News

Making Sense of Cryptocurrencies: Part #5

AGN Global Business Voice: Business Alert

Welcome to the final part of this GBV series seeking to demystify the world of the cryptocurrency – valuable fiscal tool or fantasy investment vehicle with no intrinsic value?  Since we conceived of this series a few months back, the market value of Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency had hit the heights of U$60,000 per coin, then halved to just over U$30,000 and is now gradually rising again –approaching the U$46,000 mark on 9 August 2021. Volatility is the hallmark of cryptocurrencies.

In this article we explore some of the views of the professionals within our own member firms.  It turns out that cryptocurrency experts are a pretty rare beast – although we suspect this is more to do with a reluctance to step into the spotlight on the topic rather than depth of capability.

Business Alert: Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) - Good Business, Or a Matter Of Survival?

AGN Global Business Voice: Business Alert

What is a diversity & inclusion (D&I) policy and why is it good business? How do you set yourself up for success? What are some practical takeaways to action now?

A firm’s D&I policy is broader than pursuing equity by gender or ethnicity; it can also tackle sexual orientation, class, age, religious preference and physical or mental disability. A diverse workforce breeds creativity and innovation, useful for both client service and running your own board room! Businesses that don’t operate diverse and inclusive workplaces see higher turnover rates as there’s a greater risk of a more hostile work environment developing. A McKinsey report found that the companies that performed worst on diversity were almost 30% more likely to underperform on profitability.

Marielos de Rueda receives award for Outstanding Professional 2021.

Marielos de Rueda - Managing Partner at Panchita Aguirre De Kaehler Y Asociados in Guatemala in the AGN Central & South America (CSA) region has been recognised by the College of Public Accountants and Auditors Guatemala in the framework of commemoration of International Women's Day. 

Press Release: AGN International Welcomes RTURBA Serviços Contábeis in the CSA Region

AGN International – one of the world’s leading associations of independent certified public accounting and consulting firms, announces that WFA Auditores Independentes S/S joins AGN International membership in the Central & South America (CSA) region. RTURBA Serviços Contábeis, located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was established in 2009 by Renata Turba. The firm provides services in accounting outsourcing, taxes and consulting - including legal.

Press Release: AGN Welcomes WFA Auditores Independentes S/S in the CSA region

AGN International – one of the world’s leading associations of independent certified public accounting and consulting firms, announces that WFA Auditores Independentes S/S joins AGN International membership in the Central & South America (CSA) region. WFA, located in Sao Paulo, Brazil, was established in 2020 by firm partners André Valério and Robson Izabel. The firm provides audit, tax and business consulting services.

Making Sense of Cryptocurrencies: Part #4

AGN Global Business Voice: Business Alert

Bitcoin was originally intended as a commercial tradable currency that everyone could use day-to-day; however, as we’ve discovered in previous editions, there is a way to go to achieve that vision - mainly due to price volatility. Almost by default, they’ve become a vehicle for capital appreciation, with a total market value approaching US$[1.5]tn - the equivalent to the GDP of Australia or Spain.

But are cryptocurrencies a valuable, credible investment? In the 4th edition of our 'Making Sense of Cryptocurrency' series, we explore the arguments in favour and against and ask if regulatory changes are beginning to cramp the style of this maverick money.

Making Sense of Cryptocurrencies: Part #3

AGN Global Business Voice: Business Alert

In this edition, we continue to explore the real-life practicalities of cryptocurrency ownership – buying, storing and spending. Last time we looked at the rollercoaster changes in cryptocurrency prices, and now we consider safety, security and daily practicality.

Mexico - An Open Door To Foreign Investment

AGN Global Business Voice: Business Alert

With an open environment to foreign participation, a range of tax and other incentives are available in aerospace, food processing, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals and electronics. But the most significant incentive for foreign companies to do business in Mexico is the IMMEX Maquiladora (factories) initiative.

The programme allows foreign manufacturers to import raw materials and components into Mexico, tax and duty-free, under the condition that 100% of all finished goods will be exported out of Mexico within a government-mandated timeframe.