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 number of data points required under the European Sustainability Reporting Standards will be reduced and the revised ESRS should be interoperable with global sustainability reporting standards to the greatest extent possible. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Professional Corporati
• [New] Embracing AI's potential while investing in skills, migration policies, and participation among older workers will help Ireland manage inflation risks and foster sustainable living standards growth. Central Bank of Ireland - English
• [New] As regulatory frameworks and industry standards continue to evolve, organizations should anticipate further updates to compliance obligations and best practices in 2026 and beyond. JD Supra
• [New] Automated AI irrigation systems ensure only the right amount of water is applied, conserving precious resources and supporting compliance with global sustainability standards - especially critical in regions facing severe droughts and water shortages by 2026. Farmonaut
• [New] The U.S. DOT's leadership in integrating AAM technologies will help to set the standards for how AAM aircraft are regulated, certified, and integrated into global airspace systems. Travel And Tour World
• [New] One analyst observes that within five years, ICAO eVTOL standards will closely mirror CAAC requirements, because China will have the most operational data, the most certified aircraft, and the most active participation in standards bodies. Low Altitude Economy
• [New] Defining information-exchange standards and security requirements so that FAA systems, third-party providers and operators can share trajectory, surveillance and flight plan data securely and interoperably. Inside Unmanned Systems
• [New] Singapore has taken a more cautious approach, deferring the implementation of its bank crypto-asset capital rules to 2027. Fintech Singapore
• [New] China will make selective, strategic use of American chips without surrendering to US standards, rules, or long-term dependence. The National Interest
• [New] McDonald's just put a clearer stake in the ground for 2026 by tightening global franchising standards around pricing and value, while also leaning into subsidized 5 dollar meals to protect traffic in an inflation squeezed consumer landscape. Simply Wall St
• [New] Ireland officially plans the introduction of e-invoicing by 2028, modernising older invoicing frameworks and aligning tax processing with structured digital standards. Invoice-Portal
• [New] The FCA says it plans to simplify mortgage rules to allow more flexible products that reflect different working patterns and income levels at different stages of life and to review retirement interest-only requirements to make them more accessible. FinExtra
• [New] In 2026, developing robust data security policies and explicit data privacy rules will be especially crucial to guarantee the protection of student data. Digital Engineering & Technology | Elearning Solutions
• [New] In the 2026 Global Financial Services Regulatory Outlook, we see a shift from 2025's challenge-fragmentation-to a new era of localization, as national regulators rewrite rules to match domestic growth and competitiveness goals. EY
• [New] The European Commission unveiled a digital omnibus to simplify EU rules on AI, cybersecurity and data, alongside a Data Union Strategy and European Business Wallets that will offer companies a single digital identity to simplify paperwork and make it easier to do business across EU. Gibson Dunn
• [New] Supply chain complexity: NIST and the NCSC's target of a full transition to post-quantum cryptography by 2035 are already accelerating action across governments and standards bodies. ComputerWeekly.com
• [New] Member-driven initiatives centred on advocacy, safety, and technical standards will begin in 2026. Ammonia Energy Association
• [New] The forthcoming National AI Mission Framework (expected 2025) will likely define sector-specific standards, testing protocols, and a voluntary AI Safety Board for ethical governance. Nemko Digital B.V.
• [New] The CSL amendments seek to implement stronger guardrails that improve AI ethical standards, strengthen risk monitoring, and utilise AI to enhance cybersecurity protection. Passle
• [New] In 2026, organizations will need to shift from static defences to posture-aware, behavior-based detection and continuous validation of AI-enabled services. SecureWorld
• [New] Universal standards will likely emerge in 2026 that enable any blockchain to communicate with any other blockchain through standardized interfaces, similar to how TCP/IP enables communication between different types of computer networks today. SEI Blog
• [New] Security leaders must shift to a compliance as code approach in 2026, bringing compliance standards to the business level. Information Security Buzz

Last updated: 25 December 2025