American tariffs spark strategic rethink – why resilience and flexibility are now boardroom priorities

Heightened geopolitical tensions, escalating tariffs and volatile economic conditions are forcing multinational businesses to fundamentally reassess their global operating models. According to Jason Gerlis, Head of Americas and Regional Head of Corporate Services at Ocorian, this environment is accelerating a "flight to stability" – with businesses increasingly seeking partners and jurisdictions that offer both flexibility and resilience.

A tax on complexity

“Tariffs are, in many ways, a tax on complexity – and in today’s global economy, complexity is the norm,” Gerlis explains.

“For decades, supply chains have grown organically across borders to optimise efficiency and leverage global expertise. But tariffs – or even the threat of tariffs – create friction in that system, and that friction is painful for business.”

While the logical response might be to restructure supply chains or reshape international portfolios, Gerlis highlights a significant gap between perception and reality in the current environment.

“Businesses want to act — but they are rightly cautious. Decisions like relocating production or changing supply chains aren’t made lightly. These are expensive, resource-heavy choices involving people, systems, and infrastructure — and it’s difficult to justify those investments when the policy landscape can change in days, not years.”

Smart businesses are planning for resilience

Despite this inertia, Gerlis notes that savvy multinationals aren’t standing still — they are using this period of uncertainty to scenario-plan and stress-test their existing structures.

“This is not about reacting to today’s headlines. It’s about designing structures resilient enough to absorb tomorrow’s geopolitical risks — whatever form they take.”

Key to this is flexibility — in entity domiciles, financing structures, and operating models.

“Diversifying where your entities are based, assessing capital flow options, and creating operational pathways in multiple regions can all create agility,” says Gerlis. “It’s like wiring your business with multiple routes for energy to flow. If one avenue is blocked, another can power up.”

How Ocorian helps clients stay ahead

Ocorian’s role in this environment is clear: to act as a trusted, experienced partner helping businesses navigate complexity with confidence.

“With Ocorian’s breadth of services and global footprint, we are uniquely positioned to help clients restructure, adapt, and thrive,” Gerlis says. “Whether our clients are setting up new entities, consolidating existing ones, or planning for multiple scenarios, we provide both the expertise and the infrastructure to make it happen — wherever in the world they need to operate.”

Importantly, Ocorian’s diversified global presence means it is well insulated from localised volatility.

“Geographically, we are everywhere our clients need to be — so regardless of which jurisdictions win or lose in a shifting landscape, we’re already there,” Gerlis adds. “And provide the kind of consistent, long-term support that gives businesses confidence even in uncertain times.”

Change is constant – preparation is power

While M&A activity and large-scale restructuring may be paused in some sectors, Gerlis remains optimistic about the longer-term outlook.

“Periods of uncertainty inevitably give way to periods of accelerated change. Smart businesses are using this time to prepare for that next wave — and that’s where we add real value.”

“Ocorian likes change — because we’re structured to help clients manage it,” Gerlis concludes. “In a world where regulatory environments and political landscapes shift rapidly, having the right partner isn’t just useful — it’s essential.”

To explore how Ocorian can support your organisation in navigating tariff challenges and building greater operational resilience, contact us today.