<![CDATA[Talking. Sustainability.]]>0838fdef-015d-5ef0-9cad-a6254812ec58Fri, 27 Jun 2025 08:00:17 +0000Captivate.fmTravers Smithhttps://artwork.captivate.fm/f8f4cbf9-34ab-477a-b099-50dedfbf83a1/KVYfZwlbRWmzYXpZp5Qj5XH1.pngTalking. Sustainability.Travers SmithTravers SmithWelcome to our series of podcasts from Travers Smith on ESG and sustainability. Episodes will cover topics ranging from COP26 to the current global water crisis.https://www.traverssmith.com/knowledge/knowledge-container/sustainability-exchange-podcast/falseepisodicnopodcastBanking on a Wilder Tomorrow: Sustainable Investments, Challenges, and Opportunities Panel Session PodcastBanking on a Wilder Tomorrow: Sustainable Investments, Challenges, and Opportunities Panel Session PodcastOn Wednesday, 12th March, we hosted a screening of the thought-provoking film Save our Wild Isles: Banking on a Wilder Tomorrow,. The film examines how the finance and investment sector must place nature at the core of decision-making to address the ongoing nature crisis effectively.

Following the screening, we held an insightful panel discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing both infrastructure and impact investors in addressing this issue. The panel featured leaders involved in the government's new initiative to attract private capital for its sustainable infrastructure projects, including the ambitious Clean Energy by 2030 goal. Additionally, prominent voices in the nature-positive movement and experts in regulatory systems, who discussed the necessary adaptations or overhauls needed to support this transition, shared their valuable insights.

]]>On Wednesday, 12th March, we hosted a screening of the thought-provoking film Save our Wild Isles: Banking on a Wilder Tomorrow,. The film examines how the finance and investment sector must place nature at the core of decision-making to address the ongoing nature crisis effectively.

Following the screening, we held an insightful panel discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing both infrastructure and impact investors in addressing this issue. The panel featured leaders involved in the government's new initiative to attract private capital for its sustainable infrastructure projects, including the ambitious Clean Energy by 2030 goal. Additionally, prominent voices in the nature-positive movement and experts in regulatory systems, who discussed the necessary adaptations or overhauls needed to support this transition, shared their valuable insights.

]]>b969f791-4946-4bb8-8dd2-0f73e6849782Fri, 27 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +010001:17:20falsefull51515Travers SmithSustainability Exchange: Episode 4 - Should my next fund be an Article 8 fund? - Alternative Asset Management & Sustainability InsightsSustainability Exchange: Episode 4 - Should my next fund be an Article 8 fund? - Alternative Asset Management & Sustainability InsightsIn the fourth Sustainability Exchange of the series, Simon invites Paula Langton, Partner and head of the sustainability practice at Campbell Lutyens and Phil Bartram to unravel the complexities of SFDR classification.

Listen now to explore:

  • How Article 8, 9, and 6 classifications truly differ, and why it matters in today’s fundraising climate
  • Shifts in LP preferences, regulatory requirements, "sustainability tourists" and the evolution towards long-term value creation
  • Navigating related obstacles and choosing the appropriate sustainability commitments for your investor base

]]>In the fourth Sustainability Exchange of the series, Simon invites Paula Langton, Partner and head of the sustainability practice at Campbell Lutyens and Phil Bartram to unravel the complexities of SFDR classification.

Listen now to explore:

  • How Article 8, 9, and 6 classifications truly differ, and why it matters in today’s fundraising climate
  • Shifts in LP preferences, regulatory requirements, "sustainability tourists" and the evolution towards long-term value creation
  • Navigating related obstacles and choosing the appropriate sustainability commitments for your investor base

]]>133aab72-c3cf-412f-bd6e-93ed76233730Mon, 16 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +010040:40falsebonusTravers SmithSustainability Exchange: Episode 3: What should a European firm say to its US investors about ESG?Sustainability Exchange: Episode 3: What should a European firm say to its US investors about ESG?In this episode Simon, Trysha Daskam-Smith, Head of ESG Strategy at Silver Regulatory Associates and Michael Raymond delve into pressing issues faced by European fund managers when dealing with US investors amidst the current headlines. 

