How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience? 

Our approach to managing legal challenges is comprehensive and proactive. Regular legal risk assessments and corresponding mitigation strategies are key components, ensuring the organization is prepared for compliance with upcoming legal and regulatory changes. Horizon scanning for these changes allows Allianz Technology to stay ahead of the curve, integrating necessary adjustments into organizational structures and business operations. This includes the rapid convening of cross-functional crisis management teams that can coordinate a swift and effective response when instability or crises arise – such as global IT outage incidents.

Clear and transparent communication with stakeholders – including regulators and customers – is crucial for maintaining trust and managing the organization’s reputation. This open dialogue helps ensure that all parties are informed and reassured during times of change or uncertainty.

The legal strategy of Allianz Technology entails helping drive innovation while safeguarding the organization against potential legal pitfalls, ensuring long-term resilience and success in a rapidly evolving legal and regulatory landscape. By staying updated on regulatory changes and fostering close cross-functional and customer collaboration, Allianz Technology Legal is well-positioned to enable projects, advise on compliance with laws and promote a culture of proactive risk management.

What are the main cases or transactions that you have been involved in recently? 

Allianz Technology continues to play an essential role in enabling several high-profile, globally impactful M&A activities for the Allianz Group, underscoring its vital influence in achieving the Group’s strategic objectives. Simultaneously, Allianz Technology is spearheading initiatives focused on continuous IT innovation, leveraging specialized technology expertise and enhancing efficiencies for the benefit of the entire Group.

Allianz Technology Legal works as integrated member of deal teams – including the legal functions of other Allianz Group companies – providing indispensable legal services for complex multi-jurisdictional transactions. By enabling seamless transitions, maintaining operational continuity and safeguarding the Group’s interests, Allianz Technology Legal is proving to be a cornerstone in driving the Group’s strategic growth and resilience.

What do you see as the major legal challenges for businesses in Germany over the next five years, and how are you preparing to address them? 

There are several legal challenge areas that will impact on businesses globally. This includes the areas of digital operational resilience, artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability. Increasing digitalization and reliance on digital infrastructure demands robust legal frameworks to protect against cyber threats and data breaches, requiring strict adherence to evolving cybersecurity regulations.

The rapid advancement of AI raises complex issues around ethics, liability and transparency, necessitating clear guidelines to govern AI use and prevent biases and misuse. Sustainability pressures are also increasing, with businesses needing to comply with stringent environmental regulations and ESG reporting requirements driven by national and EU laws aimed at combating climate change.

These challenges require businesses to adopt comprehensive compliance strategies, stay updated on regulatory developments and integrate sustainability and ethical considerations into their operations for resilience and long-term success. Allianz Technology Legal addresses these impacts through proactive cross-functional collaboration, seamlessly integrating legal guidance into business operations and contributing to multi-jurisdictional legal working groups within the Allianz Group.