Legal updates | Simmons & Simmons

In this episode, we explore the proposed changes to the defined benefit (DB) pension surplus regime. With new rules on the horizon, DB schemes could soon gain greater flexibility to unlock and make use of surplus funds. Join us as we break down what these developments could mean for both existing and potential clients.

In our latest podcast episode, "Developments in the German Regulatory Law Landscape”, hosts Betül Kohlhäufl and Noujan Akbari from our Frankfurt team delve into the recent consultations by the German regulator BaFin.  In this brief episode, we touch on the following consultations: Consultation on investor influence on investment decisions for investment fundsConsultation on fit-and-proper requirements of managing directors of banks and financial services institutionsConsultation on changes regarding the Shareholder Control Regulation

Episode 12 - Barry Gross is joined by Anthony McDermott and Ronan Tynan from Mitchell McDermott, to discuss the evolution of data centres, cost and project management, contractor engagement and procurement strategies, and future-proofing data centres.

Drew Winlaw and David Huston discuss the development of Percy - an AI tool from law firm Simmons & Simmons - and how the project was selected by Microsoft for support.

Patterns of Protection : IP Strategies for Fashion A discussion on the CMA's Green Claims Code for fashion brands Presenters-        Marisa Broughton, Partner-        Frances Gourdie, Managing Associate Key topics-        The environmental impact of the fashion sector-        The Competition and Markets Authority's Green Claims Code -        Greenwashing & brand value-        IP considerations

Join us on Sustainability Insights as we explore key ESG and regulatory trends shaping the UK and EU landscape in 2025. Hosted by Noujan and featuring ESG legal expert Patricia, this episode covers crucial updates on corporate sustainability reporting, green finance, supply chain due diligence, greenwashing risks, decarbonisation policies, and ESG employment regulations. Stay ahead of evolving compliance requirements and discover how businesses and investors can navigate the shifting ESG landscape. Tune in for expert insights on sustainability success in 2025!

In this final episode of Seas of Opportunity: Navigating the Blue Economy, Sonali Siriwardena is joined by Will Oulton, Vice Chairman of the Marine Conservation Society, to explore the critical role of investors in shaping a sustainable future for our oceans. Reflecting on key insights from the series, they discuss how finance, policy, and advocacy can continue driving positive change for marine biodiversity.

The 16th episode highlights the growing momentum behind blue bonds as a key tool for sustainable finance. Willem Visser, Sector Portfolio Manager and VP of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and T. Rowe Price International Ltd, outlines the innovative strategy driving their emerging markets blue economy bond, emphasising collaboration and phased growth to build this nascent asset class.

The Financial Market Digitalization Act ("FinmadiG") was passed on 18 December 2024 by the German Bundestag, despite political adversities, just in time before the application date of "MiCAR", the Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) on 30 December 2024, and “DORA”, the Regulation (EU) 2022/2554 (Digital Operational Resilience Act) on 17 January 2025. The FinmadiG is particularly important as it adjusts the German regulatory landscape to the two main European digitalization regulations affecting the financial sector, MiCAR and DORA. Market participants already feared that after the collapse of the German government, this key piece of legislation for the digital finance market in Germany would be postponed until after the elections in February.The video sets out key points of the FinmadiG. Betül Kohlhäufl, Supervising AssociateNoujan Akbari, Associate 

Speakers Sophie Sheldon, Partner, Digital Business, LondonDerek Lawlor, Partner, Financial Services Regulation, DublinKenneth Hui, Partner, Head of Hong Kong Regulatory 

Episode 11 - Barry Gross and Sophia Flucker, Technical Director at MiCiM Ltd and Managing Director of Operational Intelligence Ltd, discuss sustainability and power in the world of Data Centres.

In this episode, Dr Pushkala Ratan, Principal Specialist at the IFC, delve into the critical role of development finance institutions in mobilising capital for the blue economy. They discuss how the IFC has been at the forefront of blue finance, standardising guidelines and driving investments into projects that address pressing challenges like plastic pollution, coral reef degradation, and water scarcity. The conversation highlights the growing momentum in blue bonds and the transformative potential of innovative partnerships to scale sustainable finance in ocean-based industries.

Dive into our podcast series, "Seas Of Opportunity: Navigating the Blue Economy", a compelling collaboration between international law firm Simmons & Simmons, and the influential NGO Marine Conservation Society. This series brings together key ocean influencers to shed light on crucial issues surrounding our seas and their sustainable future. In this episode, Nicolas Pascal, Executive Director and Co-founder of Blue Alliance Marine Protected Areas, shares insights on leveraging marine protected areas to foster coral reef regeneration, combat poverty, and nurture a sustainable blue economy.

