MYCPE ONE Insights | August Week 1 Edition
Welcome to the August Week 1 Edition of MYCPE ONE Insights. This week, we cover Claire’s fresh bankruptcy battle, boutique firms outpacing the Big Four in AI, global ripples from Trump’s tariff hikes, Apple’s push to outsmart ChatGPT, and EY & ACCA’s call for AI audits.
Dive deeper into each story by reading the full insights linked below, and gain a competitive edge with the trends and strategies shaping your profession.
Why Claire’s Is Back in Bankruptcy Court Again
Claire’s, the mall-era icon for tween bling and first ear piercings, has filed for U.S. bankruptcy again, seven years after its last trip to court. Tariffs, inflation, a looming $500M loan, and online rivals like Shein and Amazon have cut deep into its low-margin model. With global operations under strain and a September 7 buyer deadline, the brand’s fate hangs in the balance. Will this be a turnaround story or a final chapter for a retail classic? Read Insights
Boutique Firms Outsmart the Big Four with AI Adoption
The Big Four may have deep pockets, but smaller, AI-native firms are stealing the spotlight with speed, agility, and tech-first strategies. Deloitte’s new ME Tax Pulse app shows they’re trying to keep pace, yet cultural resistance, legacy systems, and leadership gaps still slow AI adoption. Meanwhile, mid-sized and boutique players are delivering faster, leaner, and more customized services. The race is no longer about size, it’s about smarts, speed, and adaptability. Which side will define the future of professional services? Read Insights
Decoding Trump’s Tariff Map and Global Blowback
Trump’s second-term trade war is in full swing, with tariffs jumping from 10% to as high as 50% across dozens of countries. Canada, Brazil, India, and Switzerland are among the hardest hit, while sectors from semiconductors to luxury goods brace for cost spikes and supply chain snarls. Inflation is ticking up, growth forecasts are down, and new pharma and chip tariffs are on deck. For finance leaders, this isn’t a temporary shock but a new operating reality. Who’s next on the list, and how will it reshape your numbers? Read Insights
Can Apple’s ‘Answer Engine’ Outsmart ChatGPT?
Apple is quietly building its own “Answer Engine” to replace reliance on ChatGPT, aiming to weave smarter, context-aware AI into Siri, Safari, Spotlight, and more. Led by former Siri chief Robby Walker, the new AKI team is hiring search and machine learning talent to create a privacy-focused, fully integrated system across 2B+ Apple devices. The goal isn’t AGI, it’s practical, seamless help that feels native and anticipates user needs. Can Apple turn years of AI stumbles into a competitive edge against OpenAI and Google? Read Insights
Why EY and ACCA Say It’s Time to Audit AI
EY and ACCA are calling for AI audits to become standard practice, treating algorithms like financial assets that require governance, compliance, and performance checks. Their new report urges leaders, auditors, and regulators to build trust through structured AI assessments, before laws make them mandatory. With global policy momentum building and 58% of consumers worried about AI misuse, this is a market and compliance shift you can’t ignore. Are your algorithms ready for scrutiny? Read Insights
Stay informed, stay agile, and be ready to lead the change. Thank you for reading this week’s MYCPE ONE Insights - see you next Friday! Download the MYCPE ONE Insights App today on the App Store and Google Play to keep up with all the latest updates on the go.