A&O Shearman Europe insights

How is AI, experimentation and smarter delivery transforming legal work?

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 11:42:29 +0100

In this episode, Luxembourg head of Knowledge Bénédicte Kurth welcomes Angela Clist, global head of Advanced Delivery and Solutions, to discuss how AI and advanced delivery are transforming legal work.

Together, they explore the mindset needed to thrive in this new environment, the importance of experimentation and thoughtful change management, and why markets like Luxembourg are well positioned to lead in responsible AI adoption.

With concrete examples—from AI-enabled large-scale review to entity management solutions, they highlight how the right combination of people, processes and technology creates real value for companies.

“Marry in haste, repent at leisure” – The importance of Due Diligence in M&A deals

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 14:53:56 +0100

In this episode of our M&A podcast, Victoria Woestmann and Matthieu Tourin discuss the role of due diligence in M&A transactions: why it matters, what can go wrong if it is poorly handled, and how the process can be made, in their words, “a bit less painful.”

Drawing on real life experiences, they walk through the due diligence process from both a buyer’s and seller’s perspective, explore how findings can influence purchase price, warranties, indemnities and SPA provisions, and share some of the more unexpected discoveries encountered in their careers.

The conversation also looks ahead, examining how LegalTech and AI tools are transforming due diligence – improving speed, coordination and outcomes in complex, cross border transactions.

The who, when and how of the new UK prospectus and public offer rules from an equity perspective

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:23:52 +0100

The UK’s new prospectus and public offer rules overhaul the UK prospectus regime. The Public Offers and Admissions to Trading Regulations 2024, which introduce the Prospectus Rules: Admissions to Trading on a Regulated Market (PRM) Sourcebook, will supersede the on-shored EU Prospectus Regulation from January 19, 2026, with a UK framework that separates admissions to a regulated market from wider public offers. The FCA now sets the detailed content and approval standards for admission prospectuses, with more flexible, proportionate disclosure requirements, especially for secondary fundraisings. The new rules recast when a ‘public offer’ is permitted, broaden permitted routes to reach retail investors (including via admissions to trading and other FCA regulated venues or platforms), and modernise exemptions. Overall, the package is designed to cut friction for issuers, support faster capital raising and retail participation, and maintain robust investor protections through targeted disclosure.

Listen to our podcast where we summarise what these changes are from an equity perspective and how issuers, investment banks and investors should navigate IPOs, public offers and further issuances under the new regime.

AI Agents – Ep 3: Digital fortresses: cyber and data risks for AI agents

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 17:38:26 +0100

This final episode of three parts explores how AI agents elevate cybersecurity and privacy risks: AI-enabled phishing, deepfakes, prompt injection, model theft, expanded attack surfaces, and nation-state agentic attacks, plus governance, controls, and regulatory expectations. Learn how to turn risk into advantage, build trust, meet regulatory expectations, and accelerate secure AI adoption.

Author: Alex Shandro and Anna Rudawski

AI Agents – Ep 2: Transactional integrity: AI agents for payments

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 17:37:03 +0100

This part two episode explores how AI agents are reshaping the online payments journey, while navigating PSD2/PSD3, GDPR, and UK rules. We unpack consent, authentication, liability, and the protocols powering agent-led commerce which can turn regulatory complexity into advantage, with actionable takeaways for product, legal, and risk teams

Author: Alex Shandro and Nikki Johnstone

AI Agents – Ep 1: Regulating autonomy: managing risk when using AI agents

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 17:34:49 +0100

This episode kicks off a three-part exploration of AI agents: what they are, why adoption is accelerating, and how to deploy them safely for business impact. Learn key use cases, governance challenges, and risks, decode the evolving regulatory landscape and liability, and take away pragmatic controls to move fast without breaking trust.

Author: Alex Shandro and Anna Rudawski

Contractual AIFs: Crisis resolution instruments and legal personality

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 17:15:50 +0100

In this podcast, Alberto Claretta-Assandri, head of Italy Funds and Financial Regulatory, and Tommaso Paltrinieri, senior associate from the restructuring team, provide an overview of the proposed reform of the Italian Financial Act with reference to the new insolvency-related measures applicable to Italian funds and their implications to the long-debated issue of their legal status.

