A&O Shearman Europe insights

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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 2: The main restructuring tools

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.