Conference programme

Our experts will delve into the latest global trends in securing Equity Capital Market (ECM) transactions before their launch. This session is designed for legal professionals who are keen to understand the intricacies of ECM transactions across different markets and jurisdictions. We will explore the types of deals being executed, the methodologies employed, and the unique transaction scenarios that arise in various jurisdictions. The discussion will also cover the array of tools available to secure ECM transactions, such as cornerstone and backstop investors, hard underwritings, sub-underwritings, and the strategic use of public and private transaction combinations. Transaction specific steps like "testing the waters" and "wall-crossing" and their implementation will also be explained.

Regulatory scrutiny on anti-money laundering (AML) compliance is intensifying, and the consequences of non-compliance can be severe. From substantial administrative fines to criminal sanctions and civil liability, banks, financial institutions, and their management face significant liability risk if they fail to meet AML obligations.
This panel will discuss the AML landscape, key risk areas, and real-world enforcement cases. It will explore the legal and practical implications of non-compliance, the potential liability risks, and the measures institutions can take to mitigate exposure.

As regulatory and policy developments signal a potential retreat from DEI initiatives, this panel will examine the evolving expectations set by regulators and how these may adapt to shifting political and economic landscapes. Our discussion will explore the current DEI regulatory landscape, the challenges regulators face in promoting DEI standards, and the broader implications of regulatory shifts for businesses. The discussion will focus on the mechanisms regulators use to drive accountability—whether through guidance, thematic reviews or enforcement—and how these approaches influence corporate culture and inclusion efforts. The panelists will share their insights on global case studies and industry-led initiatives and how businesses can navigate regulatory expectations while fostering meaningful DEI progress.

While international IPOs numbers remain below average, secondary sales of existing public companies have experienced robust growth in recent years thanks to favorable market conditions, particularly in Europe. Secondary sales by pre-IPO investors, though, can take a number of different forms and sizes, including underwritten sales, accelerated book builds, open market sales (including pursuant to pre-determined plans) and issuer buybacks, dictated by, among other things, listing venue requirements, trading volume and investor preference. This panel will discuss the various factors and considerations impacting the largest equity markets and potential regulatory and market developments that may drive future activity and listing venue choices.