Has the uncertainty finally been resolved? And what do fund managers and tax advisers operating in Luxembourg need to understand now? 

Johanna Tschurtschenthaler, counsel in A&O Shearman's Tax practice, and Chiara Wolf, associate in Tax, return to this topic to bring clarity to the CIV carve-out, walking through the rule's mechanics, the issues that have made it so difficult to apply in practice, and what the current state of play means for structures in scope. 

In this episode of "One Step Ahead Insights", we explore the dynamics of M&A projects with a particular focus on these key regulatory aspects. Our discussion will provide practical insights into the challenges and best practices for navigating competition law and related regulatory requirements throughout the M&A process. This topic is presented by Magdalena Nasiłowska, who advises on M&A, joint ventures, and private equity, and Agnieszka Kolasińska-Czerwińska, an expert in antitrust, dawn raids, and merger control before European and Polish authorities. 

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

How will virtual IBANs change compliance obligations across European markets? And what should firms be doing now ahead of the establishment of a new EU supervisory authority? 

Konrad Zawistowski, specialist in banking and finance law with a focus on project finance, acquisition finance, and leveraged finance at A&O Shearman, moderates a conversation between Paweł Mruk-Zawirski, head of the regulatory department for financial markets, and Filip Główka, an expert in debt finance. 

Together, they provide a comprehensive overview of the new AML framework, the practical implications for financial institutions operating across European markets, and what the creation of a dedicated supervisory body means for how compliance functions need to be structured going forward. 

Legal and compliance professionals working with financial institutions in Europe will finish this episode with a clear understanding of the new AML requirements and a practical sense of where the compliance pressure points lie. 

Note: This episode is conducted in Polish 

One Step Ahead is an extension of A&O Shearman's long-running seminar series of the same name. For over 16 years, those seminars have delivered cutting-edge knowledge in law, finance, and business to clients and professionals worldwide. The podcast brings that expertise directly to listeners, with each episode examining the regulatory, transactional, and strategic issues shaping the market. Designed for legal and financial professionals who need to stay ahead of change, the series draws on the depth of A&O Shearman's global practice. 

What are the defining risks in an energy project acquisition? How do regulatory requirements shape deal structure? And what does experience across decades of energy transactions tell us about where these deals succeed or break down? 

Kamil Jankiewicz, head of the Warsaw Energy practice at A&O Shearman examines the risk factors, stakeholder dynamics, and regulatory frameworks that determine the outcome of these transactions. His practice spans the full project lifecycle across both conventional and renewable energy sectors. Listeners working in energy, infrastructure, or project finance will leave with a sharper framework for assessing acquisition risk in this space. 

Note: This episode is conducted in Polish. 

One Step Ahead is an extension of A&O Shearman's long-running seminar series of the same name. For over 16 years, those seminars have delivered cutting-edge knowledge in law, finance, and business to clients and professionals worldwide. The podcast brings that expertise directly to listeners, with each episode examining the regulatory, transactional, and strategic issues shaping the market. Designed for legal and financial professionals who need to stay ahead of change, the series draws on the depth of A&O Shearman's global practice.

At what point does exercising control in a restructuring scenario create legal exposure under competition rules? And what do legal advisers and in-house counsel need to understand before any restructuring crosses the threshold? 

Agnieszka Kolasińska-Czerwińska and Ewa Tkaczuk from A&O Shearman examine the intersection of restructuring law and competition law, drawing on a recent seminar they delivered on the topic. Their discussion is detailed, practical, and focused on the scenarios where assumptions about lender control can create costly legal risk. 

Note: This episode is conducted in Polish 

One Step Ahead is an extension of A&O Shearman's long-running seminar series of the same name. For over 16 years, those seminars have delivered cutting-edge knowledge in law, finance, and business to clients and professionals worldwide. The podcast brings that expertise directly to listeners, with each episode examining the regulatory, transactional, and strategic issues shaping the market. Designed for legal and financial professionals who need to stay ahead of change, the series draws on the depth of A&O Shearman's global practice. 

