Europe against bank secrecy and tax evasion, parts of Asia are cropping up as the new favoured private banking centres. A report published by PwC in June 2011 estimates that Singapore is set to take the slot as the world’s top wealth manager by 2013

Page Group Opens New Middle East Office

Page Group is pleased to announce the opening of our new Middle East office providing due diligence, background checks, asset tracing and investigations along with security advisory and reviews.

Alan Jenkins Welcomed as Head of Advisory Board

Alan joined Page Group as head of the advisory board in the autumn of 2011. He has had a long and distinguished legal career, retiring as Chairman of Eversheds LLP in April 2010.

UK Bribery Act

The UK's Bribery Act comes into force today.

The UK Bribery Act The Steps We Should Take

This month Page Group’s legal advisor takes a practical look at the Bribery Act and what steps businesses can take to prepare themselves. The new legislation will come into force on 1 July 2011. Sensible companies will be reviewing the steps they can take to minimise adverse effects on their business or even, in an extreme case, the risk of a prosecution under the Act. After some delay, government guidance has been provided as to the ‘adequate procedures’ expected to be in place to reduce the risk of their business being adversely affected by bribery.

Kabul City

In this and forthcoming newsletters, Page Group will feature on-the-ground accounts by personnel deployed by our company in different regions. This month, our country manager in Afghanistan has provided an insight into what conditions are like in Kabul, filling a gap in many people’s understanding of what actually takes place in the city which is so often the subject of daily headlines.

Evacuation and Crisis Planning

Companies, non-governmental organisations and individuals may be surprised to learn how quickly they can become caught up in a crisis caused by hurricanes, floods, tsunamis, volcanoes, hazardous material or nuclear accidents, terrorist activity, kidnappings, civil war, ethnic violence, political turmoil, coups d'état, or uprisings

Bribery Act Guidance Notes

The Ministry of Justice has finally released the Guidance Notes linked to the Bribery Act. The full details can be found at the following url: http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/bribery.htm. Companies will now have until 1st July 2011 to ensure compliance with the Act.

Haiti One Year On

A year on from the earthquake and Haiti remains in a state of almost perpetual flux. Many hoped the New Year would have heralded a new beginning and a new political situation that would promote investment and be the catalyst for infrastructure rebuilding; sadly little has changed for the thousands of displaced homeless that still inhabit the public spaces. These shanties, made of makeshift shelters and tents, are threatening to grow into townships commanding their own blend of justice and hierarchy.