Ashurst Legal Outlook Podcast

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 return...

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 h...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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’...

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 tradi...

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...

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 de...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...