Milbank LLP Global Corporate/M&A partner Iliana Ongun has been named a “Distinguished Adviser” in Financier Worldwide's 2026 Power Players: Shareholder Activism list, recognizing her deep experience in mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, shareholder activism and complex corporate transactions.
In her profile, Iliana discusses the record-setting pace of shareholder activism in 2025, with 255 campaigns launched globally, and predicts another year of increased activism with a particular focus on M&A-related campaigns. She notes that broader macroeconomic and political uncertainty will continue to shape the strategies of both corporations and activists, with volatile conditions likely encouraging private settlements over contested proxy fights.
Reflecting on what drives her practice, Iliana shared: “The practice of law is fundamentally a client service business, and that is especially true for board-level engagements like shareholder activism or ‘bet the company’ M&A.”
Financier Worldwide is a leading international business publication that provides in-depth analysis and insight into key corporate and financial issues worldwide. The publication’s Power Players series spotlights leading professionals through in-depth profiles, featuring their perspectives on market trends, career insights and representative engagements.
To read Iliana's full profile, please click here.
