The Equator Principles Association unveiled the finalised fourth version of the Equator Principles (EP4) on 18 November 2019. Set for an effective date of 1 July 2020, EP4 heightens requirements for designated OECD countries and tightens due diligence assessments with a greater focus on human rights, climate change and biodiversity. While there are many improvements and refinements from the draft we reviewed in June, the only potentially material change is a compromise on the 'free prior and informed consent' requirement for affected Indigenous communities. ...

The healthcare team at Allens reports on some key trends and sectors to look out for in 2020. ...

In response to the rapid growth of the e-payment market in Vietnam, the State Bank of Vietnam (the SBV) has reviewed the legal framework regulating the sector and proposed some important changes. In this Insight, we set out the key amendments the SBV has already issued – as well as those in the pipeline – and their potential impact on the intermediary payment services market. ...

There is more M&A activity in data across all sectors, and data opportunities and risks are impacting headline price, post-completion deal value and risk-allocation profile of investments and M&A transactions. For both buyers and sellers, this playbook helps in-house counsel and dealmakers navigate the data issues that arise in the context of mergers, acquisitions, demergers and investments to maximise the value in these transactions. ...

In his recent address to the RBB Economics Forum, ACCC Chairman Rod Sims identified a number of key focus areas for the regulator. The Chairman offered valuable insight into potential future developments in the competition and consumer law space, including the ACCC's approach to mergers, the possible introduction of a prohibition against unfair trading practices, and further scrutiny of the agricultural sector. We explore the impact of the ACCC's agenda on the food and beverage sector. ...

PEP is a leading Australian-based private equity firm, which focuses on buyouts and late stage expansion capital in Australia and New Zealand. Horizon Global is one of the world's leading ...

Allens has advised Magellan Asset Management Limited, on an initial public offering for a new ASX-listed investment trust, the Magellan High Conviction Trust. ...

The transaction, once completed, will deliver Santos operatorship and control of the Darwin LNG facility (and associated mid-stream assets), the Bayu-Undan project and the Barossa project. The ...

'SEEK Limited received strong support for its debut subordinated note issuance, and we were delighted to assist the SEEK team structure and execute a successful trade,' said Allens Head of Debt ...

Allens' market-leading team is uniquely placed to help clients navigate this environment and has expanded its capability across banking and financial services regulation with the addition of four n ...