This podcast is spoken in Italian.

Failure to prevent fraud offence

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 17:26:18 +0200

Over the past year, the UK has implemented sweeping reforms concerning how corporates can become liable for fraud. In this podcast episode, Matt Townsend, co-head of our Global International Trade group, is joined by counsel Tom d’Ardenne (London) and associate Ming Zee Tee (London) to unpack the new failure to prevent fraud offence and its implications for M&A. Our speakers explain how large companies may be held to account for fraud committed by employees, agents, subsidiaries, and other associated persons providing services. They explain what types of fraud are covered by the offence and how this regulation will reshape M&A due diligence and deal execution. The discussion highlights the practical steps businesses should take—particularly around governance, policies, and procedures—to mitigate risk and preserve value in transactions. Drawing parallels to the transformational effect of the UK Bribery Act in 2011, we expect to see a significant shift in how clients prepare for and conduct deals. Tune in for a practical discussion of how the new rules will operate in practice and the key implications businesses need to consider.

Annual reports and AGMs—what you need to know this year 2025-2026

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 12:22:51 +0200

In this latest edition of our podcast, we delve into the essential considerations for company secretaries and their teams as they prepare for their next annual report and AGM.

The key themes covered in this podcast include:

AGMs: current market practice and trends expected in 2026
Annual reports: a practical guide on the impact of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2024, an overview of changes that will impact the directors' report and directors' remuneration report, and a discussion of developments in sustainability reporting
Horizon scanning: developments currently in the pipeline as well as market trends that may impact UK AGMs and corporate reporting in the future

Reverse hybrid mismatches: Is the CIV carve-out finally decoded?

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 11:30:43 +0200

In this episode, Johanna Tschurtschenthaler (counsel, Tax) and Chiara Wolf (associate, Tax) return to one of Luxembourg’s most puzzling tax topics: the reverse hybrid mismatch rule under ATAD 2. And yes, it’s back—with clarity.

Lessons from Petrofac and Waldorf – the impact on English restructuring plans

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 10:09:50 +0200

Following the overturn of the Petrofac restructuring plan by the Court of Appeal in July 2025 and the High Court’s subsequent refusal to sanction the Waldorf restructuring plan in August 2025, London Restructuring partners Katrina Buckley, Karen McMaster and Tim Watson and Restructuring Senior Knowledge Lawyer Chris Poel have sat down with Lisa Rickelton (senior managing director from FTI Consulting, with over 20 years of experience of advising stakeholders on complex insolvency and restructuring matters) to discuss what effect these judgments may have on structuring complex restructurings and the process and practice of preparing a restructuring plan.

The Petrofac judgment marked a significant milestone in the continuing development of the English restructuring plan, being only the second occasion on which a sanctioned restructuring plan has been overturned by the Court of Appeal (following the Adler case in 2024). In turn, much the reasoning behind the reversal of Petrofac plan had a significant bearing on the High Court’s ensuing rejection of the Waldorf plan. The issues considered by the Courts and the guidance handed down from the bench in both cases have come under considerable scrutiny from the market, and stakeholders will be keen to understand the implications if they are considering making use of the restructuring plan tool.

Our podcast contributors discuss the specific commercial matters at play in the Petrofac case and why the Court of Appeal came to its decision; the impact of Petrofac on the Waldorf case, what amounts to a “fair” allocation of the benefits generated by a restructuring; how companies can strengthen their evidence to justify such allocations; and the merits or otherwise of possible alternatives to a restructuring plan.

For further details, we also recommend reading our previous article setting out a thorough consideration of the Petrofac Court of Appeal judgment and its implications.

Does the Data (Use and Access) Act deliver: e-privacy and ICO enforcement?

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 10:32:21 +0200

In this short series of podcasts, senior knowledge lawyer, Emma Keeling, and A&O Shearman’s data consultant and former ICO Deputy Commissioner, Steve Wood, take a look at some of the key data protection and e-privacy aspects of the UK’s Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (the DUAA).

In focusing on the data protection and e-privacy developments, they consider what has changed, but most importantly what that means in practice for businesses and organisations subject to the UK’s GPDR, Data Protection Act and Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).

