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Record-keeping and supervision rules regarding electronic communications (eComms) for financial institutions have been in place for as long as eComms have existed. The underpinning of these regulations is the view that the security, reliability, integrity and availability of information reflecting a financial institution’s activities are fundamental to the integrity of the financial markets. Over the last few years, the financial regulators have powerfully reminded the financial industry of the importance of the eComms record-keeping rules, launching dozens of off-channel eComms enforcement actions that have resulted in more than US$2bn of fines to date. With the rise in the variety and availability of individual eComms applications and the use of collaboration tools and generative AI (GenAI), the number and variety of channels available to employees for communications purposes are, however, growing exponentially. Even for sophisticated financial institutions, the resources required to effectively manage the pace of technological development and adapt compliance processes in this space can be overwhelming. This paper explores the regulatory approach to eComms compliance in a changing technology world and how financial institutions can appropriately manage eComms risk. It is possible to establish a robust control structure that meets regulatory expectations, accommodates business needs and keeps pace with changing technology. An effective eComms governance structure must, however, encapsulate processes that engage all key stakeholders, embrace innovation and integrate legal, compliance and IT reasoning that moves beyond reliance on individual employees and detection technology and incorporates data governance as a fundamental principle in business operations and technology development.
This protocol describes a prospective post-market, observational registry to assess clinical and patient-reported outcomes following the use of a bioinductive collagen implant in rotator cuff repair. The registry is live in the UK and opening sites in Germany, France, Italy and Australia imminently. Clinical data such as rotator cuff tear type, surgery description and post-operative recommendations is collected after surgery. Information on patient work and social activity capabilities as well as PROMs (Oxford Shoulder Score, VAS Pain, SANE, Quick DASH and EQ5D-5 L) are collected pre-operatively and at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and 24 months post-operatively. Inclusion criteria are patients older than 18 years, for whom their surgeon has determined that the bioinductive collagen implant is appropriate in their rotator cuff repair surgery. Ethical approval has been obtained from all appropriate committees in each participating country.
Global competition to ensure a secure supply of critical raw materials (‘CRMs’) is driven by two principal factors: the burgeoning global demand for CRMs deemed critical to the green and digital transition, as well as the defence sector; and supply chain characteristics accentuated during the COVID-19 pandemic and exacerbated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The EU has entered the CRM arms race with the EU Commission's proposed CRM Act, which sets non-binding targets aimed at bolstering domestic production of strategic raw materials by 2030. As the EU is significantly reliant on third country imports of these materials, these targets are particularly ambitious, not least in light of the EU's limited industrial policy remit. Changes to permitting processes, the creation of Strategic Projects based on sustainability criteria and stronger international cooperation are key factors likely to shape the extent to which the CRM Act will enable the EU to compete for these naturally finite but critical materials.
