This is the second instalment in in a two-part series. In episode 1, we discuss current examples of collaborations between traditional finance (TradFi) and digital natives (DeFi), and explore what the future likely holds.

In episode 2, we unpack the potential risks that come from these collaborations, and then discuss ways to mitigate and address those risks.

Ashurst’s Simon Williams returns and is joined by Meredith Fitzpatrick. As a former FBI Special Agent, and now Forensic Risk's Director of Cryptocurrency Investigations, Meredith brings unique insight into digital assets risk.

To listen to this episode and subscribe to future episodes, search for ‘Ashurst Legal Outlook’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. To find out more about the full range of Ashurst podcasts, visit www.ashurst.com/podcasts.

For more Digital Assets thought leadership from Ashurst visit www.ashurst.com/digitalassets

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

This is the second instalment in in a two-part series. In <a href="https://www.ashurst.com/en/podcasts/legal-outlook-podcasts/legal-outlook-banks-to-blocks-exploring-tradfi-defi-collaboration/">episode 1</a>, we discuss current examples of collaborations between traditional finance (TradFi) and digital natives (DeFi), and explore what the future likely holds.
In episode 2, we unpack the potential risks that come from these collaborations, and then discuss ways to mitigate and address those risks.
Ashurst&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.ashurst.com/en/people/simon-williams/">Simon Williams</a> returns and is joined by <a href="https://www.forensicrisk.com/experts/meredith-fitzpatrick">Meredith Fitzpatrick</a>. As a former FBI Special Agent, and now Forensic Risk's Director of Cryptocurrency Investigations, Meredith brings unique insight into digital assets risk.
To listen to this episode and subscribe to future episodes, search for &lsquo;Ashurst Legal Outlook&rsquo; on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. To find out more about the full range of Ashurst podcasts, visit <a href="https://www.ashurst.com/podcasts">www.ashurst.com/podcasts</a>.
For more Digital Assets thought leadership from Ashurst visit <a href="https://www.ashurst.com/en/what-we-do/services/ashurst-legal/digital-assets-and-financial-innovation/">www.ashurst.com/digitalassets</a>
The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

The commercial world is always changing and the legal landscape never stands still. Keeping pace with all those changes, and knowing how they affect your organisation, is a big responsibility and a challenging task. Ashurst Legal Outlook will keep you at the forefront of the most pressing legal issues, offering insights from legal experts across our international network.

The commercial world is always changing and the legal landscape never stands still. Keeping pace with all those changes, and knowing how they affect your organisation, is a big responsibility and a challenging task. Ashurst Legal Outlook will keep you at the forefront of the most pressing legal issues, offering insights from legal experts across our international network.

A podcast series that will keep you across the global trends and local issues that are shaping the legal landscape and impacting organisations.

Ashurst Legal Outlook Podcast

Ashurst Legal Outlook

This is the second instalment in a two-part series. In episode 1, we discuss current examples of collaborations between traditional finance (TradFi) and digital natives (DeFi), and explore what the future likely holds.

Bridge or Breach: unpacking TradFi/ DeFi collaboration risk

Having dissected the latest round of company AGMs at the Ashurst Governance & Compliance (AGC) Conference, our experts regroup to pinpoint the trends that boards and execs should watch out for in 2026.

In the first 2026 episode of our UK Governance & Compliance mini-series, we reflect on the hot topics and key takeaways from company AGMs held across the UK in 2025. We cover a lot of ground in less than 20 minutes – from executive remuneration to shareholder engagement to sustainability reporting and beyond – explaining how companies are responding to the UK’s constantly shifting regulatory landscape.

Podcast host Will Chalk is joined by regular guest Becky Clissmann, sustainability counsel at Ashurst. Also on board are London colleagues John Papadakis, a senior counsel in Ashurst’s incentives practice and Maria McAlister, a senior associate in Ashurst’s corporate transactions practice who focuses on equity capital markets.

To listen to this and subscribe to future episodes in our governance and compliance mini-series, search for “Ashurst Legal Outlook” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favourite podcast player. You can also find out more about the full range of Ashurst podcasts at ashurst.com/podcasts.

