Arendt Luxembourg podcasts

In this edition of the Arendt We Live podcast, three Arendt experts look at how strategies are changing to allow retail clients to access private assets. 

The panel consists of: 

 A large majority of European private debt funds are set up in Luxembourg, where the private debt fund industry is very well established. This goes for all main strategies, from the most common senior debt direct lending strategies, to mezzanine debt, from distressed and special situation strategies, to real estate and infrastructure debt. Luxembourg funds have been mostly used to invest in Europe, but also in the US and Asia.

In this Private Debt podcast series, our experts together with guest speakers discuss the latest trends, opportunities and challenges in the private debt market.

The increasing impact of digital assets and digitalisation within financial services

There is no escape from the wide-ranging impact that digitalisation and in particular digital assets and artificial intelligence will have on the financial sector.

ESG has long overcome the stage of being a mere buzzword -  it has become central to the strategy and development of companies both inside and outside of the financial sector. But many myths still surround ESG. In this latest episode of the Arendt We Live podcast, four experts offer insights and clarifications as they demystify 7 of the most prominent preconceived ideas about ESG.

The panel of Arendt experts gathered for the discussion are:

A large majority of European private debt funds are set up in Luxembourg, where the private debt fund industry is very well established. This goes for all main strategies, from the most common senior debt direct lending strategies, to mezzanine debt, from distressed and special situation strategies, to real estate and infrastructure debt. Luxembourg funds have been mostly used to invest in Europe, but also in the US and Asia.

The latest episode of Arendt’s podcast Arendt We Live is devoted to financial and economic crime. What risks and obligations does a company need to consider in order to prevent and combat fraud, money laundering and terrorist financing? How can the stakes best be understood?

Arendt’s subject matter experts share answers to these questions using two real-life examples.

Today, financial and economic crime can take many forms. Companies are exposed to crime risk of many different types based on what they hold accountability for. Economic players, particularly in the financial sector, are now taking an increasingly active role in the fight against fraud, money laundering and terrorist financing.

In light of the obligations they now face, such as AML and KYC procedures, financial institutions are being exposed to new types of risks.

How should these issues be approached? What are these risks and how can we limit them?  How should we react when we encounter fraud, or when the company comes under suspicion? All these questions are central to the concerns of business leaders.

The 7th episode of Arendt We Live addresses them directly, by analysing two real-life examples.

We are pleased to introduce to you a new episode of our private debt podcast series focusing on securitisation vehicles. 

Securitisation vehicles are particularly relevant in the context of private debt funds, given the underlying asset class. They can be used in a variety of ways and the amended 2004 law opens up new opportunities, including flexibility in structuring and opening the door to CLOs.

Sustainability has become a key focus across all asset classes. Private Debt is gaining
interest and is becoming an essential part of the way the economy is financed.

Private Debt funds are clearly seeing an increased role in shaping and defining
the fund industry’s approach to sustainability. This has an impact at all
levels: institutional investors, asset managers and portfolio companies.

Private debt funds are alternative asset funds that have gained importance in recent years, particularly in Germany.

In an increasingly complex environment, financial sector players regularly ask themselves whether they should outsource non-business critical activities.

Why outsource and how to do it? These simple questions involve a number of considerations. There are many reasons for players to evolve their operational models by relying on external partners: managing the increasing complexity of regulation, lack of qualified personnel, risk management, performance improvement, cost reduction...

However, entrusting a third party with the management of a function or process underpinning the business is not a trivial matter. It implies taking into consideration issues of responsibility and governance, defining a clear outsourcing model, supporting the change by developing the teams...

Debt fund strategies is a hot topic on the agenda of AIFMs in Luxembourg. The market is facing high levels of activity and recent news clarify expectations at European level towards fund managers, their organisations, their processes and current staffing. The first step engaged by the European Commission is just a start for the harmonisation of the EU framework. Now AIFMs should engage into the matter and prepare for future challenges.

In this Private Debt podcast series, our experts from different Arendt practice areas debate hot topics in the private debt market.

We are pleased to introduce to you the second episode of our private debt podcast series focussing on regulatory requirement for loan funds.

Loan origination funds are one of the key topics addressed by the brand new AIFMD review proposal, which has been published on 25 November 2021. Pursuant to the new draft, AIFMs will benefit from a European passport for performing loan origination activities, subject to compliance with certain regulatory requirements.

Private debt funds, and direct lending funds in particular, have grown rapidly in recent years –and more growth is certainly expected in that market. A large majority of European private debt funds are set up in Luxembourg, which has become a key location for the alternative investment funds industry thanks to its broad range of structuring solutions, its stable regulatory and tax environment, and robust fund management and servicing capabilities.

In this Private Debt podcast series, specialists from different practice areas within Arendt, together with guest speakers, will discuss the latest trends on the private debt market, investor considerations, regulatory developments and structuring options.

A behind-the-scenes discussion on tackling new challenges in legal, tax, workforce and digitalisation matters.

