Talking Shop EP19: Global M&A trends in the consumer sector

Marina Reason and Ioannis Asimakopoulos discuss the scope of the new UK crypto rules and highlight the top 3 takeaways. They consider the draft legislation that will bring certain cryptoassets within the financial services regulatory perimeter. They also outline the key aspects of a related Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) discussion paper that sets out the FCA's initial proposals for regulating these new activities. Speakers: Marina Reason, Partner, Financial Services Regulation, London and Ioannis Asimakopoulos, Senior Associate, Financial Services Regulation, London.

Tune into our 27th episode of Inside IR, in which IR experts Rohan Doyle (Partner) and Emma Vautin (Senior Associate) are joined by Steve Bell, Managing Partner and Safety lead, to discuss “Managing picket lines at the workplace – the crossover between IR and safety”. In this episode, the team share their extensive experience in working alongside clients in managing pickets outside their workplaces and reflect on what they see as an increasing frequency of workplace pickets. Steve, Emma and Rohan reflect on the harm that obstructive pickets can cause, the psychosocial health and safety risks that they sometimes present, and share tips on how employers and principals can promote safe access to and egress from their worksites during these events.

Artificial intelligence is upon us, but are schemes ready? Trustees may not yet be offering AI tools, but members have been quick off the mark. In this second episode, we discuss how members are using AI, before closing with practical tips for trustees. Our guest, again, is comms consultant Thomas Joy (Quietroom). Subscribe to our Pensions Notes Blog here: www.herbertsmithfreehills.com/notes/pensions/subscribe

Tim Stutt, Anna Coroneo and Isabella Kelly delve into the integration of sustainability reports into annual reports, exploring the challenges and strategies for clear and effective climate-related disclosures. They cover a broad spectrum of topics including the potential for ASIC relief applications, complexities of cross-referencing and implications of the modified liability regime. They share insights from the latest ASIC sustainability guidance released in March 2025 and practical tips for ensuring compliance and effective communication in your sustainability reporting.

Karen is a genuine global leader in the cyber-legal space. She manages the relationship between Google Mandiant and its law firm and insurance partners. She has had a remarkable cyber career…think FireEye, Safeguard Cyber, Mandiant and now Google Mandiant! Karen and I caught up at the IAPP Global Conference in Washington D.C. and then again at the RSAC Conference in San Francisco. We recorded this session as some 50,000 cyber experts took over downtown San Francisco. If you want to know more about the interaction between law firms and cyber forensic firms, this podcast is for you. Karen shares her views on the current threat landscape, the role of the cyber-forensic expert, the remarkable rise of the Google Mandiant cyber team and successful engagement with law firms / legal teams. A proud Buffalonian and fierce advocate for women in cyber. This is cross-examining Karen Kukoda. Here we go…

In the first episode of the podcast, hosted by Steve Bell and Nerida Jessup, we focus on a contemporary issue for Australian workplaces - psychosocial health and safety. Traditionally centred on physical risks, there has been a significant shift over the past five years towards managing non-physical risks such as bullying and sexual harassment. This now includes considerations on how work is performed, allocated, and designed to help employees thrive. This episode highlights the increased regulation and enforcement in this area more recently, emphasising the need for developing risk registers to identify psychosocial risks and implementing consistent controls. It also notes the growing expectation for HR and people and culture teams to adopt the language of work health and safety and risk management, offering practical tips on how to effectively manage these changes.

In this episode of the Talking Shop podcast, we delve into the role of Intellectual Property (IP) as a tool for sustainability. We explore how technology and IP can be leveraged to reduce waste while simultaneously increasing value for a brand, and the balance between innovation, sustainability, and IP protection.

Artificial intelligence is upon us, but are schemes ready? Like it or not, members are already turning to AI to guide their pension decisions. In the first of two episodes, we focus on the opportunities and challenges for trustees. Thomas Joy, from comms consultants Quietroom, joins to discuss with pensions partner Michael Aherne. Subscribe to the HSF Pensions Notes Blog here: https://www.herbertsmithfreehills.com/notes/pensions/subscribe

Our M&A and Trade experts from the UK (Alex Kay), Europe (Morris Schonberg), Asia (Nanda Lau) and Australia (Andrew Rich) discuss the current economic and geopolitical headwinds impacting M&A activity in the consumer sector, reflect on the biggest transactions from the past year and make predictions for deal activity in the next 12 months.

In our first episode of The Third Wheel for 2025, Tim Stutt, Anna Coroneo and Suzannah Hewson explore the key themes and latest trends in climate and sustainability reporting both globally and in Australia. They offer practical advice for companies preparing for new regulatory requirements and conducting climate reporting readiness initiatives, including gaps analysis, data management, and stakeholder engagement. They also explore broader ESG issues, such as integrating ESG into risk management and procurement processes, and the future of nature-related reporting.