US Economy’s K-Shaped Recovery & Market Insights

The US economy is navigating a complex K-shaped recovery pattern where different segments experience dramatically divergent outcomes, according to expert analysis on Bloomberg Businessweek Daily. JPMorgan Asset Management CIO Bob Michele joined Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec to break down EY’s three ‘A-Pillars’ framework while sector leaders from energy, dining, and healthcare provided insights into how this economic divergence is playing out across industries.

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Ex-Finma Chief Thomas Bauer Takes Over as BLKB Chairman

Thomas Bauer, former president of Swiss financial regulator Finma, has been named chairman of Basellandschaftliche Kantonalbank (BLKB), replacing Thomas Schneider with whom he previously worked at EY. The bank is grappling with a severe crisis primarily driven by problems at its Zurich-based digital subsidiary Radicant, which has partnered with an obscure fintech trust company. The appointment has sparked concerns about potential cronyism and governance issues in the Basel region, as Bauer steps into a leadership role during the most challenging period in BLKB’s history.

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EY ‘Reboot’ Plan: Staff Face Up to 30% Pay Cuts

Accounting giant EY is facing internal turmoil as insiders reveal a controversial restructuring initiative dubbed ‘Reboot’. According to sources, junior employees are receiving contract amendments that would implement substantial salary reductions—potentially as high as 30%—with staff forced to either accept the new terms or face uncertain alternatives. While the company’s official spokesperson has denied the existence of such wage cuts, multiple accounts describe the situation as dramatic, particularly affecting lower-level positions. The program appears to target cost reduction amid what sources describe as challenging market conditions for consulting firms.

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Ethereum’s Resilience: Why It’s Still the Leading Blockchain

Ethereum, often the subject of unfounded rumors about its decline, remains the world’s leading programmable blockchain as it approaches its 10th anniversary. The network has evolved significantly, transitioning from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake, slashing its carbon footprint by 99%, and scaling to handle hundreds of millions of transactions annually. Layer 2 solutions have further reduced fees to mere cents, making Ethereum more accessible. While some investors lament its lower staking yields compared to Bitcoin, Ethereum’s true strength lies in its role as a foundational platform for digital finance, hosting over 85% of real-world digital assets and half of stablecoin value. With a robust roadmap and decentralized infrastructure, Ethereum is built for sustained growth, not speculative hype.

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Semler Scientific Ranks 4th in US Bitcoin Holdings

Semler Scientific has solidified its position as the fourth-largest corporate Bitcoin holder in the US, with 3,634 BTC valued at over $340 million. The company’s latest purchase of 167 BTC, funded through a $40 million stock offering, underscores its long-term crypto strategy. Semler now trails only MicroStrategy, Tesla, and Block in corporate Bitcoin holdings. The trend extends beyond Semler, with companies like Rumble and 21 Capital also embracing Bitcoin as a treasury asset. The approval of Bitcoin ETFs 15 months ago has facilitated institutional adoption, boosting Bitcoin’s dominance to 64% of the crypto market—its highest since 2021. GameStop’s rumored $1.5 billion ‘Project Rocket’ further signals growing corporate interest in Bitcoin.

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Schellenberg Wittmer appoints Laïla Rochat as new tax partner in Geneva

Schellenberg Wittmer has appointed Laïla Rochat as a partner in its Geneva office, bringing her expertise in Swiss and international tax law from her previous role at EY. Rochat will advise on complex transactions, tax disputes, and estate planning, while also contributing as a speaker and lecturer at the University of Geneva.

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Disrupt.com to Invest 100 Million Dollars in AI Startups

Dubai-based venture capital firm Disrupt.com plans to invest $100 million in AI startups focusing on sectors like cybersecurity, Web3, automotive technology, and retail. This announcement comes amid a significant decline in venture capital funding in the MENA region, which saw a 42% drop last year. Despite this, the UAE remains the largest VC market in the region, raising $1.1 billion across 207 deals.

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Leonteq CEO Faces Crisis Amid Scandal and Governance Concerns

Leonteq’s market capitalization has plummeted to 343 million, largely due to CEO Lukas Ruflin’s handling of a scandal involving opaque trades linked to Caribbean companies. Despite multiple profit warnings and regulatory fines, Ruflin plans to transition to the Board of Directors, raising concerns about governance, especially given his ties to law firm NKF, which reportedly receives millions from Leonteq. Ruflin and co-founder Sandro Dorigo also hold a majority stake in logistics startup Invoitix, where a fellow board member is also affiliated with Leonteq.

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Trump’s Tariff Strategy Risks Economic Fallout and Higher Consumer Prices

President Trump is set to impose $1.4 trillion in tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, a move that could significantly impact the economy and consumer prices. Experts warn this aggressive strategy may lead to higher grocery costs, supply chain disruptions, and a potential economic slowdown, with estimates suggesting a GDP decline of up to 3.6 percentage points by 2026. The situation remains fluid, with the possibility of last-minute negotiations to avert severe consequences.

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Future of Bank Financing and the Rise of Alternative Lenders

The future of bank financing in Switzerland faces challenges as stricter regulations and limited lending capacity emerge, leading to a growing demand for credit that exceeds supply. Non-banks, such as pension funds and family offices, are stepping in with private credit solutions, while banks are encouraged to explore traditional capital market opportunities to alleviate pressure on their balance sheets. The recent demise of Credit Suisse has intensified competition in SME financing, prompting calls for cantonal banks to offer more attractive loan conditions.

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