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Briefing Notes
AI & Law
EU member states and Parliament agree to delay high-risk AI Act enforcement to December 2027 as Europe softens its landmark AI regulation under Big Tech pressure
The 16-month enforcement delay reshapes the entire EU AI compliance advisory pipeline — firms must re-scope live mandates now.
Regulation
FCA announces probe into misleading claims management practices across the UK claims management market
The FCA's claims management review puts CMCs and the law firms running consumer compensation claims squarely in the frame on Consumer Duty and fair value.
M&A
Acceler8 Ventures wins Takeover Panel extension to finalise ~£600 million offer for UK investment vehicle Intuitive Investments Group
PUSU extensions keep deal optionality alive but reset the pressure clock — public M&A teams stay fully mobilised.
Banking & Finance
Apollo commits to daily mark-to-market pricing for all private credit and direct lending assets before Q4 2026, targeting retail investor transparency concerns
Daily pricing in private credit shifts valuation risk from managers to markets — fund docs across the industry need updating.
Energy & Tech
Cooley launches dedicated Infrastructure, Energy and Real Estate practice group, hiring Baker Botts energy leader Mona Dajani to co-chair
US firms building energy practices in 2026 are chasing the single biggest transactional wave in a generation.
International
Linklaters launches 'Applied Intelligence' team of lawyers and data scientists to co-design bespoke AI-enabled legal solutions for clients' most complex matters
Bespoke AI capability creates client lock-in that standard tool deployment cannot — the Magic Circle is racing to own this space.
Capital Markets
European equity markets trade cautiously as investors await resolution of Iran peace talks, with London's FTSE 100 flat amid geopolitical overhang
Geopolitical ceasefire deals create narrow, high-value issuance windows — ECM desks have mandates ready to launch.
Disputes
Haynes Boone hires international arbitration partner in London from Signature Litigation as geopolitical instability accelerates demand for rapid dispute resolution
Geopolitical shock waves translate directly into arbitration caseloads — London's status as the world's arbitration seat makes this practice-area-defining.