An analysis of the practical implications of COVID-19 on corporate financing transactions and a summary of some key documentation issues that arise because of this global issue, along with tips to address them. ...

Industry collaboration in a time of coronavirus; ACCC grants urgent interim authorisations to banks and supermarkets to cooperate during pandemic; COVID-19's impact on the speed of ACCC merger reviews and the issues the ACCC will consider in distressed sales; your obligations regarding cancelled events and orders; promoting goods and services during the pandemic; and the ACCC's Scamwatch on high alert. ...

ACCC grants further authorisations to allow businesses to work together during pandemic Since 20 March 2020, the ACCC has granted 16 authorisations across a range of industries, allowing businesses to ...

We are currently at a fascinating time in Australia, where the data space has seen an enormous amount of new regulation over the last few years and faces significant potential regulation on the horizon. The likely impact of these changes on the way in which we deal with data and, in turn, the way in which we might deal with ethics raises a number of compelling (and complicated) questions - particularly as they relate to AI. Technology, Media & Telecommunications Partner Michael Park sat down with Dr Maria Rosario Todao, Deputy Director of the Digital Ethics Lab at Oxford University, to discuss the intersection of these themes and the emerging trends around the world. ...

Data remains one of the most undervalued assets, with most companies still failing to even include it as an asset on their balance sheet. Buyers and sellers who can recognise data assets and properly demonstrate how value can be extracted from them will be best placed for future M&A transactions. ...

The Equator Principles Association unveiled the finalised fourth version of the Equator Principles (EP4) on 18 November 2019. Set for an effective date of 1 July 2020, EP4 heightens requirements for designated OECD countries and tightens due diligence assessments with a greater focus on human rights, climate change and biodiversity. While there are many improvements and refinements from the draft we reviewed in June, the only potentially material change is a compromise on the 'free prior and informed consent' requirement for affected Indigenous communities. ...

The demand for plant-based 'meat' alternatives is predicted to grow. As with any new industry, there is a series of regulatory issues that businesses should carefully navigate at the early planning phase. This is to avoid encountering issues down the track that may affect the marketing and supply of such products in Australia. ...

The healthcare team at Allens reports on some key trends and sectors to look out for in 2020. ...

In response to the rapid growth of the e-payment market in Vietnam, the State Bank of Vietnam (the SBV) has reviewed the legal framework regulating the sector and proposed some important changes. In this Insight, we set out the key amendments the SBV has already issued – as well as those in the pipeline – and their potential impact on the intermediary payment services market. ...

A number of industries and issues are in the spotlight following release of the ACCC's 2020 Enforcement and Compliance Priorities by Chairman Rod Sims on 25 February. ...