Dentons - Insights

Employment Echo – November Edition

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

New Zealand: In this edition of the Echo, we discuss employee contribution and the impact that an employee admitting fault may have on their claim. We also cover a further case in the employee vs contractor saga, and how this compares to other recent cases on the same topic. Finally, our immigration team has provided a short update on the Parent Resident Visa category.

AI: an assistant, not a replacement

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

United Kingdom: Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday professional and personal life. It is therefore unsurprising that organisations across all sectors are investing heavily in its development. According to Stanford University’s AI Index Report 2026, global corporate investment in AI more than doubled during 2025, rising from US$253.25 billion in 2024 to US$581.69 billion.

Cannabis Client Alert – Week of November 2, 2026

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

United States: Dentons partner Eric P. Berlin joined The Dales Report’s Trade To Black podcast to dispel rumors surrounding the federal marijuana rescheduling process, explaining that the shift of substantive hearings into 2025 reflected a procedural adjustment rather than a substantive delay and discussing how the election and future DEA leadership could affect the process.

Deemed ownership guidance: What the new GAC guidance means for your business

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Canada: On October 13, 2026, Global Affairs Canada (GAC) published long-awaited guidance on the “deemed ownership” provisions in section 2.1 of the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) and section 2.01 of the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (JVCFOA).

Major Changes to Hemp Regulation Are Taking Effect: Is Your Business Ready?

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The hemp industry is preparing for significant federal restrictions that will change which hemp-derived products can legally remain on the market, with key provisions taking effect in November and December. At the same time, states continue to take different approaches to intoxicating hemp products, creating added complexity for manufacturers, retailers and consumer brands.

One deal, two national security reviews: Coordinating CFIUS and Investment Canada Act strategy in US-Canada M&A

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Canada: National security review has moved from the edge of cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A) planning to the center of it. In US-Canada transactions, counsel can no longer assume that a deal involving friendly jurisdictions, familiar investors and commercially ordinary assets will avoid national security scrutiny. A single acquisition may implicate both the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and the national security review powers under Canada’s Investment Canada Act.

PNG competition law reform: What to know and risks for business dealings

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Papua New Guinea: Significant changes are proposed for the competition regime in PNG. The changes encompass such matters as the introduction of cartel arrangements and important procedural changes to the operation of the legislation.

SMCR Phase 2: FCA and PRA propose significant simplification of the individual accountability regime

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

United Kingdom: The FCA and PRA have published their second-phase proposals for reform of the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR).

The Digital Asset Framework takes shape: ASIC releases CP 392 and draft implementation standards

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Australia: ASIC has released CP 392 and draft implementation standards, providing the clearest indication yet of how Australia's new Digital Asset Framework will operate. We outline the key proposals, the businesses most likely to be affected, and the steps firms should be taking ahead of the new regime's commencement.

RMA reform – implications for residential and commercial property

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

New Zealand: The Planning Act (PA) and Natural Environment Act (NEA) became law on 30 September 2026. After an initial ‘transition period’, during which the planning instruments that will comprise the new system are developed, these Acts are set to replace the Resource Management Act (RMA) in early 2030.