Regulatory Change Feed

EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism Enters Definitive Phase

CBAM moves from transitional reporting to definitive phase, requiring importers to purchase certificates reflecting the carbon price. Covers steel, cement, aluminium, fertilisers, electricity, and hydrogen.

UK Implements Comprehensive Crypto Asset Regulation

The FCA introduces a full regulatory regime for crypto assets including exchange licensing, custody requirements, and staking rules. Provides regulatory clarity but raises compliance costs for crypto businesses.

South Africa Mandates Green Bond Standards for JSE Listings

The JSE requires all green, social, and sustainability bond listings to comply with new taxonomy-aligned disclosure standards. Third-party verification mandatory. Positions Johannesburg as Africa's sustainable finance hub.

Australia Enforces Right to Disconnect for All Employers

The right to disconnect extends to small businesses (under 15 employees) after an initial grace period. Employees can refuse unreasonable after-hours contact without repercussions. Dispute resolution available via Fair Work Commission.

Saudi Arabia Introduces R&D Tax Incentive Regime

A new R&D tax incentive allows qualifying companies to deduct up to 200% of eligible R&D expenditures. Aimed at diversifying the economy under Vision 2030, targeting tech, biotech, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Ghana Mandates Universal Mobile Money Interoperability

The Bank of Ghana mandates full interoperability between all mobile money operators and banks. Cross-platform transactions must settle in real-time with standardised fee caps, boosting digital financial inclusion.

South Korea Introduces Flexible 52-Hour Work Week Averaging

South Korea allows 52-hour weekly work cap to be averaged over a 6-month period, giving employers and workers more scheduling flexibility. Particularly benefits tech and creative industries with project-based cycles.

India Operationalises National Carbon Credit Trading Scheme

India launches its national carbon market with mandatory participation for energy-intensive industries. Voluntary market open to all entities. Cross-border credit recognition under bilateral agreements with EU and Singapore.

New Zealand Relaxes Foreign Buyer Restrictions for Build-to-Rent

New Zealand amends the Overseas Investment Act to allow foreign investors to develop build-to-rent housing projects without prior OIO consent for developments of 20+ units. Retains ban on existing residential property purchases.

UAE Corporate Tax Fully Operational for All Businesses

All UAE businesses with taxable income above AED 375,000 now subject to the 9% corporate tax. Free zone entities retaining 0% rate must meet substance requirements and comply with transfer pricing documentation rules.

Germany Implements Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) Improvements

Germany enhances its points-based Chancenkarte, lowering the qualification threshold and allowing part-time work of up to 20 hours/week while job-seeking. Addresses skilled labour shortages in IT, engineering, and healthcare.

India Expands UPI Linkages to 15 Countries

India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) extends real-time payment linkages to 15 countries including France, Germany, and Saudi Arabia. Enables near-instant, low-cost cross-border merchant payments for Indian businesses.

Singapore Launches ASEAN Green Taxonomy for Finance

Singapore adopts the ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance, providing a multi-tier classification system for green investments. Financial institutions must classify new loans and bonds against the taxonomy's activity thresholds.

Switzerland Updates Banking Licence Framework for Crypto Custodians

FINMA introduces a streamlined banking licence tier for crypto custodians holding under CHF 100 million in client assets. Reduced capital requirements and simplified reporting while maintaining AML compliance standards.

Ukraine Launches Reconstruction Investment Guarantee Scheme

Ukraine, backed by multilateral guarantees, launches a foreign investor protection scheme for reconstruction projects. Covers political risk, expropriation, and currency convertibility for investments in infrastructure and energy.

South Korea Simplifies Startup Visa with Fast-Track Processing

South Korea streamlines its D-8-4 startup visa, reducing processing to 15 business days and lowering minimum capital requirements to KRW 50 million. Incubator endorsement pathway added for pre-revenue founders.

Mexico Confirms Profit-Sharing Cap Remains at 3 Months Salary

Mexico reconfirms the 2021 cap on mandatory profit-sharing (PTU) at 3 months salary or average of last 3 years. Companies must distribute 10% of pre-tax profits to employees annually in May.

Peru Streamlines Mining and Critical Minerals Permitting

Peru consolidates mining exploration and environmental permits into a single-window process with 90-day guaranteed timelines. Aims to attract investment in lithium and copper production for the global energy transition.

Taiwan Introduces AI Industry Safe Harbor Tax Regime

Taiwan launches tax incentives for AI companies including 25% R&D investment tax credit and a 5-year preferential CIT rate of 12% for companies generating 60%+ revenue from AI products and services.