In this episode, partners Derek Lawlor and Sophie Sheldon provide a summary of the final draft RTS on Threat-Led Penetration Testing (TLPT), including some key principles when thinking about the robust requirements set by DORA.

Breakout room: Women's health / Femtech investment opportunitiesModerated by Simonetta Giordano, Partner, Simmons & SimmonsThe FemTech industry is revolutionizing women's health, including for topics traditionally under mediatised. It's an impactful industry with exponential development potential. Engage with industry leaders in our breakout room to explore the developing femtech landscape. We'll discuss how innovation is driving investment in women's health technology, the potential and challenges for growth in this niche market, and why femtech is becoming an essential part of the healthcare investment portfolio. Speakers:·       Nora Bavey, General Partner, Unconventional Ventures·       Priya Oberoi, Founding General Partner, Goddess Gaia Ventures·       Christina Östberg Lloyd, CEO Care & Communication·       Cécile Real, CEO, Medevice

Breakout room: Dental sector investment opportunitiesModerated by Annabelle Bruyndonckx, Partner, Simmons & Simmons Join us in a deep dive into the world of dental investments. This breakout session will shine a spotlight on the flourishing opportunities within the dental market. From cutting-edge technology to the expansion of service networks, learn how investment in this essential healthcare service can yield substantial returns and contribute to the advancement of global dental health.Speakers:·       Nicolas Bonnard, CEO, Corus ·       Abhishek Ganguly, VP North and East Europe, Align Technology·       Dr Farzeela Rupani, Group Chief Medical Officer, Colosseum Dental  

Breakout room: Healthcare investment opportunitiesModerated by David Brangam, Partner, Simmons & Simmons Step into a breakout room dedicated to unravelling the prospects of healthcare and wider social infrastructure investments within the healthcare and life sciences sector. Discover how demographic shifts and technological advancements are creating fertile ground for investors in some markets, and explore the strategies that can help you capitalise on the growing demand for healthcare services.Speakers:·       Katie Beckingham, Director, August Equity·       Antonio Botija, Managing Director H.I.G. Capital·       Aymar de Tracy, Partner, InfraVia Capital·       Andrew Nicholson, Managing Director and EU Head of Healthcare Investment Banking, Baird Europe

Closing keynote speechLydia Torne, Partner, Simmons & Simmons 

Panel discussion #4: Investing in sustainability: a risk or an opportunity for the healthcare and life sciences sector?Moderated by Sonali Siriwardena, Global Head of ESG, Simmons & SimmonsStep into the forefront of sustainable investment where environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles are revolutionising the healthcare and life sciences sector. Our expert panel will explore how embracing ESG can drive innovation and profitability, while also delivering on the promise of a healthier tomorrow. Learn about the strategies that are not only yielding sustainable investments but also fostering advancements in patient care and medical research. Be part of the dialogue on how responsible investing is becoming the cornerstone of a robust and ethical healthcare industry.Speakers:·       Pascale Forde-Maurice, Head of Corporate Europe - Sustainable Banking, Crédit Agricole·       Afsane Jetha, Managing partner and CEO, Alta Semper Capital·       Louis de Lillers, CEO, Corwave·       Pablo Morales, Director Population Health, Roche

Fireside chat: European health projects in focus  Speakers: Massimo Gaudina, Policy coordinator, Policy Coordinator, The New European Innovation Agenda, DG Research and Innovation, European Commission, Interviewed by Vincenzo Salvatore, Partner, Simmons & Simmons

Panel discussion #3: Data-driven discovery: transforming healthcare with AI and Big DataModerated by Edoardo Tedeschi, Partner, Simmons & Simmons Embark on a journey through the digital revolution transforming healthcare and life sciences. Our panel of visionaries will unveil how Big Data and AI are not just buzzwords but pivotal tools reshaping the efficiency and efficacy of the sector. From predictive analytics to personalised medicine, learn how these technologies are revolutionizing care delivery, speeding up drug development, and creating smarter, patient-centric healthcare ecosystems. Witness the future as we explore the power of data and AI to heal, innovate, and thrive.Speakers:·       Fabio Caramelli, Space Rider Payload and Exploitation, Directorate of Space     Transportation, European Space Agency·       Stefano Carosio, Executive Director, Stam ·       Luca Emili, CEO and founder, Insilico Trials·      Javier Nunez-Vicandi, Principal, Digital Medicine Strategy, Sofinnova Partners

