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Coronavirus takes toll on global M&A as $1 billion deals disappear

BY Reuters |

For the first time since September 2004, no merger and acquisition deal worth more than $1 billion was announced worldwide last week, according to data provider Refinitiv, as the new coronavirus stifles global M&A.
Hong Kong judges battle Beijing over rule of law as pandemic chills protests

BY Reuters |

Hong Kong’s judicial system is under increasing duress as signs grow that the Communist Party leadership in Beijing wants to bring the city’s courts to heel. Three senior judges told Reuters the independence of the judiciary is now under threat.
'Lockdown', Japan-style: Pressure to conform, not penalties for non-compliance

BY Reuters |

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is poised to declare a state of emergency over the coronavirus, giving governors stronger legal authority to urge people to stay home and businesses to close.
Insurers fret as company bosses face coronavirus legal claims

BY Reuters |

Insurers are increasingly worried about shareholders, employees or customers bringing coronavirus-related claims against company executives and are considering excluding the virus from policies which protect the bosses, industry sources say.
Coronavirus to hit law firm revenue, with layoffs on the way – consultants

BY Reuters |

Law firm revenue will take a hit and layoffs are likely on the horizon, as demand for certain legal work drops and clients take longer to pay bills as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, industry consultants said.
EU privacy rules no obstacle to coronavirus fight; smartphone tracking a no-no

BY Reuters |

Europe’s privacy rulebook does not create obstacles to taking action to curb the coronavirus epidemic but mass tracking of people’s movements and contacts using smartphone location data would represent a clear violation.
Hong Kong regulator considers easing strict data storage rules - sources

BY Reuters |

Hong Kong is considering softening new data storage rules, amid concerns of conflict with confidentiality laws elsewhere as authorities globally look to balance regulatory requirements, companies’ needs and privacy concerns, two people said.
India's top court strikes down RBI banking ban on cryptocurrency

BY Reuters |

India’s Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed banks to handle cryptocurrency transactions from exchanges and traders, overturning a central bank ban that dealt the thriving industry a major blow.
EU lists Cayman Islands, Panama as tax havens, spares Turkey

BY Reuters |

European Union finance ministers added Panama, Seychelles, the Cayman Islands and Palau to the EU’s blacklist of tax havens, while giving Turkey more time to avoid being listed, an EU document said on Tuesday.
Hong Kong judge warns of 'full force storm' over protest-hit city

BY Reuters |

One of Hong Kong’s most experienced judges has warned that a storm over the rule of law has “broken out in full force” in the protest-hit Asian financial hub, urging people to treasure the system.