Global Scans · Standards · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Improving standards are likely to be driven more by business and technological improvement than governments in the future. The latter will be under severe pressure to cut bureaucracy, speed policy making and improve their nation's productivity performance.

• [New] The SEC is developing rules for tokenized real-world assets, including tokenized bonds and other securities that could be issued and traded on blockchain infrastructure. / Thailand MEXC
• [New] A multinational AI platform offering automated hiring tools across Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia would need to maintain multiple audit pipelines to satisfy varying national standards, adjust models for local fairness metrics, and implement real time logging for all high risk decisions. FrontOrb
• [New] If EU standards for bias detection in AI systems become more flexible, UK public sector organizations might adopt similar approaches to ensure interoperability with European partners. UKAuthority
• [New] Regulatory focus is intensifying on data security and AI risk, with DOJ cross-border data rules and NIST's draft AI guidance elevating national-security and enterprise-level responsibilities. Nixon Peabody
• [New] The plethora of ESG ratings and certifications remains confusing, but expect clarity in the coming years with the Financial Conduct Authority stepping in to regulate ESG ratings providers. Mills & Reeve LLP
• [New] The UK's Financial Conduct Authority has initiated a consultation on sustainable reporting standards, with initial proposals indicating that only climate reporting will be mandatory under the UK's listing rules, in line with standards set by the International Sustainability Standards Board. FTI Strategic Communications
• [New] ESG investments face stricter rules: China's new framework requires listed companies to disclose their decarbonization plans in 2026, while firms listed on Hong Kong's Hang Seng Composite LargeCap Index are mandated to disclose carbon emissions from their suppliers. China Business Knowledge -
• [New] In 2025, Chinese regulators translated high-level policy goals into operational rules that will shape corporate reporting, carbon management and environmental oversight in 2026. JD Supra
• [New] CBAM-induced trade frictions are triggering retaliation, WTO trade disputes and a risk of fragmentation of global trade standards. Squire Patton Boggs
• [New] Battery technology presented at the Computer and Electronic Show (CES) 2026 showcased energy densities around 400 Wh / kg, charging times that could drop to five minutes, and lifespans far beyond current lithium-ion standards. Dealerfloor
• [New] The European Commission is reported to be drafting contingency guidelines to support compliance with high-risk AI systems under the AI Act, should technical standards from CEN-CENELEC miss their 2027 deadline. Fladgates Services Limited
• [New] By 2026, many jurisdictions are expected to finalize digital asset classification frameworks, custody rules, and compliance standards for tokenized securities and asset-backed tokens. Differ
• [New] Europe is expected to hold more than 24% share by 2033, with a value exceeding US$ 3.7 Bn, driven by established digital infrastructure, high enterprise technology adoption, and complex multi-country regulations such as GDPR and emerging ePrivacy rules. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Russia's behaviour towards its neighbours reflects several enduring drivers, including longstanding concerns about geographic vulnerabilities, a self-conception of great-power status, and a desire to keep political control centralized for regime security. Belfer Center
• [New] Mexican mining operations could benefit from technology deployment that maintains competitive cost structures while meeting enhanced safety and environmental standards. Discovery Alert
• [New] Agencies will have three months to conduct an inventory of their EoS devices and will decommission all identified appliances after a year. SC Media
• [New] Vehicles, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals approved under U.S. standards will be allowed into Argentina. GHY International - We Free Trade | One Border One Brok
• [New] Companies incorporated in Cyprus will generally be treated as Cyprus tax resident unless residence is allocated elsewhere under applicable double tax treaty tie-breaker rules. Savva & Associates Cyprus
• [New] The UK's forthcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill will require minimum cyber standards across all sectors. Insurance Business
• [New] In 2026, AI adds the most value when it enhances prediction, prioritization and decision-making - helping brands anticipate needs rather than react to behaviour. The Gradient Group
• [New] The SEC and CFTC will hold a joint event on regulatory harmonization today, with Atkins and Selig signaling a push for clearer rules in the digital asset space. Crypto Briefing

Last updated: 12 February 2026