To receive updates and alerts on the issues raised in this podcast mini-series, subscribe to Ashurst’s regular Governance and Compliance Updates. Read more about the recent AGC Conference here. And read our latest update here about Narrative and Financial Reporting, and Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

 

Having dissected the latest round of company AGMs at the Ashurst Governance &amp; Compliance (AGC) Conference, our experts regroup to pinpoint the trends that boards and execs should watch out for in 2026.
In the first 2026 episode of our UK Governance &amp; Compliance mini-series, we reflect on the hot topics and key takeaways from company AGMs held across the UK in 2025. We cover a lot of ground in less than 20 minutes &ndash; from executive remuneration to shareholder engagement to sustainability reporting and beyond &ndash; explaining how companies are responding to the UK&rsquo;s constantly shifting regulatory landscape.
Podcast host <a href="https://www.ashurst.com/en/people/will-chalk/">Will Chalk</a> is joined by regular guest <a href="https://www.ashurst.com/en/people/becky-clissmann/">Becky Clissmann</a>, sustainability counsel at Ashurst. Also on board are London colleagues <a href="https://www.ashurst.com/en/people/john-papadakis/">John Papadakis</a>, a senior counsel in Ashurst&rsquo;s incentives practice and <a href="https://www.ashurst.com/en/people/maria-mcalister/">Maria McAlister</a>, a senior associate in Ashurst&rsquo;s corporate transactions practice who focuses on equity capital markets.
To listen to this and subscribe to future episodes in our governance and compliance mini-series, search for &ldquo;Ashurst Legal Outlook&rdquo; on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favourite podcast player. You can also find out more about the full range of Ashurst podcasts at <a href="https://www.ashurst.com/podcasts">ashurst.com/podcasts</a>.
To receive updates and alerts on the issues raised in this podcast mini-series, subscribe to Ashurst&rsquo;s regular <a href="https://www.ashurst.com/en/insights/ashurst-governance-and-compliance-update-issue-66/">Governance and Compliance Updates</a>. Read more about the recent<a href="https://www.ashurst.com/en/insights/agc-conference-2025/"> AGC Conference here</a>. And <a href="https://www.ashurst.com/en/insights/agc-issue-74/">read our latest update here about Narrative and Financial Reporting, and Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency.</a>
The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.
&nbsp;

 Having dissected the latest round of company AGMs at the Ashurst Governance & Compliance (AGC) Conference, our experts regroup to pinpoint the trends that boards and execs should watch out for in 2026.

Governance & Compliance 6: AGMs are changing in the UK. Here’s what you need to know

With more than 500 operational data centres, Germany could be described as the European capital of data centres. But it’s the fit-out and flexibility that will make or break Germany’s data centres aspirations. In this episode, we explore the market in detail and highlight the issues that investors need to know.

Ashurst’s Ruth Harris and Rebecca Clarke are joined by expert colleagues from Frankfurt and Munich to discuss Germany’s burgeoning data centres market. Together, they discuss funding and investment structures, the regulatory landscape, who the major players are, and challenges that could slow progress.

Derk Opitz kicks us off by outlining the current shape of the data centre market in Germany, and how realistic industry aspirations are in light of grid connection issues. Marina Arntzen says the M&A market is “highly active”, describes common investment models, and explains the kinds of data centre assets and platforms that are attracting attention from investors.

Derk also discusses where the capital is coming from (including the licencing requirements required for lenders and investors), and he explains how investment models are evolving. And Stefan Bruder points out who the major investors are and reveals what is driving these investments. This comprehensive discussion then rounds off with regulation and government intervention.

To listen to this and subscribe to future episodes about data centres, search for “Ashurst Legal 

Outlook” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favourite podcast player. To read Ashurst’s regular article series on data centres, visit this web page. To find out more about the full range of Ashurst podcasts, visit ashurst.com/podcasts.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

 

 

