Market Intelligence

The 2026 US midterm elections delivered Democratic control of Congress, setting the stage for intensified oversight of business and human rights issues. Companies face heightened scrutiny across corruption, supply chains, climate commitments, and AI deployment as congressional committees leverage their investigative powers to examine corporate relationships with government and politically connected actors.

The Bureau of Industry and Security has extended the suspension of its Affiliates Rule through January 10, 2027, providing companies additional time to prepare for potential reimposition of expanded export license requirements. While the extension offers near-term regulatory certainty, the underlying rule remains unchanged and could automatically apply export restrictions to foreign entities owned 50% or more by certain restricted parties. Companies must balance this temporary reprieve with the need to main

Kazakhstan has enacted a dedicated procurement regime for its nuclear power programme that operates outside standard state procurement law. The Rules establish a mandatory supplier registry, specific exclusion grounds, and commercially favourable terms for Kazakhstani producers. Understanding these requirements is essential for any entity seeking to participate in Kazakhstan's nuclear construction projects, which are planned to extend through 2050.

Kazakhstan's September 2024 tariff revision establishes fixed electricity price caps through 2032, creating a framework that shapes project finance models and debt service capacity. This analysis examines how regulated tariffs, power purchase agreements, and payment structures determine bankability for energy investments in Kazakhstan's wholesale electricity market.

Kazakhstan's balancing electricity market has evolved from simulation mode to commercial operation, creating direct financial consequences for hourly deviations between scheduled and actual generation or consumption. The regulatory framework continues to develop through amendments affecting pricing mechanisms, balance-provider requirements, and special arrangements for renewable energy sources. Understanding these complex settlement obligations, credit risks, and contractual allocations has become essential

When a business partner fails to perform after receiving payment, the critical question is whether you're facing a civil dispute or criminal fraud. This distinction determines your entire legal strategy from the outset, yet the line between these situations is remarkably thin and often misunderstood by law enforcement authorities. Understanding how to navigate this intersection of commercial disputes and criminal law can mean the difference between recovering your losses and watching your case disappear int