9 October 2024
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Latest insights
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Key growth strategies for Tech & Telco leaders
The past few years have been challenging for the technology and telecommunications industries. But despite continued macroeconomic and global challenges, leaders within these sectors are reporting record optimism for revenue and expansion.
Study | What is their X factor?
By analysing more than 1,700 startup profiles from more than 100 countries, this study dives into the entrepreneurship experience and identifies the most pressing challenges. Entitled, ‘What is their X factor? The three ingredients of success (or failure) of startups in 2024’, this extensive analysis offers valuable insight to entrepreneurs, investors and sector observers.
How achievable is continuous audit?
Continuous audit, sometimes referred to as continuous monitoring, is a phrase often thrown into the conversation when we talk about innovation in audit. In reality, however, there is a general lack of understanding of continuous audit’s full potential and how it can be implemented.
What does the future look like for auditors?
Is artificial intelligence (AI) a helpful tool for auditors, or is it considered a direct competitor? AI's development is set to impact every aspect of our lives, including the audit function.
How AI is set to impact the auditing role
The development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology is gaining momentum. Already, it can create texts, answer questions, write pieces of music, and paint pictures in the style of Vincent van Gogh. Increasingly, AI is also being used in auditing to automate routine tasks.
A practical guide for tech innovators
A comprehensive guide for emerging tech enterprises, detailing essential steps for establishing a profitable business and providing expert guidance on navigating the path to growth.
Sustainable consumption of Chinese consumers
The Chinese market is highly complex due to the diversity in economic and social development across its population, which gives rise to significant generational, gender and regional differences amongst consumers. Our latest study, ‘Sustainable consumption of Chinese consumers: today and beyond’, explores Chinese consumers' perception of sustainability, and their expectations for brands regarding sustainable...
Green Taxonomy regulation for automotive sector
For the automotive industry, 2023 marks the second year of publishing their European green taxonomy eligibility ratio. As a reminder, the European Union's 'Taxonomy' regulation came into effect on 1st January 2022, concerning the two climate objectives (the Climate Delegated Act).
Attracting talent in the public sector
15/8/2023 A challenge even before the pandemic, lockdowns and the big resignation have made it harder for the public sector to recruit, keep and motivate their workforce. Peter Cudlip, Partner and Head of Public and Social Sector at Mazars, suggests ways to win the war for talent.
The global race for Electric Vehicles
27/07/2023 As climate change worries accentuate, policymakers are weighing their options. The cost of climate inaction for the global economy is immeasurable. A 2.2 degree Celsius increase in temperature could reduce global GDP levels by up to 20% until 2050 [1]. Warming of up to 5 degree Celsius could lead to full economic annihilation and mass extinction. Conversely, policymakers can choose to add...
How to acquire and keep hold of good talent
26/07/2023 Following the pandemic and the big quit, it has become harder for businesses to recruit, retain and inspire their workforce. Laurent Choain, Chief Leadership & Culture Officer at Mazars and CEO of Mazars University, takes us through the concerns voiced in our latest C-suite survey and suggests solutions.
Achieving business growth in a time of uncertainty
29/06/2023 According to the C-suite barometer 2023 companies are turning to strategic alliances and increasing internal output to deliver growth in the uncertain economic environment. We speak to Firas Abou Merhi, Partner at Mazars, about why that is and how businesses can navigate uncertainty to achieve growth.
Partnering for Ukraine’s reconstruction report
Our report underscores how Mazars continues to remain steadfast in its support for Ukraine.
Technology and the public and social sector
12/06/2023 Julien Huvé, a Partner at Mazars, outlines some of the emerging technologies that could be used to increase trust and improve efficiency in the public and social sector.
What should tech firms do now for banking?
The collapse of SVB and other banks serving Silicon Valley has been shocking and swift. What are the future implications? Should we be worried about this vital sector?
ESG: where are you on the journey?
As environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues rise in global importance and increasingly dominate the business narrative, the Mazars report 'ESG: where are you on the journey?' sets out choices and pathways for companies of all sizes and sectors as they look to embark on the transition to a more sustainable business model.
C-suite: technology and telcoms insights
15/11/2022 Earlier this year, we released our C-suite barometer, a report that captures the views of over 1,000 executives around the world. In this interview, Karine Philippon, Global Tech Media and Telecom leader, reflects on the findings and shares her analysis on current trends in the technology and telecoms sector.
The return of geopolitics
Thomas Gomart, Director of IFRI, comments on how recent geopolitical events have transformed the global economic map
Automotive suppliers face Green Taxonomy choices
02/11/2022 With the first reports on the EU’s Green Taxonomy eligibility ratios now published, what has been the impact on automotive suppliers? The Green Taxonomy entered into force in the EU on 1 January 2022 as a first step towards directing capital investments towards more sustainable activities.
Compliance is key for OEM sustainability aims
02/11/2022 Despite the additional information supplied by the EU concerning the Green Taxonomy that came into force on 1 January 2022, certain interpretations persist in the automotive sector.
Myths preventing the progression of women
The benefits of diversity no longer need to be proven. However, it is clear that gender inequalities persist, particularly in executive committees and among CEOs. This report, 'Myths and barriers preventing the progression of women: analysis and solutions', developed by Forvis Mazars in partnership with the Observatory for Gender Balance, is designed for leaders who wish to concretely advance equality...
Sustainability reporting in Asia
Are the EU’s initiatives the benchmark for ESG disclosure in the region?
C-suite: technology insights
23/09/2022 Earlier this year, we released our C-suite barometer, a report that captures the views of over 1,000 executives around the world. The study revealed that leaders expect technology and innovation trends to have the biggest impact in the coming years. In this interview, Asam Malik, Partner, Technology & Digital Consulting, shares his insights on the findings and how organisations are preparing...
Global data and FS: is it time to take stock?
22/07/2022 Continuing Covid-19 uncertainty and more recent geopolitical unrest in Europe may not seem the perfect time for the financial services sector to take stock of its data strategy. However, with data now acknowledged as a critical ingredient for future growth, analysing data maturity levels can provide essential signposts for financial services leaders looking to reach their data maturity...
Growing your business in the USA
30/06/2022 Understanding the culture and adapting your business to the local context are key strategies for foreign companies looking to grow in the United States. This was one of the key messages to emerge from a recent ‘Doing business in the USA’ event co-hosted by Mazars to promote the attractiveness of the United States and provide operational insights on business practices.
Cyber security report: not if, but when
Cyber threats are all around us. This is not paranoia, it’s an unfortunate reality: every day brings new hacks, new data leaks, new embarrassment – and new costs, both financial and commercial. Nobody is spared. The attacks target companies large and small, as well as public-sector institutions and individuals. How can organisations protect themselves?
The new cyber risk landscape
30/03/2022 The reliance of most businesses on technology and data is undeniable. However, as this reliance increases, so too do the risks around cyber security.
Banks making headway on ESG and climate risk
11/03/2022 While gaps in data remain a challenge for fully assessing and quantifying climate change risk, 65% of banks now use climate scenario analysis for their risk management framework, according to Mazars Responsible Banking Benchmark Study 2021.
Banks road test sustainability strategies
04/03/2022 Most banks now identify environmental targets for their activities, but only 24% of them have set net zero financed emissions targets in line with the Paris Agreement objectives, according to Mazars Responsible Banking Benchmark Study 2021[1]. In addition, the identification of social targets as a long-term sustainability strategy continues to lag environmental targets set.
Event: Impacts of taxonomy and bank loans on SMEs
05/04/22 The pressure on European companies is accelerating to integrate the ESG dimension into their strategy and business models. At the same time, banks are also more and more required to deliver green, sustainable and taxonomy-aligned loans.