Tune in to explore:

  1. A nuanced discussion of how the term ESG is perceived across different markets, especially US investors with varied stances in different states
  2. Practical advice on communicating ESG commitments consistently and factually, avoiding political pitfalls while emphasising value creation
  3. How international regulatory standards influence global fund marketing strategies

 

]]>In this episode Simon, Trysha Daskam-Smith, Head of ESG Strategy at Silver Regulatory Associates and Michael Raymond delve into pressing issues faced by European fund managers when dealing with US investors amidst the current headlines. 

Tune in to explore:

  1. A nuanced discussion of how the term ESG is perceived across different markets, especially US investors with varied stances in different states
  2. Practical advice on communicating ESG commitments consistently and factually, avoiding political pitfalls while emphasising value creation
  3. How international regulatory standards influence global fund marketing strategies

 

]]>877be584-9acd-4805-87b9-c6b0ab290b7fWed, 07 May 2025 09:00:00 +010036:51falsefull43434Travers SmithSustainability Exchange - Episode 2: Should the carried interest in my next fund be linked to sustainability outcomes?Sustainability Exchange - Episode 2: Should the carried interest in my next fund be linked to sustainability outcomes?A series of dynamic conversations hosted by Simon Witney, sustainable finance specialist, joined by two expert guests.  

Simon's guests, Ross Butler, Managing Director of Linear B Group, and Tosin Adeyeri, Partner in our Funds team, debate opposing answers to this topical question. Listen now to learn what ESG-linked carried interest means and how it works, plus the pros and cons of incorporating non-financial KPIs into fund economics from their frontline perspective.

The episode ends with a one-sentence answer from each expert guest to… Should your next fund include and ESG or perhaps impacts linked carried interest?

]]>A series of dynamic conversations hosted by Simon Witney, sustainable finance specialist, joined by two expert guests.  

Simon's guests, Ross Butler, Managing Director of Linear B Group, and Tosin Adeyeri, Partner in our Funds team, debate opposing answers to this topical question. Listen now to learn what ESG-linked carried interest means and how it works, plus the pros and cons of incorporating non-financial KPIs into fund economics from their frontline perspective.

The episode ends with a one-sentence answer from each expert guest to… Should your next fund include and ESG or perhaps impacts linked carried interest?

]]>4505bdc3-56f5-4a15-93a9-42e2c84e3684Tue, 01 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +010032:09falsefull42424Travers SmithSustainability Exchange - Episode 1: Should the UK adopt a Green Taxonomy?Sustainability Exchange - Episode 1: Should the UK adopt a Green Taxonomy?A series of dynamic conversations hosted by Simon Witney, sustainable finance specialist, joined by two expert guests.  

Simon meets with James Alexander, Chief Executive of The UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF) and Sarah-Jane Denton, Director of our Operational Risk & Environment team to evaluate the need, benefits, and practicality of a implementing UK-specific green taxonomy versus adopting the current EU framework.

The episode ends with a one-sentence answer from each expert guest to… does the UK need a green taxonomy?

The Sustainability Exchange was first published in our Talking. Sustainability. podcast. Follow for latest episodes in your favourite podcast player: https://feeds.captivate.fm/travers-smith-talking-sustainability-esg/

]]>A series of dynamic conversations hosted by Simon Witney, sustainable finance specialist, joined by two expert guests.  

Simon meets with James Alexander, Chief Executive of The UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF) and Sarah-Jane Denton, Director of our Operational Risk & Environment team to evaluate the need, benefits, and practicality of a implementing UK-specific green taxonomy versus adopting the current EU framework.

The episode ends with a one-sentence answer from each expert guest to… does the UK need a green taxonomy?

