Category:

Risk Management

Asia Pacific sovereign ratings can withstand Covid-19 waves: S&P

“Covid-19 does limited damage to the economic growth trend and structural fiscal performance of most sovereigns in the region,” said S&P Global Ratings credit analyst Kim Eng Tan. “Consequently, most sovereign ratings in the region are likely to remain unchanged over the next one to two years,” he said.

However, sovereigns’ fiscal resilience to future shocks can weaken as government debt levels rise further in the continued struggle with the pandemic. “The impact of further waves of Covid-19 infections could lower sovereign ratings that already have negative outlooks, especially if revenue growth disappoints and interest rates rebound by more than we expect,” said Tan.

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Mining giants face sexual harassment reckoning as BHP fires 48 workers

While harassment is a problem in workplaces around the world, isolated mines can be especially risky for women. They remain largely male-dominated, with fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workers living in camp-style accommodation that blurs the line between work and social life. Add excessive alcohol consumption into the mix, and inappropriate behavior often follows.

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China passes sweeping data privacy law, toughens regulation on tech companies

Xinhua also reported that the law will create stronger regulation of China’s public surveillance system, requiring the disclosure and labelling of hardware used in identifying people in public places. Collected data can only be used for maintaining public safety, the news agency said. China operates a vast network of cameras, backed by advanced facial recognition and AI-driven technology, to control crime but also to check identities in subways, schools and office buildings.

The law also stipulates that companies cannot use personal data to target individuals for marketing, according to state broadcaster CCTV. And firms must provide easy ways for users to opt-out of targeted marketing, reported CNN. CCTV also reported that sensitive personal information — such as biometrics, health care and financial accounts — should only be processed with the individual’s consent.

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AXA XL adds pollution insurance underwriters in the US; promotes environmental claims leader

According to MaryAnn Susavidge, Chief Underwriting Officer for AXA XL’s Environmental insurance business, “The Environmental insurance market continues to show growth opportunities, largely driven by increased construction and M&A activities.  Companies looking to minimize their potential environmental liabilities find that pollution insurance is an effective risk management option. “

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Indian businesses suffer more cyber attacks with remote working

Despite being over a year into remote working and the possibility of a likely shift to hybrid working models, security remains a key concern for the Indian businesses, the report said, adding that managing security risks is undoubtedly getting more challenging in the country.

For respondents from India, malware (56 per cent) is the leading source of security attacks followed by ransomware (53 per cent), and phishing and credential stuffing (both 43 per cent).

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