The intrusion of the pandemic into our lives, and particularly the advent of widespread teleworking, has changed all our expectations of the world of labour. How can we respond to this? What challenges does this phenomenon pose for businesses? What limits do they face? How could the organisation of labour change again in the near future?

This is what the Arendt experts will answer in the 5th podcast of the series.

Speakers:

In the next two to three years, all players in the financial sector will be affected by a possible consolidation or reorganisation of their business, whether this takes the form of a merger or an acquisition. 

The current economic context, very low interest rates on the one hand, and regulations that increase costs on the other, explain this hypothesis. But in such a case, what should we look out for? What rules should be respected? What legal solutions exist? How can this transitional phase be carried out in a professional manner?

In the next two to three years, all players in the financial sector will be affected by a possible consolidation or reorganisation of their business, whether this takes the form of a merger or an acquisition. The current economic context, very low interest rates on the one hand, and regulations that increase costs on the other, explain this hypothesis. But in such a case, what should we look out for? What rules should be respected? What legal solutions exist? How can this transitional phase be carried out in a professional manner?

In the next two to three years, all players in the financial sector will be affected by a possible consolidation or reorganisation of their business, whether this takes the form of a merger or an acquisition. The current economic context, very low interest rates on the one hand, and regulations that increase costs on the other, explain this hypothesis. But in such a case, what should we look out for? What rules should be respected? What legal solutions exist? How can this transitional phase be carried out in a professional manner?

In the next two to three years, all players in the financial sector will be affected by a possible consolidation or reorganisation of their business, whether this takes the form of a merger or an acquisition. The current economic context, very low interest rates on the one hand, and regulations that increase costs on the other, explain this hypothesis. But in such a case, what should we look out for? What rules should be respected? What legal solutions exist? How can this transitional phase be carried out in a professional manner?

This podcast is organized by the Arendt-Italian-Desk, the multidisciplinary group of Arendt professionals who offer legal, tax, regulatory and business services in Italian and for Italian clients who operate or intend to operate in or via Luxembourg.

 Our experts focus on issues of Luxembourg law and regulation that may be relevant for the Italian market:

- what is an AIFM

- what are the advantages of having your own AIFM

- what needs to be done to create one.

Language: Italian

Moderator: 

Notre Midi de l'entreprise sur le thème "Protection de l'identité visuelle" a été enregistré le 4 février 2021.

La crise sanitaire que nous traversons a poussé de nombreuses entreprises à réinventer leur image et à faire preuve de créativité dans leur communication afin d’être davantage visibles sur un marché dématérialisé.

Compte tenu de l’importance accrue pour les entreprises d’adopter une identité propre, de maintenir une visibilité efficace en ligne (site internet, réseaux sociaux, plateformes de vente) ainsi que de se démarquer de leurs concurrents, la protection juridique de l’identité visuelleest plus que jamais un enjeu crucial pour les entreprises, peu importe leur taille et leur activité.

Nos expertes ont passé au crible les questions liées à la protection de cette identité visuelle et exposé les outils juridiques et pratiques dont les auditeurs pourraient disposer.

Arendt NY Webinar Series

This webinar on Restructuring & Insolvency considerations in the context of the current economic crisis, while keeping an eye on the future was recorded on 2nd February 2021.

With our solid track record and in-depth knowledge in advising all intervening parties facing difficult financial situations, from investors and shareholders to creditors, through businesses and their board members, to receivers, liquidators and administrators, our experts answered the "Top 5" questions raised by our clients.

The partners of Arendt & Medernach organised our annual Tax event for the first time with a series of webinars.

These webinars addressed recent highlights and important developments in the areas of corporate tax and VAT. Each webinar was followed by a question and answer session.

The partners of Arendt & Medernach organised our annual Tax event for the first time with a series of webinars.

These webinars addressed recent highlights and important developments in the areas of corporate tax and VAT. Each webinar was followed by a question and answer session.

The partners of Arendt & Medernach organised our annual Tax event for the first time with a series of webinars.

These webinars addressed recent highlights and important developments in the areas of corporate tax and VAT. Each webinar was followed by a question and answer session.

The partners of Arendt & Medernach organised our annual Tax event for the first time with a series of webinars.

These webinars addressed recent highlights and important developments in the areas of corporate tax and VAT. Each webinar was followed by a question and answer session.

The partners of Arendt & Medernach organised our annual Tax event for the first time with a series of webinars.

These webinars addressed recent highlights and important developments in the areas of corporate tax and VAT. Each webinar was followed by a question and answer session.

There’s no doubt about it: businesses all over the world are undergoing a digital transformation – one that is being accelerated by the current health emergency, new digital behavioural phenomena and the use of connected assets. For companies, digitalisation means that processes and work methods need to be supported by digital solutions, and that IT must come to play a predominant role in the execution of mandates. It also means that companies are having to store and process more and more data, be it on internal processes or on their investors, their clients, or other individuals and entities. Thus, even as digital practices and applications hold many opportunities for businesses, they also create threat vectors in the financial sector and everywhere else, especially when it comes to cybersecurity.

