AI reshaping corporate finance
January 2026 | COVER STORY
Many companies in the corporate finance space have developed comprehensive AI roadmaps, incorporating multiple initiatives focused on value, feasibility and risk appetite.
Roadmap to value: crafting an effective M&A communication plan
January 2026 | FEATURE
Effective M&A communication requires structure, consistency and honesty, embodied in a plan that can be shared internally and externally with stakeholders, employees, customers, the media and regulators.
Automation revolution: robotics VC funding in Europe
January 2026 | FEATURE
Europe has experienced a resurgence in robotics VC funding in recent years. Robotics-focused VC firms are emerging in key investment hubs such as London and Berlin, often concentrating on industrial automation and deep tech.
Intensified enforcement: TFTF targets trade violations
January 2026 | FEATURE
Given the stringent nature of the US tariff regime, with companies struggling to navigate rapidly changing duty rates, shifting product scopes and overlapping trade restrictions, intentional tariff evasion is now much more likely.
Commercial arbitration
January 2026 | WORLDWATCH
In an era of heightened geopolitical and regulatory uncertainty, many regions are seeing a steady rise in commercial disputes referred to arbitration. Cases in sectors such as construction and energy remain significant, alongside a growing number linked to the energy transition, environmental, social and governance commitments, and technology. FW moderates a discussion between Frances Bivens at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, Matthias Hadding at Dentons Europe (Germany) GmbH & Co. KG, Jonathan Ripley-Evans at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer South Africa Attorneys Inc., Mark Lee at Hogan Lovells, Markus Burgstaller at Hogan Lovells International LLP, Lucy L’Hirondelle at Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP, and Shaparak Saleh at Three Crowns LLP.
Q&A: Consolidation in the US oil and gas industry
January 2026 | SPECIAL REPORT
The latest consolidation wave is a result of several converging forces, including relatively flat commodity prices, the industry’s push for scale and cost efficiencies, maturing of shale plays and a generally favourable regulatory and economic environment. FW discusses consolidation in the US oil and gas industry with Rahul D. Vashi at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and Mingda Zhao at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates.
Q&A: Renewable energy outlook 2026
January 2026 | SPECIAL REPORT
Countries that deepen domestic supply chains, secure critical minerals and manage social transitions effectively will capture outsize investment and deployment growth through the late 2020s. FW discusses the outlook for renewable energy in 2026 with Seyda Duman at Milbank, Adam McWilliams at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan UK LLP and Oly Moir at Slaughter and May.
Private equity and the new era of antitrust enforcement: strategic opportunities
January 2026 | SPOTLIGHT
PE firms can differentiate themselves by articulating how investments enhance competition, create jobs or improve innovation. Engagement should align with the economic and political narrative of competitive markets and positioning industry for economic superiority on the world stage.
Outlook for restructuring and insolvency in the Middle East
January 2026 | TALKINGPOINT
Restructuring strategies increasingly emphasise early intervention through preventive settlement procedures, liability management exercises and court-supervised negotiations under United Arab Emirates and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia frameworks. FW discusses the outlook for restructuring and insolvency in the Middle East with Mihir Bhatt at Kroll.
Foreign investments and the interplay of merger control, FDI and FSR
January 2026 | MARKET PULSE
International cooperation frameworks have evolved significantly to address the complexity and urgency of recovering illicit assets. FW discusses cross-border investigations and asset recovery strategies with Edgars Volskis, Pei Li Wong, Jonathan Graessle and Barry Robinson at BDO.
Energy industry megatrends: navigating the next decade
January 2026 | MARKET PULSE
Several long-term developments are shaping how energy is generated, distributed and consumed. These evolving dynamics are also affecting policy decisions, investment priorities and the broader role of energy in economic and geopolitical contexts.
Equity compensation plans: shaping a successful proposal
December 2025 | TALKINGPOINT
Make sure your proxy statement tells your story as to why you are asking shareholders to approve shares for your equity plan. FW discusses equity compensation plans with Donald Cioffi, Stephen Freyman, Etelvina Martinez, Reid Pearson and Michael Vogele at Alliance Advisors.
The high-stakes future of healthcare consolidation and regulation
November 2025 | SPOTLIGHT
Anticipating regulatory shifts and embedding compliance into strategy allows providers to withstand pressure and turn limitations into opportunities. Maintaining regulatory vigilance in tandem with the evolution of business development goals is key to successful enterprise risk management.
Selective and strategic: the rise of megadeals in a leaner M&A market
November 2025 | SPOTLIGHT
Megadeals are not without peril. Beyond merging systems and processes, megadeals require aligning corporate cultures, leadership teams and brand positioning. A single misstep risks eroding projected synergies.
‘Be your own activist’ – avoiding common pitfalls in activism preparedness
November 2025 | SPOTLIGHT
The key to activism preparedness is having a well-advised board, thinking about the value drivers of the business and viewing the company through the lens of various constituencies, including potential activist shareholders.
Challenges posed by the digital economy
November 2025 | SPOTLIGHT
By addressing the regulatory, ethical and operational dilemmas posed by AI, businesses can position themselves as leaders in the digital age. For companies grappling with the challenges of AI or seeking to understand how it can transform their organisation, now is the time to act.
