Legal updates | Simmons & Simmons: Recent Episodes
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In this episode of our series on the EU Markets Integration and Supervision Package, Betül Kohlhäufl is joined by Niamh O'Leary to explore what the proposals could mean for the funds sector. The discussion looks at potential changes to the UCITS and AIFMD frameworks, including the proposed UCITS depositary passport, cross-border fund distribution, pre-marketing, ESMA's expanded role and the practical implications for asset managers operating across the EU.
In this episode of PRTea, Amrit is joined by Cleo Taylor, Michael Abramson and Russell Lee to challenge some of the recent narratives shaping the PRT market.
Together, they unpack the role insurers already play in UK productive finance, whether TAS 300 is really changing the buyout conversation, how insurer capital should be understood, and why covenant, capital buffers and endgame strategy all need to be considered with care.
A balanced discussion on bulk annuities, alternative solutions and the importance of looking beyond the headline claims.
Betül Kohlhäufl and Lena Schäfer unpack BaFin’s latest consultation on the WpI‑MaRisk, the new risk management framework for German investment firms. They explore what has changed compared to the previous draft, how the rules differ from traditional MaRisk (banking), and what this means in practice for managing directors, supervisory boards, and compliance teams. Expect clear insights on governance, proportionality, and key implementation challenges.
Jo Crookshank and Kapisha Vyas continue discussing the relationship between transfer pricing adjustments and VAT, following the decision of the CJEU in Stellantis Portugal but without the clarity we were all hoping for.
Matt Hanson, Managing Director at FTI Consulting, joins Data Dive to discuss capacity vs reality: can the DC industry deliver on its own ambition?
In the second episode, Betül and her colleague Gema discuss the EU’s Market Integration and Supervision Package (MISP) and its implications for European capital markets. The conversation focuses on the significant expansion of ESMA’s supervisory powers, including direct oversight of major market infrastructures and crypto asset service providers, as well as changes to ESMA’s governance and funding model. They explore how the new supervisory framework is intended to reduce fragmentation, strengthen supervisory convergence, and limit regulatory arbitrage across Member States. The episode also highlights key issues for market participants as the legislative negotiations move forward.
Wellbeing resources for alumni: Guided breathwork meditation
Breathwork has been shown to be one of the most effective tools to manage stress, provide energy and focus and enhance cognitive function. In this replay of a session held for staff at Simmons & Simmons in March, Jamie Clements – breathwork specialist and founder of The Breath Space – leads participants through a short, guided breathing practice before the start of a busy day.
In this episode we dive further into how the data centres are expanding insurance horizons with Phil Bower, Head of the Data Centres at Price Forbes.
Phil Bower, Head of the Data Centres at Price Forbes, joins Data Dive for a two-episode special, to discuss all things Insurance and data centres.
With Amrit Mclean global head of de-risking Simmons & Simmons and special guest Frankie Borrell, head of BPA origination, Royal London.
Joel Smith - Partner, Simmons & Simmons
Elinor Cavil - Associate, Simmons & Simmons
In the first episode of Simmons & Simmons’ Food & Beverage podcast series, we explore the rapidly evolving UK regulatory landscape governing the advertising of foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS).
This episode unpacks the UK government’s new HFSS advertising restrictions, including their scope and exemptions to the rules. You’ll also hear about how brands are already adapting to the regulations and what the future may hold for food and drink marketing beyond this ban.
Essential listening for businesses navigating increasingly complex HFSS advertising rules, this episode sets the scene for the wider series and provides a clear, practical introduction to the regulatory changes shaping the sector.
Jo Crookshank and Kapisha Vyas discuss the relationship between transfer pricing adjustments and VAT, focusing on the recent CJEU cases, Arcomet Towercranes and Stellantis Portugal.
Vittorio Casamento – Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright Australia
Russell Afifi – Senior Lawyer, navigator Simmons & Simmons
John Paul Zammit – Managing Associate Simmons & Simmons
Australia's New Licensing Regime for Foreign Financial Service Providers – What You Need to Know
With draft legislation reintroduced to the Australian Parliament and transitional reliefs extended until 31 March 2027, now is the time for foreign financial service providers to understand what lies ahead.
In this episode, Russell Afifi and JP Zammit of Simmons & Simmons are joined by Vittorio Casamento of Norton Rose Fulbright to discuss the proposed reforms, including the new Comparable Regulator Exemption and expanded Professional Investor Exemption, and what firms should be doing now to prepare.
Topics covered include:
- The current regime and extension of existing reliefs
- Key changes under the proposed legislation
- Eligibility and application requirements
- Practical steps to prepare and likely timeline for implementation
Essential listening for asset managers and institutions exploring or currently operating in the Australian market.
With Amrit Mclean Global Head of De-risking Simmons & Simmons and Special Guest Shreyas Sridhar, Managing Director at Canada Life.
With Amrit Mclean Global Head of De-risking Simmons & Simmons and Special Guest Joe Wren Partner at Simmons & Simmons
Welcome to the Simmons & Simmons podcast series on the European Commission’s Market Integration Package. In this series, we explore the Commission’s latest legislative proposals aimed at facilitating greater integration of EU financial markets under the Savings and Investment Union strategy. Each episode breaks down the key elements of the package and examines what these changes mean in practice for market participants across the EU. Join our experts as we discuss the legal, regulatory, and strategic implications of these reforms, and provide practical insights to help you navigate the evolving landscape of EU financial markets.
In the first episode, our regulatory lawyers Betül Kohlhäufl and Noujan Akbari provide a high-level overview of the European Commission’s Market Integration Package, its strategic aims and role within the Savings and Investment Union as well as the main legislative proposals. Listeners will gain insight into why market integration matters for the EU financial sector, what’s changing, and what these reforms mean for different market participants.
A Human-AI Partnership – Rethinking the Future of Work
The future of work doesn’t arrive with a bang. It slips in quietly—an AI tool summarising your emails, a junior lawyer collaborating with a data scientist. The headlines warn of job losses, but the real story is more nuanced, more human, and far more exciting.
