Web Summit 2025, held from 10 to 13 November in Lisbon, Portugal, convened global leaders in technology, investment, and innovation. The event drew more than 71,000 participants from 157 countries, including a record number of investors—a clear indication of renewed confidence in technology-led growth and cross-border deal-making.

Our team attended this flagship annual conference to gain first-hand insights and distil key takeaways on investor sentiment and IPO outlook within the technology sector—critical themes shaping capital markets and future deal flow.

Industry leaders recently joined Nasdaq TradeTalks to share how organisations are adapting to a rapidly changing deal environment—what’s powering the next wave of M&A in 2026, the impact of regulation and tariffs, and the practical strategies companies are using to stay competitive. Jill Malandrino hosted an expert panel featuring:

The CIMA Annual Conference 2025 in Hong Kong on 24 November brought together nearly 300 influential finance leaders, including CGMA and AICPA members, to explore how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping enterprise finance.

A Virtual Data Room (VDR) is a secure online platform designed to store, share, and manage sensitive documents during critical stages of the private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) fund lifecycle. From fundraising to GP/LP reporting and exits, VDRs provide a centralized solution for compliance, transparency, and efficiency.

As we step into 2026, the investment landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. The convergence of private fund expansion, global regulatory evolution, and the operationalisation of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how firms operate, communicate, and compete. Investment companies are navigating a landscape shaped by the continued rapid rise of private funds, evolving global regulations, the SEC’s evolving opinion on crypto, the elimination or compliance delays of existing SEC regulations, and the accelerating adoption of AI.

On 28 October 2025, DFIN proudly partnered with the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) in Singapore to support the Asia Pacific Capital Markets Forum. This influential event brought together leading voices from Ashurst, Peel Hunt, and DFIN, alongside special guest Eben Upton, CEO of Raspberry Pi, to explore why London continues to be a compelling venue for Asia Pacific companies seeking global capital access.

Featured speakers:

Overview: UKSEF and the Future of Digital Financial Reporting in the UK

In 2025, the UK Single Electronic Format (UKSEF) is redefining how UK-listed companies prepare and submit their Annual Financial Reports (AFRs). As a localised extension of the European Single Electronic Format (ESEF), UKSEF aligns with FCA regulations while introducing enhanced tagging requirements tailored to UK-specific disclosures.

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is reshaping how investment companies communicate with clients, stakeholders, and the broader public. More than a regulatory requirement, the EAA represents a shift toward inclusive digital engagement — one that opens doors to a broader investor base, strengthens brand integrity, and positions companies as leaders in responsible innovation.

As we enter the second half of 2025, the regulatory landscape for financial and sustainability reporting continues to evolve. For UK and EU-listed companies, the European Single Electronic Format (ESEF) and its UK variant (UKSEF) remain central to annual reporting obligations. With updated taxonomies, growing ESG disclosure expectations, and increased scrutiny from regulators, now is the time for finance leaders to reassess their ESEF readiness.

AI is transforming finance by automating tasks, enhancing accuracy, and generating strategic insights. To fully harness AI's power, finance professionals must familiarize themselves with the technology itself and need to master effective prompting—crafting questions and instructions for optimal results.

This guide explores tools, techniques, and strategies to maximize AI's potential, enabling efficient, data-driven financial reporting.