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38 www.canadianlawyermag.com FEATURE IN-HOUSE PROFILES DAVID BADURINA COMPANY: Hyundai Canada TITLE: General counsel SEBASTIAN NISHIMOTO COMPANY: Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited TITLE: Deputy general counsel and privacy officer From AML to privacy, Nishimoto discusses the evolving casino regulations Sebastian Nishimoto, deputy general counsel and privacy officer at Gateway Casinos & Entertainment, is deeply involved in navigating the complexities of regulatory compliance in Canada's casino industry. As the casino industry faces increased scrutiny around anti-money laundering (AML) and responsible gaming, Nishimoto highlights the importance of these areas for Gateway's operations. Operating in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, Gateway partners with Crown corporations that oversee gaming activities. "The Crown bodies contract private sector operators like Gateway to manage casinos," Nishimoto explains. While the Crown bodies implement regulatory requirements, the relationship is collaborative, with Gateway providing input on new regulations, particularly around AML practices like source of funds verification. Nishimoto supports specialized depart- ments in interpreting regulatory requirements and participating in working groups during consultation phases. This approach ensures that compliance measures balance regulatory demands with customer experience. Privacy is another critical concern, especially since Gateway's operations fall under both public and private sector privacy laws. An ongoing initiative to catalogue personal information differentiates between gaming and non-gaming data to ensure compliance with the varying regulations. The pandemic brought new health measures like vaccination proof and contact tracing, which had to be implemented quickly. Nishimoto worked closely with departments managing these challenges. Nishimoto underscores the significant risks associated with data breaches. He collaborates with Gateway's cybersecurity team to continuously enhance protections against evolving threats and safeguard sensitive information. Dealer strategy, EV shift, and digital transformation: the infrastructure and policy issues facing the car maker Hyundai Canada, guided by its motto "new thinking, new possibilities," is at the forefront of automotive innovation, led by general counsel David Badurina. Speaking to Lexpert, Badurina highlights Hyundai's unique business model and the adoption of cutting-edge technology that propels the brand forward. Hyundai's dealership model is a key element of its success, especially in fostering person- alized customer service. Dealerships, embedded in local communities, act as brand ambassadors, offering tailored services based on customer needs. This personalized approach has contributed to Hyundai's strong performance in electric vehicle (EV) sales, with a 78 percent year-to-date increase in 2024. Hyundai's success is supported by high brand standards, ensuring consistent customer experiences across dealerships. In particular, Hyundai's luxury brand, Genesis, operates under a direct-to-customer model that combines efficiency with the regional expertise of local distributors. As a leader in EV sales, Hyundai faces challenges related to infrastructure and environmental regulations. A robust charging network, comparable to gas stations, is needed to support widespread EV adoption. Hyundai is proactively expanding charging options. Badurina critiques government zero-emission vehicle mandates, advocating for a more balanced approach. Hyundai works closely with government and industry associations to promote regulatory changes that support EV growth. Badurina also discusses Hyundai's digital transformation. Platforms like "Click to Buy" allow customers to complete the car-buying process online, while telematics and data management offer insights into vehicle usage, though they present legal challenges in privacy and cybersecurity. Hyundai's forward-thinking strategies and adaptability continue to position it as a leader in the evolving automotive landscape.