What if the future isn’t about humans versus machines, but about a powerful partnership? We go beyond the headlines to reveal how AI is reshaping not just what we do, but how we do it.
Sarah James, Partner and Head of Adaptive, puts it plainly: “It’s not just about efficiency and automation. It’s about creating workplaces where innovation and human potential thrive side by side.” Ali Chaudhry, Legal Engineer, sees the shift from the ground up: “AI is both a productivity tool and a cultural shift.” The future belongs to those who can reallocate their time, master new tools, and—crucially—think critically about what AI delivers.
The challenge now? To lead with care, build trust, and ensure that as we automate the routine, we elevate the meaningful. The future is multidisciplinary, human-centred, and—if we get it right—brilliantly bright.
Join Sarah and Ali as they unpack the messy, exciting reality of AI in the legal world.
Introduction authored by Percy, our Simmons internal AI colleague.
Hear more from Ali by following his blog on the Simmons website or follow on LinkedIn
Episode 14 - Barry Gros is joined by Ashley Thomas, Head of Structured Finance (UK) at ARC Ratings, to discuss the fundamentals of securitisation, focusing on its growing relevance in the data centre industry due to increasing capital requirements and the limitations of traditional bank financing.
Barry Gross and Andy Hartwill, Client Insights Lead at Simmons & Simmons discuss the current status of US tariffs, the hotly anticipated US Supreme Court decision on their legality and what happens next if SCOTUS rules against the Trump administration.
In this session, we examined the growing sophistication and complexity of major IP and tech disputes facing businesses and how the courts have been addressing them (e.g. Getty Images v Stability AI, IBM v LzLabs, and patent FRAND litigation). We discussed the strategies businesses should adopt to manage these risks, present their strongest position, and ensure appropriate governance and oversight.
In this session, we explored how businesses can navigate and thrive in an increasingly tech-regulated world. Drawing on real-world experiences from financial services regulation and past implementations of tech and data regulations, we shared valuable insights for companies facing the next wave of digital regulation.
This session will explore data privacy considerations that arise during the AI model training process, including the collection, use and sharing of data.
This session explores data privacy considerations that arise during the AI model training process, including the collection, use and sharing of data.
This webinar will explore the GDPR's provisions on automated decision-making and profiling, including the right to human intervention and the requirement for transparency and fairness.
This session will discuss the rights of individuals under the GDPR in the context of AI, including the right to access, rectification, erasure, and data portability.
This session provides an overview of the data privacy requirements under AI laws, standards and regulatory guidelines in key APAC jurisdictions including China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, etc.
This session provides an overview of the Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) process and its relevance to AI-related projects, including the identification and mitigation of data protection risks.
This session will explore data privacy considerations that arise during the AI model training process, including the collection, use and sharing of data.
This session explores data privacy considerations that arise during the AI model training process, including the collection, use and sharing of data.
The UK Supreme Court handed down its judgment on Friday 1 August in the motor finance commission case of Johnson, Wrench and Hopcraft. The decision might have significant implications for a wide range of businesses, beyond the motor finance sector.
We hosted a concise, high-level webinar where our team explained what this ruling could mean for your business, including:
- What is the immediate impact on motor finance?
- Read-across risk: What impact is the judgment likely to have on:
- other intermediated lending business models; and
- other sectors including insurance, asset management and funds?
- Are there other sectors which could be impacted by the judgment?
Delve into the global environmental challenges posed by PFAS and microplastics. This session will cover the legal and regulatory responses to these issues and their impact on product liability.
Speakers: Ingrid Hobbs, Tim McCaw and Pierre-Alexis Maingon
As technology evolves, so do the challenges of product liability. This session will address the unique issues faced by businesses in the digital age, including cybersecurity risks and the liability of AI-driven products.
Speakers: Olivier Mignolet, Minesh Tanna and Martin Binder
Learn from recent class-action cases in the healthcare and life sciences sector. Our speakers will provide insights into the strategies and outcomes of these cases, offering valuable lessons for businesses across industries.
Speakers: Jacques-Antoine Robert, Machteld Hiemstra and Mauro Teresi
With strong consumer protectionist measures and enhanced regulatory obligations for businesses in a range of product sectors, we provide practical guidance and strategy on how to protect business, mitigate civil liability and regulatory exposure, and safeguard innovation.
Speakers: David Kidman, Olivia Delagrange and Udo Pickartz
In our latest podcast episode, "Developments in the German Regulatory Law Landscape”, host Betül Kohlhäufl and guest Bastian Kaufhold from our Frankfurt team take a look at the recent proposed update of the German shareholder control regulation
In this episode, we explore the proposed changes to the defined benefit (DB) pension surplus regime. With new rules on the horizon, DB schemes could soon gain greater flexibility to unlock and make use of surplus funds. Join us as we break down what these developments could mean for pension scheme trustees and sponsors.
In our latest podcast episode, "Developments in the German Regulatory Law Landscape”, hosts Betül Kohlhäufl and Noujan Akbari from our Frankfurt team delve into the recent consultations by the German regulator BaFin.
In this brief episode, we touch on the following consultations:
- Consultation on investor influence on investment decisions for investment funds
- Consultation on fit-and-proper requirements of managing directors of banks and financial services institutions
- Consultation on changes regarding the Shareholder Control Regulation
Episode 12 - Barry Gross is joined by Anthony McDermott and Ronan Tynan from Mitchell McDermott, to discuss the evolution of data centres, cost and project management, contractor engagement and procurement strategies, and future-proofing data centres.
Drew Winlaw and David Huston discuss the development of Percy - an AI tool from law firm Simmons & Simmons - and how the project was selected by Microsoft for support.
