Ashurst Legal Outlook Podcast
The commercial world is always changing and the legal landscape never stands still. Keeping pace with all those changes, and knowing how they affect your organisation, is a big responsibility and a challenging task. Ashurst Legal Outlook will keep you at the forefront of the most pressing legal issues, offering insights from legal experts across our international network.
Episodes
Takeover Talks: Somebody needs a hug
Bidders in the UK public M&A market have become increasingly willing to turn to more aggressive tactics, with bear hug announcements making a notable return. In the latest podcast, Jade, Tom and Harry explore what a bear hug is and why a bidder might use one to bring a reluctant target board to the table. Drawing on this year's deals, the team considers why some bear hugs have led to recommend
Data Bytes: Data, Cyber and AI Law, Regulation and Enforcement in the UAE
The UAE has a complicated patchwork of privacy, AI, cyber and data sovereignty regulation both onshore and in its free zones. In this episode we explore this evolving legal environment and share insights on the client conversations we are having in the region. The UAE's regulation of data (whether through cyber, sovereignty, AI or privacy legislation and enforcement) is changing at pace. Regulator
The Employment Exchange: When work gets personal: what employers need to know
Workplace relationships are nothing new but, for UK employers, the stakes have never been higher. In this episode we pinpoint risk and compliance issues to watch out for. Close relationships at work are a fact of life, but they can be notoriously tricky for employees and employers to navigate. And if something goes wrong, there can be far reaching legal, reputational and regulatory impacts for emp
Industrious Conversations: Final Report of the Closing Loopholes review
The independent review into Australia’s Closing Loopholes reforms has landed, and it brings little comfort for employers. In this episode of Industrious Conversations, we pinpoint some of the major findings that business leaders should be across. Ashurst Perkins Coie partners Shelley Williams and Peter McNulty discuss what the review had to say about: • wage compliance and the crim
Women in Tech: Accessible Intelligence — AI at the intersection of accessibility and Legal Ops
In our next episode of the Ashurst Perkins Coie Women in Tech podcast, host Denae Erasmus is joined by Luisa de Gouveia, Head of Legal Operations at Sky, to explore the evolving impact of AI in legal operations. Luisa begins by sharing the story of her career journey — from technology and media transactions authority to her current role leading Legal Operations at Sky. Central to that journe
Data centers: Powering Australia’s AI boom, part 1
If you work on Australia’s data center infrastructure, you’ll already be familiar with the energy and infrastructure pressures that come along with that. The question is: Can our energy system keep pace with the nation’s escalating demand? In the first of this two-part episode of Here Today, Here Tomorrow we go in search of answers. Ashurst Perkins Coie’s Alexandra Peace is
Data centers: Powering Australia’s AI boom, part 2
Australia’s energy story is being rewritten by data center developers – and in this episode, we offer a sneak peek at how the next chapters will play out. From procurement risks to fresh revenue opportunities, we examine the issues developers should watch out for. This is the second of a two-part episode of Here Today, Here Tomorrow, our regular podcast mini-series about data centers a
Class Actions and Consumer Law: Managing the Risk
Ashurst Perkins Coie partners Ian Bolster, Head of APAC Dispute Resolution and Class Actions, and Tihana Zuk, a consumer and competition law specialist and Regional Sector Leader, Technology discuss the intersection of class actions and Australian consumer law. Together, they explain why consumer law claims are well suited to class action proceedings and explore recent developments involving produ
Takeover Talks: The Times They Are A-Changin'
M&A transactions have become increasingly complex over the past decade in a number of ways. Regulatory conditions in particular have become more prevalent and introduce additional execution risk. In the latest podcast, Harry and Hayley speak with antitrust and competition law authority, Chris Eberhardt, to get his thoughts on how the UK and EU merger control landscape has evolved and how this
Inside Structured Leverage: Episode 2 – The First Date. Choosing the Right Structured Leverage Partner
