RopesTalk

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, asset management partner Sarah Davidoff is joined by colleagues Ty Owen, Olivia Yoon, and Doug Ballanco to discuss the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on legal practice. The episode highlights how AI is streamlining document compilation, side letter negotiations, and market data analysis, leading to significant workflow improvements and time savings. The team also discusses the TrAIlblazer program, which empowers first-year associates to learn and collaborate on AI-driven projects, accelerating their development and enabling them to focus on more substantive legal work earlier in their careers. The conversation emphasizes a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, with associates actively piloting new technologies and sharing best practices to deliver better results for clients.

On this episode of Culture & Compliance Chronicles, Amanda Raad and Nitish Upadhyaya from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab welcome Annastiina Hintsa, CEO of Hintsa Performance. The conversation examines the relationship between well-being and sustainable high performance, the importance of personal identity, and the impact of holistic health on resilience and productivity. Annastiina shares insights from her work with elite athletes and business leaders, practical strategies for integrating well-being into daily routines, and advice on defining success beyond professional achievements. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on fostering a culture that prioritizes well-being, actionable tips for improving performance, and a timely reminder of why investing in health is essential for long-term success.

In episode two of Ropes & Gray’s Non-Financial Misconduct Miniseries, Amanda Raad, co-leader of the firm’s crisis management and global risk practices, and litigation & enforcement senior attorney Sarah Lambert-Porter are joined by Sharon Tan, partner at Mishcon de Reya, to examine the intersection of the FCA’s new non-financial misconduct (NFM) rules and employment law. During this second episode, they also discuss the evolving definition of non-financial misconduct, the draft guidance and factors relevant to NFM’s seriousness, and the implications for conduct in the workplace as well as in private life. The hosts offer practical guidance for asset managers, private equity sponsors, and other regulated firms on implementing multidisciplinary approaches, educating stakeholders, ensuring consistency in disciplinary processes, and preparing for the upcoming regulatory changes.

In this inaugural episode of AI at Work, Greg Demers, an employment partner, is joined by Meg Bisk, head of the employment practice, and John Milani, an employment associate, to explore how employers across industries can harness artificial intelligence responsibly while mitigating legal and operational risk.They discuss the most common pitfalls of employee AI use, including inadvertent disclosure of confidential information, model “hallucinations,” and source opacity, that undermine auditability and accuracy. Turning to HR functions, they examine emerging regulatory frameworks and compliance expectations, such as bias auditing requirements for automated employment decision tools and accessibility obligations, alongside practical steps for vetting vendors, embedding human oversight, and enforcing contractual protections. Listeners will come away with pragmatic strategies to update policies, document decisions and foster a transparent culture of accountability that will position organizations to leverage AI use that is smarter, not riskier.Stay tuned for future episodes where we will explore the use of AI in human resources, privacy implications and cybersecurity issues, AI in executive compensation & employee benefits, among other topics.

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, Michael Littenberg, corporate partner and global head of the firm’s ESG, CSR & Business and Human Rights compliance practice, and asset management partner Eve Ellis break down the European Commission’s proposed SFDR 2.0 revisions. They discuss new product labels, streamlined disclosure requirements, and the removal of certain compliance pain points. The episode explores operational implications for asset managers, cross-border challenges, and the impact on fund strategies, offering practical advice for navigating the evolving EU ESG regulatory landscape and preparing for upcoming changes.

On this episode of Culture & Compliance Chronicles, Amanda Raad and Nitish Upadhyaya from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab, and Richard Bistrong of Front-Line Anti-Bribery welcome Pav Gill, renowned for his role in exposing the Wirecard scandal, with a special introduction from Ropes & Gray Litigation & Enforcement partner Andrew Dale. The conversation explores the complexities of organizational culture, the barriers to speaking up, and the critical importance of protecting whistleblowers. Pav shares his firsthand experience navigating retaliation, the challenges of internal and external whistleblowing, and practical advice for fostering transparency and psychological safety within companies. Listeners will gain valuable insights into building a culture where concerns can be raised without fear, the pitfalls of commoditized hotlines, and the human side of compliance. Tune in for candid reflections, actionable strategies, and a compelling reminder of why listening and acting on employee feedback is essential for ethical business success.

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, benefits consulting principal David Kirchner is joined by Sharon Remmer, an ERISA and benefits partner, and Elliot Saavedra, a senior benefits consultant, to discuss the implications of President Trump’s recent Executive Order encouraging expanded access to alternative assets for retirement plans and the potential impact on plan sponsors. Our speakers discuss the evolving regulatory landscape and provide actionable guidance for plan sponsors and fiduciary committees preparing for potential changes in defined contribution plan investment options. As they discuss in the episode, emphasis should be place on the importance of prudent governance and ongoing education as the market and regulatory frameworks develop.Ropes & Gray provides a comprehensive suite of legal services for retail alternatives, including fund formation, registration and compliance, structuring of public-private investment solutions, tax planning, and ongoing regulatory and transactional support. For additional information, please visit our Alternative Retail Funds page, which includes a library of our thought leadership resources with insights on the latest market developments.

In the inaugural episode of Ropes & Gray’s Non-Financial Misconduct four-part miniseries, Amanda Raad, co-chair of the firm’s global anti-corruption & international risk practice, is joined by asset management partner Eve Ellis and litigation & enforcement senior attorney Sarah Lambert-Porter to discuss the evolving regulatory landscape for non-financial misconduct in the UK financial services sector. The conversation examines the Financial Conduct Authority’s new rules, the impact of the Worker Protection Act, and the increasing regulatory and legal risks associated with issues such as bullying, harassment, and discrimination. Drawing on recent survey data and enforcement trends, the hosts highlight key risk areas for asset managers, private equity sponsors, and other regulated firms, including the importance of breaking down organizational silos, adapting to remote and hybrid work environments, and ensuring senior management accountability. The episode provides practical guidance on updating policies, strengthening investigations, leveraging data, and fostering a culture of compliance, helping organizations prepare for the new regulatory requirements.

In this episode of Ropes & Gray’s Fully Invested podcast series, asset management partner Jessica Marlin and capital markets counsel Marc Rotter discuss the rise of ‘34 Act funds and what sets them apart in today’s investment landscape. The conversation explores how these unique vehicles are expanding opportunities for asset managers and investors, and delves into the regulatory and structural features that distinguish them from traditional private funds. The episode provides insight into current market trends and practical considerations for sponsors and investors evaluating ‘34 Act fund structures, along with analysis of the broader impact these funds may have on the future of alternative investments.  Ropes & Gray provides a comprehensive suite of legal services for retail alternatives, including fund formation, registration and compliance, structuring of public-private investment solutions, tax planning, and ongoing regulatory and transactional support. For additional information, please visit our Alternative Retail Funds page, which includes a library of our thought leadership resources with insights on the latest market developments.  

On this episode of Culture & Compliance Chronicles, Amanda Raad and Nitish Upadhyaya from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab, and Richard Bistrong of Front-Line Anti-Bribery are joined by Rachel Samren, a board director, responsible business advocate, and crisis management expert. The discussion centers on the changing demands of board membership, including the need for clarity, agility, and continuous learning in today’s complex risk environment. Rachel shares practical advice for new and seasoned board members, emphasizing the importance of integrated risk management, open communication, and upholding organizational values. The episode offers actionable tips on effective governance, crisis management, and fostering a culture of collective responsibility for compliance and integrity.