RopesTalk

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.

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, health care partners Ben Wilson and Mike McGrath discuss the current trends and challenges in health plan mergers and acquisitions, with a focus on the Medicare Advantage market. They explore the factors driving deal activity, such as financial distress among smaller plans and strategic partnerships for growth, as well as evolving federal and state regulatory requirements. The conversation provides practical guidance for health plan leaders on maximizing value, preparing for regulatory approvals, and addressing nonfinancial considerations like star ratings and compliance history when pursuing M&A opportunities.

On this episode of Fully Invested, asset management partners, Eric Requenez and Jessica Reece, along with Josh Lichtenstein, a benefits partner and head of the ERISA fiduciary practice, discuss collective investment trusts (CITs) as a compelling strategy for raising and investing money for asset managers. Due to their potential to tap into large sums of retirement assets, we expect CITs to continue growing in importance and sophistication in the coming years, especially in light of President Trump’s support for expanding 401(k) and defined contribution plan access to 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.  

In this episode of Non-binding Guidance, Greg Levine and Josh Oyster, partners in Ropes & Gray’s life sciences regulatory and compliance practice group, are joined by Kellie Combs, partner and chair of Ropes & Gray’s life sciences regulatory and compliance practice group, to discuss the Trump administration’s recent crackdown on direct-to-consumer (DTC) prescription drug advertising. The conversation explores the coordinated actions by HHS and FDA, aggressive enforcement measures, proposed rulemaking to reshape DTC broadcast ads, and the use of AI in regulatory oversight. The hosts examine the impact of recent FDA enforcement letters, challenges in digital and social media promotion, and the shifting compliance landscape for pharmaceutical companies. This episode offers practical guidance for life sciences companies navigating this rapidly changing regulatory environment.

On this episode of Alumni @ RopesTalk, the firm’s technology strategy leader Ed Black is joined by Steven Obiajulu, Ropes & Gray alum and founder of legal tech startup UseJunior. Steven shares his journey from MIT and Harvard Law School to Ropes & Gray, where he worked in patent and private equity practices before launching UseJunior. The discussion centers on how AI-powered tools like UseJunior are transforming legal document comparison and workflow efficiency, the importance of data security and compliance, and the broader impact of AI on the legal profession. Steven also emphasizes, “AI isn’t replacing attorneys—it’s transforming how we work and improving outdated processes,” offering a forward-looking view on how technology is enhancing the quality and efficiency of legal services. 

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 speak with Archana Kotecha, CEO of The Remedy Project, about her journey from corporate law to leading human rights initiatives across Asia. Archana shares practical insights on assessing workplace culture, supporting women and migrant workers, and building trust between businesses and NGOs. The conversation explores the challenges of conducting human rights impact assessments, the importance of direct worker engagement, and the role of pilots and feedback in compliance programs. Whether you are a compliance professional, legal advisor, or business leader, this episode offers valuable lessons on aligning purpose with practice, amplifying unheard voices, and finding common ground to create lasting impact. Tune in to explore how culture shapes compliance—and how new perspectives can help your organization to shape solutions to challenges.

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, ERISA and benefits partner Sharon Remmer is joined by litigation & enforcement partners, Amy Roy and Dan Ward, to discuss President Trump’s recent Executive Order that directs the U.S. Department of Labor and other federal agencies to expand access to alternative assets for 401(k) investors and what the potential ramifications could be for retirement plan sponsors and asset managers from a litigation risk perspective. We have been closely monitoring the significant increase in lawsuits targeting 401(k) and 403(b) retirement plans over the last several years, where plaintiffs have alleged fiduciary defects in the prudence of investment menu design as well as with respect to the monitoring of plan service providers and fees. Using this as a backdrop, our team examines the evolving landscape and how recent case law clarifies key points for plan sponsors to consider should they decide to offer private equity and other alternative assets in their menus. Our speakers discuss practical steps for mitigating risk when offering alternative investments, such as conducting thorough due diligence, providing clear participant disclosures, and maintaining robust documentation of investment decisions.