Success for Ashurst at IJGlobal ESG Awards

Fintech Legal Labs is an intensive accelerator programme providing cohort members with specific and tailored advice and assistance with legal matters from Ashurst's expert lawyers. Cohort members are given unparalleled access to Ashurst's legal experts and deep institutional client network, and Ashurst's clients are given access to an exciting and growing network of fintechs and greentechs – all in support of the tech ecosystem as a whole. Fintech Legal Labs was established as a result of the direct demand of fintech companies at various stages of development requiring critical legal support for their success.

Judges commended this year's offering of a sustainability stream – in partnership with Hitachi Vantara – to arm fintech and greentech companies with data-driven insights into sustainable technology initiatives to help them better understand and achieve sustainable digital transformation goals.

Chief Digital Officer and Partner Tara Waters said, "We are proud to be recognised for the Fintech Legal Labs. Advancing the sustainability agenda is a global priority, and we are delighted to be providing critical support through our accelerator programme to fintechs and greentechs, ensuring they have the right legal, technology and governance infrastructure in place to support the transformation and integration of sustainable finance systems.”

Ashurst was also recognised for its work advising The Metro Flood Diversion Authority in Fargo, North Dakota on the Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitian Area Flood Risk Management Project, which received the IJGlobal Climate Adaptation award. When complete, this project will provide permanent 100 year flood protection and resilience, safeguarding the Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan area from seasonal flooding and removing hundreds of thousands of homes from the floodplain. The Ashurst team was led by counsel Ross McKinnon, and included partners Anna Hermelin, Andrew Smith, Matt Rickards and Jason Radford, and associate Daniel Katter.

In addition, the firm was recognised for advising Ark Energy H2 Pty Ltd on the Ark Energy SunHQ Hydrogen Hub which took the IJGlobal Renewable Energy ESG award. Ark Energy’s SunHQ will include a 1MW PEM electrolyser, compressors, storage and refuelling infrastructure that will produce up to 158 tonnes of green hydrogen per annum. Partner Chris Redden led the Ashurst team, supported by partner Paul Curnow and senior associate Melany Wilson.

Global Co-Head of Projects, Joss Dare added "We are delighted to have been involved in some of the most complex and ground-breaking projects over the last two years. This market recognition demonstrates the exceptional reach of our practice and reinforces our position as leading the field in the global wave of infrastructure and energy projects driving the commitment to net zero."