This briefing examines how review timelines are lengthening, more deals are subject to remedies, and some are being blocked altogether – even those involving traditionally friendly jurisdictions. We also look at the evolving regulatory landscape, from new screening regimes and the EU’s updated framework to an evolving US approach to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and outbound investment controls.

AI's cyber capabilities are advancing fast. AI-related cybersecurity risks – and expectations of preparedness – are rising. Recent limited or restricted releases of new AI models with advanced cyber capabilities highlight AI's exceptional potential to bolster cyber defence, as well as the risk of strengthened cyber-attacks if misused.

This briefing looks at the challenges facing governments as they move to increase global defence spending, and the opportunities that are likely to arise in this era of strategic disruption.

Group and class action litigation continues to expand globally, driven by regulatory reform outside the US and the growing availability of third‑party litigation funding. Drawing on insights from 12 jurisdictions in the UK, Europe, US, APAC and the Middle East, our latest report explores key global trends, areas of increasing risk and practical considerations for multinational clients as class action exposure continues to grow.

This briefing brings together insights from across our global antitrust practice on these developments. We hope it provides in-house legal teams with a practical framework for assessing risk, anticipating regulatory challenge and aligning antitrust strategy with commercial objectives in the year ahead.

The sustainability and ESG landscape is shifting rapidly, driven by geopolitics, macroeconomic pressures and technological advances. Over the past year, businesses have had to navigate a minefield of emerging standards, political volatility, increased public scrutiny and litigation activity across multiple jurisdictions. Yet this is also a moment of strategic opportunity.