Law x Business

Everything Financial Services | What the private capital boom is really telling decision makers

Episode 1 of Everything Financial Services, Addleshaw Goddard’s financial services podcast, explores the rapid growth and evolution of private capital and why it has become central to global markets. Host Laura Uberoi is joined by guests Jan Gruter and Karl Clowry to discuss how private capital has shifted from an “alternative” asset class to a core driver of investment across infrastructure, healthcare and the wider economy. The discussion examines how private capital has expanded into a hybrid ecosystem spanning private equity, private credit and insurance-linked structures. They explore the surge in mid-market activity, the rise of independent sponsors, and changing investor priorities, including ESG, defence and impact investing. The episode also considers the role of private capital in funding SMEs, the increasing complexity of deal structures, and how market cycles, interest rates and underwriting standards are shaping risk and opportunity across credit markets. The conversation highlights the broader implications for investors and corporates, from capital allocation decisions to the resilience of global markets in uncertain conditions. As private capital continues to scale, the ability to track where capital is flowing and respond to shifting market dynamics will be critical. The episode concludes that while cycles, volatility and scrutiny will persist, the underlying theme remains constant: private capital will continue to adapt and play a central role in financing growth, innovation and economic transition. To read further insights from Jan and Karl on Tricolor and First Brands, click the link here [https://www.addleshawgoddard.com/en/insights/insights-briefings/2025/financial-services/lessons-from-tricolor-and-first-brands/].

Everything Financial Services | The podcast for boardroom conversations in financial services. Series 1 launching this week...

Financial services is facing a convergence of pressures, where market dynamics, regulation, technology and capital flows are reshaping decision-making at the highest level. Everything Financial Services is a podcast for leaders who need to understand what’s really driving the sector, and what it means in practice. Each episode explores the forces shaping financial services today, from private capital and digital currency to regulatory change, workforce shifts and evolving market structures. At the intersection of business, markets and strategy, Everything Financial Services brings together industry leaders and specialists for focused, commercially grounded conversations. Hosted by Christina Proffitt and Laura Uberoi, the podcast is designed for C-suite and senior decision-makers, offering practical insight without unnecessary complexity, helping organisations navigate change and make better-informed strategic decisions. Learn more about Addleshaw Goddard's work across the financial services sector: https://www.addleshawgoddard.com/en/sectors/financial-services/ [https://www.addleshawgoddard.com/en/sectors/financial-services/]

Inside Tech Minds | Is AI outpacing your governance? With leading AI expert Kay Firth-Butterfield

In this episode of Inside Tech Minds, Carly Gulliver speaks with Kay Firth-Butterfield, CEO of Good Tech Advisory and a leading voice in AI governance, about whether organisations are keeping pace with the rapid evolution of AI. Drawing on her experience at the World Economic Forum and advising global leaders, Kay explores why trust in AI is already under pressure and how gaps in governance, not the technology itself, are often to blame. The conversation brings to life the real risks playing out inside businesses today, from “shadow AI” and employee misuse to hallucinations, reputational damage and legal exposure. Through practical examples, Kay highlights why governance must go beyond the CTO or General Counsel, requiring a joined-up approach across the organisation with HR playing a critical role in training and embedding responsible AI use. The episode also sets out what good looks like: mapping AI usage, aligning to regulation, introducing cross-functional governance, and maintaining human oversight as AI agents scale. Essential listening for GCs, CTOs and senior leaders looking to balance speed with control and unlock AI’s value without compromising trust. Find out more about AI governance from Addleshaw Goddard’s expert team here [https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.addleshawgoddard.com%2Fen%2Fsectors%2Ftechnology-lawyers%2Fgenerative-ai%2F&data=05%7C02%7CMeghan.Browne%40addleshawgoddard.com%7C85def0a982a34a51f63f08debbe93a1b%7Ccce218d616124ac2b16c925474afd502%7C0%7C0%7C639154807526720495%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=XXGhEiODDOS40uGEvVF81YocQHZcMDSZPFVQml05Z2M%3D&reserved=0].

Mergerspresso | Succession: The Board Game

Episode 30 of Mergerspresso, Addleshaw Goddard’s corporate finance podcast, explores how board composition and turnover are emerging as a key source of corporate volatility. Host Lucy Robson is joined by guest David Palmer to discuss the growing trend of earlier and more frequent director departures, particularly among CEOs and CFOs, and what this means for governance and corporate strategy. The discussion focuses on the shift towards treating boards as actively managed portfolios of skills and experience rather than static groups. Lucy and David examine how organisations are reassessing board capabilities in the context of evolving strategic priorities, including technological change and shareholder expectations. They highlight the need for forward-looking succession planning, stress-testing leadership structures and maintaining a strong pipeline of “ready now” and “ready soon” candidates to address potential gaps. The episode also considers the broader implications for resilience and long-term value creation. As the pace of change accelerates, proactive board management is becoming a strategic necessity rather than a compliance exercise. Businesses that adopt a portfolio mindset are better positioned to navigate disruption, align governance with future needs and maintain investor confidence in an increasingly dynamic market environment.

Mergerspresso | The return of returns: Share buybacks

Episode 29 of Mergerspresso, Addleshaw Goddard’s corporate finance podcast, explores the growing proliferation of share buyback programmes across the public markets and why returning capital to shareholders has become a major strategic priority for listed companies. Host Simon Wood is joined by guest Jeremy Cruse to discuss how buybacks have evolved from routine corporate housekeeping into a key feature of capital allocation strategy. They examine why boards are increasingly using buybacks to respond to shareholder expectations, support undervalued share prices and defend against opportunistic bidders and activist campaigns.   The episode also considers the balance between returning capital and investing for growth, particularly at a time when valuations and market sentiment are shifting. Simon and Jeremy discuss the importance of aligning buybacks with broader capital strategy, including dividends, leverage and long-term investment planning, and why disciplined execution remains critical to maintaining investor confidence.