Measuring success
With so many different elements to quantify, PR professionals are continually struggling to prove their return on investment. Professional athletics leagues have developed all- encompassing performance metrics - is it a realistic ambition for PR as well? The end of...
Modernizing sexual offense legislation: start with consent
A wave of solidarity resembling the #MeToo movement has swept across Québec after a series of denunciations of sexual misconduct voiced on social media have blatantly exposed multiple prominent, public figures. The fact that victims are now turning to social media,...
Complex coffee dates
Catching up with journalists over coffee – a casual, yet integral activity within the scope of media relations – has become exceptionally challenging since the corona virus pandemic struck. With social distancing restrictions in place and editorial desks scattered,...
Breakthrough in climate justice
On 20 December 2019, the Supreme Court of the Netherlands (“the Supreme Court”) rendered judgement in the famous ‘Urgenda v. The State’ case, upholding previous decisions from lower Courts and affirming the obligation of the Dutch Government to reduce its greenhouse...
The new world order
During a recent visit to the Netherlands, Peter Frankopan, Professor of Global History at Oxford University and author of bestseller “The New Silk Roads”, addressed a room full of Dutch investors. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to listen along. His prime...
Daring to ‘go short’
Global markets are nervous and investors fear that a big correction in the stock market will finally come. When it finally does, who will be making money? Short sellers, that’s who. What exactly is ‘going short’? In essence, it is when an investor speculates on a...
New frontiers in long-term investing
Emerging markets (EM) and private equity (PE) are two themes trending in the long-term investing space, making it relevant to consider how they can be combined. Investors may indeed be lending more attention to EM PE in the coming months. According to data collected...
PR firm Stark Narrative launches
Public relations firm Stark Narrative has officially launched. Anchored in the Benelux market, with an international perspective, the new firm epitomizes distinct communications. Stark Narrative provides specialized PR services to clients active within the parameters...
Three strategists, a whole lot of geopolitical uncertainty
One cold, winter evening in February, three Dutch investment strategists gathered to discuss macroeconomic headwinds. Much as the rest of Europe, those participating in the 2019 Asset Allocation Awards and Debate were bamboozled by Brexit. Apparently even George...
Dutch pension sector creates efficient ecosystem (Part II)
The 6th annual Bismarck-lezing hosted by the Netherlands Investment Mangers Forum (Stichting NIMF) cast a philosophical light on the pension sector. Bas Haring, professor and ‘people’s philosopher’, took to the stage to demarcate the problematic elements that continue...