Event Report

The GC Summit Italy 2025 brought together leading in-house counsel to explore the key legal and regulatory challenges shaping the corporate landscape. Through a series of dynamic discussions, the event covered pressing topics such as cybersecurity, international trade, corporate compliance, and digital transformation.

The summit opened with an in-depth examination of the evolving role of general counsel in cybersecurity, particularly in response to the newly introduced NIS2 Decree. With stricter obligations now in place for critical sectors, the discussion focused on how legal teams can navigate heightened regulatory requirements and mitigate the risks of non-compliance, which could lead to severe financial penalties.

Next, the conversation turned to the complexities of sanctions and international trade. The panel provided a multidisciplinary perspective on the latest trends in sanctions regimes, the increasing role of technology in enforcement, and the challenges posed by de-risking strategies and evolving compliance requirements in a volatile global market.

Following a short break, discussions shifted towards M&A transactions, with a particular focus on carve-outs and the legal intricacies of data transfers. Experts offered insights into the practical steps legal teams must take to ensure a seamless transition while addressing security and regulatory concerns.

The theme of corporate compliance was explored in detail during a panel on alternative proceedings under Italian criminal law. Speakers discussed the growing importance of judicial administration measures as a tool for preventing corporate misconduct, highlighting their implications for businesses across key industries. The session also examined the alignment between these measures and ESG principles, with particular attention to best practices in sectors such as logistics, fashion, and banking.

Later in the day, a fireside chat on digital transformation in legal departments provided valuable insights into how general counsel are adapting to technological advancements. Discussions centred on the challenges of implementing innovation initiatives and the key performance indicators used to assess their success.

The summit concluded with a thought-provoking session on the legal framework governing corporate groups. The discussion addressed the often-overlooked complexities of parent-subsidiary relationships, exploring the risks associated with decision-making at the group level and the need for a clearer regulatory approach to corporate governance.

With engaging debate and high-level expertise, the GC Summit Italy 2025 reaffirmed its role as a crucial forum for legal professionals to exchange ideas, stay ahead of regulatory developments, and shape the future of in-house legal strategy.

In association with...