Turkey Designates 15 New Priority Investment Zones

Turkey creates 15 new priority development zones in eastern provinces offering 10-year CIT exemptions, employer SSC support, free land allocation, and energy cost subsidies for qualifying investments above TRY 50 million.

India Extends Startup Tax Holiday Through 2027

The Indian government extends the Section 80-IAC tax holiday for eligible startups incorporated before April 2027. Qualifying startups can claim a 100% tax deduction on profits for 3 consecutive years within the first 10 years.

India Raises FDI Cap in Insurance Sector to 100%

India allows up to 100% FDI in the insurance sector (up from 74%) with certain conditions on domestic reinvestment. Foreign insurers can now fully own Indian subsidiaries, opening a $130 billion market.

Japan Launches Digital Nomad Visa with 6-Month Stay

Japan introduces a digital nomad visa allowing remote workers from 49 visa-exempt countries to reside for up to 6 months. Applicants must prove annual income above JPY 10 million and hold valid health insurance.

Nigeria Launches Fully Digital Business Registration Portal

Nigeria's Corporate Affairs Commission rolls out end-to-end digital company registration. Incorporation now possible in 24 hours with digital identity verification, reducing the previous average of 7-10 days.

UK Updates Developing Countries Trading Scheme Benefits

The UK expands tariff preferences under its DCTS, adding new product lines for least-developed countries and enhanced preferences for Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Myanmar on textiles and garments.

Chile Launches Green Hydrogen Tax Credit Programme

Chile introduces a production tax credit of $0.50/kg for green hydrogen produced domestically. Aims to make Chile a top-3 global green hydrogen exporter by 2030, leveraging its abundant solar and wind resources.

Cambodia Updates Qualified Investment Project Incentives

Cambodia revises its QIP framework under the new Investment Law, extending tax holidays up to 9 years for priority sectors including digital economy, agri-tech, and medical manufacturing with streamlined approval process.

Brazil Completes Open Finance Phase 4 Rollout

Brazil completes the fourth phase of its Open Finance initiative, extending data sharing to insurance, pensions, and investment products. 180 million customers now have portable financial data across institutions.

UK Maintains 2% Digital Services Tax Pending OECD Pillar One

The UK confirms its 2% DST on revenues of large tech firms remains in place until OECD Pillar One is implemented. No changes to scope or threshold, maintaining the current 500 million GBP global revenue requirement.

Laos Overhauls Special Economic Zone Management Framework

Laos issues revised SEZ decree with clearer governance, standardised incentive packages, and one-stop investment services. Foreign investors in designated SEZs receive profit tax exemptions for up to 10 years.

Indonesia Expands Positive Investment List for Foreign Ownership

Indonesia revises its positive investment list, allowing 100% foreign ownership in additional sectors including cold chain logistics, data centres, and certain healthcare services. Priority sectors receive automatic tax holidays.

Thailand Expands Long-Term Resident Visa Categories

Thailand broadens its 10-year LTR visa to include remote workers earning $40,000+ annually and startup founders with Thai BOI-endorsed ventures. Flat 17% personal income tax rate for LTR holders.

Romania Cuts Company Formation Time to 3 Days

Romania simplifies its Trade Register procedures, enabling company formation in 3 business days with online document submission. Minimum share capital requirement for SRLs reduced to RON 1.

Hungary Strengthens Foreign Investment Screening for Critical Tech

Hungary expands its FDI screening to cover AI, quantum computing, advanced robotics, and biotech acquisitions. Government review mandatory for any acquisition above 10% in designated sectors, with 60-day review window.

Egypt Expands Golden License to More Investment Sectors

Egypt broadens the single approval 'Golden License' to cover logistics, fintech, and green energy projects. The license bundles all required permits into one approval within 20 working days.

China Tightens Export Controls on Critical Minerals

China expands export licensing requirements for gallium, germanium, and antimony products. End-user verification now required for all shipments, adding 30-45 days to procurement timelines for global manufacturers.

Canada Introduces Category-Based Express Entry Draws for Tech

Canada holds dedicated Express Entry draws targeting STEM occupations with lower CRS score requirements. AI, cybersecurity, and software engineering roles see significantly more invitations to apply.

Bangladesh Offers Enhanced SEZ Incentives for Export Manufacturers

Bangladesh expands Special Economic Zone benefits with 10-year tax holidays, duty-free machinery imports, and one-stop services for export-oriented manufacturers. Targeting garment, leather, and light electronics sectors.

