A&O Shearman global insights

ESG: Here to stay or gone tomorrow?

The environmental, social, and governance (ESG) landscape is facing unprecedented turbulence in 2025, with political shifts, economic headwinds, and regulatory divergence creating a complex environment for businesses worldwide. In our latest podcast, Matthew Townsend and Jochem Spaans unpack the realities behind the headlines, offering expert analysis and practical guidance for navigating this evolving terrain, including:

• The Trump effect on ESG in the U.S.: How is President Trump’s return to the White House reshaping ESG policy in the U.S.
• Asset managers and climate alliances: Why are major asset managers withdrawing from global climate alliances, and what does this mean for the future of sustainable investment strategies?
• Europe’s shifting ESG leadership: Is Europe’s reputation as the regulatory powerhouse of ESG under threat as the EU recalibrates its approach to balance climate ambition with economic competitiveness?
• Market realities for ESG-labelled funds: Why has 2025 seen record outflows from ESG-labelled funds and a cooling of the sustainability loans and bonds market—and does this signal the end of green finance?
• The rise of ESG and climate litigation: With the new wave of climate and ESG litigation, what are the growing risks for directors and boards, and which sectors are now in the firing line?
• Supply chain transparency challenges: What are the real-world challenges of achieving supply chain transparency, and why might the next competitive advantage lie in the ability to trace and prove responsible sourcing?
• • The future of ESG in the boardroom: Will ESG still be a boardroom talking point in 2040, or will it simply become part of normal business practice?
• Navigating divergent regulations: What are the practical strategies to navigate diverging ESG regulations across the U.S. and Europe, including tailoring disclosures and managing legal risks in different markets?
• The centrality of governance: Why is robust governance now central to ESG, and how can it protect businesses from reputational and legal pitfalls in a rapidly changing environment?
• Looking ahead: What is the future of sustainability, disclosure, and corporate responsibility—and what should businesses be doing now to stay ahead?

Join us for a frank and insightful discussion on the future of ESG, the emerging challenges and evolving opportunities ahead, and the practical implications for global businesses in a rapidly changing landscape.

Beyond fintech Stablecoins and central bank digital currencies

Welcome to the Fintech and Blockchain Podcast, where we explore cutting-edge issues and emerging opportunities at the intersection of financial technology and digital assets.
In this episode, we discuss the SEC staff’s evolving position on the security status of USD-backed stablecoins, a topic with major implications for issuers, platforms, and investors.

We break down:

• What stablecoins are and why they matter;
• The key categories of stablecoins;
• Regulatory scrutiny and ongoing policy debates;
• Prudential oversight frameworks and international alignment;
• Challenges posed by decentralized finance (DeFi);
• Operational and systemic risks; and
• The legal and regulatory classification of stablecoins in the U.S.

Joining us for this conversation are three leading voices from our global Fintech and Blockchain group:

• Dario de Martino, M&A partner in our New York office and lead of our global fintech and blockchain practice.
• Susan Gault-Brown, partner in Washington, D.C., whose practice focuses on advising U.S. and non-U.S. asset managers and financial entities on regulatory compliance and structuring, including work with exemptive regimes.
• Bill Satchell, of counsel in Washington, D.C., with nearly four decades of experience advising banks and financial institutions on complex regulatory issues.

This is a deep and practical conversation on how regulators are approaching stablecoins, and where the regulatory landscape may be heading.

Listen in for insights that matter to anyone navigating digital finance today.

The Fuse Podcast: The future of digital assets

In this episode of The Fuse Podcast by A&O Shearman, Shruti Ajitsaria, Head of A&O Shearman’s tech innovation hub is joined by a panel of industry leaders to explore the evolving landscape of digital assets.

Voices for change season 2 - episode 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities with Florence, David and Campbell

Voices for Change by A&O Shearman builds a community of inclusive thinkers and thought leaders. Join Justin Farrance, our Global DE&I Ambassador, as he interviews colleagues and clients about their personal stories, commitment to inclusion and advice for others to learn from. Stay up to date with new episodes every month.

Episode 3 launches to coincide with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Tuesday, December 3. This episode aims to raise awareness about the positive impact of employing individuals with additional needs – both for the benefit of our firm and wider society.

Justin is joined by Florence Garrett, a conference waiter who has Down Syndrome. Florence shares her personal story, and the valuable contributions she makes both in her job, as well as with various charities and external organizations.

Together with David Campbell (partner) and Campbell Brown (catering general manager), the episode suggests different ways in which organisations can set people with additional needs up for success, and a call to action for others to extend their support for similar initiatives.

Tag and share your thoughts with us on social media.

Voices for change season 2 - episode 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities with Florence, David and Campbell (video)

Voices for Change by A&O Shearman builds a community of inclusive thinkers and thought leaders. Join Justin Farrance, our Global DE&I Ambassador, as he interviews colleagues and clients about their personal stories, commitment to inclusion and advice for others to learn from. Stay up to date with new episodes every month.