Patterns of Protection : IP Strategies for Fashion
A discussion on the CMA’s Green Claims Code for fashion brands
Presenters
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Marisa Broughton, Partner
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Frances Gourdie, Managing Associate
Key topics
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The environmental impact of the fashion sector
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The Competition and Markets Authority’s Green Claims Code
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Greenwashing & brand value
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IP considerations
Join us on Sustainability Insights as we explore key ESG and regulatory trends shaping the UK and EU landscape in 2025. Hosted by Noujan and featuring ESG legal expert Patricia, this episode covers crucial updates on corporate sustainability reporting, green finance, supply chain due diligence, greenwashing risks, decarbonisation policies, and ESG employment regulations. Stay ahead of evolving compliance requirements and discover how businesses and investors can navigate the shifting ESG landscape. Tune in for expert insights on sustainability success in 2025!
In this final episode of Seas of Opportunity: Navigating the Blue Economy, Sonali Siriwardena is joined by Will Oulton, Vice Chairman of the Marine Conservation Society, to explore the critical role of investors in shaping a sustainable future for our oceans. Reflecting on key insights from the series, they discuss how finance, policy, and advocacy can continue driving positive change for marine biodiversity.
The 16th episode highlights the growing momentum behind blue bonds as a key tool for sustainable finance. Willem Visser, Sector Portfolio Manager and VP of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and T. Rowe Price International Ltd, outlines the innovative strategy driving their emerging markets blue economy bond, emphasising collaboration and phased growth to build this nascent asset class.
The Financial Market Digitalization Act ("FinmadiG") was passed on 18 December 2024 by the German Bundestag, despite political adversities, just in time before the application date of "MiCAR", the Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) on 30 December 2024, and “DORA”, the Regulation (EU) 2022/2554 (Digital Operational Resilience Act) on 17 January 2025. The FinmadiG is particularly important as it adjusts the German regulatory landscape to the two main European digitalization regulations affecting the financial sector, MiCAR and DORA. Market participants already feared that after the collapse of the German government, this key piece of legislation for the digital finance market in Germany would be postponed until after the elections in February.
The video sets out key points of the FinmadiG.
Betül Kohlhäufl, Supervising Associate
Noujan Akbari, Associate
Speakers
Sophie Sheldon, Partner, Digital Business, London
Derek Lawlor, Partner, Financial Services Regulation, Dublin
Kenneth Hui, Partner, Head of Hong Kong Regulatory
Episode 11 - Barry Gross and Sophia Flucker, Technical Director at MiCiM Ltd and Managing Director of Operational Intelligence Ltd, discuss sustainability and power in the world of Data Centres.
In this episode, Dr Pushkala Ratan, Principal Specialist at the IFC, delve into the critical role of development finance institutions in mobilising capital for the blue economy. They discuss how the IFC has been at the forefront of blue finance, standardising guidelines and driving investments into projects that address pressing challenges like plastic pollution, coral reef degradation, and water scarcity. The conversation highlights the growing momentum in blue bonds and the transformative potential of innovative partnerships to scale sustainable finance in ocean-based industries.
Dive into our podcast series, "Seas Of Opportunity: Navigating the Blue Economy", a compelling collaboration between international law firm Simmons & Simmons, and the influential NGO Marine Conservation Society. This series brings together key ocean influencers to shed light on crucial issues surrounding our seas and their sustainable future.
In this episode, Nicolas Pascal, Executive Director and Co-founder of Blue Alliance Marine Protected Areas, shares insights on leveraging marine protected areas to foster coral reef regeneration, combat poverty, and nurture a sustainable blue economy.
In this episode, partners Derek Lawlor and Sophie Sheldon provide a summary of the final draft RTS on Threat-Led Penetration Testing (TLPT), including some key principles when thinking about the robust requirements set by DORA.
Breakout room: Women’s health / Femtech investment opportunities
Moderated by Simonetta Giordano, Partner, Simmons & Simmons
The FemTech industry is revolutionizing women's health, including for topics traditionally under mediatised. It's an impactful industry with exponential development potential. Engage with industry leaders in our breakout room to explore the developing femtech landscape. We'll discuss how innovation is driving investment in women's health technology, the potential and challenges for growth in this niche market, and why femtech is becoming an essential part of the healthcare investment portfolio.
Speakers:
· Nora Bavey, General Partner, Unconventional Ventures
· Priya Oberoi, Founding General Partner, Goddess Gaia Ventures
· Christina Östberg Lloyd, CEO Care & Communication
· Cécile Real, CEO, Medevice
Breakout room: Dental sector investment opportunities
Moderated by Annabelle Bruyndonckx, Partner, Simmons & Simmons Join us in a deep dive into the world of dental investments. This breakout session will shine a spotlight on the flourishing opportunities within the dental market. From cutting-edge technology to the expansion of service networks, learn how investment in this essential healthcare service can yield substantial returns and contribute to the advancement of global dental health.
Speakers:
· Nicolas Bonnard, CEO, Corus
· Abhishek Ganguly, VP North and East Europe, Align Technology
· Dr Farzeela Rupani, Group Chief Medical Officer, Colosseum Dental
Breakout room: Healthcare investment opportunities
Moderated by David Brangam, Partner, Simmons & Simmons
Step into a breakout room dedicated to unravelling the prospects of healthcare and wider social infrastructure investments within the healthcare and life sciences sector. Discover how demographic shifts and technological advancements are creating fertile ground for investors in some markets, and explore the strategies that can help you capitalise on the growing demand for healthcare services.
Speakers:
· Katie Beckingham, Director, August Equity
· Antonio Botija, Managing Director H.I.G. Capital
· Aymar de Tracy, Partner, InfraVia Capital
· Andrew Nicholson, Managing Director and EU Head of Healthcare Investment Banking, Baird Europe
Fireside chat
Guillaume Dedet, Senior Health Economist and Public health physician, OECD,
Interviewed by Charlotte Stalin, Head of Financial Institutions, Simmons & Simmons
Conference Opening
Frédéric Girard, President, France BiotechAlexandre Regniault, Head of Healthcare and life sciences, Simmons & Simmons
Robert Turner, Head of Asset Management and Investment Funds, Simmons & Simmons
Panel discussion #4:
Investing in sustainability: a risk or an opportunity for the healthcare and life sciences sector?