The Sustainability Exchange was first published in our Talking. Sustainability. podcast. Follow for latest episodes in your favourite podcast player: https://feeds.captivate.fm/travers-smith-talking-sustainability-esg/

]]>26e48182-5edc-4b04-b30e-f2d41ebe21baWed, 19 Feb 2025 09:00:00 +010036:52falsefull41414Travers SmithAboard the Omnibus: Breaking Down the EU's Proposed Changes to Sustainability RegulationAboard the Omnibus: Breaking Down the EU's Proposed Changes to Sustainability RegulationOur take on what companies and asset managers should know about the omnibus so far, what we can expect to happen next, and what interest groups are saying about the announcement on the ground.  

]]>Our take on what companies and asset managers should know about the omnibus so far, what we can expect to happen next, and what interest groups are saying about the announcement on the ground.  

]]>89051a54-2eef-4c1b-951c-a020ee6c28f3Thu, 30 Jan 2025 10:30:00 +010020:14falsefull3113113Travers SmithGood Tax Governance: Failure to prevent fraud (FTP) - Episode 2Good Tax Governance: Failure to prevent fraud (FTP) - Episode 2In the second episode of our series focussing on Good Tax Governance, Hannah Manning from our tax team discusses the new corporate criminal offence of failure to prevent fraud (FTP).

Over the last few years, businesses have become well acquainted with the strict liability offences around bribery and failure to prevent the facilitation of tax evasion. HMRC's introduction of this new criminal offence in tackling financial crime has some interesting new features that make it easier for the actions of individuals within a company to be attributed to the company itself.

Hannah discusses the new FTP offence, its relevance in a tax context, and how it interacts with the existing Corporate Criminal Offence of failure to prevent the facilitation of tax evasion (CCO). Most importantly, Hannah will explore the steps that should be taken when dealing with both CCO and FTP. 

]]>In the second episode of our series focussing on Good Tax Governance, Hannah Manning from our tax team discusses the new corporate criminal offence of failure to prevent fraud (FTP).

Over the last few years, businesses have become well acquainted with the strict liability offences around bribery and failure to prevent the facilitation of tax evasion. HMRC's introduction of this new criminal offence in tackling financial crime has some interesting new features that make it easier for the actions of individuals within a company to be attributed to the company itself.

Hannah discusses the new FTP offence, its relevance in a tax context, and how it interacts with the existing Corporate Criminal Offence of failure to prevent the facilitation of tax evasion (CCO). Most importantly, Hannah will explore the steps that should be taken when dealing with both CCO and FTP. 

]]>30e2e0c9-0e05-4bf3-b987-07dc520f439fWed, 05 Jun 2024 09:00:00 +010012:36falsefull2102102Travers SmithTalking. Sustainability. – Good Governance series - Umbrella CompaniesTalking. Sustainability. – Good Governance series - Umbrella CompaniesIn the first of our series focussing on Good Tax Governance,

Kulsoom Hadi from our Incentives and Remuneration team discusses the use of

umbrella companies. While umbrella companies can provide administrative

benefits for businesses when managing a flexible workforce, the UK tax

authorities are live to the risk of avoidance and expect end users to have

appropriate oversight of how the umbrella companies in their supply chain

manage their tax compliance. Kulsoom discusses the current compliance landscape

and the practical impact for businesses engaging staff through umbrella

companies.

]]>In the first of our series focussing on Good Tax Governance,

Kulsoom Hadi from our Incentives and Remuneration team discusses the use of

umbrella companies. While umbrella companies can provide administrative

benefits for businesses when managing a flexible workforce, the UK tax

authorities are live to the risk of avoidance and expect end users to have

appropriate oversight of how the umbrella companies in their supply chain

manage their tax compliance. Kulsoom discusses the current compliance landscape

and the practical impact for businesses engaging staff through umbrella

companies.

]]>956f2b74-eb3b-4f4b-9953-534213181c00Wed, 28 Feb 2024 17:00:00 +010012:08falsefull29292Travers SmithTalking. Sustainability. - Green IncentivesTalking. Sustainability. - Green IncentivesOur most recent episode of our Talking. Sustainability series.

