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The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has finalized a deal exempting U.S. multinational corporations from a global minimum corporate tax of 15%. This agreement, supported by nearly 150 countries, aims to prevent large companies from shifting profits to low-tax jurisdictions. OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann described the deal as a “landmark decision in international tax cooperation,” enhancing tax certainty and reducing complexity. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hailed it as “a historic victory in preserving U.S. sovereignty.” However, critics like Zorka Milin from the FACT Coalition argue that the deal undermines progress in corporate taxation, allowing major U.S. companies to continue utilizing tax havens. Congressional Republicans praised the agreement, viewing it as a step towards prioritizing American interests.

 

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Accounting Today

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President Donald Trump has asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to lead the process to implement economic and political reforms in Venezuela, including the direction of officials working on energy, financial, and military policy. Trump requested Rubio “under the president’s close guidance and direction, to be the lead on this process,” White House senior adviser Stephen Miller said, adding “It’s a big team, a group of people - everybody’s working great and closely together.”

 

Bloomberg

A U.S. appeals court has agreed to expedite an appeal regarding President Trump's $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas for hiring skilled foreign workers. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce argued that a swift review is crucial to protect employers' rights ahead of the H-1B visa lottery in March. "Those employers' ability to participate in the H-1B program this year therefore hinges on the outcome of this appeal; without relief by March, it will be too late,” the Chamber said. The appeal follows a December 24 decision by a district judge affirming the fee's legality. The Trump administration has said  the H1-B program has been abused by U.S. employers who seek to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign workers.

 

U.S. News

JPMorgan Chase has launched a new initiative called "Special Advisory Services," led by Liz Myers, the firm's global chair of investment banking. The service aims to provide clients with insights into JPMorgan's strategies in areas including artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Myers said: “These capabilities are on par or better with some of the specialized consulting firms out there,” as she emphasized the potential benefits for C-suite executives. The firm plans to offer a range of services, including investor relations and technology procurement, without initial charges, although fees may apply for more extensive projects. The initiative targets clients seeking long-term relationships with JPMorgan, such as those considering the bank for IPO advisory or transformational deals. Myers noted that the group will start small but may expand based on client demand.

 

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Bridgewater Associates founder Ray Dalio has cautioned that the current AI boom may be in the early stages of a financial bubble, as investor enthusiasm has significantly driven up technology stock prices. Despite a record-breaking year for U.S. equities in 2025, Dalio observed that non-U.S. stocks and gold outperformed their U.S. counterparts, indicating potential risks in the market. As concerns about this bubble grow, analysts suggest investors may shift their focus towards undervalued areas of the financial landscape.

 

Reuters

As stablecoins gain traction, the focus is shifting from issuance to the digital wallet infrastructure that manages them. CFOs are increasingly recognizing the importance of enterprise-grade wallets for auditability and integration with existing finance systems. With regulations tightening, firms that excel in wallet infrastructure may realize significant efficiency gains. The evolution of stablecoins is pushing finance leaders to scrutinize digital asset wallets as they would core banking systems, emphasizing the critical role of custody and integration in successful stablecoin strategies.

 

PYMNTS

Despite fears of AI replacing accountants, experts assert that technology will enhance rather than eliminate their roles. Prashant Ganti, vice president at Zoho, emphasized that "AI can only augment their role but cannot replace them," highlighting the importance of human judgment and ethical considerations in accounting. Kacee Johnson from Be Radical noted that AI lacks accountability, a crucial aspect of the profession. While some believe entry-level positions may evolve, the consensus is that accountants will adapt and thrive alongside AI. Jack Castonguay from Surgent warned against replacing entry-level staff, saying: "If you replace them, you lose more than headcount - you lose culture, innovation, and the future leaders at your firm."

 

Accounting Today

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has announced that the company's new generation of chips, which can deliver five times the AI computing power compared to previous models, is now in full production. During his keynote at CES, he highlighted that these chips are already being tested by AI firms, amidst increasing competition in the sector.

 

Reuters

PwC has announced the expansion of its digital asset practice, aiming to enhance its capabilities in stablecoin wallet infrastructure and custody solutions. The move comes as stablecoin issuance becomes increasingly streamlined, with enterprise-grade wallets gaining importance for CFOs. PwC's Global Blockchain Leader, Henri Arslanian, said: "We expect this to accelerate the adoption of blockchain-native instruments in corporate finance." The expansion aligns with the growing interest from banks and fintechs in stablecoin-based payments and treasury operations.

 

PYMNTS

The VAT landscape is poised for significant changes by 2026, driven by the EU's VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) reform and global digital reporting mandates. As tax administrations increasingly adopt technology, including AI and advanced analytics, businesses must modernize their invoicing and compliance processes. Eugen Trombitas, a global indirect tax expert, emphasizes that "automation and data quality will be the new currencies." The ViDA aims to standardize e-invoicing and real-time data transmission, requiring businesses to adapt to new regulations. The scrutiny over VAT is expected to intensify, particularly following the Court of Justice of the European Union's ruling on transfer pricing adjustments, which highlighted the VAT implications of intercompany transactions.

 

Bloomberg Tax

Artificial intelligence has evolved from a mere IT experiment to a critical component of corporate operations, impacting financial processes, marketing, and risk models. As Frank Esposito from Squire Patton Boggs notes: "AI is no longer an abstract topic for future agendas." Boards must ensure informed oversight of AI to avoid falling behind in governance. Effective AI governance requires literacy, strategy, and structure, enabling directors to understand AI's capabilities and risks. Companies should proactively define oversight responsibilities and integrate AI into their governance frameworks. As AI becomes increasingly material to business operations, transparent disclosure will be essential to avoid legal repercussions. Engaging early with AI governance will enhance credibility with investors and prepare companies for regulatory scrutiny.

 

Bloomberg Tax

Bed Bath & Beyond has appointed Marcus Lemonis as CEO, effective immediately, following a challenging fiscal year with a 15% decline in revenue. Lemonis, previously COO, is tasked with revitalizing the brand amid a competitive retail landscape. Board Chair Harriet Edelman said: "Marcus's deep understanding of our operations and strategic vision will be pivotal as we navigate this critical phase."

 

U.S. News

NinjaOne, a software startup, has achieved a significant milestone by reaching $500m in annual recurring revenue (ARR), reflecting nearly 70% year-over-year growth. The company, valued at $5bn following a funding round led by Iconiq Growth and CapitalG in February 2025, has expanded its customer base to 35,000, marking a 60% increase.

 

CNBC