2025 promises to be another turbulent year for boards of directors. On the heels of a historically unprecedented election, companies are still ramping up compliance with the ambitious agenda of the outgoing administration while simultaneously bracing for the changes promised by the next one. Against that backdrop, colleagues from across Cleary’s offices have zeroed-in on the impact of the issues that boards of directors and senior management of public companies have faced in the past year, as well as on what can be anticipated in the year to come.

The risks and opportunities created by AI remain top of mind and at the top of agendas for boards and their committees, as companies in every industry grapple with how to manage the use of these rapidly evolving technologies in their businesses. Executive security has likewise become a top priority across the board in light of recent events. 2024 was also a notable year for developments in U.S. tax, FDI and sanctions, Delaware corporate law, M&A, antitrust, cybersecurity and climate disclosure. European regulatory developments are continuing to drive board agendas in areas like tax, competition and capital markets.

With the social and political landscape in flux, companies must remain nimble as they prepare for widely disparate potential outcomes in everything from climate-related disclosure and executive benefits to antitrust and enforcement. We hope you will find this helpful as you navigate the year ahead. Review these topics or download the PDF.