Whilst the measures imposed by the health authorities and the state as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic are starting to be progressively relaxed, businesses are planning the next steps or are they? This question is posed because we are seeing shops re-open and hoping to kick-start a business as usual situation, but what is business as usual?

Green bonds are typically used to fund projects whose aim is to have a beneficial impact on the climate or the environment. On the other hand, blue bonds are intended to benefit marine ecosystems.

The sheer speed by which Covid-19 has travelled and created havoc throughout the globe in only a matter of weeks explains the interconnectivity and interdependence of humanity and our economy. Tourism and hospitality establishments depend on the movement of people to travel for business or leisure purposes. The products we consume daily, including essentials such as food processing and medical supplies just to mention a few, are produced through complex international supply chains.

As the Covid-19 takes its toll indiscriminately across the regions of the world, problems for local manufacturers are going to become ever more apparent as they struggle to cope with diminishing export orders. The corona-virus has had a devastating impact on manufacturing sectors across the world.

The 5th AML Directive (5th AMLD) which came into force on the 10th of January 2020 partly amends EU Directive 2015/849 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2015 (4th AMLD). The reason behind the new legislation was the ever-increasing fight against terrorist financing and increased transparency to avoid scandals of leaks brought about with the Swiss leaks and Panama Papers.

Companies which report their financial statements under IFRSs, and are undergoing their 2019 audit, must now comply with the new lease standard – IFRS 16. This standard, which came to effect as from 1st January 2019, will require companies to bring most, if not all, of their leases on-balance sheet.