The article The Use of Machine Learning Techniques in Internal Models discusses the European Central Bank’s updated Guide to Internal Models published in July 2025, which reflects expanded regulatory expectations under CRR3 and revised Basel standards. A standout focus of the update is the integration of Machine Learning (ML) techniques within internal risk models, particularly for credit risk, market risk, and counterparty credit risk.

While machine learning holds promise for enhancing predictive performance and data-driven insights, the ECB emphasises that such models must be developed with robust methodologies, strong governance, and clear documentation. They must also maintain transparency and explainability, aligning with risk management frameworks and avoiding unnecessary complexity unless justified by measurable performance improvements. The guidance aims to balance innovation with prudence, promoting supervisory harmonisation and improved model risk management practices across financial institutions.

Every CEO aims to make data-driven decisions, but when data is scattered across departments, outdated, inconsistent, and disconnected, decision-making becomes guesswork. Conflicting reports from marketing, sales, finance, and operations can delay critical strategic moves and expose businesses to costly mistakes.

This article contrasts two realities: one where leadership teams struggle with fragmented spreadsheets and contradictory numbers, and another where integrated Business Intelligence (BI) systems transform raw data into a unified, real-time strategic asset.

With a centralized BI dashboard, integrating CRM, ERP, financial metrics, marketing performance, and operational capacity, decision-makers gain clarity, alignment, and confidence. Instead of debating whose numbers are correct, leadership teams focus on strategy, risk mitigation, profitability, and growth.

The message is clear: Business Intelligence is no longer a luxury. It is a competitive necessity. In fast-moving markets, the real risk isn’t making the wrong decision, it’s making decisions without reliable, connected data.

World Zero Waste Day shines a spotlight on the urgent need to tackle waste in the fashion and textile industry, one of the world’s largest polluters. With over 92 million tonnes of textile waste generated annually and 10% of global carbon emissions attributed to fashion, the current fast-fashion model is no longer sustainable.

The article explores how embracing circular economy principles, such as designing for durability, reuse, repair, and recycling, can significantly reduce environmental impact. It also highlights promising innovations in sustainable textiles made from agricultural and food waste, alongside policy-driven solutions like the EU’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. As the EU moves toward a fully circular textile economy by 2030, Cyprus has a critical opportunity to align with these efforts and implement EPR schemes that support sustainable waste management and responsible production.

• Grant Thornton becomes largest UK professional services firm to give equity units to many of its employees at no cost or buy-in
• Equity units also made available to employees in Cyprus
• Employees have the potential to benefit from initial equity value held by the Employee Benefit Trust and future increases in its value

This article highlights the strategic value of complementing a European Union Trademark (EUTM) with a Cyprus national trademark (CYTM) to strengthen brand protection. While an EUTM offers broad, EU-wide coverage, it also carries greater procedural risk and higher burdens of proof, as it may be opposed or challenged across multiple jurisdictions and requires evidence of genuine use across the EU. By contrast, a CYTM is examined in a single jurisdiction, requires proof of use only in Cyprus, and can offer practical enforcement advantages given Cyprus’s role as a regional business and logistics hub. The article concludes that filing both in parallel is a prudent and cost-effective strategy, ensuring continuity of protection and a stronger, more resilient trademark portfolio.