Moderated by Sonali Siriwardena, Global Head of ESG, Simmons & Simmons
Step into the forefront of sustainable investment where environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles are revolutionising the healthcare and life sciences sector. Our expert panel will explore how embracing ESG can drive innovation and profitability, while also delivering on the promise of a healthier tomorrow. Learn about the strategies that are not only yielding sustainable investments but also fostering advancements in patient care and medical research. Be part of the dialogue on how responsible investing is becoming the cornerstone of a robust and ethical healthcare industry.
Speakers:
· Pascale Forde-Maurice, Head of Corporate Europe - Sustainable Banking, Crédit Agricole
· Afsane Jetha, Managing partner and CEO, Alta Semper Capital
· Louis de Lillers, CEO, Corwave
· Pablo Morales, Director Population Health, Roche
Fireside chat: European health projects in focus
Speakers:
Massimo Gaudina, Policy coordinator, Policy Coordinator, The New European Innovation Agenda, DG Research and Innovation, European Commission,
Interviewed by Vincenzo Salvatore, Partner, Simmons & Simmons
Panel discussion #3:
Data-driven discovery: transforming healthcare with AI and Big Data
Moderated by Edoardo Tedeschi, Partner, Simmons & Simmons
Embark on a journey through the digital revolution transforming healthcare and life sciences. Our panel of visionaries will unveil how Big Data and AI are not just buzzwords but pivotal tools reshaping the efficiency and efficacy of the sector. From predictive analytics to personalised medicine, learn how these technologies are revolutionizing care delivery, speeding up drug development, and creating smarter, patient-centric healthcare ecosystems. Witness the future as we explore the power of data and AI to heal, innovate, and thrive.
Speakers:
· Fabio Caramelli, Space Rider Payload and Exploitation, Directorate of Space Transportation, European Space Agency
· Stefano Carosio, Executive Director, Stam
· Luca Emili, CEO and founder, Insilico Trials
· Javier Nunez-Vicandi, Principal, Digital Medicine Strategy, Sofinnova Partners
Panel discussion #2:
Unlocking transactions: mastering the healthcare and life sciences maze
Moderated by Ignacio Dominguez, Partner, Simmons & Simmons Step into the intricate world of transactions within the healthcare and life sciences sector. Our seasoned panellists will navigate the labyrinth of regulatory frameworks, due diligence complexities, and competition laws. We'll dissect intellectual property considerations, untangle employment and tax issues, and evaluate the EU pharma package's impact on investment flows. Join us to unlock the secrets to successful transactions in this highly regulated arena.
Speakers:·
· Carl Byers, Partner, F-Prime Capital
· Clotilde Jolivet, Healthcare Public Affairs Consultant, former Director of Sanofi’s Public & Government Affairs France, Sanofi·
· Álvaro Lamo de Espinosa, Managing Director Investment Banking Head of Healthcare & ESG, Arcano Partners·
· Pascal Prigent, CEO Genfit
Panel discussion #1:
The healthcare investment pulse: understanding trends in Europe
Moderated by Jérôme Patenotte, Partner, Simmons & Simmons
Dive into the dynamic world of healthcare and life sciences investments in Europe. Our panel will cut through the complexities of post-Covid funding, examining the accelerators of private investments, the emerging trends in transactions and the state of the IPO market. Discover the most attractive countries for investment, the drivers fuelling funding, and the challenges of value creation in today's economic climate. Learn how to craft a compelling investment case in a market wary of risks.
Speakers:
· Marc Julien, Managing Director, EIT Health
· Jacques Rossignol, CEO and founder, Techlife Capital
· Arnaud Vincent, Managing Director, Eurazeo
This episode delves into the transformative role of parametric insurance in safeguarding marine ecosystems and supporting the livelihoods dependent on them. Featuring expert insights from Sarah Conway, a leader in ecosystem resilience, the episode highlights how innovative financial instruments can enhance the resilience of natural assets like coral reefs, while also discussing the mechanisms of funding and the involvement of various stakeholders in ecosystem conservation. This enlightening discussion sheds light on the intersection of finance, conservation, and sustainable development within the blue economy, offering a roadmap for future initiatives.
Barry Gross and Andy Davis, founder of DataX Connect, discuss talent constraints in the Data Centre industry and the importance of raising publicity for Data Centres.
Barry Gross sits down with Terry King, regional director for EMEA and APAC at Guidepost, to discuss physical security at Data Centres, including the fundamental nature of security to data centres, the common flaws in security systems and the standards of security that data centres have to achieve.
Dive into our podcast series, "Seas Of Opportunity: Navigating the Blue Economy", a compelling collaboration between international law firm Simmons & Simmons, and the influential NGO Marine Conservation Society. This series brings together key ocean influencers to shed light on crucial issues surrounding our seas and their sustainable future.
Dive into our podcast series, "Seas Of Opportunity: Navigating the Blue Economy", a compelling collaboration between international law firm Simmons & Simmons, and the influential NGO Marine Conservation Society. This series brings together key ocean influencers to shed light on crucial issues surrounding our seas and their sustainable future.
In this episode, we’re tackling the topic of ocean pollution and envisioning what a healthy ocean could look like with Emily Cunningham, a marine biologist and renowned ocean conservationist. Emily shares her experiences from various explorations, highlighting the pervasive nature of both visible and invisible pollution, such as forever chemicals and microplastics. No part of our planet, including our oceans, is untouched by pollution. This issue is not only environmental but has also become a global health concern. Sewage contamination exacerbates the problem, necessitating a committed response from governments and the private sector. Regenerative investment initiatives and local-level actions are essential in driving solutions for ocean conservation.
Charles Goodwin and Phil Bower, Head of the Data Centre and technology practice at Towergate Insurance, discuss the role of an insurance broker in the data centre industry, the types of claims and evolving risks the sector is seeing, and how the Insurance market perceives data centres.
Dive into our podcast series, "Seas Of Opportunity: Navigating the Blue Economy", a compelling collaboration between international law firm Simmons & Simmons, and the influential NGO Marine Conservation Society. This series brings together key ocean influencers to shed light on crucial issues surrounding our seas and their sustainable future.