Donya opens up about the importance of prioritising wellbeing in high-performance environments, especially within the fast-paced tech and legal sectors. She shares how her personal values shape her leadership style and her approach to inclusion in the Middle East.  

The conversation also explores how legal departments can better collaborate with panel law firms, and what truly matters when selecting external counsel. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a legal leader who is redefining success through authenticity, empathy, and purpose. 

What does it take to lead with wellbeing at the core? How can legal professionals build inclusive cultures in regions with evolving DE&I landscapes? And what lessons can we learn from Donya’s journey to help shape our own?  

Tune in to hear how Donya and Justin unpack these questions and more, in a conversation that’s as practical as it is powerful. 

Voices for Change is a podcast series spotlighting personal stories, leadership journeys, and the power of inclusive thinking in business. Through candid conversations with colleagues, clients, and thought leaders, the series explores how diverse perspectives drive responsible decision-making, wellbeing, and long-term success. Designed for leaders committed to building inclusive workplaces, each episode offers inspiration and practical insights for shaping a more equitable future. 

Related content 

• Inclusion at A&O Shearman – Strategic priorities and initiatives around DE&I

• Voices for Change Podcast Archive – Browse other episodes featuring inclusive leaders 

Jodi shares her extraordinary journey—from working night shifts at McDonald’s to becoming a lawyer and partner at A&O Shearman. Her story is one of resilience, authenticity and the transformative power of support.  

As she reflects on her childhood an upbringing, Jodi opens up about the importance of sharing personal narratives to foster inclusion and belonging. What does it mean to truly belong in a professional environment? How can organisations create spaces where diverse voices are not just heard but celebrated? 

This episode invites listeners to explore the intersection of personal experience and professional leadership in the context of DE&I across the Middle East. It’s a must-listen for anyone passionate about building inclusive cultures, especially in regions where these conversations are still evolving.  

Tune in to hear how Jodi is shaping the future of financial regulation and diversity—and what lessons her journey holds for us all. 

Voices for Change is a podcast series spotlighting personal stories, leadership journeys, and the power of inclusive thinking in business. Through candid conversations with colleagues, clients, and thought leaders, the series explores how diverse perspectives drive responsible decision-making, wellbeing, and long-term success. Designed for leaders committed to building inclusive workplaces, each episode offers inspiration and practical insights for shaping a more equitable future. 

Related content 

Voices for Change Podcast Series: Explore more episodes featuring inclusive thinkers and doers. 

Inclusion at A&O Shearman: Learn how the firm fosters a culture of belonging and opportunity for all. 

How do you embed diversity, equity, and inclusion into the DNA of a global tech company? What role does leadership play in creating a culture where every voice matters? And how can organizations balance commercial success with authentic social impact?  

Antonious offers practical insights on building inclusive strategies alongside the C-suite, while reflecting on the lessons learned from pivotal moments in his career—from Viacom and Shazam to SoundCloud. 

This conversation is more than a personal story; it’s a call to action for leaders and teams everywhere. Tune in to explore why company culture is a competitive advantage, how DE&I drives innovation, and what it means to lead with purpose in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. 

Voices for Change is a podcast series spotlighting personal stories, leadership journeys, and the power of inclusive thinking in business. Through candid conversations with colleagues, clients, and thought leaders, the series explores how diverse perspectives drive responsible decision-making, wellbeing, and long-term success. Designed for leaders committed to building inclusive workplaces, each episode offers inspiration and practical insights for shaping a more equitable future. 

Related content 

D&I as a non-financial risk: considerations for control functions – Why regulators expect firms to integrate D&I into risk frameworks. 

Gender diversity on corporate boards Directive – What the EU Women on Boards Directive means for governance. 

Voices for Change Podcast Series: Explore more episodes featuring inclusive thinkers and doers. 

