Stephen Abbott Pugh
@stephenabbottpugh.bsky.social
Beneficial ownership transparency, data and standardisation expert. Offering technical guidance and consultancy support https://www.beneficialownership.co.uk/
Talk to me about the Beneficial Ownership Data Standard https://standard.openownership.org/
Talk to me about the Beneficial Ownership Data Standard https://standard.openownership.org/
Reposted by Stephen Abbott Pugh
EU to bar Chinese suppliers such as Huawei from critical infrastructure such as telecom and solar panels, as Brussels rethinks it security and tech policies.
as.ft.com/r/06943136-8...
as.ft.com/r/06943136-8...
Brussels in move to bar Chinese suppliers from EU’s critical infrastructure
[FREE TO READ] Proposed Cybersecurity Act would phase out groups such as Huawei and ZTE from telecom networks and solar energy systems
as.ft.com
January 17, 2026 at 6:38 AM
EU to bar Chinese suppliers such as Huawei from critical infrastructure such as telecom and solar panels, as Brussels rethinks it security and tech policies.
as.ft.com/r/06943136-8...
as.ft.com/r/06943136-8...
Reposted by Stephen Abbott Pugh
The deal has kick-started the president’s controversial plan to sell up to 50mn barrels of Venezuelan oil, with more sales expected in the ‘coming days and weeks’. ft.trib.al/a2pf6om
January 16, 2026 at 4:20 AM
The deal has kick-started the president’s controversial plan to sell up to 50mn barrels of Venezuelan oil, with more sales expected in the ‘coming days and weeks’. ft.trib.al/a2pf6om
Reposted by Stephen Abbott Pugh
🎥 "Have they moved as fast as I would have liked? No."
This week @sdoughtymp.bsky.social spoke to to the Lords Constitution Committee explaining that more needs to be done by Britain's Overseas Territories to improve corporate transparency.
We agree - it's time to end offshore corporate secrecy.
This week @sdoughtymp.bsky.social spoke to to the Lords Constitution Committee explaining that more needs to be done by Britain's Overseas Territories to improve corporate transparency.
We agree - it's time to end offshore corporate secrecy.
January 16, 2026 at 4:54 PM
🎥 "Have they moved as fast as I would have liked? No."
This week @sdoughtymp.bsky.social spoke to to the Lords Constitution Committee explaining that more needs to be done by Britain's Overseas Territories to improve corporate transparency.
We agree - it's time to end offshore corporate secrecy.
This week @sdoughtymp.bsky.social spoke to to the Lords Constitution Committee explaining that more needs to be done by Britain's Overseas Territories to improve corporate transparency.
We agree - it's time to end offshore corporate secrecy.
Hide and seek: Transparency International Germany (@transparency-de.bsky.social) on current challenges in using beneficial ownership information from the Transparenzregister and how a lack of access to other asset registers hampers recovery efforts www.transparency.de/aktuelles/de...
#UBO #AMLD6
#UBO #AMLD6
January 16, 2026 at 2:41 PM
Hide and seek: Transparency International Germany (@transparency-de.bsky.social) on current challenges in using beneficial ownership information from the Transparenzregister and how a lack of access to other asset registers hampers recovery efforts www.transparency.de/aktuelles/de...
#UBO #AMLD6
#UBO #AMLD6
Reposted by Stephen Abbott Pugh
Join us, @taxjustice.net and @officialuom.bsky.social for a session on economic crime and #BeneficialOwnership #transparency hosted by International Centre for Comparative Criminology on 22 Jan. Join us in Montreal or online. Read more👇
Details and registration: www.cicc-iccc.org/fr/evenement...
Details and registration: www.cicc-iccc.org/fr/evenement...
January 13, 2026 at 8:29 AM
Join us, @taxjustice.net and @officialuom.bsky.social for a session on economic crime and #BeneficialOwnership #transparency hosted by International Centre for Comparative Criminology on 22 Jan. Join us in Montreal or online. Read more👇
Details and registration: www.cicc-iccc.org/fr/evenement...
Details and registration: www.cicc-iccc.org/fr/evenement...
Betteridge's law of headlines in action with this @transparencyusa.bsky.social post.
Betteridge's law is an adage that states: "Any headline that ends in a question mark can be answered by the word no."
www.transparency.org/en/blog/corr...
Betteridge's law is an adage that states: "Any headline that ends in a question mark can be answered by the word no."
www.transparency.org/en/blog/corr...
Is the United States still a global leader in the fight against…
Looking back at the first year of the Trump administration, we reflect on corruption risks in the United States — from sanctions and AML enforcement to…
www.transparency.org
January 16, 2026 at 8:36 AM
Betteridge's law of headlines in action with this @transparencyusa.bsky.social post.
