What’s New Today: The Trump administration is close to a trade deal with Taiwan that would lower US tariffs and unlock massive new chip investments by TSMC in Arizona. The proposed agreement strengthens US semiconductor supply chains but risks fresh friction with China as geopolitical tensions remain high.
Fast-Track Insights: In climate tech, UK-based Verna has raised $4 million to help companies transition from biodiversity reporting to measurable nature recovery, signaling a growing investor focus on nature as a business risk. On Wall Street, BlackRock has cut around 250 jobs as CEO Larry Fink sharpens the firm’s push into private markets amid tighter cost controls.
Together, these moves highlight shifting supply chains, evolving corporate priorities, accelerating AI adoption, and tougher regulatory signals in digital finance.
The Trump administration is close to a trade deal with Taiwan that would cut U.S. tariffs on Taiwanese goods to 15% and significantly expand TSMC’s chip investments in the US. The agreement could see at least four new Arizona fabs, adding to plans worth up to $165 billion amid rising China tensions.
London-based Verna has raised $4 million to help businesses convert biodiversity reporting into long-term nature recovery projects. Led by NAP and Übermorgen, the round will fund AI tools that plan, track, and verify ecosystem restoration. Co-CEO Rafi Cohen says demand is rising as the nature of risks hit business resilience.
BlackRock has cut about 250 jobs, trimming nearly 1% of its global workforce, as CEO Larry Fink reshapes the firm. The layoffs span investment and sales teams and reflect tighter cost discipline across Wall Street, even as BlackRock pushes deeper into private markets and alternative investments.
Artificial intelligence now drives every stage of content marketing, from planning to distribution. According to Analytics Insight, brands utilize AI to reduce costs, expedite production, and increase output, while relying on human review for accuracy. Companies like Klarna, Coca-Cola, and Heinz show how AI boosts speed, creativity, and engagement without replacing human judgment.
Thailand is tightening oversight of crypto, gold, and cash transactions to curb ‘grey money’ flows linked to tax evasion and crime. Under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, regulators plan a central Data Bureau, lower reporting thresholds for gold trades, and stricter enforcement of crypto Travel Rule norms to close loopholes across financial channels.