Sian Rees is a marine scientist specialising in marine conservation, marine management and policy. Sian has authored key research on marine natural capital, looking at securing the benefits it provides and how it informs decision making. She has also been part of Defra’s Marine Natural Capital Ecosystem Assessment Advisory Group.
We continue our “view from Europe” focus, as Charles Goodwin sits down with Boris Strauch, a Partner in the Simmons Frankfurt officer, and Alfonso Fernandez-Puebla, a partner in the Simmons Madrid office,to get their view on the German and Spanish Data Centre markets and some key legal developments in each.
We head over to Europe to discuss the outlook in France and Italy, to gauge what each market and jurisdiction is seeing in the exciting world of data centres. Charles Goodwin is joined by Eliza Bocianowski, a partner in the Simmons Paris office, and Emanuela Molinaro, a partner in the Simmons Milan office.
Polls continue to point to a commanding Labour lead as we head into the UK General Election tomorrow. This could herald a substantial moment of change for ESG policy in the UK, and while the Conservatives' stance on ESG issues is generally well understood after 14 years in power, Labour's is less so.
In our latest podcast, Client Insights Lead Andy Hartwill and ESG Partner Sonali Siriwardena explore the key elements of Labour's platform on ESG, including some of the challenges it would face in government if the polls are correct.
In the first episode of Simmons and Simmons' podcast series on Product Liability, partners Jacques-Antoine Robert from the Paris office and David Kidman from the London office delve into the complex definition of anxiety damage. They provide a comparative analysis of how anxiety damage is approached in the UK and France, particularly in the context of product liability. |
In the final episode of our podcast series on Product Liability and anxiety damage, Jacques-Antoine Robert and David Kidman navigate the complexities of anxiety damage claims in civil and criminal courts in the UK and France. They discuss the distinct processes in the UK, where civil and criminal courts operate separately, and the unique situation in France, where civil damages can be awarded by criminal judges.
In the fourth episode of our podcast series on Product Liability, Jacques-Antoine Robert and David Kidman delve into the implications of the new Product Liability Directive for anxiety damage claims. They navigate the potential changes this Directive could bring, from providing a framework for judges in France to decide on indemnifications, to possibly opening the door for more claims in the UK.
In the fifth episode of our podcast series on Product Liability, Jacques-Antoine Robert and David Kidman delve into the complexities of anxiety damage within the context of class actions and discuss cases of law in different sectors. They navigate the contrasting landscapes of the UK, where claimants have generally struggled with product liability group litigation, and France, where class actions can be initiated by patient organisations and where claimants were sometimes compensated for both physical injury and anxiety damage.
In the third episode of our podcast series on Product Liability, Jacques-Antoine Robert and David Kidman tackle the complex issue of valuing anxiety damage and its 'cascading effect' on family members. They navigate the contrasting legal landscapes of the UK and France, revealing a UK approach that follows strict brackets for valuing damages, and a French approach that has awarded lump sum payments to large groups of claimants, including secondary victims.
In the second episode of our podcast series on Product Liability, partners Jacques-Antoine Robert and David Kidman explore the intriguing question of whether anxiety damage can be indemnified as a singular claim. They navigate through the contrasting landscapes of UK and French law, revealing a flexible French approach that recognises anxiety damage even without physical injury, and a more rigid UK stance that requires a recognised psychiatric disorder.
Dive into our podcast series, "Seas Of Opportunity: Navigating the Blue Economy", a compelling collaboration between international law firm Simmons & Simmons, and the influential NGO Marine Conservation Society. This series brings together key ocean influencers to shed light on crucial issues surrounding our seas and their sustainable future.
In this enlightening discussion, James Merchant, marine natural capital analyst at the Marine Conservation Society, converses with Belinda Bramley, an environmentalist and independent blue economy consultant. Belinda shares her valuable insights on the environmental and social dimensions of governmental involvement in a sustainable blue economy, emphasising notably the importance of proactive governmental action and the necessity of engaging local communities in these initiatives.
Dive into our podcast series, Seas Of Opportunity: Navigating the Blue Economy", a compelling collaboration between international law firm Simmons & Simmons, and the influential NGO Marine Conservation Society. This series brings together key ocean influencers to shed light on crucial issues surrounding our seas and their sustainable future.
In Episode 8 of Seas of Opportunity, Dr Jean-Luc Solandt shared his insights on the practicalities of ocean restoration. Jean-Luc has dedicated over two decades to marine conservation, most recently as Marine Recovery Programme Manager at the Marine Conservation Society. He is a marine biologist and Marine Protected Area specialist with a lot of first-hand experience of being involved in marine restoration projects.
We often talk about the need to scale-up finance for ocean restoration. This is a broad term and it may not always be clear exactly what it means. Jean-Luc joined the podcast to shed some light on this as we considered what ocean restoration looks like in reality, what the challenges are and how to it can be scaled up.
Charles Goodwin sits down with Vincent Fogarty, Managing Director at Diales, to discuss the challenges facing construction professionals in the data centre industry and how they are overcoming these.
Barry Gross sits down with Paul Cranfield, a partner at VIPA Digital, to discuss all things Power.
Barry Gross sits down with Arun Shenoy, Chief Marketing Officer and SVP of Sales at ServerFarm, to discuss the highly topical subject of Artificial Intelligence and its impact on the Data Centre Industry.
Barry Gross and Tom Glover, Head of Data Centres Transactions at JLL, sit down to discuss what is in store for the DC Industry in the years ahead.
Dive into our podcast series, Seas Of Opportunity: Navigating the Blue Economy", a compelling collaboration between international law firm Simmons & Simmons, and the influential NGO Marine Conservation Society. This series brings together key ocean influencers to shed light on crucial issues surrounding our seas and their sustainable future.
In this episode In this episode, we delve into the critical issues surrounding our blue ecosystems and their sustainable future. We're joined by Mere Takoko, Indigenous Ocean and Climate Conservationist, who shares her insights on the role of local and indigenous communities in creating and safeguarding a sustainable blue economy.
