Host Myles Corson discusses the impact of macroeconomic and geopolitical trends including trade disruptions with Sally Jones, EY UK Trade Strategy & Brexit Leader and Nicolas Veron, Senior Fellow at Bruegel, Brussels & Peterson Institute for International Economics, Washington. They discuss how Brexit and Covid-19 are reshaping trade policies and the CFO's role in the global environments.

The discussion references two major events - Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic - exploring how they have impacted macroeconomic and geopolitical trends. Sally and Nicolas share their perspectives on the evolving role of CFOs pre- and post-pandemic, and ways industries are pushing themselves in new and innovative ways to cope with changes.

Industries are now pushing themselves in new and innovative ways to stay relevant. Corporations and government organizations have been incredibly adaptive to the lockdown conditions presented by the pandemic, effectively utilizing technology to shift from in-person to remote work. The challenges businesses are facing and how they're shaping the role of the modern CFO and finance leaders in addressing those challenges cannot be understated, particularly for cross-border businesses.

Technology is moving faster than governments and regulations can keep pace with. As disparate regulations emerge to protect consumers and their data, it has become increasing difficult for companies, particularly cross-border businesses, to meet all of the obligations.

Plurilateral trade negotiations are coming together to create cutting-edge, trading commitments that will oblige companies operating within those countries to meet new and more ambitious sustainability standards.

Trade disruptions, including ones experienced with Brexit or pandemic-related supply chain issues, can help companies pinpoint and modify business functions that operate in isolation.

The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not reflect the official policy or position of EY or any other organization.

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