They consider if and how the DUAA can support innovation and technological developments, how the DUAA may relieve organisations of their day to day compliance burden, what is new for the ICO, and the implications of changes to PECR.

The ICO is set to be restructured so as to align with the corporate arrangement more familiar from other UK regulators and the DUAA also provides further detail on the ICO’s duties, reporting and role with respect to codes of practice for example. However, in this third podcast, Emma and Steve focus on changes to the ICO’s enforcement powers.

They go on to address updates to PECR, notably the increased alignment with the data protection regime and approaches to direct marketing and cookies.

Since recording, regulations have been made to bring into force further DUAA provisions, as from August 20 2025. In relation to the content relevant for this podcast, these include provisions regarding, amongst others, interpretation of PECR (s. 109, 110 DUAA), data breach notice period under PECR (s. 111 DUAA), ICO notices (s.96 DUAA), ICO power to require documents (s.97 DUAA), restructuring of ICO (s.117 and sch. 14 DUAA), secretary of state regulations (s. 107 DUAA) and general minor amendments (s. 108 and sch. 11 DUAA).

These podcasts assume some knowledge of data protection and you can read more on the background of the DUAA in our blogs listed below:

Does the Data (Use and Access) Act deliver: easing the day to day burden?

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 17:58:29 +0200

Alongside the potential for innovation, the UK Government has been keen to emphasis the benefits of the DUAA in terms of reducing the compliance burden. Do we see changes that genuinely relieve some of the day to day challenges for organisations when it comes to responding to DP requirements?

In this second podcast, Emma and Steve will consider changes regarding:

lawful basis,
data subject rights,
complaints process, and
international transfers.

Since recording, regulations have been made to bring into force further DUAA provisions, as from August 20 2025. In relation to the content relevant for this podcast, these include provisions regarding, amongst others, the relevance of international law in relation to lawful basis for processing (s. 72 DUAA), special categories of personal data (s. 74 DUAA), data subject access requests (s. 104 DUAA), secretary of state regulations (s. 107 DUAA) and general minor amendments (s. 108 DUAA).

These podcasts assume some knowledge of data protection and you can read more on the background of the DUAA in our blogs listed below:

Does the Data (Use and Access) Act deliver innovation and opportunity?

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 13:09:41 +0200

One of the UK Government’s primary stated aims of the DUAA is to unlock the secure and effective use of data, encouraging innovation. The ICO in its summary documentation flags a number of amendments as being supportive of that agenda.

In the first podcast, Emma and Steve will be looking today at changes to the requirements for:

automated decision making
the purpose limitation principle
updates regarding research, archiving and statistical purposes of processing.

Since recording, regulations have been made to bring into force further DUAA provisions, as from August 20, 2025. In relation to the content relevant for this podcast, these include provisions regarding, amongst others, special categories of personal data (s. 74 DUAA), Secretary of State regulations (s. 107 DUAA) and general minor amendments (s. 108 DUAA).

These podcasts assume some knowledge of data protection and you can read more on the background of the DUAA in our blogs below:

Warsaw Financial Regulatory Podcast: Episode 2

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 13:26:26 +0200

In this episode of the Warsaw Financial Regulatory Podcast, hosts Paweł Mruk-Zawirski and Filip Główka dissect three sweeping legislative packages that are set to redefine the legal and compliance landscape for Poland’s financial sector.

Consumer Credit in Focus—DP 25/2 Mortgage Rule Review: the future of the mortgage market

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 18:20:04 +0200

Listen in for the latest developments in UK mortgage regulation with our insightful podcast, “Consumer Credit in Focus”, where experts from our London Financial Services Regulatory team break down the recent Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) discussion paper on possible future reforms to UK mortgage regulation.

In this episode, counsel Jean Price and associate Giannis Giortzis discuss with knowledge lawyer Louise Bralsford the paper’s key proposals ranging across wider lending, later life lending, customer understanding and rebalancing risk appetite in the mortgage market.

We explore what DP 25/2 may mean for the mortgage industry and how this fits into the UK’s broader vision for a more supportive and transparent financial landscape.

Join us as we delve into key elements like the interest rate stress test, lending to those with variable income and vulnerable customers and consider the FCA’s possible direction of travel, and what it means for consumers navigating financial decisions.

