Aperio Intelligence

The latest edition of the Financial Crime Digest is out now: https://lnkd.in/dQZMVzXY The #FCD is free to access and you can register through your LinkedIn account: https://lnkd.in/dFpKHD4U Highlights of the new edition include: - World observes Day Against #Trafficking in Persons - France restricts public access to its #beneficialownership register, requiring demonstration of legitimate interest - London Appellate Court says NCA refusal to probe #Xinjiang-origin cotton consignments was illegal - Central Asia: #ESG opportunity and risk - US #sanctions spotlight: Developments and measures adopted in July - UK sanctions spotlight: Developments and measures adopted in July - Environmental, Social and Governance Update - Aperio Analysis by Pierre le Jeune d'Allegeershecque, Head of Western Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa Practices, and Francesca Povey, #MENA Analyst

We are delighted to be joining the Romanian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (ROPEA), an independent, non-profit organisation, promoting the interests of the Romanian #privateequity and #venturecapital industry. We are looking forward to many fruitful collaborations!

Thank you Cercle de Giverny for an incredible day of talks and insights into the just transition, how to prepare for incoming ESG regulations and the future of sustainable investing, all amongst Monet’s water lilies. A real highlight to hear from Alexandra Palt, Muriel Signouret Mary Schapiro Marie-Claire Daveu Aperio Intelligence

This week, #Mexico’s President #AMLO finally received approval from Mexico’s Senate for his #judicialreforms, which are are arguably dangerous and counterintuitively anti-democratic. By opening federal judicial positions to popular election, the Mexican government renders their Judiciary power more vulnerable to corruption and influence from both organised crime groups and other political parties, negatively affecting the Judiciary’s supposed impartiality and likely worsening the country’s already high rates of impunity. I cover this more in depth in an article I wrote in May for Aperio Intelligence’s Financial Crime Digest in the run up to Mexico’s June 2024 elections. https://lnkd.in/dQVni_Uw

We at Aperio Intelligence Romania were delighted to interact with such an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and passionate group of students last week as part of the DofE Youth event series. Many thanks to The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Romania for this opportunity!

🌟 Unlocking Infinite Possibilities: A Recap of Our Workshop with Aperio Intelligence 🌟 We are thrilled to share the success of our recent workshop, delivered in partnership with Aperio Intelligence: INVESTIGATIVE SKILSS WORKSHOP! 🎉 This full-day event, part of our series DofE Youth Events, conducted in English, was a fantastic opportunity for young people from Romania and Ukraine to explore new horizons and ignite their passions. With 15 enthusiastic participants, the workshop covered a range of transformative themes, including: 🔍 Due diligence and how does it work ⚠️ High risk industries ⚠️ 🌍 Navigating Global Supply Chain Challenges ⚖️ Labor Exploitation 💰 Financial Crime 📰 Fake News 🌐 Open Source Intelligence Thanks to our partnership with Aperio Intelligence, we were able to open the door to a world of possibilities for these bright young minds. The insights and skills gained during this day will undoubtedly pave the way for their future endeavors and ambitions. 🌐✨ A big thank you to Aperio Intelligence for their expertise and dedication, and to all the participants for their energy and engagement. Here’s to many more opportunities like this, where we can continue to inspire and empower the next generation! 🙌💪 #WORLDREADY #dofe #AperioIntelligence #youth #dofeyouthevents

En cette rentrée scolaire 🎉 🎉 , nous reprenons aussi le chemin des publications. Le dernier numéro de la lettre d'information Prospective Risques et Intelligence d'Aperio Intelligence est disponible aujourd'hui. Au sommaire de ce numéro: - Je propose tout d'abord un point de situation sur l'état de la refondation des relations Afrique-France voulue par le Président Macron en ces moments de crises ou de transitions politiques tant pour nous que pour nombre de nos partenaires du continent. - Luis L., Associé et responsable de la practice Amérique latine, analyse les scénarios post-électoraux au Venezuela.  - Larissa Normanton, Directrice associée et responsable de la practice MENA participe à une session de questions-réponses spécial élections américaines 2024. Un grand merci à Larissa et à Luis pour leur contribution. Pour celles et ceux qui seraient intéressés, n'hésitez pas à me contacter en DM ou par email pour recevoir les prochains numéros directement dans vos boîtes email. Bonne lecture!

