Several top US law firms, including Paul Weiss, Quinn Emanuel and Proskauer, have held talks with private‑equity groups about selling stakes without violating rules that bar non‑lawyer ownership. Investors are using a “management services organisation” structure that separates legal work from administrative functions, a model firms are studying as they spend heavily on talent and AI.

Elsewhere, Demis Hassabis stepped down as CEO of Google DeepMind, New Zealand’s “golden visa” programme attracted over 700 applications, Ineos doubled down on European chemical shares, and fraudsters exploited new EU crypto rules. Hedge funds Point72 and Citadel faced audio phishing attacks, while FIFA’s Gianni Infantino admitted mistakes in a $20bn commercial entity plan. Ares was forced to scale back a €1bn private credit vehicle after investors balked at loan valuations.

Intel’s turnaround accelerated after a U.S. government equity injection, drawing $5bn from Nvidia and $2bn from SoftBank, though it still trails TSMC. Iran and Oman agreed a shipping route, JPMorgan poached Amy Lissauer, Iceland demanded fisheries control, AI chatbots aim to replace typing, and the FT Weekend Festival returns in September. The FT also highlighted a Danish island Bornholm’s food culture and the upcoming FT Weekend Festival.