Umwelt-, Sozial- und Governance-Kriterien - sind derzeit hot Topics, über die die ganze Welt spricht. ESG gilt als das Maß für Nachhaltigkeit und die ethischen Auswirkungen einer Investition. Sie sind gleichbedeutend mit verantwortungsbewusstem Investment, das mit finanzieller Rendite einhergeht.

Die aktuelle Gesundheitskrise hat ihre Relevanz noch verstärkt. Was sind überhaupt die Hintergründe hierfür und wie setzt man ESGKriterien ein? Welche Vorteile bieten sie und was hat dies mit dem Luxemburger Standort zu tun? Welche regulatorischen Pflichten stehen Asset Managern, Verwaltungsgesellschaften und Fonds bevor?

Mit diesen Fragen werden sich die deutschen ESG-Experten befassen und diese beleuchten.

Sprecher:

Our webinar, Capital raising, marketing and funds financing in Luxembourg alternative investment funds - opportunities for the Nordics  was recorded on Thursday, 19 November.

In partnership with RBC Investor & Treasury Services and Deloitte, this virtual event focused on solutions to challenges regarding fund raising, marketing and financing of illiquid funds.

La E-conference sur le thème "Acheter, vendre, fusionner ? Quelle transaction privilégier en 2020 ?" a été enregistré le jeudi 12 novembre 2020.

Notre panel a conseillé tant les actionnaires que les dirigeants dans le cadre de leurs opérations d’acquisition et de vente, en analysant notamment :

· les chiffres et tendances sur le marché local et de la Grande Région;

· les modèlesd’acquisitions et de ventes observés;

· les point essentiels à considérer et erreurs à éviter;

· les considérations post-COVID;

· le sort des employés et les possibilités d’affectation flexible des ressources humaines;

· les structurations envisageables, notamment fiscales, de la transaction;

“war stories”: témoignages et expériences pratiques

Orateurs:

The third in our NY Webinar Series, which focused on What fund managers need to know about Luxembourg regulatory developments was recorded on 4 November 2020.

On 14 October 2020, the Luxembourg government filed the 2021 budget bill of law (n°7666) with the Parliament. The proposed measures are driven primarily by the COVID-19 crisis and resulting budget constraints, as well as the will to ensure social fairness and competitiveness.

In this context, the government deliberately chose not to increase or introduce new taxes for individuals, such as inheritance or wealth taxes, but it proposes inter alia to introduce an already much-talked about 20% real estate levy as of 1 January 2021 on gross income (rents and capital gains) derived by certain investment funds from real estate located in Luxembourg. In addition, the government proposes to raise transfer taxes on contributions of Luxembourg real estate and to introduce a prohibition for family wealth management companies (SPF) to invest into real estate through tax transparent partnerships.

Our tax experts have performed an in-depth analysis of these measures and our Tax Law Partner Alain Goebel provided the participants with an insight into their exact scope and main consequences for the Luxembourg real estate market.

Speaker:

The second in our NY Webinar Series which focused on ATAD 1 and 2: Where do we stand? was recorded on 29 October 2020.

ATAD 1 and 2 are now in force since January 1, 2019 and 2020, respectively. Both directives have significantly impacted Luxembourg Private Equity, Real Estate and Debt-fund structures.

Notre Midi de l'entreprise sur le thème "Signature et archivage électroniques : quels enjeux juridiques pour votre transformation digitale ?" a été enregistré le mercredi 28 octobre 2020.

Poursuivre ses activités dans un contexte de crise sanitaire mondiale : tel a été le challenge de toute entreprise cette année.

Contraintes d’accélérer leur transformation digitale afin de faire face à la dématérialisation des relations contractuelles ainsi qu’à l’essor de la signature électronique, les entreprises luxembourgeoises ont dû s’adapter rapidement et accorder leur confiance dans des outils numériques alors peu démocratisés.

De la dématérialisation des documents à la conservation de copies numériques ou d’originaux digitaux, nos expertes ont exposé les enjeux juridiques et pratiques liés l’utilisation de ces outils incontournables pour une transformation digitale réussie.

Orateurs:

Every single day, in the news, we are faced with significant environmental and social issues. From the global health crisis triggered by the Covid 19 pandemic, to the Black Lives Matter movement and the now common extreme weather events and natural disasters.

In 2015 the UN came up with an answer to these challenges that our societies must face, in the form of 17 Sustainable Development Goals that constitute a global political agenda to coordinate actions towards a more sustainable future.

This political agenda was later taken over by the Commission who came up with its sustainable finance action plan in March 2018.

The work of the Commission participates to the effort of the EU to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050 and is organized towards three main objectives:

- Reorienting capital flows towards sustainable investments

- Mainstreaming  sustainability into risk management

- Fostering transparency and Long-termism

Under environmental, social and governance criteria, also called ESG, Finance is being transformed to meet the challenges facing humanity. Stéphane Badey and Antoine Peter drive us through what has become a clear point of focus for most if not all companies and investment funds.

#ESG #environmental #social #governance #sustainability #arendt

Speakers: