How Are Dealmakers Really Feeling About 2026?
The global dealmaker verdict on M&A in 2026.
January 28, 2026
2 min read
In the first episode of Season 3 of The Dealist podcast, we're joined by Liam Stoker (Market Insights Lead at Reuters Events) and Todd Partridge (SVP of Marketing at SS&C Intralinks) to break down what’s shaping M&A as dealmakers look ahead to 2026.
Drawing on fresh market data and real-world perspectives from the H1 2026 Global Dealmakers Sentiment Report, the conversation focuses on where M&A momentum is building, where risks remain and opportunities exist, and how corporate and private equity dealmakers are adapting to geopolitical turmoil.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why cautious optimism is returning to M&A — and how dealmakers are positioning for the next cycle
- How regulatory shifts are unlocking new capital flows into private equity
- What tightening financing conditions mean for deal structures in 2026
- Why Europe and Asia are gaining ground as attractive M&A regions
- How AI is moving from experimentation to execution in dealmaking
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