Insights

Given the slowing rate of economic growth, businesses across Asia Pacific (APAC) region have an appetite for automation. In this article we explore where that support is strongest, and why. We find that amid the rich opportunities, risks are present in the automation revolution. Businesses and policymakers should confront these challenges now, to avoid hampering future growth prospects.

In an ever-increasing integrated global economy, businesses have been establishing their footprints in various locations across the continents. These so-called “multi-national corporations” or “MNCs” have sophisticated supply chains and business platforms comprising of dozens, if not, hundreds of entities, all of which are directly or indirectly related to one another. Under this corporate umbrella, the affiliates would trade and transact with one another.

When attending a job interview, it is essential to dress well, show up on time, demonstrate good humour and likability, and create a memorable experience for the person you are sitting down with. These simple concepts are well understood throughout the world of job-seekers – but often ignored by HR managers and/or hiring managers themselves.

A recent Grant Thornton survey of over 300 senior executives found that 89% believe the CFO of the future will require much stronger data analytics skills – and fully 75% plan to upgrade their personal data analytics skills in the coming year.

For a country with global ambitions, China has many of the key attributes needed to achieve its aspirations. But the essential lesson holds across world affairs just as surely as it applies to business, or to life in general.

Each year the requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) change. New Standards and Amendments become effective and these determine the presentation of primary financial statements and accompanying disclosures. As a result companies face the challenge of updating their financial statements every year.

IFRS News is your quarterly update on all things relating to International Financial Reporting Standards.

In July 2018, the trade war between the United States and China went live. The war of words which saw threats, posturing, and “nudges” to impose tariffs on goods traded between the United States and China became a reality.

The Federation of Accounting Professions announced a new standard on accounting for financial instruments which application will be effective date on 1 January 2020. The new TFRS 9 is based on IFRS 9 issued by The International Accounting Standard Board which fundamentally rewrites the accounting rules for financial instruments.

The Chinese authorities have released proposed changes to tax law that may significantly impact how international assignees and long-term expats in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) are taxed. From changes to residency, personal taxation, payroll withholding and tax efficient benefits for assignees, the potential changes are far reaching.

In Part 1 of this article, we examined the importance of speed, flexibility, and successful adaptation in the current business climate.

Our own Grant Thornton International Business Report conducts worldwide surveys that poll business leaders across the world markets, and fully 54% of respondents reported feeling a sense of economic optimism in Q2 2018 – far higher numbers than in previous years.

Since its inception, the digital realm has been an economic “wild west.” Laws and regulations written in the “brick and mortar” world often do not apply or are, for all practical purposes, unenforceable in the digital counterpart.

How charities worldwide can measure impact to drive their mission.

Indirect taxation is still evolving, and an arguable simple tax is growing in its complexity and application as a traditional goods and services model is replaced with digital content; virtual consumption and seamless international trade flows. But how can you stay ahead?

In the natural world, the big winners are not always the strongest or fastest, but rather the ones that are best at adapting to changes in their environment. The business world follows similar rules – and its current environment is changing more rapidly than at any time in history, thanks to the digital revolution.