A&O Shearman global insights

The Fuse Podcast: AI

The latest episode of The Fuse Podcast is an insightful exploration of the challenges facing organisations who are at the vanguard of AI adoption.

AI has the potential to automate processes, enhance decision-making, and introduce efficiencies across various sectors. However, it also brings new risks and amplifies existing ones, such as discrimination, IP infringement, and cyber business interruption. Understanding, mitigating and managing these risks is crucial for safe and responsible AI adoption – but how do you do that?

On this edition of The Fuse Podcast by A&O Shearman, we are joined by:

• Dr Michael Berger, the head of Munich Re's Insure AI team, which focuses on structuring insurance solutions for AI risks, including the risk of incorrect predictions and discrimination.
• Mark Titmarch, the CPO and co-founder of Testudo, one of Fuse’s cohort companies. Testudo is creating new AI insurance products to enable institutions to adopt AI safely and responsibly.

In our conversation, we delve into the intricacies of AI, exploring both its potential and limitations, as well as key considerations from a legal and regulatory perspective. We discuss how different industries can use or plan to use AI in their operations in a safe way, the role of insurance in mitigating AI-related risks, and the key trends and predictions for the coming year in the AI sector.

This is a rich dialogue on the current state and future potential of AI, offering valuable perspectives for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.

The Trump sessions: tariffs, trade, CFIUS, sanctions and M&A

President Trump has begun his second term in office with a flurry of executive orders that signal a significant change of direction for the U.S. both domestically and internationally.

With new opportunities and risks emerging at speed, we are hosting a series of regular podcasts where our experts will analyze the key developments and provide practical guidance on how to respond.

In the first of these sessions, we explored:

• Strategies to navigate the increasingly volatile tariff landscape
• Prospects for inbound and outbound M&A
• What we can expect from CFIUS over the next four years
• How domestic dealmakers are responding to the new administration

Voices for Change ft. Donya Fredj, Deputy GC for G42: a spotlight on wellbeing, career progression and working with panel law firms audio

"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 DE&I, and advice for others to learn from. Stay up to date with new episodes every month.

Voices for Change ft. 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 DE&I, and advice for others to learn from. Stay up to date with new episodes every month. 

Global restructuring outlook – episode #5. How three big deals and a new bankruptcy law have transformed the UAE restructuring market

The restructuring landscape in the UAE underwent a significant transformation in 2024 following the implementation of three large-scale restructurings and the introduction of a new bankruptcy code. So what does this mean for the future? Partners Adam Banks and Adam Fadian in Dubai explain.

 

If you found this episode interesting, you might like to explore the rest of our global restructuring series: 

• Global restructuring outlook – episode #1: What the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in the Purdue Pharma case means for future Chapter 11 proceedings
• Global restructuring outlook – episode #2: How new laws, litigation, and cutting-edge transactions are redefining the European restructuring landscape
• Global restructuring outlook – episode #3: The growing influence of private credit funds on restructuring situations – and what the future holds
• Global restructuring outlook – episode #4: What effect the struggles facing China’s real estate sector could have on the Chinese and Hong Kong economies

Global restructuring outlook – episode #4: What effect the struggles facing China’s real estate sector could have on the Chinese and Hong Kong economies

The restructuring landscape in Greater China is heavily influenced by the real estate industry, with government policy, market conditions, and financial pressures leading to significant restructuring activities designed to deleverage the balance sheets of some of the sector’s biggest players. In the third episode of our Global restructuring outlook podcast series, Viola Jing, a partner in our Hong Kong restructuring team, and Katrina Buckley, co-head of our global restructuring practice, examine the most important recent trends.

 

If you found this episode interesting, you might like to explore the rest of our global restructuring series: 

• Global restructuring outlook – episode #1: What the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in the Purdue Pharma case means for future Chapter 11 proceedings
• Global restructuring outlook – episode #2: How new laws, litigation, and cutting-edge transactions are redefining the European restructuring landscape
• Global restructuring outlook – episode #3: The growing influence of private credit funds on restructuring situations – and what the future holds
• Global restructuring outlook – episode #5. How three big deals and a new bankruptcy law have transformed the UAE restructuring market.

Global restructuring outlook – episode #3: The growing influence of private credit funds on restructuring situations – and what the future holds

The increasing presence of credit funds and other private capital investors in restructuring processes is changing the dynamics of deals. Here we explore the impact of credit funds around the world.

 

If you found this episode interesting, you might like to explore the rest of our global restructuring series: 

• Global restructuring outlook – episode #1: What the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in the Purdue Pharma case means for future Chapter 11 proceedings
• Global restructuring outlook – episode #2: How new laws, litigation, and cutting-edge transactions are redefining the European restructuring landscape
• Global restructuring outlook – episode #4: What effect the struggles facing China’s real estate sector could have on the Chinese and Hong Kong economies
• Global restructuring outlook – episode #5. How three big deals and a new bankruptcy law have transformed the UAE restructuring market.

Global restructuring outlook – episode #2: How new laws, litigation, and cutting-edge transactions are redefining the European restructuring landscape

Restructuring laws across EU member states continue to evolve following the implementation of the EU Preventive Restructuring Directive. At the same time, European restructuring processes are becoming more contentious. In the second episode of our Global restructuring outlook podcast series, our team summarize recent key developments

 

If you found this episode interesting, you might like to explore the rest of our global restructuring series: 

• Global restructuring outlook – episode #1: What the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in the Purdue Pharma case means for future Chapter 11 proceedings
• Global restructuring outlook – episode #3: The growing influence of private credit funds on restructuring situations – and what the future holds
• Global restructuring outlook – episode #4: What effect the struggles facing China’s real estate sector could have on the Chinese and Hong Kong economies
• Global restructuring outlook – episode #5. How three big deals and a new bankruptcy law have transformed the UAE restructuring market.

Global restructuring outlook – episode #1: What the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in the Purdue Pharma case means for future Chapter 11 proceedings

The ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in ‘Harrington v. Purdue Pharma L.P.’ outlawed non-consensual third-party releases in Chapter 11 bankruptcies. In the first episode in our Global restructuring outlook podcast series, Luckey McDowell, our U.S. head of restructuring, and Fred Sosnick, co-head of our global restructuring team, explain the impact of the decision.

 

If you found this episode interesting, you might like to explore the rest of our global restructuring series:

• Global restructuring outlook – episode #2: How new laws, litigation, and cutting-edge transactions are redefining the European restructuring landscape
• Global restructuring outlook – episode #3: The growing influence of private credit funds on restructuring situations – and what the future holds
• Global restructuring outlook – episode #4: What effect the struggles facing China’s real estate sector could have on the Chinese and Hong Kong economies
• Global restructuring outlook – episode #5. How three big deals and a new bankruptcy law have transformed the UAE restructuring market.

Voices for Change ft. 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 DE&I 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 DE&I and advice for others to learn from. Stay up to date with new episodes every month.

 

If you enjoyed this episode of Voices for Change, you might also like: 
VIDEO: Voices for Change with SoundCloud’s General Counsel and Chief Diversity Officer Antonious Porch (s2, ep 4)

AUDIO: Voices for Change with SoundCloud’s General Counsel and Chief Diversity Officer Antonious Porch (s2, ep 4)