Relationships are at the heart of successful structured leverage transactions. In this episode we discuss what makes the right financing partner, how borrowers should assess potential providers, and the key commercial and structural factors to consider. As the European structured leverage market continues to mature, relationships are becoming just as important as legal documentation. But what sepa
Governance & Compliance 13: Employment Rights Act reshapes risk and governance
The Employment Rights Act 2025 is the most transformative shift in UK employment law in a generation. For boards of organisations with UK employees, there’s a lot to get to grips with. In this episode, host Will Chalk is joined by Ashurst colleagues Crowley Woodford and Ruth Buchanan to unpack what the Employment Rights Act means in practice. Crowley certainly doesn’t sugarcoat the sca
Ahead of the Deal: Emma Rapaport, Street Talk
In this episode, Tony Damian and Amelia Morgan are joined by special guest Emma Rapaport, Co-Editor of the Australian Financial Review's famed (and feared) Street Talk column.Emma reflects on Street Talk's reputation and influence in the Australian market, the unique role it plays, and the responsibility that comes with it.She unpacks a day in the life of a Street Talk journali
Governance & Compliance 12: Why the numbers must stack up behind your net zero plans
Setting (and delivering) a climate transition plan is about more than regulatory box-ticking or PR spin. Credible plans are fast becoming a key facilitator for any company seeking to raise capital. In this episode, we discuss what investors want and where companies could be falling short. In this episode, host Will Chalk is joined by Ashurst colleague and climate transition expert Becky Clissmann,
Companies braced for rising geopolitical risk exposure
Businesses around the globe are facing heightened risk exposure and cost pressures as geopolitical disruption and price volatility continues to rise. In this episode, we pinpoint what to watch out for and we suggest ways to minimise exposure and mitigate the impact of potential disputes. The current geopolitical instability is creating a multitude of legal and compliance risks for businesses globa
Governance & Compliance 11: Geopolitical risk and supply chains. Is your Board ready?
Supply chain risk is nothing new for boards. What’s changed is the sheer speed and scale of this risk – and the board’s elevated accountability for it. In this episode, we look at why geopolitical scenario modelling is now core business planning. Host Will Chalk is joined by Ashurst colleagues Nisha Sanghani, former FTSE 350 board member and Head of Ashurst Risk Advisory Middle E
World@Work: Whistleblowers, Investigations & the Boardroom - A Multi-Jurisdictional Lens
Ashurst’s Employment partner Jennie Mansfield (Australia) is joined by Employment partner colleagues Clarence Ding (Singapore), Muriel Pariente (France), and Dan Ornstein (United Kingdom) to examine the implications for boards when allegations of misconduct are made against C-suite leaders. As well as sharing an overview of the regulatory environments in their respective jurisdictions, our e
Ahead of the Deal: Boards and Takeovers
In this episode, Tony Damian and Amelia Morgan talk with John O'Sullivan (affectionately known in the market as "JO’S"), a well-known M&A practitioner, chairman and company director with decades of deal experience. JO'S shares his insights on takeover approaches: how to navigate those critical first steps and the importance of good preparation. He also reflects on the influence
Takeover Talks: Everything Must Go
Six targets initiated either a private sale process, formal sale process or strategic review in the first quarter. We also saw shareholders pushing back on recommended deals. In the latest podcast, Harry, Maria and Jade unpick the reasons behind the uptick in target-led sale processes and the increase in defensive mandates. The episode is intended to sit alongside, and complement, our quarterly pu
Ahead of the Deal: Pre-bid exclusivity
In this episode, Australian M&A partners Tony Damian and Amelia Morgan discuss pre-bid exclusivity and what target boards should be thinking about when granting exclusivity to a prospective bidder at the pre-bid stage.They discuss the differences between 'hard' and 'soft' exclusivity, look at the current Takeovers Panel guidance and its background, and cover some recent exa
Ahead of the Deal: The new ACCC merger regime
In this episode, Tony Damian and Amelia Morgan meet with Alyssa Philips, Partner in the Ashurst Competition Team, to discuss how the new Australian merger clearance regime is functioning in practice. What's been catching people out, how is the ACCC managing the volume of applications, and what changes might we expect to see in the future? Watch all of our episodes in the A
