Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Podcasts

Today we’re diving into a question that’s becoming increasingly relevant for corporates globally: What happens if …you’re faced with a sanctions issue and need to investigate? Join Partner Leon Chung , Senior Associate Cynthianna Yau and Solicitor Kayla Laird as they explore this frontline issue for legal and compliance teams to understand the sanctions framework as they manage international trans...

This podcast explores the impact of minimum energy efficiency standard (MEES) on commercial leases in the logistics sector, including rent review, lease renewals and dilapidation claims. Speakers: Julia Petrenko, Barrister, Falcon Chambers, Seb Taylor, Partner, HSF Kramer and Matthew Weal, Senior Associate, HSF Kramer

In this edition of our banking litigation podcast, we consider some recent cases that will be most relevant to in-house lawyers at banks and financial institutions. This episode is hosted by John Corrie , a partner in our banking litigation team, who is joined by Ceri Morgan and special guest Nic Patmore . You can find links to our blog posts on the case covered in this podcast below: Supreme Cour...

In this last episode of the series, the Corporate Crime and Investigations team considers the application of the Failure to Prevent Fraud offence to complex group structures including in relation to parent companies and their subsidiaries (whether incorporated in the UK or overseas).  Susannah Cogman, Eamon McCarthy-Keen, and Clara Browne examine several important issues in this episode such as: (...

This episode brings together our CCI and contentious regulatory teams to consider the impact of the Failure to Prevent Fraud offence on financial institutions. Jon Ford, Elizabeth Head and Ally Fitzgerald explore the risk areas that financial institutions may be exposed to as well as why financial institutions may be at an increased risk of enforcement in comparison to other organisations. They al...

In this episode, we talk about Practice Statement 35, which the UK Takeover Panel published recently, on profit forecasts, synergy statements (referred to in the Takeover Code as quantified financial benefits statements or QFBSs) and connected investment research. Areas we discuss include: the regime in the Takeover Code for profit forecasts; how the rules apply where a target has unequivocally re...

Join industrial relations partners Nick Ogilvie and Rohan Doyle on our latest episode of Inside IR where they unpack the latest developments in the Fair Work Commission’s assessment of gender undervaluation of wages, and explore the impact this is having on minimum award rates of pay.  Over the last few years, the Commission has embarked on a comprehensive process to ensure that minimum rates of p...

In this special episode of the Inside Arbitration podcast, Vanessa Naish, Liz Kantor and Andrew Cannon unpack the new Arbitration Act 2025, now in force across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Whether you're drafting clauses, navigating arbitration proceedings, or preparing for arbitrations claims in the English court, this episode breaks down the Act’s most impactful changes - from retr...

In part 2 of our investigations series, Tony Wood and Lucy Boyd sit down with Lisa Bradley, Principal of Papillon Consulting Group, to explore the realities of workplace investigations. Lisa shares her insights on emerging trends, including the rise of anonymous complaints, and breaks down the nuances between cultural reviews and investigations into specific allegations. Lisa offers a candid look...

This is the 32nd episode of our series of commercial litigation update podcasts. In this episode we discuss recent judgments on privilege, litigation funding agreements, security for costs, the impact of sanctions on court orders and a couple of interesting contract law decisions, on good faith and contractual certainty, and an upcoming pilot on public access to court documents. This episode is ho...

In this episode we talk about the influence we have seen shareholders have on recent transactions. Areas we discuss include shareholders: pushing for M&A influencing M&A, including through the use of irrevocable undertakings and stub equity looking to block deals; and being directly targeted for support by both targets and bidders. We also discuss the key takeaways for companies when deali...

In this latest episode of Insurance Bites, Sarah McNally, Partner, and Sarah Irons, Knowledge Counsel, from the Insurance & Professional Risks team, explore the topical issue of tariffs and where corporates might find cover for some of the increased risks they face due to increased tariffs.

In this episode we talk about the influence we have seen shareholders have on recent transactions. Areas we discuss include shareholders:•pushing for M&A•influencing M&A, including through the use of irrevocable undertakings and stub equity•looking to block deals; and•being directly targeted for support by both targets and bidders. We also discuss the key takeaways for companies when deali...