Tax, immigration and global talent: how Luxembourg is luring top professionals with smart incentives

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 10:31:14 +0200

In this episode, our Tax partner Franz Kerger and Employment counsel Nathaël Malanda join forces to analyze Luxembourg’s latest strategies for attracting top international talent.

They explore how Luxembourg positions itself as a destination of choice through two powerful levers: the country’s general tax attractiveness for impatriates, and its favorable immigration rules that make relocation smoother for skilled professionals.

The discussion also compares Luxembourg’s approach with similar schemes abroad and highlights the long-term benefits for both employers and employees.

With real-life examples and practical insights, this episode is a must-listen for professionals considering a move and employers looking to attract and retain global talent.

Insurance podcast series – Episode 5 Cyber insurance

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 18:12:21 +0200

This episode of our insurance series looks at cyber insurance and why these policies are integral to the risk management frameworks of many organisations.

For this conversation, insurance litigation and cyber partner Charlie Weston-Simons is joined by Ffion Flockhart, global co-head of cyber, with insights from Neil Warlow, Executive Director at Howden Insurance Brokers and Paul Gooch, Divisional Head of Cyber at Tokio Marine Kiln.

During the podcast, we discuss:

What cyber insurance covers, and why businesses should invest in this type of policy.
How insurers underwrite cyber risks.
The claims process.
Topical issues such as coverage for widespread events, war exclusions and AI-related losses.

The Warsaw Financial Regulatory Podcast

Wed, 28 May 2025 11:46:52 +0200

In the very first episode of the Warsaw Financial Regulatory Podcast, hosts Paweł Mruk-Zawirski and Mateusz Ołdak explore Poland’s ambitious 2025 deregulation initiative, with a special spotlight on the financial sector. They break down the government’s strategy to simplify laws, cut bureaucracy, and better align Polish regulations with EU standards, all while keeping investor and consumer protection front and center.

Mortgage rule review: first steps to simplify rules and increase flexibility

Fri, 23 May 2025 14:43:03 +0200

In this podcast, Jean Price (counsel) and Giannis Giortzis (associate) discuss with Louise Bralsford (knowledge lawyer) the consultation’s key proposals, which are aimed at simplifying mortgage rules, increasing flexibility for both consumers and firms, and supporting better consumer outcomes in line with the new Consumer Duty. Highlights include the removal of the interaction trigger, streamlined affordability assessments for reducing mortgage terms, and the retirement of previous FCA guidance.

One Step Ahead Insights podcast: Episode 3

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 10:32:59 +0100

Welcome to our new podcast "One Step Ahead Insights", an extension of our renowned "One Step Ahead" seminar series. For over 16 years, our seminars have been a cornerstone for clients seeking cutting-edge knowledge in law, finance, and business. Now, with our podcast, we are bringing our expertise and forward-thinking analysis directly to your ears. Tune in to stay informed, inspired, and always one step ahead in your professional journey.

In this episode of "One Step Ahead Insights", we delve into the significant regulatory changes in the financial markets, focusing on anti-money laundering (AML) laws and the introduction of virtual IBANs. This topic is presented by Paweł Mruk-Zawirski, head of the regulatory department for financial markets, and Filip Główka, an expert in debt finance. Together, Pawel and Filip provide a comprehensive overview of the new AML package, the establishment of a new supervisory authority, and the practical implications for financial institutions.

This episode is moderated by Konrad Zawistowski, a specialist in banking and finance law, with a focus on project finance, acquisition finance, and leveraged finance.

Simplifying sustainability: the European Commission’s Omnibus package

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 17:12:22 +0100

In this new episode of A&O Shearman Italy, together with Marco Lupoli, we will examine how the European Commission has proposed to profoundly modify the regulatory framework on sustainability to address the growing concerns about the competitiveness of European businesses.

In particular, we will focus on the changes to the directives on due diligence and sustainability reporting and what these innovations mean for both large and small companies. This episode offers sustainability professionals and corporate lawyers valuable insights on how to prepare for the new European regulatory environment. Enjoy listening!

This podcast is recorded in Italian.