Data centres – here today, here tomorrow: Water consumption
Our continuing series takes an unflinching look at a vexed issue: how much water is required to keep the world’s data centres running. To illustrate this, we put the UK in the spotlight to consider the nation’s rules, regulations, and innovations designed to minimise water consumption in future. In this episode, finance partner Ruth Harris tackles data centres’ water usage with r
Inside Structured Leverage: The Artist formerly known as Back Leverage
Europe’s back leverage market has swelled recently. In this episode we consider the limitations of the label “back leverage”, explain what it covers, why it matters, and where it’s headed. We also offer several practical pointers for structuring transactions effectively. Back leverage in European real estate finance has grown rapidly. It attracts serious capital – but
Taxed Out: YTL, Newmont and the future of TARP
In this episode of Taxed Out, Tax Controversy Partners Vanja Podinic and Colin Little examine YTL and Newmont, the first major Federal Court tests of Division 855 and the principal asset test. Both cases reject the Commissioner’s push for an expansive, physical reading of “real property”, confirming instead that the definition turns on technical legal estates, statutory severance
Ahead of the Deal: The M&A Deal Report 2026
Welcome to Ahead of the Deal. Each month, we explore the latest news and developments in M&A to help you stay Ahead of the Deal. We cover trends in M&A activity, topical deal issues and changes in the regulatory landscape. In the first episode of our new series, Tony Damian and Amelia Morgan unpack the key findings from Ashurst's recently released M&A Deal Repo
Governance & Compliance 10: Agentic AI rockets to the top of board agendas. Now what?
AI is nothing new but everything changed when ChatGPT landed. Now that agentic AI is moving at speed through every economy, it’s incumbent on boards to ensure their organisations can, if not outpace change, then at least try to keep up with it. In this episode, we trace AI’s trajectory – from leaps in technology to regulatory dilemmas – and we flag up issues and actions for
Governance & Compliance 9: When shareholders go on the offensive
For many boards, the era of the passive shareholder register is over. So what should boards do when activists come knocking? Our latest episode suggests some answers. In this episode of our UK Governance & Compliance, Board Priorities mini-series, we get a view of shareholder activism from two hemispheres. Host Will Chalk is joined by Ashurst colleagues Miriam Kleiner from Sydney and Harry Thi
Corporate Crime & Investigations: HMRC Tax Enquiry
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is better equipped and more determined than ever to address tax avoidance and evasion. In this episode, we explore what companies need to know when an enquiry notice arrives and how to respond transparently and promptly, without letting things spiral out of control. Ashurst’s Neil Donovan and Sophie Suri are back for the first Corporate Crime & Investigati
Taxed Out: How and why data centres are becoming a global tax flashpoint
In this episode of Taxed Out, Vanja Podinic and Colin Little explore why data centre arrangements are attracting intensive and coordinated scrutiny across jurisdictions. They discuss the rise of whole-of-code reviews blending permenant establishment (PE), transfer pricing, intangible licensing and anti-avoidance, and how digitalised business models challenge traditional concepts like “fixed
Caught in the Crosswinds – Anticipating (and alleviating) construction pinch points
The construction phase of wind projects can be fraught with time, cost and quality issues. In this episode, we speak with two industry insiders about some of the common pinch points in the construction of a wind project and explore steps that help minimise the likelihood of contractor/developer disputes occurring. Ashurst Perkins Coie's Michael Weatherley is joined by two special guests to discuss
Governance & Compliance 7: The changing nature of cyberattacks and cyber regulation
Cyber readiness is rocketing up the agenda for boards in 2026. We explore cyber readiness including new regulatory developments, trends in cyber threats, and practical defences against attacks. In this episode of our UK Governance & Compliance mini-series, we explore cyber readiness as one of the top risk-related priorities for boards in 2026. We look at the sobering costs of large disruptions