Episode 3 launches to coincide with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Tuesday, December 3. This episode aims to raise awareness about the positive impact of employing individuals with additional needs – both for the benefit of our firm and wider society.

Justin is joined by Florence Garrett, a conference waiter who has Down Syndrome. Florence shares her personal story, and the valuable contributions she makes both in her job, as well as with various charities and external organizations.

Together with David Campbell (partner) and Campbell Brown (catering general manager), the episode suggests different ways in which organisations can set people with additional needs up for success, and a call to action for others to extend their support for similar initiatives.

Tag and share your thoughts with us on social media.

Voices for change season 2 - episode 6: Donya Fredj, Deputy GC for G42: a spotlight on wellbeing, career progression and working with panel law firms (video)

"In order to lead and perform at my best, I need to prioritise wellbeing"

From beating the odds to gain a place at Cambridge University, to losing a training contract offer due to a law firm's bankruptcy, to becoming Deputy GC at G42, Donya’s career is a testament to determination and maintaining a positive mindset.

In the latest episode of Voices for Change, Justin Farrance, A&O Shearman’s global DE&I ambassador, sits down with Donya Fredj in Abu Dhabi. Discover Donya’s leadership journey, her focus on wellbeing and inclusion within the region, and what truly matters when selecting and working with panel law firms.

Voices for Change by A&O Shearman builds a community of inclusive thinkers and thought leaders. Join Justin Farrance, our global DE&I ambassador, as he interviews colleagues and clients about their personal stories, commitment to inclusion, and advice for others to learn from. Stay up to date with new episodes every month. 

Voices for change season 2 - episode 6: Donya Fredj, Deputy GC for G42: a spotlight on wellbeing, career progression and working with panel law firms

"In order to lead and perform at my best, I need to prioritise wellbeing"

From beating the odds to gain a place at Cambridge University, to losing a training contract offer due to a law firm's bankruptcy, to becoming Deputy GC at G42, Donya’s career is a testament to determination and maintaining a positive mindset.

In the latest episode of Voices for Change, Justin Farrance, A&O Shearman’s global DE&I ambassador, sits down with Donya Fredj in Abu Dhabi. Discover Donya’s leadership journey, her focus on wellbeing and inclusion within the region, and what truly matters when selecting and working with panel law firms.

Voices for Change by A&O Shearman builds a community of inclusive thinkers and thought leaders. Join Justin Farrance, our global DE&I ambassador, as he interviews colleagues and clients about their personal stories, commitment to inclusion, and advice for others to learn from. Stay up to date with new episodes every month.

Voices for change season 2 - episode 5: Jodi Norman, from foster care and shifts at McDonald’s, to leading partner and lawyer

Growing up in the U.K. foster care system and working night shifts at McDonald’s had a huge impact on Jodi Norman and her journey to become a lawyer and partner.

In the latest episode of Voices for Change, Justin Farrance, A&O Shearman’s global DE&I ambassador, sits down with Jodi, META Inclusion partner and regional head of financial regulatory, filmed in our Abu Dhabi office.

Discover Jodi's incredible journey – a story of resilience, authenticity, and the transformative power of support. Jodi reflects on her childhood and background, her hopes in sharing her personal story, and how she is contributing to a culture where everyone belongs. 

Voices for Change by A&O Shearman builds a community of inclusive thinkers and thought leaders. Join Justin Farrance, our global DE&I ambassador, as he interviews colleagues and clients about their personal stories, commitment to inclusion and advice for others to learn from. Stay up to date with new episodes every month.

Voices for change season 2 - episode 5: Jodi Norman, from foster care and shifts at McDonald’s, to leading partner and lawyer (video)

Growing up in the U.K. foster care system and working night shifts at McDonald’s had a huge impact on Jodi Norman and her journey to become a lawyer and partner.

In the latest episode of Voices for Change, Justin Farrance, A&O Shearman’s global DE&I ambassador, sits down with Jodi, META Inclusion partner and regional head of financial regulatory, filmed in our Abu Dhabi office.

Discover Jodi's incredible journey – a story of resilience, authenticity, and the transformative power of support. Jodi reflects on her childhood and background, her hopes in sharing her personal story, and how she is contributing to a culture where everyone belongs. 

Voices for Change by A&O Shearman builds a community of inclusive thinkers and thought leaders. Join Justin Farrance, our global DE&I ambassador, as he interviews colleagues and clients about their personal stories, commitment to inclusion and advice for others to learn from. Stay up to date with new episodes every month.

Voices for change season 2 - episode 4: SoundCloud’s General Counsel and Chief Diversity Officer Antonious Porch

In episode 4, Justin is joined by General Counsel and Chief Diversity Officer at SoundCloud, Antonious Porch. Antonious shares his story growing up in Chicago and the influence of radio and community in his early years, the importance of company culture through to his take on building inclusive strategies alongside c-suite. 

Voices for Change by A&O Shearman builds a community of inclusive thinkers and thought leaders. Join Justin Farrance, our Global DE&I Ambassador, as he interviews colleagues and clients about their personal stories, commitment to inclusion and advice for others to learn from. Stay up to date with new episodes every month.