The CIMA Annual Conference 2025 in Hong Kong on 24 November brought together nearly 300 influential finance leaders, including CGMA and AICPA members, to explore how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping enterprise finance.

As the 2025 reporting season approaches, foreign private issuers (FPIs) are navigating a landscape shaped by evolving SEC mandates, global climate regulations, and heightened investor scrutiny.

On 28 October 2025, DFIN proudly partnered with the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) in Singapore to support the Asia Pacific Capital Markets Forum. This influential event brought together leading voices from Ashurst, Peel Hunt, and DFIN, alongside special guest Eben Upton, CEO of Raspberry Pi, to explore why London continues to be a compelling venue for Asia Pacific companies seeking global capital access.

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What is a Schedule 13D & 13G SEC Filing?

Publicly traded companies are subject to SEC requirements, such as regulations that mandate certain types of financial reporting and disclosures. One such requirement is the Schedule 13D & 13G form, which is required when an investor becomes a beneficial owner of 5% or more of a public company's stock. Disclosures such as the SEC 13D & 13G are important for transparency, as they shine a light on the investor’s intentions and their potential influence on the company’s management or strategic direction.

The SEC Form F-4 is a type of registration statement that foreign companies or foreign private issuers must file in order to register certain types of securities for trading on US exchanges. This registration statement is also used for disclosures around mergers and acquisitions when a company is located outside the US.

Companies headquartered outside the US can list securities for sale on US exchanges with certain preconditions. One of these is filing a Form F-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The form F-3 is intended to capture information for US investors about a foreign company that they would otherwise have access to if it were a domestic company, namely basic information about company finances and governance.

Financial reports are extremely important for internal decision-making and from a compliance perspective. Reports help teams make informed decisions about business opportunities, evaluate financial performance and chart a course forward. Yet the financial reporting process is generally thought of as complex and time-consuming.

Private equity (PE) continues to be a cornerstone of global M&A and capital markets, shaping how businesses operate, grow, and transform. Monitoring private equity trends is vital in 2025 as regulatory changes, technological advancements, and shifting strategies redefine the landscape. For businesses navigating corporate transactions, SEC filings, and compliance challenges, these trends highlight opportunities and risks alike.

Transparency and accountability are essential for stable financial markets, and SEC audits play a pivotal role in upholding these values. Conducted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or authorized external auditors, these audits rigorously review a company’s audited financial statement and disclosures to verify compliance with federal securities laws. By uncovering potential fraud and promoting accurate reporting, SEC audits safeguard investor confidence and public trust in the financial system.

Taking a company public is a significant milestone that can unlock new opportunities for growth, visibility, and investor confidence. While there are several ways to enter the public market, this article explores direct listings vs IPOs in detail, helping companies assess which approach best aligns with their financial goals, market conditions, and long-term strategy.