Taxed Out: The big themes in Australian tax law from 2025 - and the disputes set to define 2026
In this opening episode of Ashurst’s Taxed Out series, partners Vanja Podinic and Colin Little unpack the dominant Australian tax controversy themes from 2025 and what they signal for the year ahead. They explore the ATO’s whole-of-code approach, the escalation of scrutiny on financing and marketing hubs, related-party arrangements and private capital, and the continued interplay betwe
Takeover Talks: Tomorrow Never Knows
2025 followed a year of unprecedented geo-political change. While the markets demonstrated resilience, global tensions, and ongoing conflicts in Europe and in the Middle East continued to have an impact. In the latest podcast the trio describes the trends they are seeing in the market and what to expect in 2026. The episode is intended to sit alongside, and complement, our annual publication which
Mergers 2026 – One year on from the CMA's pivot to the Government's growth agenda
Following the Government's recent call for the CMA to help drive economic growth, what developments can we expect to see in UK merger control? In this episode, hosted by Fiona Garside, Nigel Parr, Chris Eberhardt and Tom Punton reflect on the political context driving changes to the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) approach to merger control. The discussion then looks at what the CM
Governance & Compliance 6: AGMs and annual reports in 2026 – What you need to know
Having dissected the latest round of company AGMs at the Ashurst Governance & Compliance (AGC) Conference, our experts regroup to pinpoint the trends that boards and execs should watch out for in 2026. In the first 2026 episode of our UK Governance & Compliance mini-series, we reflect on the hot topics and key takeaways from company AGMs held across the UK in 2025. We cover a lot of ground
Data centres – here today, here tomorrow: German landscape ripe for growth
With more than 500 operational data centres, Germany could be described as the European capital of data centres. But it’s the fit-out and flexibility that will make or break Germany’s data centres aspirations. In this episode, we explore the market in detail and highlight the issues that investors need to know. Ashurst’s Ruth Harris and Rebecca Clarke are joined by expert colleag
Bridge or Breach: unpacking TradFi/ DeFi collaboration risk
This is the second instalment in in a two-part series. In episode 1, we discuss current examples of collaborations between traditional finance (TradFi) and digital natives (DeFi), and explore what the future likely holds. In episode 2, we unpack the potential risks that come from these collaborations, and then discuss ways to mitigate and address those risks. Ashurst’s Simon Williams returns
Caught in the Crosswinds: Early development strategies that keep wind projects moving
In this first episode of Ashurst Perkins Coie’s Caught in the Crosswinds podcast series, disputes partner Michael Weatherley is joined by Siemens Gamesa’s Head of Legal for Offshore APAC, Igor Bylinin, and energy partner Peter Grayson to unpack why capacity reservation agreements and early works agreements now sit at the heart of major offshore wind projects. They explore how
Data centres – here today, here tomorrow: Water’s Evolving Role in Australia’s Data Centre Strategy
In this episode of Ashurst’s Legal Outlook series on data centres, real estate partner Alexandra Peace speaks with Planning, Access and Environment partners Jane Hall (Melbourne) and Rebecca Dixon (Sydney) about why water is fast becoming as strategic as power for Australia’s data centre sector. They explore the current lack of an overarching national strategy, the state-based patchwor
From Banks to Blocks: exploring TradFi/ DeFi collaboration
In this first episode of a two-part series, Ashurst’s Simon Williams is joined by Thomas Hyun, Director of Cryptocurrency Compliance at Forensic Risk, to examine how collaborations between traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralised finance (DeFi) are moving from proof‑of‑concept to business as usual. They discuss current partnership models, compliance and regulatory considerations,
Women in Tech: AI on the In-House Agenda
AI on the In-House Agenda Rhiannon Webster is joined by Rebecca Seaman and Abby Kay, who are Legal Counsel in the Product and Technology Legal team at Sage. Rebecca and Abby talk through their career journeys that have taken them from literature and languages degrees to leading legal support on AI strategy at a global tech company. They share how they made the leap into in-house legal work and wha
Industrious Conversations - What employers need to know about flexible work requests