US Raises Section 301 Tariffs on Chinese Strategic Goods

The US increases tariffs on Chinese EVs to 100%, semiconductors to 50%, and solar cells to 50% under Section 301. Steel and aluminium tariffs raised to 25%. Affects supply chains and sourcing strategies.

UAE Expands Golden Visa to Include Tech Entrepreneurs

The UAE extends 10-year Golden Visa eligibility to tech startup founders, AI specialists, and blockchain developers without requiring a minimum investment threshold. Includes family sponsorship and domestic worker permits.

Kenya Launches Unified Business Licensing One-Stop Portal

Kenya consolidates 11 government agencies into a single e-portal for business licensing. All permits, tax registration, and social security enrolment handled through one digital interface with 5-day SLA.

Singapore Finalises Stablecoin Regulatory Framework

MAS launches the final stablecoin regulatory framework, allowing compliant single-currency stablecoins pegged to SGD or G10 currencies to carry the 'MAS-regulated' label. Reserve and disclosure requirements formalised.

Singapore GST Increase to 9% Takes Full Effect

The second phase of Singapore's GST increase from 8% to 9% is now fully in effect. Offset packages for citizens and permanent residents remain in place, but foreign businesses face higher input costs.

Vietnam Extends 8% Reduced VAT Rate Through Mid-2025

Vietnam extends the reduced 8% VAT rate (down from 10%) for most goods and services through June 2025 to support economic recovery. Manufacturing and retail sectors benefit from lower consumer-facing costs.

Brazil Begins Implementation of Dual VAT System

Brazil's landmark tax reform replaces five existing consumption taxes with a dual VAT system (CBS + IBS). Transition period begins in 2025 with full implementation by 2033, simplifying the notoriously complex tax code.

Germany Adjusts Solidarity Surcharge Thresholds

Germany raises the income threshold for the solidarity surcharge, effectively eliminating it for 90% of remaining payers. Corporate entities above the threshold still pay the 5.5% surcharge on corporate income tax.

Thailand Adopts 15% Global Minimum Tax for Multinationals

Thailand implements the OECD Pillar Two global minimum tax, applying a 15% effective rate to MNEs with global revenue above EUR 750 million. Qualified domestic top-up tax ensures revenue stays in Thailand.

Poland Enacts Pillar Two Global Minimum Tax Rules

Poland transposes EU Pillar Two Directive, implementing income inclusion rule and qualified domestic top-up tax. Affects MNE groups with consolidated revenue above EUR 750 million operating in Poland.

China Further Shortens Foreign Investment Negative List

China reduces restricted sectors from 31 to 27 items on the nationwide negative list. Manufacturing sector is now fully open to foreign investment, and telecom services see partial liberalisation in free trade zones.

Australia Raises FIRB Screening Thresholds

Australia increases the Foreign Investment Review Board monetary screening thresholds by indexation. Non-sensitive business acquisitions threshold rises to AUD 330 million for FTA-partner investors, reducing compliance burden.

Mexico Extends Nearshoring Tax Incentives Through 2026

Mexico extends accelerated depreciation and tax deduction incentives for companies relocating or expanding production capacity in priority sectors. Electronics, automotive, pharma, and semiconductors qualify for enhanced benefits.

EU CSRD Reporting Mandatory for Large Non-EU Companies

Large companies (including non-EU firms with EUR 150M+ EU revenue) must comply with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. Requires detailed ESG disclosures aligned with European Sustainability Reporting Standards.

Philippines Extends CREATE MORE Investment Incentives

The CREATE MORE Act extends enhanced corporate income tax deductions and broadens eligibility for strategic investment priority plan incentives. Registered business enterprises can access 4-17 year income tax holidays.

Morocco Activates New Investment Charter Incentives

Morocco's 2022 Investment Charter enters full operational mode with regional investment commissions. Unified incentive framework offers land grants, tax exemptions, and training subsidies based on job creation targets.

Colombia Implements Significant Presence Rule for Digital Services Tax

Colombia introduces a significant economic presence rule, taxing foreign digital service providers with Colombian revenues exceeding COP 31,300 UVT. Applies to streaming, SaaS, online advertising, and digital marketplaces.

Argentina Activates Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI)

Argentina implements RIGI under its omnibus reform law, granting qualifying investments above $200M a 30-year tax stability guarantee, reduced CIT of 25%, and free profit repatriation after 3 years. Covers mining, energy, and tech.