New Zealand: In this edition of the Echo, we discuss employee contribution and the impact that an employee admitting fault may have on their claim. We also cover a further case in the employee vs contractor saga, and how this compares to other recent cases on the same topic. Finally, our immigration team has provided a short update on the Parent Resident Visa category.

United States: Dentons partner Eric P. Berlin joined The Dales Report’s Trade To Black podcast to dispel rumors surrounding the federal marijuana rescheduling process, explaining that the shift of substantive hearings into 2025 reflected a procedural adjustment rather than a substantive delay and discussing how the election and future DEA leadership could affect the process.

Canada: On October 13, 2026, Global Affairs Canada (GAC) published long-awaited guidance on the “deemed ownership” provisions in section 2.1 of the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) and section 2.01 of the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (JVCFOA).

Canada: National security review has moved from the edge of cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A) planning to the center of it. In US-Canada transactions, counsel can no longer assume that a deal involving friendly jurisdictions, familiar investors and commercially ordinary assets will avoid national security scrutiny. A single acquisition may implicate both the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and the national security review powers under Canada’s Investment Canada Act.

The hemp industry is preparing for significant federal restrictions that will change which hemp-derived products can legally remain on the market, with key provisions taking effect in November and December. At the same time, states continue to take different approaches to intoxicating hemp products, creating added complexity for manufacturers, retailers and consumer brands.

United Kingdom: The FCA and PRA have published their second-phase proposals for reform of the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR). 

United Kingdom: Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday professional and personal life. It is therefore unsurprising that organisations across all sectors are investing heavily in its development. According to Stanford University’s AI Index Report 2026, global corporate investment in AI more than doubled during 2025, rising from US$253.25 billion in 2024 to US$581.69 billion.

Papua New Guinea: Significant changes are proposed for the competition regime in PNG. The changes encompass such matters as the introduction of cartel arrangements and important procedural changes to the operation of the legislation.

Australia: ASIC has released CP 392 and draft implementation standards, providing the clearest indication yet of how Australia's new Digital Asset Framework will operate. We outline the key proposals, the businesses most likely to be affected, and the steps firms should be taking ahead of the new regime's commencement.

Nigeria: The second and third quarters of 2026 marked a significant transition period for Nigeria’s insurance sector. During Q2, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) focused on preparing the market for the recapitalisation deadline under the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act, 2025 (NIIRA), while taking steps to support innovation and strengthen policyholder protection.

Indonesia: This article highlights key updates to Indonesia’s tax regulations and their implications for taxpayers and businesses.

New Zealand: The Planning Act (PA) and Natural Environment Act (NEA) became law on 30 September 2026. After an initial ‘transition period’, during which the planning instruments that will comprise the new system are developed, these Acts are set to replace the Resource Management Act (RMA) in early 2030.

As Ontario plans for substantial load growth and increasing reliance on competitively procured transmission facilities, the province is continuing to streamline approval processes for major transmission infrastructure.

Nicaragua: The recent repeal of PROCOMPETENCIA marks a significant change in the country's regulatory framework and raises important questions about the future of economic competition oversight, business concentration transactions, and ongoing administrative proceedings. Edgard Torres and Pablo Areas, from our Nicaragua office, analyze the legal implications of this reform, potential regulatory scenarios, and the key considerations companies should keep in mind in light of this new landscape.

Singapore: Singapore's employment law landscape continued to evolve in 2026, with new legislation and court decisions. This article highlights selected developments from the year and considers what they signal for employers heading into 2027.

Australia: A recent decision of the Land & Environment Court has sought to clarify the law on integrated development.

Tanzania: A recent amendment to section 37(6) of the Employment and Labour Relations Act, Cap. 366 R.E. 2023 (ELRA) has generated significant discussion among employers and labour law practitioners, particularly regarding its potential implications for employers' ability to exercise workplace discipline effectively.

Australia: Welcome to the fifth edition of our legal developments in Queensland’s Public Sector update. In this edition, we share practical insights on Queensland's anti-discrimination and human rights review, protecting legal professional privilege over investigation reports, and suppression orders in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission. We hope you find these useful and, as always, we welcome the opportunity to hear what's front of mind for you.

Italy: With Regulation (EU) 2024/2847 – better known as the Cyber Resilience Act, or simply the CRA – the European Union is introducing a horizontal cybersecurity framework for products containing digital elements.

Welcome to the October edition of the Political Law Playbook. This month, we highlight two FEC complaints regarding campaign spending matters, an FBI inquiry into South Carolina lawmakers and a First Amendment challenge to the Pentagon’s lobbying restrictions.