In the final episode for 2025 in our Industrious Conversations series, Employment partners Talia Firth and Jane Harvey break down the wave of recent Fair Work Commission decisions on flexible work arrangements, and what they mean for Australian employers navigating changing work patterns. They explain the strict technical rules under the Fair Work Act, why eligibility matters, and how cases like C
World@Work: AI in the Workplace: some practical challenges
We are pleased to share our latest World@Work global employment podcast on some practical challenges relating to the rapid rise of AI in the workplace. In this episode, we discuss several nations’ contrasting approaches to the regulation of AI. In particular, we shine a light on practical challenges for employers, including how they use AI in recruitment and how AI is used to monitor employe
Data centres – here today, here tomorrow: France’s billion dollar bet on AI
France has ambitions to become Europe’s AI superpower, leveraging its highly decarbonised electricity grid and government backing to attract billions in data centre investment. In this episode, we explore the market in detail and flag up the issues that investors need to know. Ashurst’s Ruth Harris is joined by a panel of Paris and London colleagues to explore France’s remarkable
Takeover Talks: Should I Stay or Should I Go
After a run of firm offers in early Summer, the UK public M&A market softened in Q3. Alongside this there was a noticeable increase in lapsed or withdrawn bids. In the latest podcast, the duo unpicks the reasons behind this and whether there has been any fundamental shift in the Panel's approach to conditionality. The episode is intended to sit alongside, and complement, our quarterly publicat
Ashurst Data Bytes 6: The ICO's new investigatory remit under the UK Data (Use and Access) Act
Wrapping up this season of Data Bytes, we examine the expanded powers given to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and what this means for data protection investigations now and in the future. Host Rhiannon Webster is joined by Ashurst colleagues Anthony Asindi and Tom Brookes to zoom in on an area of the Data (Use And Access) Act that some have overlooked – the changes to the
Industrious Conversations: Managing employee social media influencers
In this episode, we lift the lid on a fascinating and fast-changing employment issue: the rise of online creators and social media influencers within the workforce, and the legal challenges this presents for employers. Ashurst partners Trent Sebbens and Rebecca Cope explore the rise of online influencers within the workforce—and what this means for employers. Millions of Australians spend ho
Ashurst Data Bytes 5: How the UK's Data (Use and Access) Act Digital ID provisions could revolutionise our lives
In the penultimate episode of this season of Data Bytes, we look at how digital identity provisions will reshape the world as we know it. Physical ID cards may soon be a thing of the past, and that could have huge implications for society and businesses. Host Rhiannon Webster is joined by Ashurst colleague Fiona Ghosh to explain how digital IDs are swiftly changing how we live and work. Together,
Industrious Conversations: Managing redundancy processes in Australia in 2025
Quantum leaps in technology, as well as rising cost pressures, are prompting many leaders to take a fresh look at how their organisations are structured and resourced. However, restructures and redeployment are notoriously tricky processes to manage well. In this episode, we reflect on lessons learned from the High Court’s recent Helensburgh Coal vs Bartley decision. Ashurst Employment partn
Data centres – here today, here tomorrow: India outlook
Our globetrotting podcast mini-series pays a visit to India, to take in the data centre landscape there. In less than 25 minutes, we highlight the market dynamics, trends, policymaking, infrastructure, and incentives that investors need to be across in this fast-growing market. There’s a lot of excitement around India’s data centre in market and with good reason. India already has arou
Ashurst Data Bytes 4: How the UK's Data (Use and Access) Act will change marketing practices, cookie use and the PECR fining regime
In this episode, we explain how the Data (Use and Access) Act changes marketing practices and the use of cookies in the UK. Host Rhiannon Webster is joined by Ashurst colleagues Nicolas Quoy and Shehana Cameron-Perera to discuss how the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 amends Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and changes marketing practices and uses of cookies. Shehana provide