Mediation and Correttivo Cartabia : changes and state of the art

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 17:35:31 +0100

Join Martina Rossi and Piermaurizio Tafuni, Senior Associates from the Litigation department at A&O Shearman Italia, as they delve into the latest changes brought by the Correttivo Cartabia on mediation. In this insightful podcast, they are joined by Nicola Giudice, a leading expert in mediation in Italy and head of the Conciliation Service at the Milan Chamber of Arbitration, which carries out its activity upon instruction of the Milan, Monza Brianza and Lodi Chamber of Commerce. Discover how the new legislative adjustments aim to make mediation more accessible, flexible, and effective, and find out the practical implications for businesses. Tune in to understand how these changes can help preserve commercial relationships and enhance dispute resolution strategies.

One Step Ahead Insights podcast — episode 1

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 11:55:37 +0100

In this episode of "One Step Ahead Insights", we delve into the intricate topics of restructuring and competition law, focusing on the implications of taking control over a borrower. This discussion is a continuation of a recent seminar given by two distinguished experts from our firm: Agnieszka Kolasińska-Czerwińska and Ewa Tkaczuk.

Cybersecurity podcast: Understanding and managing cyber risks in the private equity sector

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 08:15:53 +0100

We have recently launched an A&O Shearman podcast series focusing on the cybersecurity issues specific to a number of key industry sectors.

In this episode, Laurie-Anne Ancenys, partner at A&O Shearman and head of the tech and data practice in Paris, and Michel Tournier, IT operating partner and CIO at Wendel, one of Europe's leading listed investment firms, focus on the private equity sector.

They discuss the management of cyber risks and emerging threats within an increasingly complex regulatory framework, addressing key points such as:

The strategic importance of cybersecurity for companies.
The constantly evolving regulatory environment.
The increasing impact of digitalization. Incidents and crisis management.
Cyber threats in the coming years.

This podcast provides valuable insights to better understand and anticipate cyber challenges in the private equity sector.

The episode is in French.

Insurance podcast series – Episode 4: Directors' and officers' liability (D&O) insurance

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 18:03:36 +0100

The latest episode in our insurance series looks at the benefits of directors’ and officers’ liability (D&O) insurance and the key considerations when purchasing this protection.

D&O insurance exists to indemnify directors and officers against allegations arising from decisions and actions taken in their corporate roles. It covers defence costs and compensation payments due to claims.

The conversation is led by insurance litigation and cyber partner Charlie Weston-Simons, with insights from insurance litigation partner Russell Butland and head of management liability at Marsh UK, Helen Haggie.

EU Listing Act: episode 2 - what's new in MAR

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 10:49:46 +0100

This podcast is the second episode dedicated to the "EU Listing Act". Alessandra Pala, counsel of the Global Financial Markets group, discusses the most significant changes made by the Listing Act to the Market Abuse Regulation.

This podcast is recorded in Italian.

Key issues when negotiating and navigating restrictive covenants

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 10:44:22 +0100

In a climate where workforce mobility is at an all-time high, and employers are vying for top-tier talent, the careful formulation of restrictive covenants has become more crucial than ever. Employees who leave and join a competitor, taking with them valuable relationships and confidential knowledge, can significantly harm a business. However, these risks can be effectively managed and mitigated by implementing strong business protection.

In our last podcast of 2024, London partner, Kate Pumfrey, shares her insights on how employers are using, applying and enforcing restrictive covenants in the UK and her best practice tips for choosing, drafting and maximising business protection. The discussion extends to the position on paying for restrictive covenants, the approach for mobile workers and employee shareholders, and recent litigation trends.

Climate Change Litigation - episode 1: Gli ultimi sviluppi

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 17:24:00 +0100

Discover the latest developments in Climate Change Litigation with our expert Marco Lupoli, who analyzes the recent ruling by the Hague’s Court of Appeal and its implications for future cases.

Privilege and tax advice: impact of recent ECJ decisions

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 13:38:41 +0100

We were recently involved in advising a Luxembourg law firm in relation to an order to disclose information and documents based on an information request issued by another EU Member State, and whether providing such information would be a breach of the rules on privilege. The matter went all the way to the CJEU, with the CJEU finding that (i) the order was an interference with the right to respect communications between a lawyer and their client, which are protected under the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights and (ii) the current Luxembourg rules which exclude tax advice from the scope of legal privilege constitute an unjustified interference with such rights.