In this podcast we explore various influences on professional well-being, often circling back to behaviours and coping mechanisms. With a focus on alcohol consumption, the discussion delves into its impact, reasons for reliance, and broader implications on personal and professional lives. Through an insightful yet light-hearted approach, the podcast aims to provoke thought and discussion on the role of alcohol in our lives.
Dive into our podcast series, Seas Of Opportunity: Navigating the Blue Economy", a compelling collaboration between international law firm Simmons & Simmons, and the influential NGO Marine Conservation Society. This series brings together key ocean influencers to shed light on crucial issues surrounding our seas and their sustainable future.
In this episode, sustainable finance and ocean policy specialist Dorothee Herr talks us through ocean based solutions, what they can achieve and the role that governments and the private sector can play in making it happen.
Dive into our podcast series, "Seas Of Opportunity: Navigating the Blue Economy", a compelling collaboration between international law firm Simmons & Simmons, and the influential NGO Marine Conservation Society. This series brings together key ocean influencers to shed light on crucial issues surrounding our seas and their sustainable future.
In this episode, we consider how the ocean shapes life on Earth with Dr. Helen Czerski, a distinguished physicist and oceanographer, as she joins James Merchant at the Marine Conservation Society. Together, they delve into the expansive role of the ocean, exploring its fundamental importance to our existence and the health of Planet Earth.
Dive into our podcast series, "Seas Of Opportunity: Navigating the Blue Economy", a compelling collaboration between international law firm Simmons & Simmons, and the influential NGO Marine Conservation Society. This series brings together key ocean influencers to shed light on crucial issues surrounding our seas and their sustainable future.
In this episode, Kamile Jankauskyte, ESG analyst at Simmons & Simmons speaks with Ted Janulis, Founder and Principal at Investable Oceans on the role of blue finance in building a sustainable blue economy whilst at the World Ocean Summit in Lisbon. The episode walks through the current state of sustainable blue finance and some of the opportunities on the horizon as we look to scale investment.
In this podcast we note that the new act doesn't go as far as the initial consultation had suggested, highlighting the few relevant changes to procurement challenges that have been made. In addition, we discuss what other reforms could be introduced at a later date.
In the opening podcast of this series, we delve into the background and purpose of the UK's new Procurement Act, which is a significant overhaul of procurement legislation post-Brexit.
In the final podcast of the series, we cover the implications of the UK Procurement Act set to reform from October 2024, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities, and its impact on the supply chain.
We discuss the introduction of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) by the new Procurement Act for contracts exceeding £5 million, (excluding some contract types). While the Act provides a broad definition of KPIs, detailed guidance on their formulation is not available at the time of recording.
In this episode, we look at the changes in the exclusion and debarment system under the new Act. In particular, we note the changes that suppliers need to understand, especially the new ground for poor performance and the severe consequences of being listed on the debarment register.
We look at the significant changes in awarding public contracts under the new Procurement Act, and what suppliers should be aware of in respect of award procedures.
Dive into our podcast series, "Seas Of Opportunity: Navigating the Blue Economy", a compelling collaboration between international law firm Simmons & Simmons, and the influential NGO Marine Conservation Society. This series brings together key ocean influencers to shed light on crucial issues surrounding our seas and their sustainable future.
In this episode, Kamile Jankauskyte, ESG analyst at Simmons & Simmons speaks with Minna Epps, Head of the Ocean Program at International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) on international collaboration and frameworks for preserving ocean ecosystems and marine biodiversity. In particular, the episode deep dives into the milestone agreement reached last year on the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions treaty."
Dive into our podcast series, "Seas Of Opportunity: Navigating the Blue Economy", a compelling collaboration between international law firm Simmons & Simmons, and the influential NGO Marine Conservation Society. This series brings together key ocean influencers to shed light on crucial issues surrounding our seas and their sustainable future.
In this episode, James Merchant, Marine natural capital analyst at the Marine Conservation Society explores with Dieter Helm, Professor of Economic Policy at the University of Oxford and a Fellow in Economics at New College, Oxford, the why and the how of building a sustainable blue economy – an economy where finance and policy measures are geared towards regenerative and not extractive activities in the oceans.
oin us for a discussion on the latest trends of the regulatory response to greenwashing in the UK and EU. We will be exploring decisions by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority and Advertising Standards Authority and the EU Commission to give you practical tips to navigate the regulatory risks of greenwashing. We will also be looking ahead to key pieces of legislation, such as the EU Green Claims Directive, and what impact they will have on business marketing their green products or services.
Click to find out more about our ESG Litigation and Regulatory Investigations Tracker and the ESG Disputes Radar!
Contacts: Robert Allen, Mark Jephcott, Emily Blower, Craig Gilchrist, Alice Denis.
Dive into our podcast series, "Seas Of Opportunity: Navigating the Blue Economy", a compelling collaboration between international law firm Simmons & Simmons, and the influential NGO Marine Conservation Society. This series brings together key ocean influencers to shed light on crucial issues surrounding our seas and their sustainable future.
In this opening episode, Sonali Siriwardena, Partner and Global Head of ESG at Simmons, teams up with Sandy Luk, CEO at the Marine Conservation Society. Together, they delve into the intriguing realm of the Blue Economy, unravelling the challenges of securing private finance capital for projects aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 14 – ensuring life below water thrives. Tune in as we embark on a journey to navigate the waters of change and opportunity.
In this podcast, our restructuring and special situations experts in Ireland, Germany, France, Singapore and the UK discuss trends in the use of pre-packs and restructuring procedures and consider whether pre-packs will have a role to play in the future.
The speakers are: Andrew Brennan, Amelie Gorphe, Christopher Kranz, Nigel Pereira and Ben Jones.