The move to mandatory sustainability disclosure
11/02/2022 Sustainability disclosure and reporting standards aim to foster transparency of banks’ environmental, societal and governance (ESG) risks, opportunities and impacts. Disclosures seek to explain the implications of ESG matters on banks’ business performance and risks, enhance portfolio transparency and overall exposure for external stakeholders, and describe how ESG is managed.
Investing in CEE: Inbound M&A report 2021/2022
Despite concerns about Covid-19, resurgent inflation and rising energy prices, 2021 saw robust dealmaking across the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region. CEE’s diverse markets and abundant targets are increasingly attractive to both domestic and inbound investors. This publication offers an overview of inbound M&A activity in the CEE region throughout 2021, and looks ahead to the opportunities...
An evolving sustainability governance landscape
28/01/2022 Banks have been steadily allocating formal responsibility for sustainability-related matters within their board and management functions and adopting specific oversight processes. However, those responsibilities and who is accountable can differ depending on the prevailing regulatory environment, geographic location or board and management’s preferences.
Tax traps and opportunities in Western Europe
06/12/2021 Western Europe has long offered businesses far and wide attractive opportunities for investment. With its ideal placement in Europe and integration with the European Union, it tends to be less of a source of tax uncertainty; however, conducting business can still be challenging for investors working between different tax environments.
Chinese consumers in 2021
China’s consumer market, second only to the US, is key to both domestic and international brands. While the buying behaviours of consumers in China have been well-documented, more recent shifts in consumer preferences in the wake of Covid-19 are less well-known. Our new study ‘Chinese consumers in 2021: how priorities in lifestyle consumption are changing’ seeks to investigate trends in buying behaviour...
A practical guide to sustainability
With societal expectations increasingly permeating corporate governance, companies need to evolve their business models to embrace lasting value creation that benefits not only the shareholders, but also internal and external stakeholders as well as wider society.
Global compliance source of opportunity
02/11/2021 Business leaders are committing to and investing in global compliance to build trust and reputation, finds a global study from Mazars. The majority of businesses view compliance as an opportunity creator that can build trust and reputational benefits and are investing significant senior time in compliance: some three-quarters have top executives engage with compliance questions at least...
Why global compliance is on the business agenda
Compliance has long been a cornerstone of good business practice. But it can still be viewed as an obligation to be met rather than a driver of value. That’s why we conducted a survey of how business leaders approach global compliance, including where they focus investment, the risks they anticipate and what they expect from ‘good compliance’.
IT infrastructure – plan, do, check, act
Modern IT systems are usually standardised, harmonised, and optimised across business areas. Not only do they play a vital support function, but they also help to shape and link organisational units and business processes end-to-end through ever greater levels of digitisation and automation. As a result, the IT infrastructure will play a key role in a carve-out and it needs to be carefully planned,...
Fostering a culture of sustainability
17/09/2021 The tone at the top typically establishes the foundations and values upon which a culture of sustainability is built. Developed at board level and communicated consistently across an organisation, ESG values need to be reflected in a bank’s governance structure if they are to last.
Carve-outs in the automotive industry
The automotive industry is constantly changing, facing external challenges posed around new technologies and business models. Carve-outs are under the spotlight to help companies mitigate these risks and offer strategic opportunities. Mazars experts around the world provide insights about carve-outs, from a range of different strategic perspectives.
The case for improving sustainability disclosures
09/09/2021 Developing innovative products and harmonised frameworks across banking activities is crucial to achieving sustainable finance objectives and contributing to global transition targets. Yet, a lack of standardised reporting frameworks means identifying and comparing sustainable products and services remains a challenge.
Getting granular on emissions disclosure
06/09/2021 Banks are adopting risk management practices that account for climate-related risks in response to growing recognition that climate change negatively impacts operations and revenues.
Tax traps and opportunities: M&A in APAC
21/06/2021 Seeking opportunities outside their country of origin is a natural part of the growth journey for many businesses. By opening up new markets and connecting with new customers, businesses can increase their sales and profits, while spreading their risk by not having to rely on any one single market.