Betteridge's law is an adage that states: "Any headline that ends in a question mark can be answered by the word no."
www.transparency.org/en/blog/corr...
Betteridge's law is an adage that states: "Any headline that ends in a question mark can be answered by the word no."
www.transparency.org/en/blog/corr...
Reposted by Stephen Abbott Pugh
Structuriser leverages the power of the Beneficial Ownership Data Standard data format to help people capture and present complex corporate structures www.structuriser.com
Learn more about its new features for 2026 www.linkedin.com/posts/struct...
#beneficialownership #openstandards
Learn more about its new features for 2026 www.linkedin.com/posts/struct...
#beneficialownership #openstandards
Structuriser
Effortlessly create corporate structure charts
www.structuriser.com
January 15, 2026 at 7:16 PM
Structuriser leverages the power of the Beneficial Ownership Data Standard data format to help people capture and present complex corporate structures www.structuriser.com
Learn more about its new features for 2026 www.linkedin.com/posts/struct...
#beneficialownership #openstandards
Learn more about its new features for 2026 www.linkedin.com/posts/struct...
#beneficialownership #openstandards
Structuriser leverages the power of the Beneficial Ownership Data Standard data format to help people capture and present complex corporate structures www.structuriser.com
Learn more about its new features for 2026 www.linkedin.com/posts/struct...
#beneficialownership #openstandards
Learn more about its new features for 2026 www.linkedin.com/posts/struct...
#beneficialownership #openstandards
Structuriser
Effortlessly create corporate structure charts
www.structuriser.com
January 15, 2026 at 7:16 PM
Structuriser leverages the power of the Beneficial Ownership Data Standard data format to help people capture and present complex corporate structures www.structuriser.com
Learn more about its new features for 2026 www.linkedin.com/posts/struct...
#beneficialownership #openstandards
Learn more about its new features for 2026 www.linkedin.com/posts/struct...
#beneficialownership #openstandards
Brutal to be reminded of the extent of the USAID staff cuts via the data published in this article from The Upshot on @nytimes.com on how the Trump administrations cuts have affected every US federal agency
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
220,000 Fewer Workers: How Trump’s Cuts Affected Every Federal Agency
New data offers the first clear view of the impact of the buyouts and firings.
www.nytimes.com
January 15, 2026 at 7:10 PM
Brutal to be reminded of the extent of the USAID staff cuts via the data published in this article from The Upshot on @nytimes.com on how the Trump administrations cuts have affected every US federal agency
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Reposted by Stephen Abbott Pugh
US gets first $500 million Venezuelan oil deal, holding some proceeds in Qatar
www.semafor.com/article/01/1...
www.semafor.com/article/01/1...
Exclusive: US gets first $500 million Venezuelan oil deal, holding some proceeds in Qatar
The details shared with Semafor mark an initial milestone in the administration’s plan following the ouster of Nicolás Maduro.
www.semafor.com
January 14, 2026 at 9:35 PM
US gets first $500 million Venezuelan oil deal, holding some proceeds in Qatar
www.semafor.com/article/01/1...
www.semafor.com/article/01/1...
Reposted by Stephen Abbott Pugh
This is huge: For the first time since the early 1970s, coal power generation has fallen in both China & India.
It undercuts claims that decarbonisation is pointless while they expand coal. Renewables are no longer just adding capacity — they’re displacing coal.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
It undercuts claims that decarbonisation is pointless while they expand coal. Renewables are no longer just adding capacity — they’re displacing coal.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Coal power generation falls in China and India for first time since 1970s
‘Historic’ moment in biggest coal-consuming countries could bring decline in global emissions, analysis says
www.theguardian.com
January 15, 2026 at 9:34 AM
This is huge: For the first time since the early 1970s, coal power generation has fallen in both China & India.
It undercuts claims that decarbonisation is pointless while they expand coal. Renewables are no longer just adding capacity — they’re displacing coal.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
It undercuts claims that decarbonisation is pointless while they expand coal. Renewables are no longer just adding capacity — they’re displacing coal.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Reposted by Stephen Abbott Pugh
“Given a significant number of [US commercial ships] are beneficially owned by Danish operators, and are integral to the US Maritime Security Program it may appear that Denmark possesses a rather potent “rare earth” of its own”
Danish weaponized interdependence, anyone?
Danish weaponized interdependence, anyone?
Letter: Does Denmark have a ‘rare earth’ of its own — in shipping?
From Malcolm Colling, Tervuren, Belgium
giftarticle.ft.com
January 15, 2026 at 11:05 AM
“Given a significant number of [US commercial ships] are beneficially owned by Danish operators, and are integral to the US Maritime Security Program it may appear that Denmark possesses a rather potent “rare earth” of its own”
Danish weaponized interdependence, anyone?
