2026 - Page 7 of 34 - Iba magazine

24 May

Azerbaijan: energy sector CSR cases investing in safety and community development

Azerbaijan’s economy is strongly tied to oil and gas. Large-scale projects such as Azeri–Chirag–Gunashli (ACG), Shah Deniz and the Baku‑Tbilisi‑Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline have shaped national development and created long-term relationships between multinational operators and local communities. These projects carry complex safety, environmental and social risks, and energy companies operating in Azerbaijan have developed corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs that explicitly invest in safety systems and community development. Such efforts are driven by regulatory expectations, lender requirements (IFC, EBRD, Equator Principles), and company policies aligned with international health, safety and environment (HSE) standards (for example ISO 45001 and HSE management frameworks).Why…

21 May

What impact do software supply chain attacks have on development?

Roger W. WatsonScience and Technology

Software supply-chain attacks have moved from a niche security concern to one of the most disruptive forces shaping modern software development. By targeting the tools, libraries, and services that developers trust, attackers can compromise thousands of organizations through a single weak link. High-profile incidents over the past few years have fundamentally altered how teams design, build, and maintain software, pushing security earlier and deeper into the development lifecycle.Understanding Software Supply-Chain AttacksA software supply-chain attack occurs when attackers infiltrate the development or distribution process rather than directly attacking the end application. Instead of breaking into a single system, they compromise shared…

Fotos de stock gratuitas de acero y vidrio, América del sur, architecture

21 May

Why is shareholder engagement becoming more sophisticated?

Roger W. WatsonInvestments and Business

Exploring How Shareholder Engagement Has Developed Over TimeShareholder engagement refers to the ways investors interact with companies to influence strategy, governance, and performance. Over the past two decades, these interactions have shifted from sporadic, reactive interventions to highly planned, data-driven, and multi-channel campaigns. The growing sophistication of shareholder engagement reflects broader changes in capital markets, regulation, technology, and societal expectations of corporations.Shifting from Conflict to Strategic VisionHistorically, shareholder activism was often associated with hostile takeovers or public proxy battles focused narrowly on short-term financial gains. Today’s engagements are more strategic and nuanced. Activist investors increasingly frame their demands around long-term…

Why are multi-asset portfolios regaining popularity among advisors?

19 May

The reasons behind advisors’ renewed focus on multi-asset portfolios

Roger W. WatsonInvestments and Business

Multi-asset portfolios are experiencing a renewed wave of interest among financial advisors. After years dominated by single-asset strategies, thematic bets, or narrowly diversified equity allocations, advisors are increasingly returning to multi-asset approaches to address a more complex investment environment. Persistent inflation, higher interest rates, geopolitical uncertainty, and shifting correlations across asset classes have all contributed to this resurgence.A More Challenging and Uncertain Market BackdropThe post-pandemic investment landscape has been defined by volatility and regime changes. Equity markets have delivered uneven returns, bonds have experienced their worst drawdowns in decades, and traditional diversification assumptions have been tested.For example, in 2022 global…

Istanbul, in Turkey: What makes a retail concept scalable across diverse neighborhoods

19 May

Istanbul, Turkey: scaling retail concepts across diverse neighborhoods

Roger W. WatsonEconomy

Istanbul is a megacity of contrasts: dense historic cores, high-tourist corridors, modern business districts, sprawling suburban neighborhoods, and two continents linked by ferries and bridges. These contrasts create a mosaic of consumer behaviors, footfall patterns, rent levels, and infrastructure. A retail concept that scales across Istanbul’s diverse neighborhoods must be deliberately modular, data-driven, and operationally resilient. The following framework explains what makes such a concept scalable, illustrated with examples and practical tactics.1) Clear segmentation and neighborhood-level customer insightAchieving effective growth begins with accurate segmentation:Define customer archetypes: tourists, young professionals, students, families, commuters, conservative households, high-income consumers, bargain hunters. Each has…

19 May

Why Demand for Homes in Cap Cana, Dominican Republic Continues to Grow

Roger W. WatsonInvestments and Business

The Dominican Republic is steadily reinforcing its reputation as one of the Caribbean’s premier real estate hubs, and this year, Cap Cana has taken center stage as a prime location for high-end property investment. Whether it’s oceanfront villas or sleek condos with sweeping views of crystal-clear waters, international buyers are increasingly seeking homes for sale in Cap Cana Dominican Republic as they pursue an elevated lifestyle, reliable security, and promising long-term investment prospects within one of the region’s most rapidly expanding communities.Industry analysts indicate that the appetite for luxury real estate in Cap Cana has surged notably, driven by steady…

concentrated asian female workers cleaning cotton on farm ground

19 May

Ethical fashion explained

Roger W. WatsonCulture and Entertainment

Ethical fashion is a transformative movement in the apparel industry that aims to address the social and environmental impacts of clothing production. With growing awareness about sustainability and social responsibility, ethical fashion has emerged as a significant consideration for consumers and businesses alike. But what exactly does ethical fashion entail? Let's explore the various dimensions that define this progressive approach.Overview and Fundamental PrinciplesEthical fashion represents a wide range of approaches aimed at producing apparel in ways that respect both people and the environment, emphasizing fair working conditions, eco-conscious materials, and clear production methods. At its heart, ethical fashion promotes responsible…

Yamaha Marine and Skeeter Boats Co-Sponsor Charity Bass Tournament Benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®

19 May

Yamaha Marine & Skeeter Boats host charity bass tournament for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®

Roger W. WatsonSocial Responsibility

A long-running bass fishing tournament in Minnesota once again united anglers, sponsors and local communities in support of children battling life-threatening illnesses. The annual event combined competition, fundraising and philanthropy, generating more than $1.3 million to benefit the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.The Dick Hiley St. Jude Bass Classic returned to Wabasha, Minnesota, for its 28th edition, bringing together fishing enthusiasts from across the Upper Midwest for a weekend centered on competition and charitable giving. The tournament, held from May 1 to May 3, attracted 100 participating boats and continued a tradition that has become one of the…

Pop star Shakira acquitted in Spanish tax fraud case

18 May

Pop star Shakira acquitted of tax fraud in Spain

Roger W. WatsonCulture and Entertainment

A Spanish court has decided in Shakira’s favor in her prolonged tax battle, instructing officials to refund several million euros in penalties and accrued interest, a ruling that adds a new significant episode to the singer’s complex dealings with Spain’s tax authorities.A court in Spain has cleared Colombian singer and global music icon Shakira in a tax fraud case linked to the 2011 fiscal year, concluding that authorities failed to demonstrate she was officially a tax resident in the country during that period. The ruling, which was made public through court documents reviewed by international media outlets, orders the Spanish…

How are companies preparing for phishing and deepfake threats at scale?

17 May

What are companies doing about large-scale phishing and deepfake threats?

Roger W. WatsonScience and Technology

Phishing has evolved from crude email scams into highly targeted, data-driven attacks, while deepfakes have moved from novelty to operational threat. Together, they create a scalable risk that can undermine trust, drain finances, and compromise strategic decisions. Companies are preparing for these threats by recognizing a central reality: attackers now combine social engineering, artificial intelligence, and automation to operate at unprecedented speed and volume.Recent industry data shows that phishing remains the most common initial attack vector in major breaches, and the rise of audio and video deepfakes has added a new layer of credibility to impersonation attacks. Executives have been…