On 2 July 2025, the FCA published Consultation Paper 25/18 , "Tackling non-financial misconduct in financial services", comprising both a Policy Statement and final rules, together with further consultation on the revised guidance proposed for the FCA Handbook. It has taken the FCA considerable time to reach this phase in the development of its NFM policy, and there has been significant...

In part one of our investigations double episode, we unpack the technical and legal dimensions of workplace investigations, with a spotlight on whistleblowing.  Together, Tony Wood and Lucy Boyd explore how clients can navigate the complexities of internal complaints, regulatory obligations and reputational risks. They spend time discussing the overall trend towards greater transparency, for examp...

In this episode of Inside Safety , presenters Nerida Jessup and Olga Klimczak examine the evolving legal and regulatory landscape surrounding silica exposure and the associated risk of silicosis. The episode offers timely insights into compliance, risk management, and health outcomes – particularly in high-risk sectors like manufacturing and mining. The discussion also draws on historical parallel...

Following new amendments to Australian anti-bribery and corruption laws introduced in September 2024, HSF Kramer Partners Leon Chung, Tania Gray and Eunice Park delve further into the offence and what Australian corporates should do if they find themselves in a foreign bribery situation and practical steps organisations can take to address risks. We are joined by HSF Kramer London Partner Kate Mea...

In this episode, we talk about Practice Statement 36 which has recently been published by the UK Takeover Panel on unlisted share alternatives. Topics we discuss include: what terms for an unlisted share alternative are acceptable, and what is not acceptable; what rights can be attached to the shares; and the disclosure required.

In this episode, Vanessa Naish and Liz Kantor are joined by their first external speaker, Kevin Nash, Director General of the London Court of International Arbitration. Kevin shares his vision for the future of the LCIA and what makes the LCIA unique, explores potential updates to its rules and offers his perspective on the vital role institutions play in international arbitration. Tune in for an...

In this episode of Inside IR, Rohan Doyle is joined by partners Anthony Wood and Wendy Fauvel to look ahead to the Federal Government's upcoming August 2025 Productivity Summit. Rohan, Tony and Wendy share what is known about the plans for the summit, and explore the all important question of what role industrial relations will play in improving the rate of productivity growth in Australia.

In this episode, we cross examine Tamir Maltz, Barrister at 12 Wentworth Selborne Chambers, Sydney. It would be hard to argue that there is anyone more experienced in cyber injunctions in Australia than Tamir.   With over 20 years of experience, Tamir provides strategic legal advice and robust representation to clients across a variety of sectors including corporate, construction, property and tec...

Marina Reason and Rakshi Kiran examine FCA consultation paper 25/15, which proposes a brand-new prudential regime for cryptoasset firms, including rules on regulatory capital. This is the first sight of a dedicated prudential framework tailored specifically for crypto firms in the UK. CP25/15 is designed to be read alongside a related FCA consultation paper (CP25/14), which proposes rules and guid...

On 6 April 2025 the UK's new consumer protection regime came into force. The changes, introduced under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, include a new direct enforcement regime for the CMA as well as a number of changes to the substantive law, aimed at improving and modernising consumer rights in order to ensure they keep pace with market developments, in particular the...

In this episode, Vanessa Naish and Liz Kantor are joined by Patricia Nacimiento, Laurence Franc-Menget, and Francis Greenway to explore recent and proposed reforms to arbitration laws in the UK, Germany, France, and Singapore. The discussion unpacks the motivations behind each jurisdiction’s legislative updates, highlights key proposals, and considers their broader implications for international a...

On 3 June 2025, the FCA published PS25/5 which included the final version of its updated Enforcement Guide. In Episode 7 of the FSR Brief, Jon Ford and Michael Tan discuss the key changes to the FCA's approach to transparency in relation to investigations and the other changes to the Enforcement Guide, and how these may play out in practice. For an overview of the changes, read our blog post...