MinterEllison

Cyber threats are a growing risk for not-for-profits, with the average cost of cybercrime for small to medium-sized organisations ranging from $46,000 to $100,000. This guide provides practical steps to secure your IT environment, including implementing Multifactor Authentication (MFA), preparing an incident response plan, and understanding your cyber insurance coverage. Protect your organisation’s data, reputation, and operations, and ensure a secure start to the holiday season and new year: https://lnkd.in/gjjHhjg5

Congratulations to Robert Smith and Sam McCombe from McGrathNicol on the execution of agreements to sell the alcoholic beverages business of Billson’s Beverages to The Coca-Cola Company. From the historic town of Beechworth, Billson’s Beverages was established in 1865. This transaction marks a significant milestone in ensuring the business and brand continue their long legacy here in Australia. The MinterEllison team who advised McGrathNicol was led by Partners Nicholas Anson and Esmond Prowse, Special Counsel Nick Diakoumis and Senior Associate Nathan Brumley. We also extend our thanks and congratulations to the other legal advisors King & Wood Mallesons and Addisons who also acted on the sale. 

MinterEllison wish everyone a happy and healthy festive season.

AUSTRAC has released draft rules for public consultation, quickly following the passing of major changes to Australia's Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing regime by Parliament at the end of November. Read our insights on the key points from the draft rules and what they say about the direction of travel for the new regime. Authors: Ian Lockhart, James Beaton, Tony Coburn and Wesley Lalich: https://lnkd.in/gwud4Df9

Significant changes are shaping the ESG landscape in Australia, with mandatory climate reporting, biodiversity initiatives, and increased scrutiny on greenwashing leading the way. How are businesses adapting to these challenges and opportunities? MinterEllison’s Paul Schoff and Lizzy Enright share insights with MinterEllisonRuddWatts into the latest trends driving sustainable outcomes across Australia: https://lnkd.in/gBT8xE_V

ASIC has released Consultation Paper 381 to seek industry feedback on proposed updates to existing guidance in Information Sheet 225 Crypto Assets. ASIC intends to update INFO 225 to provide further guidance about how existing AFS regulation applies to crypto and other digital assets and set out ASIC's approach to licensing entities that provide financial services in relation to crypto and digital assets that constitute financial products. We consider the key proposed changes: https://lnkd.in/dcYGQHfQ Authors: Prayas Pradhan; Ian Lockhart; Nicole Brown; Richard Batten; Tony Coburn and Danélle Prinsloo

Last week, our CEO & Managing Partner, Virginia Briggs, spoke to a packed audience at Microsoft's #AITour about how we're building upon our leading-edge position on #AI to make sure we fully realise the opportunities in front of us. AI is transforming the way we work at our firm and how we deliver excellent outcomes for our clients.

We're proud of our decade long partnership with Brisbane Youth Service that supports and empowers young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. In addition to pro bono and other support MinterEllison provides, the generosity of our people was once again displayed last week with another record-breaking (200!) hampers generously donated. This incredible effort highlights our commitment to making a positive impact in our community. Thank you to everyone who contributed! 🎄🎁

At MinterEllison, we are leading the way in integrating AI into our daily workflows, ensuring it enhances, not replaces, the critical judgment and expertise of our people. Our Chief Digital Officer, Gary Adler, recently shared insights into our AI adoption journey so far with the The Australian Financial Review, highlighting our commitment to responsible innovation. With over 1,000 Microsoft Copilot licences, and our own bespoke tools like Content Generator, we're empowering our teams to deliver faster, smarter, and more tailored solutions for our clients: https://lnkd.in/gRj343Mw

Our Chief Digital Officer, Gary Adler, who was named number 3 in the CIO Top 50 2024 awards, recently sat down with CIO Leadership Live podcast host Cathy O'Sullivan to talk about our firm's AI and #hyperautomation strategies. In the episode, Gary talks about how we're driving digital fluency across the firm and shares his advice for how to stay innovative in a changing world: https://lnkd.in/gtyXXV4d CIO Online #CIO50