European banks are facing the threat of having to reveal their taxes and profits on a country-by-country basis in the latest twist to the EU negotiations over rules to make banks safer. The European parliament is pressing for the tougher disclosure regime along with a demand for strict curbs on bankers’ bonuses as part of the law implementing the Basel III international … [Read more...]
Clean Energy Cases Are Heating Up the World Trade Organization.
I'll be heading to Washington, D.C. next week to meet with White House officials and members of Congress to discuss the President's clean energy agenda. So it's no surprise that I’m a big advocate of the global clean energy industry, which last year alone generated almost $269 Billion in international business. In somewhat of a tribute to the growing importance of clean … [Read more...]
U.S. and E.U. Trade Negotiations: A Complete Waste of Time?
Last month I wrote about the Obama Administration’s plan to negotiate a U.S. and E.U. Free Trade Agreement in the next few years. Lots of folks think its an excellent idea. And so do I. However, there is at least one commenter who thinks that U.S. and E.U. trade negotiations is a terrible idea. … [Read more...]
International Trade Skyrockets in Miami Customs District.
The venerable Mimi Whitefield of the Miami Herald is reporting that 2012 was a record-breaking year for international trade in the Miami Customs District with $124.73 billion worth of trade being exchanged. According to Whitefield, Miami district exports increased to a record $73.3 billion, up nearly 6 percent from the previous year, and imports totaled a record $51.4 … [Read more...]
SEC Takes Immediate Action in Freezing OffShore Accounts Tied to Heinz Insider-Trading.
Yesterday it was announced that Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway partnered with Brazilian equity fund 3G to purchase iconic American ketchup maker Heinz in a blockbuster $23 Billion deal. Just a day after the deal, the SEC obtained an emergency court order to freeze assets in a Zurich, Switzerland-based trading account that was used to reap more than $1.7 million from … [Read more...]
U.S. Consumers May Spend the Most on Valentines Day But the Philippines Love the Most.
Valentine’s Day is big business around the world. In the U.S. alone, customers will spend around $18.6 billion on Valentine's Day, with the average person spending around $131, according to a survey conducted by the National Retailers Association. In the U.K., consumers will spend an estimated $2 Billion. Whether you’re in China, Japan, Europe or Latin America, there’s … [Read more...]
International Lawyers Get Green Light to Serve as In-House Counsel in the U.S.
It’s about time the American Bar Association recognized that the globalization of law is a “trend” that’s here to stay. I say this because the ABA House of Delegates just passed a resolution that would allow foreign attorneys to work in the U.S. as in-house counsel. The fact is that seven states already allow international attorneys to work as in-house lawyers in the U.S. … [Read more...]
Investment Visas in Brazil. The Basics.
There seems to be no end in sight for investment opportunities in Brazil. Here in Miami, where my practice is based, I've seen an incredible amount of interest from investors wanting to get their hands on Brazilian Visas. There's a great post over at the Brazilian Law Blog that does a great job of going over the types of visas available for those looking to invest there. In … [Read more...]
Thinking of Terminating Your International Employee? Not So Fast.
U.S. companies have a quick-trigger habit of terminating a foreign-based employee(s) without first taking a look at the termination laws of the host country. Details such as pre-termination notice, severance pay and termination procedures are often overlooked. This could spell serious trouble for the U.S. company down the road. That’s why it’s critical for U.S. multinational … [Read more...]
International Technology Laws Apply to You too, Google.
I can't stress enough how important it is for technology companies operating overseas to be mindful of the dizzying array of compliance laws that apply. Some companies just don't seem to get it. I bring this up because the Washington Post is reporting that Google faces at least 10 lawsuits in the United Kingdom over violation of the UK’s stringent privacy protection … [Read more...]