The CBA Competition Law Section's International Committee and Foreign Investment Review Committee, as well as the ABA's Foreign Investment and National Security Committee presents:

Foreign Investment in a Not-So-Globalized World: Navigating Review Processes in the Face of Protectionism

Thursday, December 11th, 2025 | 2:00pm - 3:15pm PM Eastern
Online (Zoom)

As geopolitical tensions rise and national security concerns take center stage, governments worldwide are tightening foreign investment rules and demonstrating economic protectionism. Canada has embraced this global trend, with the federal government updating its Guidelines on the National Security Review of Investments under the Investment Canada Act (ICA). These changes indicate increased scrutiny on the basis of economic security, particularly in critical sectors such as AI, critical minerals, and infrastructure, and reflect a broader movement observed in jurisdictions like the United States, the European Union, Australia, and the UK.

A joint session between the CBA Competition Section’s FIRC and International committees, and the ABA’s Foreign Investment and National Security Committee this program will provide an in-depth exploration of navigating foreign investment review processes in this evolving landscape. Experts will discuss:

• The updated ICA national security guidelines and their impact on deal-making in Canada.

• Key trends in CFIUS, the EU’s Foreign Direct Investment Screening Mechanism, the UK’s Foreign Investment Regime and Australia’s strengthened FIRB regime.

• How protectionist policies are shaping cross-border transactions, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies.

• Practical guidance for businesses, investors, and legal advisors facing increasing regulatory scrutiny.

Join leading practitioners from Canada, the US, the EU and Australia as they discuss how to  manage regulatory risk, and effectively engage with government authorities in this rapidly changing global environment.

Moderator:

Devin Persaud, Partner, Miller Thomson LLP, Toronto

Speakers: 

Katie Clarke, Counsel, Skadden LLP, Washington D.C.

Ronan Dunne, Partner, Philip Lee LLP, Dublin

Denes Rothschild, Partner, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Toronto

Lizzie Knight, Partner, King & Wood Mallesons, Canberra