Laying the foundations: Understanding data and its importance In today’s digital world, data is more than just a resource—it is the foundation of business strategy. Often referred to as the new oil, data helps businesses drive efficiencies, make informed decisions, and seize new opportunities. Still, just like crude oil, raw data must be refined to unlock its real value. Poor … Read More

Middle East & Africa: Strategies for resilience and innovationHLB Survey of Business Leaders 2025 Middle East and Africa (MEA) leaders look forward to the year ahead. 71% are confident global growth will increase in 2025. Africa hosts three-quarters of the world’s top 20 fastest-growing economies, with half of the continent’s countries projected to have GDP growth rates above 5% in … Read More

Asia-Pacific: Navigating new digital frontiers for sustainable growth: Driving growth through workforce resilience and innovationHLB Survey of Business Leaders 2025 APAC leaders have a favourable outlook for 2025. In most economies, inflation is de-accelerating, interest rates — easing, and consumer spending — climbing. 42% of leaders expect global growth to increase, up 5% from last year. The International Monetary Fund … Read More

Tax treaties and the flawed approach to the taxation of entertainers Tax treaties and the flawed approach to the taxation of entertainers The OECD Model Tax Convention serves as a foundation for tax treaties worldwide, aiming to prevent double taxation and fiscal evasion. Article 17 of this model governs the taxation of entertainers and sportspersons.  Having its roots in 1950’s, … Read More

How to prepare your business for the next phase of IFRS updates By Polyvios A Polyviou; HLB Global IFRS Leader An increasingly globalised financial landscape requires compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). As the next phase of IFRS updates approaches, businesses need to proactively adapt to the changes shaping their financial reporting. These updates will bring significant changes, particularly … Read More

Europe: Driving growth through workforce resilience and innovationHLB Survey of Business Leaders 2025 European leaders started the year with muted confidence. Only 39% expect an increase in global growth, against 49% of respondents in other regions. Regional economic growth has been sluggish. Eurozone GDP increased by 0.8% in 2024 and may accelerate to 1.5% in 2025. The UK may reach … Read More

North America: Decisive innovation to fuel profit growthHLB Survey of Business Leaders 2025 North American leaders enter the new year with high confidence. 55% expect global growth to increase in 2025 compared to 43% of their global peers. Similarly, 91% are bullish about growing their business revenue in the next 12 months. The US economy grew at 3.1% last year, … Read More

International Women’s Day 2025 – Accelerate Action for inclusive workplaces This International Women’s Day (IWD), the theme ‘Accelerate Action’ challenges us to take swift, meaningful steps to create inclusive workplaces. While progressive strides have been made, the insights from the HLB Women Advancement Report 2024 remind us that the future of gender parity is still far from reach.   Embedded in our network … Read More

Beyond good intentions: Why investing in women is a business imperative for professional services firms By Mary Cloonan; Marketing Clever Every year, International Women’s Day presents an opportunity to reflect on progress, acknowledge challenges, and—most importantly—transition from conversation to action. While diversity and inclusion are frequently framed as moral imperatives, they are also commercial. Ensuring women thrive in the workplace … Read More

IPO Watch Australia: Low volumes in 2024 By Marcus Ohm; Partner, HLB Mann Judd Perth Australia’s IPO market in 2024 saw its lowest activity in two decades with only 29 listings on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). At the same time, it also experienced a considerable increase in funds raised compared to 2023. Total funds raised surged 387% to $4.1 … Read More