SCRS Conference Day 1 Session #5
Rising Threats Across Asia-Pacific: Where Should The Risk-Focus Be At?
By Mr. Mark Nuttall, Geopolitics, Risk, AML & Security Expert
The geopolitical landscape has witnessed a significant shift in recent years, particularly in the contrasting approaches taken by the United States from a Western viewpoint, and the Eastern viewpoint focused on enhancing infrastructure around China, leading to a strategic geopolitical business vision embedded in infrastructure, supply chain, and economic sectors. This dynamic has resulted in several challenges, including sanctional problems and culture war issues. Currently, an ideological divide persists between the East and the West, with central regions playing a crucial role in shaping these dynamics.
Unraveling the Global Geopolitical Impact To Profitability & Society
Geopolitics and economies do not seem to align smoothly, resulting in a slight downturn in economic activities. Over the past two years, there has been a slowdown in global economic growth, accompanied by an increased potential for conflicts on a regional scale. This has led to a recessionary trend across various regions, exacerbating societal issues within countries. Additionally, specific geopolitical crises such as those in Syria and Myanmar, which involve rare earth materials, have further contributed to the economic downturn.
“There has been a noticeable shift in the geopolitical landscape, with a growing divide between the US and Western viewpoint, and the more Eastern viewpoint. This change has significant implications for infrastructure development and planning” said Mr. Mark Nuttall. As attitudes and priorities differ between these two perspectives, determining the direction of infrastructure projects becomes increasingly complex.
It is crucial to recognize and navigate these contrasting viewpoints in order to effectively address the infrastructure needs of our changing world.
- Deep-Rooted Ideological Differences & Impact on Business Profitability
Cultural war problems have emerged as a significant challenge in recent times. These problems stem from deep-rooted ideological differences that have led to a geopolitical mismatch. This mismatch has resulted in a two-year slowdown in profitability as businesses struggle to navigate the complexities of this global conflict.
- Societal Issues Shaping Economies, Environments & Social Dynamics
Societal issues have emerged in certain countries, such as Syria and Myanmar, where individuals have been burdened with the responsibility of foreloading. These countries, rich in valuable resources like raw materials, timber, gold, and gas, have faced significant challenges in managing the extraction and distribution of these resources. The process of foreloading, or bearing the weight of these responsibilities, has had profound effects on the societies of these nations, impacting their economies, environments, and social dynamics.
- Massive Investments in Big Tech Firms Backfire, Resulting in Revenue Losses
Large organizations have been increasingly investing in big tech firms rather than big banks, such as the FTX marketplace billion dollar organization. However, this shift in investment strategy has not always yielded positive results. In some cases, the corporations that invested in these technology firms have faced substantial losses amounting to billions of dollars in revenue. These losses have had direct impacts on the corporations, which may not be easily recoverable.
- Financial Giants in Crisis: Lack of Funds Threatens Economic Recovery Efforts
Credit Suisse, Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank, and First Republic Bank are prominent financial institutions that play a vital role in the economy. However, these institutions are currently facing a significant challenge – a lack of equity and capital. This shortfall in funds hampers their ability to support economic recovery efforts. Without sufficient financial resources, these banks may face limitations in providing the necessary capital and liquidity to businesses and individuals, hindering economic growth and recovery.
- Geopolitical Influence on Donor Funding Creates Supply Chain Crisis
UN and Interpol are funded by donor organizations, which means that their priorities are influenced by the global geopolitical landscape. This, in turn, has an impact on the supply chain process. Currently, there is a significant issue with the flow of goods and activities in the region of Laos. Millions of dollars are being channeled into fraudulent centers and human donation facilities, thus contributing to the notorious golden triangle. The borders between Myanmar and China are witnessing the illegal trafficking of Captagon, further exacerbating the situation.
- Harnessing Carbon Credits & Taking Action to Combat Environmental Impact
Companies are increasingly focusing on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) mitigation strategies to address their environmental impact. One such strategy involves investing in carbon credits, which allows companies to offset their carbon emissions by supporting projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions elsewhere. Additionally, companies are taking responsibility for their supply chain emissions, placing blame on shipping and transportation sectors, as well as extractive industries.
- Geopolitical Disruptions Threaten Digital Transformation & Energy Security
As digitalization continues to shape our world, the question of energy sources becomes increasingly crucial. Much of our energy supply is often tied to political contracts between countries or states. This reliance on specific nations, such as China, Africa, and Myanmar, for resources intensifies as we progress in our digital transformation. However, in the event of a geopolitical disruption, the availability of these resources becomes uncertain. Consequently, it becomes essential to consider and factor in the associated risks when making decisions about our future endeavors.
TAPA APAC’s Mission to Safeguard the Supply Chain Amidst Geopolitical Challenges
Mark emphasized that the various effects occurring in the supply chain are a result of the interactions between people, places, and things. TAPA APAC understands that the global geopolitical landscape can have a substantial impact on the supply chain. Political tensions, trade disputes, and changes in regulations can disrupt the flow of goods and services and introduce new risks.
By recognizing these risks, TAPA APAC has developed and launched the TAPA Risk Assessment Standard (RAS) which aims the following for its members:
- Create awareness and provide guidance to organizations operating in the supply chain.
- Work closely with their members to develop best practices, share insights, and collaborate on solutions to mitigate the impact of geopolitical risks.
- Provides its members with access to a network of experts and resources.
- Develop contingency plans, diversify their supplier base, and establish alternative routes to mitigate the impact of disruptions.
To know more about TAPA Standards, visit https://tapa-apac.org/tapa-security-standards/
About the Speaker
Mr. Mark Nuttall Geopolitics, Risk, AML & Security Expert
Mr. Mark Nuttall has an extensive counter-crime, security, ESG, and risk background with over 25 years’ experience as a global risk management, anti-financial crime, and international security specialist. He has advised at the international blue-chip level to C-suite, as well as to international office holders within the geopolitical community. He holds judging responsibilities for international regulatory awards, as well as speaking at global events.