At the heart of the conversation is Florence Garrett, a conference waiter with Down Syndrome, who shares her personal journey with honesty, humour, and hope. Florence speaks about her role at A&O Shearman and her wider contributions through charity work and advocacy. She is joined by David Campbell, Partner at A&O Shearman, and Campbell Brown, Catering General Manager, who reflect on the firm’s inclusive hiring practices and the tangible benefits of creating opportunities for individuals with additional needs. 

How can organisations move beyond tokenism to create truly supportive environments for people with disabilities? What can we all do—individually and collectively—to champion accessibility and belonging? 

Rethink what it means to be inclusive and to consider how small changes can lead to transformative impact. Whether you're a business leader, HR professional, or simply someone who believes in equity, this conversation will leave you inspired and informed. 

Voices for Change is a podcast series spotlighting personal stories, leadership journeys, and the power of inclusive thinking in business. Through candid conversations with colleagues, clients, and thought leaders, the series explores how diverse perspectives drive responsible decision-making, wellbeing, and long-term success. Designed for leaders committed to building inclusive workplaces, each episode offers inspiration and practical insights for shaping a more equitable future. 

Related Content  

Voices for Change Podcast Series: Explore more episodes featuring inclusive thinkers and doers. 

Inclusion at A&O Shearman: Learn how the firm fosters a culture of belonging and opportunity for all. 

Charity Support & Social Impact: Discover how A&O Shearman partners with global organisations to drive change. 

Becky, a 2023 Infosec Hall of Fame inductee and recipient of the Global Cyber Security Leadership Award, brings over two decades of experience in information security and a deep commitment to diversity and wellbeing in the workplace. 

Becky shares her personal journey into the world of cybersecurity—from her early days in tech to leading global cyber operations at one of the world’s largest financial institutions. She reflects on what inclusive leadership looks like in high-pressure environments, why wellbeing must be a strategic priority, and how diverse voices are essential in shaping the future of AI.  

Who gets to shape the tools we all rely on? How can organisations embed inclusion into their digital strategies? And what does it take to lead with authenticity in a rapidly evolving tech landscape? 

Find out how Becky’s advocacy for equity and her technical expertise converge to drive meaningful change. Whether you're a cybersecurity professional, a DE&I leader, or simply curious about the future of responsible tech, this episode offers inspiration and practical wisdom. What role will you play in building a more inclusive digital future? 

Voices for Change is a podcast series spotlighting personal stories, leadership journeys, and the power of inclusive thinking in business. Through candid conversations with colleagues, clients, and thought leaders, the series explores how diverse perspectives drive responsible decision-making, wellbeing, and long-term success. Designed for leaders committed to building inclusive workplaces, each episode offers inspiration and practical insights for shaping a more equitable future. 

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Voices for Change podcast series - https://www.aoshearman.com/en/insights/voices-for-change 

In this episode, Doreen opens up about her career journey, the formative experiences that shaped her leadership style, and her unwavering commitment to advocating for women in the legal profession. With candor and insight, she shares why she believes that “everyone matters” and how inclusive leadership can transform not only workplaces but entire industries. 

As a seasoned advisor to major corporations like CVS Health, JetBlue, and Salesforce, and a lecturer at Berkeley School of Law, Doreen brings a wealth of experience to the conversation. Her reflections on navigating global offices—from Frankfurt to Silicon Valley—offer a unique perspective on building inclusive cultures across borders.  

What does it mean to lead with purpose in today’s legal landscape? How can firms move beyond policy to embed DE&I into their culture and strategy? And what advice does Doreen offer to the next generation of leaders? Tune in to hear how personal stories can drive professional change—and why inclusion is everyone’s business. 

Voices for Change is a podcast series spotlighting personal stories, leadership journeys, and the power of inclusive thinking in business. Through candid conversations with colleagues, clients, and thought leaders, the series explores how diverse perspectives drive responsible decision-making, wellbeing, and long-term success. Designed for leaders committed to building inclusive workplaces, each episode offers inspiration and practical insights for shaping a more equitable future. 

Related content: 

Voices for Change podcast series - https://www.aoshearman.com/en/insights/voices-for-change