A&O Shearman Europe insights

One Step Ahead Insights podcast: Episode 3

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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.