Please see below for the relevant talk timecode
Welcome address: 9 seconds
Keynote address 1: Introduction: 5 minutes 45 , Keynote: 6 minutes 21
Keynote address 2: 11 minutes
Panel Session 1: 17 minutes
Keynote address 3: Introduction: 1 hour 06 seconds, Ralph: 1 hour 1 minute 35
Panel Session 2: 1 hour 27 minutes 29
Keynote address 4:2 Hours 16 minutes 13
Closing remark: 2 hours 58 minutes 56
In our latest podcast, OECD adviser Olivia Long who's tasked with looking at this issue, Karine Halimi-Guez, Vice President-Head of Tax at Booking.com and a panel of Simmons & Simmons tax experts discuss the following:
- The tax challenges resulting from Nomad employees
- An update on recent developments at UN, OECD and EU level
- Quick wins versus long term solutions
In this additional episode, we take a look at some predictions for the data centre industry, focusing on how the market might develop in the coming year and the significant challenges it faces.
Speakers
Steven Kaye
Charles Goodwin
Cian O’Hara
Tax Partner Martin Shah and Client Insights Lead Andy Hartwill give their insights on all the key tax changes from the latest UK budget.
Listen to our bite-size podcast recorded this morning, covering our reaction to the developments over the weekend and the news about the government measures taken in the UK and US over the last few hours, including an assessment of key lessons learnt and commentary on what we might expect over the next few days and weeks.
Please join us for immediate reactions from senior members of our restructuring and special situations team to this morning’s judgment from the Supreme Court on Sequana, which provides the first guidance from the highest court in the UK on the duties owed by directors to creditors prior to the commencement of insolvency.
In this episode, we consider the published decision of Lord Mance in the arbitral proceedings brought by policyholders against their insurers. The claims were made under a clause similar to a clause which had been held not to cover by the Divisional Court in the FCA Test Case. Lord Mance considered the extent to which the Divisional Court’s decision withstood the subsequent analysis of the Supreme Court.
Jack Simmons from Barclays shares his story about how reimagining Barclays contract template for commercial partnerships has had a massive impact.
We peer into our mystic ball and look at the future of data centres, focusing on how the industry might develop in the coming years and the significant challenges it faces. We look at some of the exciting advances being made, such as mobile and even underwater centres, whilst providing a general overview as to the direction the industry is heading in. As a finale, we get the predictions for the next 5-10 years from three industry titans.
Speakers
Steve Kaye
Kirsty Barnes
Dan Mace (Bouygues E&S)
Peter Hannaford (Portman Partners)
Neil Cresswell (VIRTUS Data Centres)
We explore the intersection of Data Centres and ESG considerations for the industry, focusing on the environmental impact, challenges and considerations for Data Centres, as well as some of the proposed solutions for dealing with these issues.
Speakers
Emily Monastiriotis
Cian O’Hara
David Watkins (VIRTUS Data Centres)
We continue to look at Data Centres as a mainstream asset class by exploring 4 key and growing international markets for Data Centres: Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands and the Middle East.
Speakers
Cian O’Hara
Boris Strauch
Christopher Gotz
Rob Hendricks
Olivia Darlington
We view Data Centres through the prism of disputes, considering some of the possible areas in which disputes can arise in this field, and looking at effective ways to mitigate those risks.
Speakers
Emily Monastiriotis
Steve Kaye
Tom Bowen
We take a closer look at Data Centres as a mainstream asset class and explore the underlying business, as our experts and guests provide their insights into the current trends in the sector and provide some key commercial advice on a variety of data centre deals that they have experienced – Part 1
Speakers
Kirsty Barnes
James Cotter
Marc Fevre
Andrew Petry
We take a look at the growing and ever more important role of Data Centres to modern society, their key features, and why it is such a growing market globally.
Speakers
Kirsty Barnes
Emily Monastiriotis
Dan Mace (Bouygues E&S)
We take a look at the key characteristics of a functional Data Centre, focusing on the significant power demand and corresponding prerequisites to the operation of a data centre, its fibre and connectivity requirements, and the importance of fire suppression in these facilities.
Speakers
Steve Kaye
Cian O’Hara
Dan Mace (Bouygues E&S)
We take a closer look at Data Centres as a mainstream asset class and explore the underlying business, as our experts and guests provide their insight into the current trends in the sector and provide some key commercial advice on a variety of data centre deals that they have experienced – Part 2
Speakers
Duncan Athol
Andrew Russell
Jo Crookshank
Tom Dryden (McGill and Partners)
We look at how the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in claims for Business Interruption insurance on a scale not previously seen. We discuss the key outcomes from the FCA Test Case, as well as some of the questions which were not answered by the FCA Test Case.
We look at a recent case concerning the transfer of crypto for ‘baking’ and whether cryptoassets can be held on trust.
We look at the upcoming reform to UK law so as to make cryptoassets subject to the financial promotions regime and consider what this means for crypto firms.
We look at the role of the ASA in relation to crypto marketing and discuss how crypto firms can respond to ASA complaints.
We look at some potential liability risks as construction professionals navigate a changing climate amid increasing public and regulatory pressure.
In this episode of the podcast, Simmons & Simmons partner Andrew Petry talks to Federico Piano from Guyer & Regules on the clean energy market in Uruguay.
We look at a new set of arbitration rules designed specifically for crypto-related disputes and how they may work in practice.
Simmons & Simmons host Tina Blazquez-Lopez talks to Energy & Infrastructure partner Seyram Dzikunu FromBentsi-Enchill Letsa & Ankomah on the clean energy market in Ghana.
Simmons & Simmons managing associate Tom Gray talks to Hung Nguyen from VILAF on the clean energy market in Vietnam.
A discussion of the current state of play in the FCA’s oversight of crypto businesses in the UK.
A discussion of where litigation risks may arise in future for crypto firms providing exchange and custody services.
Simmons & Simmons partner Alex Bloomfield talks to managing partner Oleksiy Feliv from Integrites on the clean energy market in Ukraine.
Corinne Noel from Simmons & Simmons talks to Yassen D. Spassov from DGKV https://dgkv.com/ about the clean energy market in Bulgaria.
A collaboration between green room and the Clean Energy podcast. Real estate partner Ali Crosthwaite and supervising associate Lev Gantly from our Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure team take a deep dive into carbon offsets.
