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Navigating Left, Right and Centre Policy and Regulatory Shifts

Over the past five years, management teams have learned to deal with constant disruption and crisis, including a global pandemic, a ground war in Europe, high rates of inflation, an energy crisis, a cost-of-living crisis and a year of intense elections. That sometimes feels like a distant memory, given the events of 2025 so far ─ each day something unprecedented is happening that businesses need to react to.

Shape Strategy, Drive Success: The Modern General Counsel

More Insights

Insights from the speakers at our event Navigating Left, Right and Centre Policy and Regulatory Shifts, in partnership with The Times and The Wall Street Journal, made one thing clear - general counsel (“GCs”) are at the forefront of navigating the complex intersections of law, policy and business in an era of global political change. Today’s GC is far more than a legal gatekeeper — they are a critical strategic partner, embedded deeply within the business and at the forefront of decision-making, often called upon to be the chief line manager in charge of the crisis. But how do you go beyond the noise and the headlines to try to make sense of this new landscape and the changing dynamics between Washington, London, Europe and beyond?

Talking Trade, Tariffs and Tensions

Capitulate, negotiate and retaliate. These are the options available to countries in light of the swathes of U.S. tariffs recently imposed. These options are not mutually exclusive and we’re seeing a variety of these already.^{1, 2, 3} These responses don’t occur in a vacuum, with the motivation, or perceived motivation, of these countries’ responses impacting the U.S. administration’s next steps.⁴

For some, the U.S. tariffs came out of the blue, but it’s worth noting that this is a long-held view of President Trump – who as far back as the 1980s has been vocal about the use of tariffs.⁵ When it comes to predicting what may come next, understanding political influences and world viewpoints that influence leaders to change the policy landscape is vital.

Creating a geopolitical war room is one method that businesses can utilise to help bring together essential internal stakeholders, as well as external expertise, to not only make sense of the noise and the headlines but to make sense of how these changes can impact you and your businesses. Here you can develop relevant scenario frameworks and stress test operational resilience – whether in relation to tariffs, supply chain, cybersecurity or even further to talent strategy.

In moments of geopolitical disruption, GCs with their cross-functional lens are often the ones who can step back, assess the broader implications and recommend a path forward — ignoring the noise and focusing on the things that matter. But it is not something that can be done alone, getting the right people in the room is vital. Whilst responding tactically to change is essential, it’s important not to be drawn into only doing that – being so laser focused can mean that you lose sight of the business’ broader goals and neglect to drive forward your corporate strategy.

Redefining Regulation, Risk and Reward

Whilst the word on everyone’s lips is tariffs, regulatory strategy is always significantly shaped by new government. We are seeing a strong focus on growth and innovation on both sides of the Atlantic, despite the different political leanings. Recalibrating to a new government can take time, but a clear strategic steer has been given – particularly by the UK government when it comes to competition – with proportionality, predictability, process and pace being at the heart of regulators activities.⁶

Deregulation as a method for growth appears to be the vehicle of choice,⁷ and though we often associate regulatory shifts with increased oversight, deregulation can be just as complex – less regulation doesn’t always mean less risk. Monitoring shifts in political context and policy focus closely can mean GCs are able to anticipate where the regulatory attention might move to next – not quite a crystal ball, but certainly a strong indicator.

When it comes to compliance in a changing regulatory landscape, understanding the business inside and out is essential. GCs are expected to operate alongside senior leaders and frontline teams alike, ensuring legal functions are not siloed but integrated into the organisation’s strategic fabric. Surprisingly, the geopolitical war room also has a place here too. Rather than just in moments of crisis, here there is opportunity for transformation. With key external stakeholders’ support and guidance, you can discuss, engage and influence relevant regulator and policy makers – providing insights on the day-to-day impact and application of the proposed regulatory shifts.

Platforms, People and the Promise of AI

AI and digital transformation are no longer optional or a nice to have — they are core to business operations and risk management. As companies shift towards more global, hub-based data models, GCs must ensure that cross-border data flows are compliant and well-documented. This includes advising on diverging international approaches to data sovereignty and incorporating these considerations into day-to-day operations.

Even with more data available than ever before, the path forward is often unclear. Here, the GC plays a crucial role in helping the business navigate this ambiguity, especially in fast-evolving areas like digital markets and AI regulation. Taking a proactive role in understanding how AI is embedded within their organisations, particularly from a compliance and ethical standpoint, will be a key differentiator. With data as the building block of AI, robust data governance is now a strategic imperative.

Final Thoughts

2025 will test the adaptability and influence of the GC like never before, but there can be confidence in complexity. In a world where politics and policy pull in every direction, the modern GC is the steady hand keeping business on course – driving strategy and shaping success.

1. Kelly Ng, “China retaliates against Trump's ‘trade tyranny’ with 84% tariffs,” BBC (April 9, 2025)

2. Ellen Francis and Beatriz Ríos, “E.U. puts up to 25% tariff on U.S. goods, in first swing back at Trump,” The Washington Post (April 9, 2025)

3. “UK seeks business views on response to US tariffs,” GOV.UK (April 3, 2025)

4. Elisabeth Buchwald and Kevin Liptak, “Trump announces 90-day pause on ‘reciprocal’ tariffs with exception of China,” CNN Business (9 April, 2025)

5. Jim Tankersley and Mark Landler, “Trump’s Love for Tariffs Began in Japan’s ‘80s Boom,” The New York Times (May 15, 2019)

6. “CMA to boost consumer and business confidence as new consumer protection regime comes into force,” GOV.UK (April 7, 2025)

7. “Regulator axed as red tape is slashed to boost growth,” GOV.UK (March 11, 2025)