Why policy expertise alone is not enough In every system of government, a sound policy succeeds only when it also works politically. Evidence, analysis and good drafting are the entry ticket. Whether an idea becomes law, funding or practice depends on political priorities, legislative arithmetic, institutional interests and public mood. The institutions differ from country…
Every major payments market is grappling with the same core problems right now: fraud that outpaces consumer protection rules, fintechs locked out of bank-controlled infrastructure, and a patchwork of national approaches that frustrates cross-border commerce. The EU’s answer – the Third Payment Services Directive (PSD3) and its companion Payment Services Regulation (PSR) – is now…
Here’s something that surprises a lot of people new to advocacy: the most important work rarely happens in a formal meeting, a packed public gallery, or a polished written submission. It happens in the conversations before all of that. Influencing policy makers and decision makers is fundamentally about relationships – real, sustained, trust-based ones that…
If you work in the private sector and have any involvement in shaping or responding to policy, you’ve probably encountered these three terms – sometimes used interchangeably, sometimes causing confusion. Getting them right isn’t just a matter of semantics. Understanding the distinctions can help your organisation engage with government more strategically, protect its reputation, and…
Artificial intelligence is no longer only something governments regulate. It is also becoming something they use. Across the UK, the EU, OECD countries and city governments, AI is starting to shape how policymakers gather evidence, analyse public input, improve services and evaluate what works. The biggest change is not that AI is replacing policymaking. It…
In 2026, regulatory fragmentation has become one of the defining challenges facing governments, businesses, and supervisory authorities worldwide. While globalisation once drove convergence in regulatory standards – particularly in finance, trade, and data governance – the current landscape is marked by divergence. Differing political priorities, technological advancements, economic pressures, and geopolitical tensions are pushing jurisdictions…
Building a culture of regulatory compliance is often framed as a board-level responsibility – but in practice, culture lives or dies in the middle of the organisation. While boards set expectations, it is middle and senior managers who translate those expectations into daily decisions, team behaviours, and operational priorities. In today’s evolving regulatory environment, managers…
Even well-intentioned policies often fall short of their goals. Solving policy problems or gaps in public policy is therefore a critical step toward effective governance. Without a clear diagnosis, reforms risk addressing symptoms rather than root causes. This article explores how policy gaps arise, how to identify them systematically, and why rigorous diagnosis is essential…
The Judicial Committee of the Parliament of Ghana commissioned ICGP to design and deliver a bespoke parliamentary study tour and training programme in London. The five-day programme – combining expert-led sessions with exclusive access to the UK Houses of Parliament and the UK Supreme Court – equipped the delegation with practical frameworks for strengthening parliamentary…
Global Heart Hub – an international alliance representing heart patient organisations across more than 40 countries – partnered with ICGP to strengthen the policy advocacy and communications capacity of its Heart Failure Patient Council. The result was a three-day bespoke training programme delivered in Windsor, UK, in September 2025, attended by 26 advocates from 17…
In today’s fast-changing world, advocacy is no longer just about experts and advocates presenting proposals behind closed doors. The most powerful policy shifts are now being driven by inclusive and participatory advocacy — approaches that bring communities, citizens, and those most affected directly into the decision-making process. This article looks at the key features of…
Upholding parliamentary standards is imperative to protecting a democratic, transparent, accountable and effective representative system. But how do we measure them? Last year was a historic year for democracies. Around 1.5 billion people went to the polls in over 50 countries to make it a significant year for elections. As with all elections, the change…
The latest OECD Regulatory Policy Outlook for 2025 highlights more inclusive stakeholder engagement practices and providing more to support innovation in society among their recommendations for strengthening regulatory policy over the next year. The fourth edition of the Outlook Report shares unique data from the OECD indicators on regulatory policy and governance, which informs new…
In the past few decades, the phrase “evidence-based policymaking” (EBPM) has become a central tenet of good governance. The idea is intuitive and appealing: policies should be grounded in the best available evidence, particularly from rigorous scientific research, to ensure effective and efficient public outcomes. However, as policymakers have grappled with the messy realities of…
Regulators are seeking new ways to ensure crypto and digital currency markets are fair, transparent and safe. Commonly, regulators are using payment systems as a key tool to oversee and regulate crypto and digital currencies by implementing rules, compliance requirements, and enforcement mechanisms that affect how digital assets are transferred, stored, and converted into fiat….
We spoke to Abimbola Ogundairo, an attendee from our Strategic Policy Advocacy training programme, on the impact the training has had on her work for charity Africa No Filter. In our conversation with her she outlined how the training course exceeded her expectations, saying: “It was very helpful and beneficial because it was robust… and…
In today’s fast-paced and increasingly regulated business landscape, compliance teams play a critical role in ensuring that organisations adhere to legal standards, industry regulations, and ethical norms. However, with the growing complexity of global regulations, evolving technologies, and shifting business models, regulatory compliance teams are facing more challenges than ever before. From managing a deluge…
In the dynamic world of policy advocacy, where influencing public policy and creating social change are the ultimate goals, the interplay between communications and advocacy strategy is crucial. Effective advocacy doesn’t just hinge on having the right message but also on delivering it through the right channels, at the right time, to the right audience….
Shaping the world around us Public policy shapes the world around us, from education to healthcare to environmental protections and economic regulations. But what drives the creation of these policies? Here is an overview of the drivers for change: To gain a comprehensive understanding of the drivers that influence and shape policy, governments and public…
Sam Bankman-Fried, the former CEO of FTX, a major cryptocurrency exchange, wasn’t just accused of fraud. He also faced charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Let’s break down what that means and how it might impact crypto regulation. The Money Laundering Charges: Prosecutors alleged Bankman-Fried diverted customer funds from FTX to his crypto hedge…
Scrutiny and accountability are the bedrock to positive regulatory outcomes. Without these measures, it would be impossible for regulators to perform their duties diligently in aiding a fairer and prosperous economy. However, one question that’s rarely asked is who regulates the regulators? This is a question recently raised by the UK House of Lords Industry…
Balancing compliance standards across new, emerging and existing regulation When it comes to the economy and the influences on the global stage, it has often been quoted “when the US sneezes, the rest of the world catches a cold.” Now, the European Union has its own influence on the world but in a different way….
Governance in the Public Sector Governance as a term is one that is regularly mentioned but rarely defined. Although it is something many know, it can often be tricky to define in a simple way. In general terms, it’s the system of rules, processes, and institutions that ensures a government and public organisations function effectively,…