]]>Our most recent episode of our Talking. Sustainability series.

]]>6e9b4127-94bd-475e-af3a-cca966f0fd6aWed, 02 Aug 2023 09:00:00 +010008:16falsefull28282Travers SmithTalking. Sustainability. - Tax, ESG and Sustainability - Part 2Talking. Sustainability. - Tax, ESG and Sustainability - Part 2In Part 2 of our discussion with Seb Akbik from PRI on Tax, ESG and Sustainability we explore some of the theoretical tensions and practical difficulties which can arise in establishing "good tax governance"; the differing approaches which organisations have adopted; and some examples of steps which businesses could take to develop good tax governance.

]]>In Part 2 of our discussion with Seb Akbik from PRI on Tax, ESG and Sustainability we explore some of the theoretical tensions and practical difficulties which can arise in establishing "good tax governance"; the differing approaches which organisations have adopted; and some examples of steps which businesses could take to develop good tax governance.

]]>adeb7dd6-dcc0-4ccf-bb10-b1e5ab610000Tue, 11 Jul 2023 12:45:00 +010020:43falsefull27272Travers SmithTalking. Sustainability. Tax, ESG and SustainabilityTalking. Sustainability. Tax, ESG and SustainabilityWe recently sat down with Sebastien Akbik from UNPRI to discuss how tax fits in to ESG and sustainability, and what good tax governance actually means.

]]>We recently sat down with Sebastien Akbik from UNPRI to discuss how tax fits in to ESG and sustainability, and what good tax governance actually means.

]]>86fd91c7-e4e2-4d05-8182-4a2f1206553bThu, 22 Jun 2023 08:00:00 +010019:39falsefull27272Travers SmithBEPS Pillar 2 and SustainabilityBEPS Pillar 2 and SustainabilityIn this podcast, Associates Aimee Hutchinson and Callum Burgess from the Travers Smith Tax team return to the topic of base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) and take a look at the second pillar of the OECD's corporate tax reform plan. Aimee and Callum discuss the plan, which aims to incorporate a global minimum corporate tax rate of 15%, in the context of the current global drive for sustainability (including sustainable taxation) and explore how Pillar 2 could be a force for change in that context.

]]>In this podcast, Associates Aimee Hutchinson and Callum Burgess from the Travers Smith Tax team return to the topic of base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) and take a look at the second pillar of the OECD's corporate tax reform plan. Aimee and Callum discuss the plan, which aims to incorporate a global minimum corporate tax rate of 15%, in the context of the current global drive for sustainability (including sustainable taxation) and explore how Pillar 2 could be a force for change in that context.

]]>f1323c88-9a74-4fda-b9a4-b43c0d577fe5Tue, 09 May 2023 00:00:00 +010017:53falsefull26262Travers SmithLinking employee incentives with ESG targetsLinking employee incentives with ESG targetsIn the latest episode of our Talking. Sustainability. podcast series, Incentives & Remuneration Knowledge Counsel Kulsoom Hadi discusses the idea of connecting ESG targets to employee incentives.

Read more about Tax and ESG.

]]>In the latest episode of our Talking. Sustainability. podcast series, Incentives & Remuneration Knowledge Counsel Kulsoom Hadi discusses the idea of connecting ESG targets to employee incentives.

Read more about Tax and ESG.

]]>0f92b3b9-33a8-49de-aa9e-85bb5f9d97d7Tue, 08 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +010008:01falsefull25252Travers SmithThe corporate criminal offence of the failure to prevent the facilitation of tax evasionThe corporate criminal offence of the failure to prevent the facilitation of tax evasionIn our latest Talking. Sustainability. podcast, Tax Senior Associate Laura Jackson and Associate Callum Burgess discuss the importance of updating business risk assessments and procedures in relation to the corporate criminal offence of the failure to prevent the facilitation of tax evasion. 