International companies should be cautious when entering El Salvador's market, Aperio's LatAm and Iberia Head Luis L. argues in an opinion piece for fDi Intelligence. Amid views that #ElSalvador could turn into a new version of Singapore, the piece is looking at some of the risks and challenges that companies should consider when assessing business and #investment opportunities in El Salvador.

Last month #Burkina Faso’s new #mining code was passed by the transition parliament in an unsurprisingly unanimous vote. Amidst the backdrop of continuing political volatility and a consistently deteriorating security situation – illustrated most bleakly by the killing over the weekend of hundreds of labourers by Islamist insurgents, in what has been described as the country’s worst-ever terrorist attack – the mining code included new stipulations which should worry existing and prospective players in the sector alike. These are: - Increasing the “free stake” of the Burkinabe government in all mining concerns from 10% to 15% - Requirements to allow Burkinabe investors to acquire stakes in all mining firms registered in the country – a process which could be heavily targeted by politically-exposed rentiers, and which will consequently have to be carefully navigated by mining firms present in Burkina Faso - A requirement to on-shore 50% of all refining of gold in Burkina Faso, via the country’s soon-to-be sole operating facility – operated in partnership with a Malian firm - Most concerningly, a compulsory participation in the Mining Development Fund. This fund will in turn be funding the Patriotic Support Fund, the key source of money for the paramilitary Defense of the Homeland (#VDP). This could carry extensive risks of exposure (albeit indirect) to the war crimes VDP forces have been accused of, as well as potential sanctions exposure should VDP troops be shown to be trained or fighting alongside #Wagner/Africa Corps fighters, who are already present in the country. The deteriorating security situation as well as the new mining code will likely be a significant concern to the #gold-mining firms which produce Burkina Faso’s key export (80% of total exports). But it bears repeating that it is civilian populations which will bear the brunt of both worsening security and economic prospects. The VDP and regular Burkinabe army have proven incapable of countering the insurgency in the country. In this context, similar to what we have seen in #Mali, it will likely be very tempting for Burkina Faso’s junta to rely increasingly on Wagner – which has so far been limited to bodyguarding and training duties – for counterinsurgency. There is ample evidence from Mali about the human and economic predation this cooperation entails. Read our full article here – I can also send you a PDF version. https://lnkd.in/dG6PVhUZ

Last month #Burkina Faso’s new #mining code was passed by the transition parliament in an unsurprisingly unanimous vote. Amidst the backdrop of continuing political volatility and a consistently deteriorating security situation – illustrated most bleakly by the killing over the weekend of hundreds of labourers by Islamist insurgents, in what has been described as the country’s worst-ever terrorist attack – the mining code included new stipulations which should worry existing and prospective players in the sector alike. These are: - Increasing the “free stake” of the Burkinabe government in all mining concerns from 10% to 15% - Requirements to allow Burkinabe investors to acquire stakes in all mining firms registered in the country – a process which could be heavily targeted by politically-exposed rentiers, and which will consequently have to be carefully navigated by mining firms present in Burkina Faso - A requirement to on-shore 50% of all refining of gold in Burkina Faso, via the country’s soon-to-be sole operating facility – operated in partnership with a Malian firm - Most concerningly, a compulsory participation in the Mining Development Fund. This fund will in turn be funding the Patriotic Support Fund, the key source of money for the paramilitary Defense of the Homeland (#VDP). This could carry extensive risks of exposure (albeit indirect) to the war crimes VDP forces have been accused of, as well as potential sanctions exposure should VDP troops be shown to be trained or fighting alongside #Wagner/Africa Corps fighters, who are already present in the country. The deteriorating security situation as well as the new mining code will likely be a significant concern to the #gold-mining firms which produce Burkina Faso’s key export (80% of total exports). But it bears repeating that it is civilian populations which will bear the brunt of both worsening security and economic prospects. The VDP and regular Burkinabe army have proven incapable of countering the insurgency in the country. In this context, similar to what we have seen in #Mali, it will likely be very tempting for Burkina Faso’s junta to rely increasingly on Wagner – which has so far been limited to bodyguarding and training duties – for counterinsurgency. There is ample evidence from Mali about the human and economic predation this cooperation entails. Read our full article here – I can also send you a PDF version. https://lnkd.in/dG6PVhUZ