Danish weaponized interdependence, anyone?
BVI official: "The [British] Virgin Islands is rated Compliant or Largely Compliant with all 40 FATF Recommendations" 🤨🤨
www.politico.eu/article/marg...
Only if you count partially compliant as compliant.
BVI = "partially compliant" on beneficial ownership www.fatf-gafi.org/content/dam/...
www.politico.eu/article/marg...
Only if you count partially compliant as compliant.
BVI = "partially compliant" on beneficial ownership www.fatf-gafi.org/content/dam/...
January 15, 2026 at 11:14 AM
BVI official: "The [British] Virgin Islands is rated Compliant or Largely Compliant with all 40 FATF Recommendations" 🤨🤨
www.politico.eu/article/marg...
Only if you count partially compliant as compliant.
BVI = "partially compliant" on beneficial ownership www.fatf-gafi.org/content/dam/...
www.politico.eu/article/marg...
Only if you count partially compliant as compliant.
BVI = "partially compliant" on beneficial ownership www.fatf-gafi.org/content/dam/...
Reposted by Stephen Abbott Pugh
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas privately told lawmakers the state of the world meant it might be a “good moment” to start drinking.
EU chief diplomat Kallas: World’s woes means it’s time to start drinking
High representative says global events mean now could be a good time to hit the bottle.
www.politico.eu
January 14, 2026 at 6:22 PM
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas privately told lawmakers the state of the world meant it might be a “good moment” to start drinking.
@mattcollin.bsky.social @jeannebomare.bsky.social Quotes your work...
How do wealthy individuals use offshore financial structures like shell companies to protect personal assets? And how is such offshore wealth structuring variably organised?
New LSE paper on gateways, funnels and stackers onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
#beneficialownership #opendata
New LSE paper on gateways, funnels and stackers onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
#beneficialownership #opendata
January 15, 2026 at 10:08 AM
@mattcollin.bsky.social @jeannebomare.bsky.social Quotes your work...
How do wealthy individuals use offshore financial structures like shell companies to protect personal assets? And how is such offshore wealth structuring variably organised?
New LSE paper on gateways, funnels and stackers onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
#beneficialownership #opendata
New LSE paper on gateways, funnels and stackers onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
#beneficialownership #opendata
January 15, 2026 at 10:07 AM
How do wealthy individuals use offshore financial structures like shell companies to protect personal assets? And how is such offshore wealth structuring variably organised?
New LSE paper on gateways, funnels and stackers onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
#beneficialownership #opendata
New LSE paper on gateways, funnels and stackers onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
#beneficialownership #opendata
The Cayman Islands has gazetted changes to its beneficial ownership legislation to allow for information sharing with foreign competent authorities, obliged entities and government departments gov.ky/w/beneficial... #beneficialownership
January 15, 2026 at 9:08 AM
The Cayman Islands has gazetted changes to its beneficial ownership legislation to allow for information sharing with foreign competent authorities, obliged entities and government departments gov.ky/w/beneficial... #beneficialownership
Reposted by Stephen Abbott Pugh
The FBI searched a Washington Post reporter’s home as part of an investigation into classified material, people familiar with the matter said. It is exceedingly rare for federal agents to search a journalist’s home. trib.al/tKsg85n
January 14, 2026 at 4:00 PM
The FBI searched a Washington Post reporter’s home as part of an investigation into classified material, people familiar with the matter said. It is exceedingly rare for federal agents to search a journalist’s home. trib.al/tKsg85n
Reposted by Stephen Abbott Pugh
Should the Beneficial Ownership Data Standard be extended to represent assets and capture beneficial ownership relationships with those assets? 🔍💰🏘️
github.com/openownershi...
linkedin.com/posts/stephe...
#beneficialownership #assetrecovery #AML #UBO #openstandards
github.com/openownershi...
linkedin.com/posts/stephe...
#beneficialownership #assetrecovery #AML #UBO #openstandards
January 8, 2026 at 9:36 AM
Should the Beneficial Ownership Data Standard be extended to represent assets and capture beneficial ownership relationships with those assets? 🔍💰🏘️
github.com/openownershi...
linkedin.com/posts/stephe...
#beneficialownership #assetrecovery #AML #UBO #openstandards
github.com/openownershi...
linkedin.com/posts/stephe...
#beneficialownership #assetrecovery #AML #UBO #openstandards
Reposted by Stephen Abbott Pugh
🎁 Just before the holidays, the EU Commission granted Big Tech its Christmas wish-list: an unprecedented attack on our digital rights.
Together with @lobbycontrol.bsky.social we have mapped how the Digital Omnibus closely matches Big Tech lobby demands.
👉 corporateeurope.org/en/2026/01/a...