A&O Shearman on employment - episode 2: All change ahead - employer duties around sexual harassment, fire and rehire, and trade unions

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 17:23:00 +0100

This autumn has been particularly eventful for HR professionals with the introduction of the new obligation on employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment, alongside the publication of the Employment Rights Bill.

In this podcast, Sarah Henchoz, the global head of employment litigation, offers her expert insights and best practice tips on what constitutes reasonable steps for employers. She also delves into some of the less-publicised aspects of the Employment Rights Bill, including provisions on third-party harassment, changes to fire and rehire practices, and various trade union reforms.

Insurance podcast series – Episode 3: The Transition Finance Market Review and the insurance sector

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 18:09:43 +0100

Transition finance is one of the hottest topics in the climate arena, and the role that insurers have to play is multi-layered.

In our latest podcast, Kate McInerney (a partner in our insurance group) and Ying-Peng Chin (a senior knowledge lawyer in our environmental and climate law group) discuss transition finance, the U.K. Transition Finance Market Review (TFMR) and what it means for the insurance sector.

We are delighted to contribute to shaping global norms in transition finance markets through our role in supporting the TFMR’s secretariat. The TFMR was commissioned by the U.K. government to examine solutions to unlocking transition finance at scale, with the ambition of making the U.K. a global hub for transition finance. The findings of the TFMR were published on October 17, 2024. Read our summary covering key issues in the TFMR's report that corporates and capital providers need to know.

EU Listing Act: episode 1 - key changes affecting the debt capital markets

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 17:52:25 +0100

This podcast explores a key topic for the EU financial sector: the “Listing Act”, a comprehensive legislative package adopted on October 8, 2024 to make capital markets more attractive for EU businesses and to facilitate access to capital for SMEs.

In this episode, Cristiano Tommasi (partner of our Global Financial Markets group) focuses on some key changes affecting the debt capital markets, particularly certain amendments to the Prospectus Regulation.

Other aspects of the EU Listing Act will be explored in our next episode.

This podcast is recorded in Italian.

New RCS requirement: introduction of the Luxembourg National Identification Number (LNIN)

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 17:04:12 +0100

In this latest episode, our counsel Laurent Goyer and our senior manager at Boards by A&O Shearman, Karolina Gacka, shed light on the new requirements published by the Luxembourg Trade and Companies Register (RCS). Starting November 12, 2024, all individuals registered or required to be registered in the records of an entity registered with the RCS will need to obtain or request a Luxembourg National Identification Number (LNIN).

This new regulation represents a significant change for entities registered in Luxembourg. In this podcast, our experts will guide you on how to prepare for these new requirements to ensure a smooth transition and avoid any non-compliance.

While awaiting the publication of new FAQs by the RCS, we invite you to consult our eAlert on the subject, as well as the current FAQs by clicking here.

Asset management market consolidation: ingredients for a successful merger

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 16:34:57 +0200

In the second episode of our M&A podcast series, we bring together our funds and asset management partner Miao Wang, and Peter Myners, our M&A partner at A&O Shearman in Luxembourg. Together, they delve into the dynamics that drive consolidation in the asset management market, exploring both defensive strategies aimed at scaling up to manage rising costs and proactive strategies designed for growth. This discussion is enriched with real-world examples of high-profile mergers and insights into the legal challenges behind this market trend.

Tune in for a lively conversation around the strategic drivers of mergers, the critical role of due diligence, and the impact of investor relations and regulations. Get an overview of key elements necessary for a successful operational post-merger integration in the asset management sector, and hear about the challenges that sometimes emerge in unexpected areas.

To close the episode, Peter and Miao share their views on what the future could hold for the asset management industry, with Luxembourg playing a pivotal role – no crystal balls involved.

Annual reports and AGMs Podcast

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 13:53:32 +0200

In this podcast, we provide practical advice for company secretaries and their teams on what to consider when preparing for their next Annual Report and AGM.

Points covered include:

Market trends and investor expectations for the format and business of AGMs in 2025.
Key issues for annual reports, including the impact of changes to the U.K. Corporate Governance Code and U.K. Listing Rules.
Developments in sustainability-related reporting.
Horizon scanning – perspective on likely future developments in U.K. governance and reporting.