Laura and Callum assess how recent developments, such as Brexit and Covid-19, have altered the risk profile of some businesses and how businesses can ensure that their reasonable prevention procedures are as robust as possible in the event of an enquiry from HMRC. 

]]>In our latest Talking. Sustainability. podcast, Tax Senior Associate Laura Jackson and Associate Callum Burgess discuss the importance of updating business risk assessments and procedures in relation to the corporate criminal offence of the failure to prevent the facilitation of tax evasion. 

Laura and Callum assess how recent developments, such as Brexit and Covid-19, have altered the risk profile of some businesses and how businesses can ensure that their reasonable prevention procedures are as robust as possible in the event of an enquiry from HMRC. 

]]>b4d678ab-77b1-4510-bece-0b7daef42ea4Tue, 19 Jul 2022 09:00:00 +010006:10falsefull24242Travers SmithDeveloping an ethical tax policyDeveloping an ethical tax policyIn the latest episode of our Talking.Sustainability. podcast series, Tax Partner Madeline Gowlett and Associate Rob Smith discuss the concept of "ethical taxation" and the key issues for businesses to consider.

]]>In the latest episode of our Talking.Sustainability. podcast series, Tax Partner Madeline Gowlett and Associate Rob Smith discuss the concept of "ethical taxation" and the key issues for businesses to consider.

]]>09c003f8-5ea6-40bd-9a69-397c287cc739Mon, 25 Apr 2022 09:00:00 +010023:37falsefull33Travers SmithThe EU unshelling proposal – a new meaning of "substance"?The EU unshelling proposal – a new meaning of "substance"?In the second episode of our Talking. Sustainability. podcasts on "substance", Tax Associate Tom Margesson and Tax Knowledge Counsel Laura Hodgson discuss a recent policy proposal: the EU's draft Directive targeting the misuse of 'shell entities' (also referred to as 'ATAD III').

In this episode, Tom and Laura explore which entities are within the scope of the rules; how EU entities can demonstrate a minimum level of substance; and what businesses can do now to prepare for the rules. 

]]>In the second episode of our Talking. Sustainability. podcasts on "substance", Tax Associate Tom Margesson and Tax Knowledge Counsel Laura Hodgson discuss a recent policy proposal: the EU's draft Directive targeting the misuse of 'shell entities' (also referred to as 'ATAD III').

In this episode, Tom and Laura explore which entities are within the scope of the rules; how EU entities can demonstrate a minimum level of substance; and what businesses can do now to prepare for the rules. 

]]>c26ce1cc-8bef-4c77-9475-d4cea6b8e844Mon, 14 Feb 2022 06:00:00 +010028:15falsefull22Travers SmithThe significance of "substance" for taxpayers and tax authoritiesThe significance of "substance" for taxpayers and tax authoritiesIn our latest Talking. Sustainability. podcast, Tax Associate Tom Margesson and Tax Knowledge Counsel Laura Hodgson discuss the meaning of "substance", why it is important for taxpayers and how you can demonstrate it in practice. They also provide some thoughts on the future of substance and where it may be heading next.

]]>In our latest Talking. Sustainability. podcast, Tax Associate Tom Margesson and Tax Knowledge Counsel Laura Hodgson discuss the meaning of "substance", why it is important for taxpayers and how you can demonstrate it in practice. They also provide some thoughts on the future of substance and where it may be heading next.

]]>a0fff0d5-0f7a-4c7a-b7f4-d38555acbc63Thu, 18 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +010017:22falsefull11Travers SmithEnding the global water crisis: In conversation with Sam Cottman and Scott HarrisonEnding the global water crisis: In conversation with Sam Cottman and Scott HarrisonLast month, Travers Smith's Director of Pro Bono, Sam Cottman, sat down with Charity: Water founder and New York Times bestselling author, Scott Harrison, to discuss the incredible work that our client Charity: Water does. Scott also discussed his fascinating journey from New York nightclub promoter to ending the global water crisis.