Panel discussion #2: Unlocking transactions: mastering the healthcare and life sciences mazeModerated by Ignacio Dominguez, Partner, Simmons & Simmons Step into the intricate world of transactions within the healthcare and life sciences sector. Our seasoned panellists will navigate the labyrinth of regulatory frameworks, due diligence complexities, and competition laws. We'll dissect intellectual property considerations, untangle employment and tax issues, and evaluate the EU pharma package's impact on investment flows. Join us to unlock the secrets to successful transactions in this highly regulated arena.Speakers:·      ·      Carl Byers, Partner, F-Prime Capital·      Clotilde Jolivet, Healthcare Public Affairs Consultant, former Director of Sanofi's Public & Government Affairs France, Sanofi·       ·      Álvaro Lamo de Espinosa, Managing Director Investment Banking Head of Healthcare & ESG, Arcano Partners·       ·      Pascal Prigent, CEO Genfit 

Panel discussion #1: The healthcare investment pulse: understanding trends in EuropeModerated by Jérôme Patenotte, Partner, Simmons & Simmons Dive into the dynamic world of healthcare and life sciences investments in Europe. Our panel will cut through the complexities of post-Covid funding, examining the accelerators of private investments, the emerging trends in transactions and the state of the IPO market. Discover the most attractive countries for investment, the drivers fuelling funding, and the challenges of value creation in today's economic climate. Learn how to craft a compelling investment case in a market wary of risks.Speakers:·       Marc Julien, Managing Director, EIT Health·       Jacques Rossignol, CEO and founder, Techlife Capital·       Arnaud Vincent, Managing Director, Eurazeo

Fireside chat Guillaume Dedet, Senior Health Economist and Public health physician, OECD, Interviewed by Charlotte Stalin, Head of Financial Institutions, Simmons & Simmons

Conference OpeningFrédéric Girard, President, France BiotechAlexandre Regniault, Head of Healthcare and life sciences, Simmons & Simmons Robert Turner, Head of Asset Management and Investment Funds, Simmons & Simmons   

This episode delves into the transformative role of parametric insurance in safeguarding marine ecosystems and supporting the livelihoods dependent on them. Featuring expert insights from Sarah Conway, a leader in ecosystem resilience, the episode highlights how innovative financial instruments can enhance the resilience of natural assets like coral reefs, while also discussing the mechanisms of funding and the involvement of various stakeholders in ecosystem conservation. This enlightening discussion sheds light on the intersection of finance, conservation, and sustainable development within the blue economy, offering a roadmap for future initiatives.

Barry Gross and Andy Davis, founder of DataX Connect, discuss talent constraints in the Data Centre industry and the importance of raising publicity for Data Centres.

Barry Gross sits down with Terry King, regional director for EMEA and APAC at Guidepost, to discuss physical security at Data Centres, including the fundamental nature of security to data centres, the common flaws in security systems and the standards of security that data centres have to achieve.

Dive into our podcast series, "Seas Of Opportunity: Navigating the Blue Economy", a compelling collaboration between international law firm Simmons & Simmons, and the influential NGO Marine Conservation Society. This series brings together key ocean influencers to shed light on crucial issues surrounding our seas and their sustainable future. 

Dive into our podcast series, "Seas Of Opportunity: Navigating the Blue Economy", a compelling collaboration between international law firm Simmons & Simmons, and the influential NGO Marine Conservation Society. This series brings together key ocean influencers to shed light on crucial issues surrounding our seas and their sustainable future. In this episode, we're tackling the topic of ocean pollution and envisioning what a healthy ocean could look like with Emily Cunningham, a marine biologist and renowned ocean conservationist. Emily shares her experiences from various explorations, highlighting the pervasive nature of both visible and invisible pollution, such as forever chemicals and microplastics. No part of our planet, including our oceans, is untouched by pollution. This issue is not only environmental but has also become a global health concern. Sewage contamination exacerbates the problem, necessitating a committed response from governments and the private sector. Regenerative investment initiatives and local-level actions are essential in driving solutions for ocean conservation.

Charles Goodwin and Phil Bower, Head of the Data Centre and technology practice at Towergate Insurance, discuss the role of an insurance broker in the data centre industry, the types of claims and evolving risks the sector is seeing, and how the Insurance market perceives data centres.