With more than 500 operational data centres, Germany could be described as the European capital of data centres. But it&rsquo;s the fit-out and flexibility that will make or break Germany&rsquo;s data centres aspirations. In this episode, we explore the market in detail and highlight the issues that investors need to know.
Ashurst&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.ashurst.com/en/people/ruth-harris/">Ruth Harris</a> and <a href="https://www.ashurst.com/en/people/rebecca-clarke/">Rebecca Clarke</a> are joined by expert colleagues from Frankfurt and Munich to discuss Germany&rsquo;s burgeoning data centres market. Together, they discuss funding and investment structures, the regulatory landscape, who the major players are, and challenges that could slow progress.
<a href="https://www.ashurst.com/en/people/derk-opitz/">Derk Opitz</a> kicks us off by outlining the current shape of the data centre market in Germany, and how realistic industry aspirations are in light of grid connection issues. <a href="https://www.ashurst.com/en/people/marina-arntzen/">Marina Arntzen</a> says the M&amp;A market is &ldquo;highly active&rdquo;, describes common investment models, and explains the kinds of data centre assets and platforms that are attracting attention from investors.
Derk also discusses where the capital is coming from (including the licencing requirements required for lenders and investors), and he explains how investment models are evolving. And <a href="https://www.ashurst.com/en/people/stefan-bruder/">Stefan Bruder</a> points out who the major investors are and reveals what is driving these investments. This comprehensive discussion then rounds off with regulation and government intervention.
To listen to this and subscribe to future episodes about data centres, search for &ldquo;Ashurst Legal&nbsp;
Outlook&rdquo; on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favourite podcast player. To read Ashurst&rsquo;s regular article series on data centres, <a href="https://www.ashurst.com/en/insights/data-centres-article-series/">visit this web page</a>. To find out more about the full range of Ashurst podcasts, visit <a href="https://www.ashurst.com/podcasts">ashurst.com/podcasts</a>.
The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

With more than 500 operational data centres, Germany could be described as the European capital of data centres. But it’s the fit-out and flexibility that will make or break Germany’s data centres aspirations. In this episode, we explore the market in detail and highlight the issues that investors need to know.

 Data centres – here today, here tomorrow: German landscape ripe for growth

In this first episode of Ashurst’s Caught in the Crosswinds podcast series, disputes partner Michael Weatherley is joined by Siemens Gamesa’s Head of Legal for Offshore APAC, Igor Bylinin, and Ashurst energy partner Peter Grayson to unpack why capacity reservation agreements and early works agreements now sit at the heart of major offshore wind projects.

They explore how developers and suppliers can secure scarce manufacturing slots, and progress critical path work years before a full turbine supply agreement is signed, while still preserving the flexibility needed for long, uncertain development cycles.

The discussion ranges across what “capacity reservation” should really mean in practice, how to balance exclusivity with rescheduling rights, and how good drafting can anticipate regulatory volatility, tariffs and shifting political winds without reopening the entire deal. The discussion also touches on the need for more balanced risk allocation across the value chain, the role of governments and subsidy regimes such as CFDs, and why collaboration between developers, suppliers and policymakers is key to avoiding disputes before they arise.

To follow the series and access the first article in the Caught in the Crosswinds series, visit https://www.ashurst.com/en/insights/caught-in-the-crosswinds-part-1/. To listen to future Caught in the Crosswinds episodes, search for “Ashurst Legal Outlook” and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

In this first episode of Ashurst&rsquo;s Caught in the Crosswinds podcast series, disputes partner <a href="https://www.ashurst.com/en/people/michael-weatherley/">Michael Weatherley</a> is joined by Siemens Gamesa&rsquo;s Head of Legal for Offshore APAC, Igor Bylinin, and Ashurst energy partner <a href="https://www.ashurst.com/en/people/peter-grayson/">Peter Grayson</a> to unpack why capacity reservation agreements and early works agreements now sit at the heart of major offshore wind projects.
They explore how developers and suppliers can secure scarce manufacturing slots, and progress critical path work years before a full turbine supply agreement is signed, while still preserving the flexibility needed for long, uncertain development cycles.
The discussion ranges across what &ldquo;capacity reservation&rdquo; should really mean in practice, how to balance exclusivity with rescheduling rights, and how good drafting can anticipate regulatory volatility, tariffs and shifting political winds without reopening the entire deal. The discussion also touches on the need for more balanced risk allocation across the value chain, the role of governments and subsidy regimes such as CFDs, and why collaboration between developers, suppliers and policymakers is key to avoiding disputes before they arise.
To follow the series and access the first article in the Caught in the Crosswinds series, visit <a href="https://www.ashurst.com/en/insights/caught-in-the-crosswinds-part-1/">https://www.ashurst.com/en/insights/caught-in-the-crosswinds-part-1/</a>. To listen to future Caught in the Crosswinds episodes, search for &ldquo;Ashurst Legal Outlook&rdquo; and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.
The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

As offshore wind projects get larger and timelines stretch over a decade, capacity reservation and early works agreements are becoming essential tools for keeping projects bankable, buildable and on schedule.

Bridge or Breach: unpacking TradFi/ DeFi collaboration risk

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