Leading in uncertain times.

• Author: Heffes, Ellen M.
• Position: STRATEGY - Conference notes

Among the greatest challenges facing businesses today is the regulatory landscape, which has cast uncertainty on core business processes such as tax planning and is causing a strain on companies striving to compete in a volatile, global economy. That was a key theme discussed recently among featured panelists at the Taxand 2013 Global Conference, Leadership in an Uncertain Economy, hosted by Alvarez & Marsal Taxand, a tax advisory firm.

"The big question is why does there have to be a 'one size fits all' mentality with respect to tax policies?" asked Bob Lowe, CEO of Alvarez & Marsal Taxand. "While the goal for U.S. businesses, both large and small, is to spur innovation and job creation, some of these regulations end up working against this mission. With high corporate tax rates and added financial burdens, businesses are seeking opportunities in foreign jurisdictions to gain competitive advantages."

At the same time, governments are increasingly looking to obtain revenue from cross-border enterprises, as intellectual property and product manufacturing affect global jurisdictions for tax. C-level executives are sensitive to tightened regulations around transfer pricing and are concerned with...