]]>Last month, Travers Smith's Director of Pro Bono, Sam Cottman, sat down with Charity: Water founder and New York Times bestselling author, Scott Harrison, to discuss the incredible work that our client Charity: Water does. Scott also discussed his fascinating journey from New York nightclub promoter to ending the global water crisis.

]]>09b4576e-4b16-4507-adcd-7a5f4ee5b561Mon, 01 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +010049:30falsefull11Travers SmithESG performance conditions for employee incentive awardsESG performance conditions for employee incentive awardsIn this podcast, Incentives & Remuneration Knowledge Counsel Kulsoom Hadi and Tax Associate Aimee Hutchinson discuss the use of ESG performance conditions and how the Travers Smith team became involved in drafting ESG conditions for long-term incentive plan (LTIP) awards as part of the Chancery Lane Project.

]]>In this podcast, Incentives & Remuneration Knowledge Counsel Kulsoom Hadi and Tax Associate Aimee Hutchinson discuss the use of ESG performance conditions and how the Travers Smith team became involved in drafting ESG conditions for long-term incentive plan (LTIP) awards as part of the Chancery Lane Project.

]]>916ea8d3-548d-4a20-8138-9cf3340b544dFri, 29 Oct 2021 09:00:00 +010014:57falsefull11Travers SmithCOP26 - Episode 3: Final preparationsCOP26 - Episode 3: Final preparationsWelcome to the third episode in a series of short podcasts in the build up to COP26.

In this episode, Head of Operational Risk & Environment Doug Bryden and Consultant Sarah-Jane Denton take a look at the final preparations ahead of the conference and discuss the political issues which will be on the agenda.

Watch the video version of this episode.

]]>Welcome to the third episode in a series of short podcasts in the build up to COP26.

In this episode, Head of Operational Risk & Environment Doug Bryden and Consultant Sarah-Jane Denton take a look at the final preparations ahead of the conference and discuss the political issues which will be on the agenda.

Watch the video version of this episode.

]]>dc70dd91-7d7c-4552-b802-15c3430b6345Tue, 26 Oct 2021 09:00:00 +010010:30falsefull13131Travers SmithCOP26 - Episode 2: Transport and the Road to Net ZeroCOP26 - Episode 2: Transport and the Road to Net ZeroWelcome to the second episode in a series of short podcasts in the build up to COP26.

In this episode, Risk & Operational Regulatory Senior Counsel John Buttanshaw and Senior Associate Laura Smyth take a look at the transport industry and the road to net zero - an area which is sure to be a major issue on the agenda at COP26.

Watch the video version of this episode.

]]>Welcome to the second episode in a series of short podcasts in the build up to COP26.

In this episode, Risk & Operational Regulatory Senior Counsel John Buttanshaw and Senior Associate Laura Smyth take a look at the transport industry and the road to net zero - an area which is sure to be a major issue on the agenda at COP26.

Watch the video version of this episode.

]]>194bc0b8-86bb-4a97-afe2-9133aa419f7dFri, 22 Oct 2021 09:00:00 +010011:59falsefull12121Travers SmithCOP26 - Episode 1: What is it and why is it important?COP26 - Episode 1: What is it and why is it important?Welcome to the first episode in a series of short podcasts in the build up to COP26.

In this episode, Risk & Operational Regulatory Associates Harrie Narain and Alex MacBean outline what COP26 is, why it is important and discuss some of the main issues we anticipate will be the subject of detailed negotiation at the conference.

Watch the video version of this episode.

]]>Welcome to the first episode in a series of short podcasts in the build up to COP26.

In this episode, Risk & Operational Regulatory Associates Harrie Narain and Alex MacBean outline what COP26 is, why it is important and discuss some of the main issues we anticipate will be the subject of detailed negotiation at the conference.

Watch the video version of this episode.

]]>b24097f5-6eec-4a9f-a7fc-7ef5bd3eab4aThu, 23 Sep 2021 09:00:00 +010010:09falsefull11111Travers Smith