Our insight

Collective intelligence

26.09.2019

The pitfalls of cryptocurrency risk assessment

The US sanctions agency OFAC’s ground-breaking inclusion of bitcoin addresses in sanctions lists highlights the challenges of determining risk in digital currencies. more >

30.01.2020

Political and economic shock triggers interest in Bitcoin

The currency’s new-found low volatility strengthens its ‘digital gold‘ credentials.more >

29.01.2020

Can Putin deliver his constitutional reforms?

Vladimir Putin’s momentous constitutional reform proposals are seen as a means of enabling him to retain power and influence after he steps down from the presidency in 2024. The proposed changes are wide-ranging, overhauling Russia's system of governance. They will be put to a referendum but, even if they are approved, their sheer scale may make them difficult to implement. more >

28.01.2020

China BRI ventures run into trouble in Kazakhstan

The Chinese and Kazakh governments insist all is well but there are signs of strain on the ground. more >

21.01.2020

What lies behind oligarch impunity in Ukraine

Efforts to investigate financial crimes have been largely unsuccessful due to endemic corruption within the judiciary.more >

09.01.2020

Soleimani killing puts spotlight on Iraqi militias

The US killing of Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani has focused attention on Iran's involvement in Iraq, in particular its support for Shia militias, or Popular Mobilisation Forces.more >

09.01.2020

Questions raised over Mexican leader’s war on graft

Lopez Obrador looks to be fulfilling his pledge to tackle corruption but his attitude towards independent institutions does not bode well. more >

10.12.2019

Health checks for FDI projects could boost emerging market investment

US-led vetting and certification of big-ticket projects may go a long way to allaying western investor concerns about rule of law and transparency issues.more >

04.12.2019

Regardless of the future, Libra has made its presence felt

Facebook’s controversial cryptocurrency may not survive the scrutiny, but the debate it has sparked has done much to progress digital asset regulation.more >

03.12.2019

Can blockchain help to rid tech products of ‘conflict minerals’?

Distributed ledger technology used in efforts to remove minerals linked to conflicts from supply chains – but it doesn’t have all the answers. more >

27.11.2019

Rogue states look to cryptocurrencies to counter sanctions

Rogue states subject to punitive international sanctions are reportedly turning to cryptocurrencies to try to mitigate their impact. Iran, Venezuela, Russia and North Korea are said to be experimenting with blockchain technology to get around prohibitions on dollar-denominated transactions. more >

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Notes from the field

Our work takes us all over the world. Here we share some of our more personal perspectives on some of the destinations we have visited, filed on location.

Beirut experiences controversial facelift

Although it is summer and the high season, there is an eeriness about Beirut’s city centre shopping arcades. The fashionable boutiques feature top international brands, yet but for the odd smattering of well-heeled shoppers, the stores appear largely devoid of customers. Nearby gleaming office blocks likewise seem bereft of activity. And some of the area’s glittering new apartment complexes also look distinctly vacant.