Looking for the Unexpected: Direct CP Violation in $B \to X_{s}\gamma$ Decays

The observation of a sizable direct CP asymmetry in the inclusive decays B -> X_s gamma would be a clean signal of New Physics. In the Standard Model, this asymmetry is below 1% in magnitude. In extensions of the Standard Model with new CP-violating couplings, large asymmetries are possible without conflicting with the experimental value of the B -> X_s gamma branching ratio. In particular, large asymmetries arise naturally in models with enhanced chromo-magnetic dipole transitions. Some generic examples of such models are explored and their implications for the semileptonic branching ratio and charm yield in B decays discussed.