In this episode, our Simmons & Simmons managing associate Tom Gray talks to Atkilit Bekele from MTA Law Office on the clean energy market in Ethiopia.
In this episode, Hadiah Amirullah from our Simmons team speaks to Kamilah Kasim from Rahmat Lim & Partners about the Clean Energy market in Malaysia.
In our next episode, we explore the clean energy market in Uzbekistan. Hosted by Simmons & Simmons partner David Shearer, we talk to Umid Aripdjanov from Centil Law Firm.
Next in our podcast series, we focus on the clean energy market in Finland. Hosted by our Simmons & Simmons partner Marc Fevre, we are joined by Miika Pinomaa from Castrén & Snellman Attorneys.
In this episode we catch up with Simmons & Simmons supervising associate Lev Gantly and partner Lauren Curtayne from law firm Chapman Tripp to discuss the clean energy market in New Zealand.
Our next episode focuses on the clean energy market in Sweden featuring Fredrik Morfeldt and Jorgen Moller from Cirio, Interviewed by Simmons & Simmons partner Andrew Petry.
Next in the series, we focus on the clean energy market in India featuring Aakanksha Joshi from ELP interviewed by Simmons & Simmons supervising associate Ben James.
Our Clean Energy podcast series continues with our second episode featuring Rafal Hajduk from DZP interviewed by Simmons & Simmons Partner, Andrew Petry and focusing on the clean energy market in Poland.
APP fraud resulted in £479m in losses in 2020. In this podcast, we consider the risks this presents for fintech firms and the potential for reform in this area.
Introducing our brand new Clean Energy podcast. In the first episode of our new, regular series, Partner Alex Blomfield and Supervising Associate Lev Gantly take a look at the clean energy market in Ireland. Listen now.
Singapore’s immigration policies and its foreign workforce has been in the news once again. In this episode, we turn to look at the following issues in particular:
- why immigration is such a touchy issue in Singapore;
- the dichotomy between the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices, which advocates for fair and merit-based employment practices, and the Fair Consideration Framework, which requires employers to consider Singaporeans fairly for job opportunities; and
- the use of intra-corporate transfers as a mechanism to bring foreign employees into Singapore.
In the latest episode of our Global Hedge Fund Benchmark Study podcast, chief executive at AIMA Jack Inglis speaks with Simmons partner Dev Saksena and Seward & Kissel partner David Mulle about performance in relation to the health of the hedge fund industry.
In the first episode of this podcast, Derek Lawlor interviews Brian Elders about how he's found the last 12 months and what his future priorities are.
This podcast focuses on the intricacies of digital or tech M&A in our Accelerate Digital roadmap. Partners Jason Daniel and Satyen Dhana discuss policy concerns that affect digital or tech M&A.
In this podcast, we discuss how mediation works and when it can be a viable alternative to traditional courtroom litigation.
In this episode of our Accelerate Digital podcast, UK Simmons partner Hinal Patel is joined by financial regulation partner Rosali Pretorius. The partners discuss the regulation pain points identified by the development of our Accelerate Digital roadmap.
UK partner Hinal Patel is joined by Michelle Ta, Managing Associate, to discuss the implementation phase of outsourcing.
This episode sees Simmons partner Hinal Patel joined by Christopher Götz to discuss the implementation part of a transformation stage relating to outsourcing.
We're joined by partners Hinal Patel and George Morris, who specialise in digital transactions, as they discuss outsourcing and service management.
In this podcast, we discuss digital M&A with corporate M&A partner Jason Daniel. We'll break down the intricacies of M&A and this episode focus on an introduction to the topic and why it's important to our clients.
UK partner Hinal Patel and Hong Kong Managing Associate Michelle Ta discuss the preparation phase within an outsourcing transaction.
In the latest episode of our podcast series on the outsourcing stages we've set out in our Accelerate Digital roadmap, we discuss the contract finalisation stage.
In this episode of our podcast series, Simmons partners Hinal Patel and Raza Rizvi talk about outsourcing and optimisation.
UK partner Hinal Patel and German partner Christopher Götz discuss the request for information (RFI) stage within the outsourcing lifecycle.
Caroline Hunter-Yeats and George Morris, partners at Simmons & Simmons, chat about digital transformation - what it is, why it's important - and the launch of our new roadmap, Accelerate Digital.
In the latest episode of our Accelerate Digital podcast series, we speak to co-leads of our data protection team, Alex Brown and Sascha Kuhn, to discuss data in the context of digital transformation.
This series focuses on the various steps within outsourcing we've included in our Accelerate Digital roadmap. Hinal Patel is joined by George Morris to discuss the tender process.
This is the first episode in a series of podcasts focusing on the various steps within outsourcing as set out in our Accelerate Digital roadmap. Michelle Ta, a Managing Associate in our Hong Kong office is joined by UK partner Hinal Patel to kick off the series.
In this episode, we provide a general overview of the employment-related issues that companies may face on the road to digitalisation.
Tom Makin invites Erica Albertson, head of our market-leading eDiscovery group to discuss eDiscovery trends and technology in investigations through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
Helen Soutter invites Camilla da Silva, Stephen Gentle and Nick Benwell to share their thoughts on how to approach negotiating with the SFO and other agencies on criminal cases, and what the drivers might be on both sides of the table.
Helen Soutter, Chloe Morris and Mia Showell-Woodsmith address some of the complexities arising out of section 90A claims issued in light of ongoing criminal investigations, including how liability may arise, where it may diverge from the criminal context, and where interface with insurers may benefit from early scrutiny and careful coordination.
In this episode, we explore the issues related to the COVID-19 vaccine, including:
- whether vaccinations can be made mandatory
- the risk of having non-vaccinated employees return to work
- requiring vaccination as a pre-condition of employment
- the status of the vaccine roll out in Hong Kong and Singapore
David Trapp, Mathieu Vancaillie and Duncan Green discuss the key developments in competition regulation in the digital space as it tries to keep pace with new technologies.