Exploring Tax Implications of Remote Work: Insights from our experts

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 16:49:58 +0200

Join us in our latest podcast as Brin Rajathurai, knowledge counsel, Europe at A&O Shearman, leads a discussion on how working remotely can impact your taxes and what businesses need to know to stay compliant. Featuring insights from our tax experts from across Europe, Jens Denninger, Sara Husain, Rik Baete, and Melissa Jacobovits de Szeged-Ahlqvist.

Restructuring essentials - Episode 4: Judicial liquidation and group companies

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 09:27:40 +0200

As the third amendment to the Italian Business Crisis and Insolvency Code comes into force, our restructuring team offers commentary on the key changes to the various restructuring tools and the practical implications for companies. Join us as we explore the nuances of the latest legislative shifts and their impact on the restructuring landscape.

This podcast is spoken in Italian.

Restructuring essentials - Episode 3: Concordato Preventivo

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 14:30:02 +0200

This podcast is spoken in Italian.

Restructuring essentials - Episode 2: The main restructuring tools

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 18:10:48 +0200

This podcast is spoken in Italian.

Restructuring essentials - Episode 1: Composition with creditors

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 13:57:43 +0200

This podcast is spoken in Italian.

A&O Shearman on employment - episode 1: Navigating the complexities of modern workplace investigations

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 17:00:00 +0200

Workplace investigations have evolved into intricate processes that demand careful attention and strategic planning. Savvy employees are not only aware of their rights but are also more likely to scrutinise the integrity and fairness of investigative procedures. This heightened scrutiny means that every phase of the investigation is potentially vulnerable to challenge, especially if the outcome does not go the way anticipated by one of the individuals. In this podcast*, Sarah Henchoz, the Global Head of Employment Litigation, shares her insights and best practice tips on managing investigations, including the thorny topics of confidentiality, privacy and legal privilege.

Insurance podcast series – Episode 2: Matching Adjustment Attestation

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 10:12:51 +0200

In our latest podcast, insurance partner Kate McInerney discusses the matching adjustment attestation regime with our global co-head of insurance Philip Jarvis and Claire Hayden, executive director of A&O Shearman’s consulting business. Together they look at the implications of the new matching adjustment attestation regime, and discuss learnings from other attestation regimes.

Lawyer chronicles - the evolution of M&A in Luxembourg

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 10:27:28 +0200

In this episode, seasoned M&A lawyers Fabien Beullekens (partner) and Jacques Graas (partner) delve into the transformative journey of the Mergers & Acquisitions landscape in Luxembourg over the past 15 years, from its early market days to its current strategic significance in the M&A arena.

Drawing from their long-standing careers, they examine the trends that have driven Luxembourg's rise as a strategic M&A jurisdiction. They discuss significant events such as the internet crisis, the great financial crisis, Covid-19 and more, highlighting how Luxembourg's M&A sector has navigated these challenges.

From the expanding regulatory landscape to the impact of Brexit, they explore how Luxembourg law has increasingly governed international arrangements and how the role of legal advisers shifted along the way.

Join us for expert analysis and for forward-looking insights into the potential threats and opportunities shaping the future of M&A in Luxembourg.

Insurance podcast series – Episode 1: Matching adjustment reform

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 11:11:58 +0200

In our latest insurance-focused podcast, insurance partner Kate McInerney talks to senior associate Marcus Gwyer and securitisation partner Iona Misheva about the matching adjustment reforms. The reforms, which came into effect on 30 June, are one of the most important changes to the regulatory landscape for insurers since the implementation of Solvency II, and will be of particular interest to firms which seek investment from insurers.

Metadata in Work E-mails: The Outcome of the Consultation Initiated by the Data Protection Authority

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 14:16:27 +0200

In this podcast, Livio Bossotto, partner and head of the Employment department in Italy, and Giorgia Giorgetti, counsel for the department, provide an update on the Data Protection Authority's ruling regarding the timing and limits of processing metadata contained in employees' e-mails in light of the outcomes of a recent consultation which was the topic of their previous podcast in February 2024.

This podcast is spoken in Italian.