As we enter 2026, regulators are juggling competing demands: boosting economic growth while protecting national security and innovation.

The result? A tale of two speeds for dealmakers—fast-track approvals for straightforward transactions, but intensified scrutiny for anything touching AI, defence, or critical technologies.

Meanwhile, antitrust enforcement is ramping up globally, with record fines and AI-powered investigations changing how authorities catch violations. But enforcement is proving to be strategic, as authorities zero in on sectors which send the strongest political message. 

 

Download our publication to find out what businesses need to know to navigate this evolving landscape, and how best to prepare (or listen to the audio version on the move). 

 

Antitrust & Foreign Investment Legal Outlook 2026:

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M&A regulatory hurdles in 2026 -  0:52 
Antitrust enforcement in 2026 –   13:45

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