Our M&A and Trade experts from the UK (Alex Kay), Europe (Morris Schonberg), Asia (Nanda Lau) and Australia (Andrew Rich) discuss the current economic and geopolitical headwinds impacting M&A activity in the consumer sector, reflect on the biggest transactions from the past year and make predictions for deal activity in the next 12 months.

In our first episode of The Third Wheel for 2025, Tim Stutt, Anna Coroneo and Suzannah Hewson explore the key themes and latest trends in climate and sustainability reporting both globally and in Australia. They offer practical advice for companies preparing for new regulatory requirements and conducting climate reporting readiness initiatives, including gaps analysis, data management, and stakeholder engagement. They also explore broader ESG issues, such as integrating ESG into risk management and procurement processes, and the future of nature-related reporting.

As part of Government's relentless drive to grow the economy, regulators have been challenged on how they can support the growth agenda. In Episode 5 of the FSR Brief, Jon Ford and Michael Tan are joined by Jenny Stainsby and Tim Parkes to discuss how this is playing out in Financial Services, and how regulators are responding. At the same time as going "God on Growth", the FCA has fired up the debate about where the balance should lie between consumer protection and risk taking, and where the "sweet spot" lies between over and under regulating.