Ashurst Data Bytes 3: AI Implications in the UK's Data (Use and Access) Act
In this episode we delve further into the UK’s Data (Use and Access) Act – this time exploring how the Act will impact organisations developing and deploying artificial intelligence (AI). Ashurst partner Rhiannon Webster has assembled an expert team to unpack what the Data (Use and Access) Act means for AI, including data protection and IP-related matters. This includes Rhiannon’
Industrious Conversations: Supporting neurodivergent employees in workplace investigations
In this episode in our Industrious Conversations series, Partner Tamara Lutvey is joined by Mackenzie Small, Relationship Manager at the Australian Disability Network, to explore how organisations can better accommodate neurodivergent employees in workplace investigations. Drawing on Mackenzie’s extensive experience in disability inclusion and workplace strategy, they unpack why traditi
Ashurst Data Bytes 2: How UK's Data (Use and Access) Act and the EU Data Act are approaching smart data schemes
In this episode we take a closer look at how the UK’s new Data (Use and Access) Act will regulate non-personal data, in particular through the framework for smart data schemes. Ashurst colleagues Rhiannon Webster and Dr Alexander Duisberg join the podcast from London and Munich respectively to discuss the Data (Use and Access) Act’s framework for smart data schemes. “Smart data s
Takeover Talks: Another One Bites the Dust
In this second episode of the series, Ashurst colleagues James Fletcher, Harry Thimont and Jade Jack review the year to date and the ongoing impact that geopolitics is having on the public markets. There has been no lessening of the volatility which marked the start of the year but, where broader global M&A appears to have dropped off, there has been a flurry of UK public M&A. The trio des
Governance & Compliance episode 5: The launch of PISCES
The UK government has launched three consultations to shape its new sustainability reporting framework, while a new private share trading platform 'PISCES' offers companies an alternative route to liquidity for private companies. In the fifth episode of Ashurst’s Governance and Compliance mini-series, Will Chalk is joined by Becky Clissmann and Marianna Kennedy to unpack two major developmen
Ashurst Data Bytes 1: The UK's new Data (Use and Access) Act – The data privacy changes
The UK’s Data (Use and Access) Act is now law, and it brings targeted but important shifts in data protection, enforcement and digital regulation that every organisation needs to track. In this brand new Legal Outlook series, DataBytes, Partner Rhiannon Webster is joined by Senior Associates Shehana Cameron-Perera and Tom Brookes to break down what’s in (and out) of the legislation, an
Data centres – here today, here tomorrow: Middle East outlook
From Riyadh and Abu Dhabi to Dubai and Jeddah, the Middle East has emerged as a global hotspot for data centre development. In this episode, we assess the investment opportunities and highlight trends to watch out for. In this episode, we bring together a panel of Ashurst experts with many years’ experience working in corporate transactions and technology in the Middle East. Together, they d
Industrious Conversations: What employers need to know about new privacy law
In this episode of Ashurst Legal Outlook, Employment partner Jennie Mansfield, is joined by Digital Economy partner Geoff McGrath, to unpack the introduction of a new statutory tort for serious invasions of privacy in Australia. This major legal development, effective from 11 June 2025, brings a new right of action for individuals and significant new compliance responsibilities for employers. They
Governance & Compliance episode 4: Risks escalate for corporate criminal liability
The past 18 months have seen major changes to the corporate criminal landscape in the UK and, with enforcement ramping up, companies need to act. In this episode, we recap the main changes, highlight some pressing compliance deadlines, and suggest how companies might best respond. In the latest episode of our UK Governance & Compliance mini-series, our expert team reflects on the fast-evolving
Tapas and Tax Breaks, part 1: Spain’s carried interest regime
With its new carried interest regime offering a 50% tax rebate, Spain is making a bold play for private equity talent. Clearer rules, competitive rates, and a lifestyle that blends world-class cuisine, culture, and climate are turning heads, and portfolios, toward the Iberian Peninsula. Could a move to Spain cut your carried interest tax bill in half, without the usual legal grey zones? What if yo
