The 13th edition of Lexology’s In Depth: Foreign Investment Regulation arrives at a pivotal moment, capturing sweeping changes as governments worldwide recalibrate their investment screening frameworks to address mounting geopolitical, economic and strategic challenges.

This edition brings expert analysis from seasoned practitioners across multiple jurisdictions, examining key developments and trends across major economies. Together, they reflect a global shift toward more defensive investment policies and regulatory complexity. Notably:

• North America has seen a formal convergence of economic and national security objectives, with the United States and Canada extending scrutiny to investments of all sizes – including minority stakes in sensitive technologies, critical minerals, infrastructure and extra-territorial transactions.
• Europe’s regulatory landscape continues to evolve amid a debate over the balance between strengthening EU-wide foreign direct investment controls and preserving Member States autonomy. The European Commission’s White Paper on European Defense underscores efforts to reinforce the EU’s defense industrial base, signaling potential regulatory moves toward consolidation in strategic sectors while balancing competition concerns.
• The UK’s National Security and Investment Act – now in its third year – continues to evolve, with ongoing consultations expanding mandatory notification sectors to critical areas such as water, data infrastructure and energy. The changes reflect a proactive approach to national security within the UK’s foreign investment framework.

For businesses and legal counsel, this volume serves as a timely guide to an investment environment defined by strategic alignment, geopolitical risks and sectoral vulnerability. It highlights the growing convergence of foreign investment, competition and trade regulation – marking a new era of heightened government intervention and strategic industrial policy.