Deal-making has been up and down in the M&A market from 2020 to today, creating a state of uncertainty against the backdrop of rising interest rates, inflation, and geopolitical strife that continues to roil the economy and markets. But with plenty of dry powder available, deals are expected to return to more normal pre-pandemic levels in 2023. Looking ahead at the private equity trends and predictions, there are both challenges and opportunities.
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Focusing on how companies are implementing enhanced security as the attacker-defender struggle continues, this Report dives into the 9 key takeaways along with other cutting-edge topics related to the data life cycle. While ransomware attacks decreased dramatically during 2022, they were again on the rise at the end of 2022 into 2023. Business email compromise incidents were way up, while fraudulent wire transfers were down. Going further with an in-depth view, full sections are included on:
Sustainability is now a business imperative across the world, as much as it is a stewardship one, and those companies that fail to adapt may struggle to compete in a new, low-carbon environment. Fortunately, for many family businesses, the drive for sustainability is already a road well-traveled. Their experiences and the progress they’re making on the road to sustainability are instructive and an inspiration for leaders and organizations of every type to follow.
While the banking stress has largely subsided after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, there’s expectations of uneven trajectories of economic growth and inflation that will continue to drive market volatility. Learn what this will mean for asset allocation in this Investment Perspective.
Bank failures, tighter monetary policy, and rising fear of a “hard landing” have heightened economic uncertainty. Despite these challenges, inflation is subsiding, consumer spending is stable, and the labor market remains strong. In light of the market turbulence, investors are reacting to any news, positive or negative, in search of clarity about the future.
By now, most organizations have implemented mandatory annual cyber awareness training for their employees, covering topics such as phishing and social engineering attacks. While this education is thwarting cybercrime, it is only part of robust defense strategy. In looking back at the state of cyber in 2022 and highlighting important developments, we also look ahead at what is next in building cyber resilience that will require additional defensive measures and documentation.
Gender equity investing seeks to invest for financial return while promoting gender diversity throughout the workplace. Though most public market strategies have remained focused on “women in leadership” metrics at the senior management and board of directors’ levels, the field of gender equity investing has expanded to encompass broader outcomes for employees, including resources, policies, and programs that support gender diversity at all levels in the workplace. As gender equity investing evolves, investors can look to three key areas to see what’s next.
While there has been an ongoing slowdown in venture capital funding for startups, the slowdown appears to be leveling and suggesting that the market may be normalizing. Furthermore, investors are still active in certain key sectors and notable trends are beginning to emerge.
Consumer Protection Attorney Anthony DiResta takes a look at the Federal Trade Commission's proposed rule to ban non-compete clauses in employment agreements. Mr. DiResta analyzes wide-ranging implications of the proposed rule and provides questions for companies to consider when submitting public comments on it. Download the file for a copy of the podcast transcript.
Given the latest court decisions in Delaware and the Federal Trade Commission’s announcements on restrictive covenants, it’s becoming clear that employers will need to rethink or halt their non-compete restrictions and clauses on employees when it comes to their HR policies and procedures.