Governance & Compliance, episode 3: UK Cyber Governance Code of Practice
Many companies are adapting their governance and reporting processes in response to the UK’s new Cyber Governance Code of Practice. In this episode, we explain some of the main implications for board directors and in-house legal teams. It’s often said that there are two types of companies: those that have been hacked and those that are going to be. With cyber threats constantly evolvin
Industrious Conversations: A Second Labor Term and Industrial Relations in Australia
In this episode of Industrious Conversations, Ashurst Employment partners, Kathy Srdanovic and Jon Lovell, discuss the implications of the recent federal election for Australian employers in industrial relations. Together, they pinpoint the issues to watch out for including: Restraint of trade reforms Security of employment and enhanced safety net (NES) protections Bargaining; Long service leave
World@Work: Workplace sexual harassment and whistleblower investigations
In the latest episode of our World@Work series, we discuss several nations’ contrasting approaches to workplace investigations relating to whistleblower reports and sexual harassment issues. An expert panel from around the globe explains what is prompting the surge in internal investigations and how employers in various jurisdictions are rising to the challenges. Along the way, they discuss
Data centres – here today, here tomorrow: Financing data centres in Spain’s booming market
With investor interest rising by the day, our latest podcast explores the data centre market in Spain. This wide-ranging discussion covers everything from finance structuring to lease agreements, and from zoning challenges to power connection issues. When it comes to Spain’s data centres, how can domestic and overseas investors put themselves in pole position? Which financing options are mos
Governance & Compliance, episode 2: Internal controls and Provision 29 of the UK Corporate Governance Code
In the wake of corporate scandals, Provision 29 of the UK Corporate Governance Code has been revamped with implications for risk management and internal controls in many UK companies. With new rules set to apply for financial periods beginning on or after 1 January 2026, this podcast looks at how companies can prepare. In today’s episode Ashurst’s Will Chalk is joined by two peopl
Takeover Talks: What A Difference A Day Makes
In this first episode of the series, Ashurst colleagues Tom Mercer, Harry Thimont and Jade Jack endeavour to unpick the year to date and the impact that geopolitical upheaval has had on the public markets. The tumultuous start to the year has seen significant market volatility and the trio describe how this has affected, and how they expect it will continue to affect, UK p
Data centres - here today, here tomorrow: Investing & financing, part 2
Ashurst recently brought together key stakeholders from across the data centre ecosystem to explore the many opportunities and challenges in the industry. In this episode, we share the key takeaways about investing in and financing of data centres. Experts at a recent Ashurst seminar dived deep into the funding issues associated with data centres. Among the participants were Ashurst’s Ruth H
Data centres - here today, here tomorrow: Bringing the entire data centre ecosystem together part 1
Players from across the data centre ecosystem gathered recently to debate everything from planning and power to investment and financing. In this episode, we report on the opportunities and challenges that were identified, and some of the solutions that were uncovered. Ashurst’s recent Data Centre Seminar featured some of the brightest minds and latest innovations. Fresh from attending the e
What Australian employers can learn from the recent withdrawal of a psychosocial risk prosecution in NSW
This episode marks the first in a new Ashurst series on Employment and Safety law developments in Australia. After collaborating on a landmark psychosocial risk court case, Ashurst partner Scarlet Reid and State Chambers barrister Bruce Hodgkinson AM SC reflect on what employers might learn. Along the way, Scarlet and Bruce discusses the threshold for psychosocial harm and whether stress meet
Italy and Australia offer glimpse of what to expect from new UK consumer laws
In this episode, we report on the changes to the UK’s consumer law regime (made by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (the DMCC Act). With enforcement action expected to ramp up in the UK, we consider how similar approaches have played out in Australia and Italy. While consumer protection jurisdictions in Australia and Italy have seen strong and active enforcement, the e