Together with @lobbycontrol.bsky.social we have mapped how the Digital Omnibus closely matches Big Tech lobby demands.
👉 corporateeurope.org/en/2026/01/a...
Article by article, how Big Tech shaped the EU’s roll-back of digital rights | Corporate Europe Observatory
In a new analysis we trace Big Tech's fingerprints on the Digital Omnibus proposals - a major deregulation of EU digital laws including the GDPR and the AI Act. They are helped in this attempt by the ...
corporateeurope.org
January 14, 2026 at 7:56 AM
🎁 Just before the holidays, the EU Commission granted Big Tech its Christmas wish-list: an unprecedented attack on our digital rights.
Together with @lobbycontrol.bsky.social we have mapped how the Digital Omnibus closely matches Big Tech lobby demands.
👉 corporateeurope.org/en/2026/01/a...
Together with @lobbycontrol.bsky.social we have mapped how the Digital Omnibus closely matches Big Tech lobby demands.
👉 corporateeurope.org/en/2026/01/a...
Reposted by Stephen Abbott Pugh
Drawing lessons from organised crime frameworks in other jurisdictions, the authors outline options to strengthen asset recovery, hold enablers accountable, and reinforce the UK’s global leadership on anti-corruption.
🔗 Paper: bit.ly/4qMDRVE
🔗 Project: bit.ly/49QNsFe
#AntiCorruption #Kleptocracy
🔗 Paper: bit.ly/4qMDRVE
🔗 Project: bit.ly/49QNsFe
#AntiCorruption #Kleptocracy
Identifying enabler networks and their vulnerabilities - Governance & Integrity Anti-Corruption Evidence
The project explores the tools used by corrupt elites to launder their reputations and move and conceal illicit wealth across borders.
bit.ly
January 14, 2026 at 3:51 PM
Drawing lessons from organised crime frameworks in other jurisdictions, the authors outline options to strengthen asset recovery, hold enablers accountable, and reinforce the UK’s global leadership on anti-corruption.
🔗 Paper: bit.ly/4qMDRVE
🔗 Project: bit.ly/49QNsFe
#AntiCorruption #Kleptocracy
🔗 Paper: bit.ly/4qMDRVE
🔗 Project: bit.ly/49QNsFe
#AntiCorruption #Kleptocracy
Reposted by Stephen Abbott Pugh
Under President Trump, the EPA will stop considering lives saved when setting pollution limits and instead calculate only the cost to businesses. It’s counter to the agency’s mission statement, which says has a core responsibility to protect human health and the environment. nyti.ms/3Loch27
January 12, 2026 at 9:55 PM
Under President Trump, the EPA will stop considering lives saved when setting pollution limits and instead calculate only the cost to businesses. It’s counter to the agency’s mission statement, which says has a core responsibility to protect human health and the environment. nyti.ms/3Loch27
Reposted by Stephen Abbott Pugh
🔺 EXCLUSIVE: Hundreds of Russian shadow fleet vessels face seizure
Hundreds of Russian shadow fleet vessels face seizure
Hundreds of Russian shadow fleet vessels face seizure
www.thetimes.com
January 12, 2026 at 3:13 PM
🔺 EXCLUSIVE: Hundreds of Russian shadow fleet vessels face seizure
The Luxembourg Business Registers team has automatically extended the validity of codes used by journalists and civil society organisations to access the country's beneficial ownership register by a year www.lbr.lu/mjrcs-web-fr...
#beneficialownership #legitimateinterest #6AMLD #UBO
#beneficialownership #legitimateinterest #6AMLD #UBO
January 13, 2026 at 9:41 AM
The Luxembourg Business Registers team has automatically extended the validity of codes used by journalists and civil society organisations to access the country's beneficial ownership register by a year www.lbr.lu/mjrcs-web-fr...
#beneficialownership #legitimateinterest #6AMLD #UBO
#beneficialownership #legitimateinterest #6AMLD #UBO
Reposted by Stephen Abbott Pugh
We've launched an investigation into X over Grok sexualised imagery.
We've opened a formal investigation into X under the Online Safety Act, to determine whether it has complied with its duties to protect people in the UK from content that is illegal in the UK.
🔗 www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safet...
We've opened a formal investigation into X under the Online Safety Act, to determine whether it has complied with its duties to protect people in the UK from content that is illegal in the UK.
🔗 www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safet...
January 12, 2026 at 11:50 AM
We've launched an investigation into X over Grok sexualised imagery.
We've opened a formal investigation into X under the Online Safety Act, to determine whether it has complied with its duties to protect people in the UK from content that is illegal in the UK.
🔗 www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safet...
We've opened a formal investigation into X under the Online Safety Act, to determine whether it has complied with its duties to protect people in the UK from content that is illegal in the UK.
🔗 www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safet...