Lawbalization

Fixing Cross-Border Payments in Emerging Markets: Liquidity, Compliance, and Fintech Infrastructure with Akinsola Jegede

Jonathan Bench speaks with Akinsola Jegede, founder and CEO of VitalSwap, about building cross-border payment infrastructure for emerging markets and the legal, regulatory, and liquidity challenges that shape global commerce from Africa outward. Akinsola shares how personal experience with currency scarcity and payment failures led him to create a fintech platform designed to bridge local currencies and U.S. dollar settlement, and explains why liquidity constraints, FX fragmentation, and compliance friction can quietly suppress economic growth across the continent. They discuss the practical realities of AML and KYC scrutiny, the importance of contextual risk assessment in cross-border transactions, and how licensing and strategic partnerships with banks and fintechs enabled VitalSwap to scale across multiple jurisdictions. The conversation also explores the role of stablecoins behind the scenes, trust-building in financial services, and what founders must understand about regulation when operating at the intersection of law, technology, and global payments.

Cross-Border M&A and Cultural Strategy with Friederike Henke

In this episode, Jonathan speaks with Friederike Henke, a corporate M&A partner at Buren in Amsterdam, about the realities of managing cross-border transactions between Germany, the Netherlands, and beyond. Friederike explains how cultural differences—particularly around regulation, negotiation strategy, and documentation—shape the way deals are structured and executed. They discuss the often-overlooked role of project management in transactions and how varying approaches across jurisdictions can either streamline or complicate a process. The conversation also covers the launch of Buren’s India desk and the strategic considerations behind building an international practice. Throughout, Friederike offers practical insight into how legal systems and business cultures intersect in real-world dealmaking.

Navigating Global Tax Complexity and Cross-Border Strategy with Michael Criddle

Jonathan Bench sits down with Michael “Mike” Criddle, CPA and leader in Eide Bailly’s International Tax Services Group, to unpack what it really takes for companies to operate across borders—and why international tax remains a rare specialty outside the coasts. Together, Jonathan and Mike explore the constant churn of U.S. tax law—sunset provisions, delayed-effective-date surprises like Section 174, and the growing complexity that forces companies of all sizes to rely on outside expertise. They also discuss the shifting world trade landscape, the role of tariffs and treaties, and where Mike is seeing deal flow heat up right now—from Ireland and the “former British empire” corridors to nearshoring across Mexico and Latin America, and renewed interest in U.S.-based manufacturing. The conversation closes with how AI is changing both client expectations and CPA career development.

Balancing Innovation and Oversight in the Age of AI with Medlir Mema

In this episode, Jonathan Bench speaks with Medlir Mema, Director of the AI Ethics and Governance Institute and professor of international relations, about the rapidly evolving global landscape of artificial intelligence policy and regulation. Drawing on his journey from Albania to the United States and his work at the intersection of technology, democracy, and public trust, Medlir unpacks how AI is reshaping labor markets, institutions, and geopolitical competition. The conversation explores the contrasting regulatory approaches of the United States, Europe, and China, the uncertain future of the EU AI Act, and the growing tension between innovation, competitiveness, and oversight. Together, they examine whether AI is delivering on its economic promises, the tradeoffs between efficiency and privacy, and the risks of regulatory ambiguity for businesses large and small. The episode concludes with a forward-looking discussion on child safety, data rights, voluntary industry standards, and what thoughtful AI governance could look like in the years ahead.

Navigating India’s M&A Boom, AI Adoption, and Deal-Making at the Law–Business Edge with Hemang Parekh

Jonathan Bench speaks with Hemang Parekh, a Mumbai-based partner at DSK Legal, about India’s accelerating emergence as a global economic force and what it means for investors, founders, and advisors operating at the intersection of law and business. Hemang shares practical insights into India’s sustained IPO momentum, evolving regulatory landscape, and growing private equity and M&A activity, explaining how demographic strength, domestic consumption, and capital market reforms are shaping cross-border investment. They explore how India positions itself amid global supply chain realignment, what foreign investors should understand about deal structuring in a jurisdiction balancing self-reliance with global integration, and how landmark foreign listings signal increasing market maturity. The conversation also examines the expanding role of corporate lawyers as both legal and commercial advisors, the impact of AI and digital transformation on clients and law firms, and why mentorship and practical training are critical to developing the next generation of dealmakers.