Legal updates | Simmons & Simmons

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Michael Oxlade and Lena Schäfer explore the evolving definition of e-money under PSD3 and the PSR. They discuss recent European case law and EBA guidance on the concept of “acceptance”, the treatment of stablecoins under MiCA, and the implications for licensing, e-money business models and payment services regulation.

In this episode of our series on the EU Markets Integration and Supervision Package, Betül Kohlhäufl is joined by Niamh O'Leary to explore what the proposals could mean for the funds sector. The discussion looks at potential changes to the UCITS and AIFMD frameworks, including the proposed UCITS depositary passport, cross-border fund distribution, pre-marketing, ESMA's expanded role and the practical implications for asset managers operating across the EU.

In this episode of PRTea, Amrit is joined by Cleo Taylor, Michael Abramson and Russell Lee to challenge some of the recent narratives shaping the PRT market.Together, they unpack the role insurers already play in UK productive finance, whether TAS 300 is really changing the buyout conversation, how insurer capital should be understood, and why covenant, capital buffers and endgame strategy all need to be considered with care.A balanced discussion on bulk annuities, alternative solutions and the importance of looking beyond the headline claims.

Betül Kohlhäufl and Lena Schäfer unpack BaFin’s latest consultation on the WpI‑MaRisk, the new risk management framework for German investment firms. They explore what has changed compared to the previous draft, how the rules differ from traditional MaRisk (banking), and what this means in practice for managing directors, supervisory boards, and compliance teams. Expect clear insights on governance, proportionality, and key implementation challenges.

Jo Crookshank and Kapisha Vyas continue discussing the relationship between transfer pricing adjustments and VAT, following the decision of the CJEU in Stellantis Portugal but without the clarity we were all hoping for. 

Matt Hanson, Managing Director at FTI Consulting, joins Data Dive to discuss capacity vs reality: can the DC industry deliver on its own ambition?

In the second episode, Betül and her colleague Gema discuss the EU’s Market Integration and Supervision Package (MISP) and its implications for European capital markets. The conversation focuses on the significant expansion of ESMA’s supervisory powers, including direct oversight of major market infrastructures and crypto asset service providers, as well as changes to ESMA’s governance and funding model. They explore how the new supervisory framework is intended to reduce fragmentation, strengthen supervisory convergence, and limit regulatory arbitrage across Member States. The episode also highlights key issues for market participants as the legislative negotiations move forward.

Robert Allen  - Partner, Simmons & Simmons

Wellbeing resources for alumni: Guided breathwork meditationBreathwork has been shown to be one of the most effective tools to manage stress, provide energy and focus and enhance cognitive function. In this replay of a session held for staff at Simmons & Simmons in March, Jamie Clements – breathwork specialist and founder of The Breath Space – leads participants through a short, guided breathing practice before the start of a busy day.

In this episode we dive further into how the data centres are expanding insurance horizons with Phil Bower, Head of the Data Centres at Price Forbes.

Phil Bower, Head of the Data Centres at Price Forbes, joins Data Dive for a two-episode special, to discuss all things Insurance and data centres.

With Amrit Mclean global head of de-risking Simmons & Simmons and special guest Frankie Borrell, head of BPA origination, Royal London.

Joel Smith - Partner, Simmons & Simmons Elinor Cavil - Associate, Simmons & Simmons In the first episode of Simmons & Simmons’ Food & Beverage podcast series, we explore the rapidly evolving UK regulatory landscape governing the advertising of foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS).This episode unpacks the UK government’s new HFSS advertising restrictions, including their scope and exemptions to the rules. You’ll also hear about how brands are already adapting to the regulations and what the future may hold for food and drink marketing beyond this ban. Essential listening for businesses navigating increasingly complex HFSS advertising rules, this episode sets the scene for the wider series and provides a clear, practical introduction to the regulatory changes shaping the sector. 

Jo Crookshank and Kapisha Vyas discuss the relationship between transfer pricing adjustments and VAT, focusing on the recent CJEU cases, Arcomet Towercranes and Stellantis Portugal.

Vittorio Casamento – Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright AustraliaRussell Afifi – Senior Lawyer, navigator Simmons & SimmonsJohn Paul Zammit – Managing Associate Simmons & SimmonsAustralia's New Licensing Regime for Foreign Financial Service Providers – What You Need to KnowWith draft legislation reintroduced to the Australian Parliament and transitional reliefs extended until 31 March 2027, now is the time for foreign financial service providers to understand what lies ahead. In this episode, Russell Afifi and JP Zammit of Simmons & Simmons are joined by Vittorio Casamento of Norton Rose Fulbright to discuss the proposed reforms, including the new Comparable Regulator Exemption and expanded Professional Investor Exemption, and what firms should be doing now to prepare. Topics covered include:The current regime and extension of existing reliefsKey changes under the proposed legislationEligibility and application requirementsPractical steps to prepare and likely timeline for implementationEssential listening for asset managers and institutions exploring or currently operating in the Australian market.

With Amrit Mclean Global Head of De-risking Simmons & Simmons and Special Guest Shreyas Sridhar, Managing Director at Canada Life.

With Amrit Mclean Global Head of De-risking Simmons & Simmons and Special Guest Joe Wren Partner at Simmons & Simmons

Welcome to the Simmons & Simmons podcast series on the European Commission’s Market Integration Package. In this series, we explore the Commission’s latest legislative proposals aimed at facilitating greater integration of EU financial markets under the Savings and Investment Union strategy. Each episode breaks down the key elements of the package and examines what these changes mean in practice for market participants across the EU. Join our experts as we discuss the legal, regulatory, and strategic implications of these reforms, and provide practical insights to help you navigate the evolving landscape of EU financial markets.In the first episode, our regulatory lawyers Betül Kohlhäufl and Noujan Akbari provide a high-level overview of the European Commission’s Market Integration Package, its strategic aims and role within the Savings and Investment Union as well as the main legislative proposals. Listeners will gain insight into why market integration matters for the EU financial sector, what’s changing, and what these reforms mean for different market participants.

A Human-AI Partnership – Rethinking the Future of Work The future of work doesn’t arrive with a bang. It slips in quietly—an AI tool summarising your emails, a junior lawyer collaborating with a data scientist. The headlines warn of job losses, but the real story is more nuanced, more human, and far more exciting. What if the future isn’t about humans versus machines, but about a powerful partnership? We go beyond the headlines to reveal how AI is reshaping not just what we do, but how we do it. Sarah James, Partner and Head of Adaptive, puts it plainly: “It’s not just about efficiency and automation. It’s about creating workplaces where innovation and human potential thrive side by side.” Ali Chaudhry, Legal Engineer, sees the shift from the ground up: “AI is both a productivity tool and a cultural shift.” The future belongs to those who can reallocate their time, master new tools, and—crucially—think critically about what AI delivers. The challenge now? To lead with care, build trust, and ensure that as we automate the routine, we elevate the meaningful. The future is multidisciplinary, human-centred, and—if we get it right—brilliantly bright. Join Sarah and Ali as they unpack the messy, exciting reality of AI in the legal world. Introduction authored by Percy, our Simmons internal AI colleague. Hear more from Ali by following his blog on the Simmons website or follow on LinkedIn