U.S. - Trump Administration Tightens Foreign Investment Controls, Eases Rules for U.S. Allies
In America, the Trump administration has outlined its approach to foreign investment controls in a new memorandum, “America First Investment Policy,” issued on February 21, 2025. The memorandum aims to facilitate investment from U.S. allies while tightening restrictions on investments involving China and other nations. While it does not impose new regulations, it directs agencies to begin rulemaking to implement these policies.
A key focus is streamlining investment approvals for allied nations through expedited reviews, subject to conditions ensuring limited ties to foreign adversaries. At the same time, investment from adversary nations, particularly China, will face increased scrutiny. The administration plans to block or heavily regulate Chinese investment in critical industries such as technology, healthcare, energy, and infrastructure.
The memorandum also suggests expanding the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) jurisdiction to include greenfield investments, real estate near sensitive sites, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
Outbound investment from the U.S. into adversary nations will also face greater restrictions. The administration aims to tighten regulations limiting American investment in China’s military-linked industries, targeting areas such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and aerospace. Existing exceptions currently allowing investment in publicly traded Chinese securities or through private equity may be eliminated.
Other measures include expediting environmental reviews for billion-dollar investments, welcoming passive investments with no governance influence, and reviewing U.S.-China trade and tax policies. This could result in suspending the 1984 U.S.-China tax treaty and re-evaluating China’s trade status under Permanent Normal Trade Relations. The Treasury Department and other agencies are expected to release more specific guidance by April 1, 2025, as rulemaking progresses.
Saudi Arabia - Launches Ground-Breaking Initiative for WTA’s Historic Maternity Policy
On March 6, 2025, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced a ground breaking initiative, the PIF WTA Maternity Fund Program, which is the first comprehensive maternity policy in individual sports. This program will provide up to 12 months of paid maternity leave, financial support for fertility treatments, and parental leave for non-birthing parents from all countries around the globe.
Funded by Saudi Arabia’s PIF, the policy represents a major step forward for women’s sport, ensuring female athletes no longer have to choose between career and family. It builds on the successes of players like Serena Williams, who reached multiple Grand Slam finals post-motherhood, and Belinda Bencic, who recently won her first WTA title after returning from maternity leave.
WTA’s New Maternity Policy: A First in Women’s Sport
This program is the first maternity initiative in sports to be entirely funded by an external partner while offering direct financial support to individual athletes from any nationality. Key features include:
12 Months of Paid Maternity Leave – Guaranteed financial assistance for eligible players, regardless of ranking.
Fertility Treatment Grants – Financial aid for treatments such as egg freezing and IVF.
Parental Leave for Non-Birthing Parents – Two months of paid leave for players welcoming children through partner pregnancy, surrogacy, or adoption.
No Repayment Clause – Athletes are not obligated to return to the sport to retain their maternity pay.
United Kingdom - Implements the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023
On May 24, 2023, the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Bill received Royal Assent in the UK, becoming the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023. This new legislation introduces vital rights and protections for employees who are parents of babies requiring neonatal care. With the regulations now set to take effect on April 6, 2025, employers need to understand the key changes and prepare for their implementation. Additionally, employers should be aware of the various types of family-related leave available to employees in the UK to ensure compliance with existing and upcoming regulations.
Background
Currently, parents of premature babies requiring neonatal care in the UK must use their existing leave entitlements, such as maternity or paternity leave, which can quickly be exhausted. The new law introduces dedicated care leave, providing parents with additional support to balance work and family responsibilities.
Key Provisions of the UK Neonatal Care Act
Eligibility: Employees, including parents, adoptive parents, and partners of mothers, can take neonatal care leave if their baby is born born on or after April 6, 2025 and require at least seven consecutive days of neonatal care within 28 days of birth.
Leave Entitlement: Employees are entitled to one week of neonatal care leave for each uninterrupted week the baby requires care, up to 12 weeks. The leave must be taken in blocks of at least one week and can only begin after the baby's neonatal care has lasted for eight days.
Pay: Eligible employees will receive statutory neonatal care pay, which is set at GBP 187.18 (approximately USD 241.43) per week from April 2025. To qualify, employees must have at least 26 weeks of continuous service and meet the lower earnings limit.