Focus
Managing risk in the green economy
Semiconductor
Semiconductors are the foundation of modern electronics, used in everything from smartphones and computers to cars and industrial machinery. The semiconductor industry designs and manufactures chips that power almost all modern technology.
Looking ahead, the global semiconductor market is anticipated to surpass $1 trillion by 2030, driven by escalating demands for artificial intelligence (AI), 5G technologies and electric vehicles. In the coming years, the maturing fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) will shape the semiconductor market.
Global chip shortages during the pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in supply chains, prompting massive government investments to secure domestic production.
As chips become vital to everything from national defense to healthcare semiconductors are often called the “new oil” of the digital age, driving technological innovation and shaping global power dynamics well into the future.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence refers to the ability of machines and computer systems to mimic human intelligence to perform tasks like learning from data, recognising patterns, making decisions, and solving problems.
Like the IT revolution of the 2000s, AI is transforming the way the world functions—disrupting industries, streamlining operations, and reshaping how people work and live. The global AI industry is valued at over $500 billion and is expanding rapidly.
As Artificial Intelligence grows at an unprecedented pace, it is essential to ensure that its development is anchored in ethics, transparency, and accountability.
The legal frameworks that applies to AI are:
• Data protection: The infringement of data privacy and cyber security are key areas of concern. Regular assessments of the freedom to use and breach of contract is necessary when implementing secure AI environments.
• IP protection: The irresponsible use of AI can include infringement of patents and copyright.
• ESG Policy and Impact: The assessment of automated decision-making must include compliance assessments and internal controls implementing an ESG framework with proper risk mitigation strategies.
Sustainable Finance
Sustainability issues are creating risk and opportunity globally for companies. The UN Sustainable Development Goals require a financial ecosystem which deals with both the policy and the economic environment. Financial markets focus on sustainable growth, which balances economic growth with society’s and the environment’s needs. This is particularly relevant to Capital Markets and Bond Issuance.
Sustainable Financial instruments should be capable of encompassing the principles of diverse financial systems across the globe.
Digital Product Passport
A Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a digital record that contains detailed information about a product’s origin, composition, manufacturing process, environmental impact, and lifecycle. The future of DPPs is poised to transform simple digital tags into the foundation of transparent and traceable mechanisms that connect the physical and digital worlds.
DPPs support sustainability by enabling better tracking of materials, promoting circular economy practices such as recycling and reuse, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety standards.