CMA investigations underway in UK digital markets shake-up
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has begun SMS investigations under its new digital markets regime – with tech giants like Apple and Google already in its sights. In this episode, we cast the spotlight on the CMA’s early investigations under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (the DMCC Act). The UK’s new digital regime came into force in
Governance & Compliance 1: EU Omnibus impacts UK sustainability reporting
An expert panel explains how the corporate sustainability landscape is shifting and what directives in the first EU Omnibus package mean for non-EU business reporting. In this first episode of this new mini-series, Ashurst colleagues Will Chalk and Becky Clissmann are joined by Falcon Windsor’s Claire Bodanis to explain the impact of the EU’s Omnibus package and how non-EU compan
Season 2 episode 6: Leading Enforcement: A deep dive with regulatory insider Miles Bake
In this episode, our special guest is Miles Bake, the former Head of Enforcement at the Bank of England and the Director of Governance at the FCA. In a fascinating discussion, he offers a glimpse into the inner workings of the UK’s financial services regulators. Special guest Miles Bake shares his take on what makes financial services regulators tick. This is something he’s uniquely pl
Season 2 episode 5: How should you respond to an FCA intervention?
In a bid to root out harm before it occurs, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is stepping up its use of intervention tools as an alternative to formal investigations. In this episode, we explain some quite draconian FCA powers – ‘voluntary requirements’ (VREQs) and ‘own initiative requirements’ (OIREQs) – and how these are impacting financial services firms.
Season 2 episode 4: Doing the right thing: Consumer Duty enforcement risk
How effective have new Consumer Duty protections been since being introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in 2023? How have financial services firms responded? And what kind of enforcement risks should firms be concerned about? Now that the dust has somewhat settled, this podcast looks at the impact of new consumer protections introduced by the FCA in 2023. For many financial services
Revealed: The issues that could make or break UK construction businesses in 2025
In this episode, we pinpoint the business trends and legal issues that will shape the UK’s construction landscape in 2025. From challenges and risks to opportunities and innovations, our expert panel covers a range of ground. Insolvency risk. Legislative developments. Labour shortages. Difficulties like these made 2024 a challenging year for many in the UK’s construction sector. So wha
Financial Services Regulatory Enforcement mini-series, season 2, episode 3: The FCA Strikes Back
Last year, financial services firms were left reeling by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)'s transparency proposals (aka "naming and shaming" firms that are under investigation). Since then, the proposals have been amended by way of a second consultation. In today’s episode, we explain what’s changed, what’s been clarified, and what all this could mean for regulated firms and
The legal shifts reshaping the UK’s real estate disputes landscape
Explore the pivotal legal challenges and anticipate risk areas that are set to define the UK real estate disputes in 2025, from sustainability mandates to tenant insolvency and landmark legislative changes. The UK real estate sector is poised for significant legal developments in 2025. Ashurst’s specialist real estate disputes lawyers Alison Hardy, Joe Perry-Courtade, and Debbie Eliad unpack
Season 2 episode 2: How do you solve a problem like the Financial Ombudsman Service?
In this episode, our expert panel weighs up potential changes to the way that the UK's Financial Ombudsman Service resolves customer complaints, with a view to clearing up uncertainty and creating a more consistent framework for firms to follow. Our panel for this episode includes host Nathan Willmott, his Ashurst colleague Adam Jamieson and special guest Adam Temple, a barrister at 3 Verulam Buil
These legal forces will shape the UK’s real estate landscape in 2025
In the wake of the government’s recent infrastructure announcements, we pinpoint the legal issues to watch out for in real estate. The coming year will see widespread activity in the UK’s real estate asset classes, from logistics to the living sector (in its broadest sense), and from data centres to office space. In this episode, we discuss the legal changes, risks and trends to keep o
