In 2025, a surprising trend emerged in the realm of commercial contracting: contracts laden with detailed governance and clarity closed faster than their simpler counterparts. This finding challenges the conventional wisdom that simplicity equates to speed in deal-making.

The primary drag on deal closures this year wasn't legal complexity, but uncertainty. With the rise of AI, data use, and regulatory ambiguity, assessing and pricing risks became more challenging. Negotiations slowed not because contracts were inherently complex, but because trust was hard to establish until the final stages.

A clear pattern was noticed across negotiations: contracts that explicitly detailed governance policies, AI usage, and risk management frameworks tended to close quicker. These contracts, often lengthier and more intricate, reduced the need for prolonged debates by making risks and responsibilities clear from the outset.

One approach that proved less effective was the use of blanket prohibitions—broad, restrictive clauses that initially seemed to simplify risk management. However, these prohibitions often failed under closer scrutiny, leading to renegotiations and delays. They addressed potential issues too broadly without room for practical application, making them brittle in the face of real-world scenarios.

Conversely, contracts that incorporated conditional obligations facilitated faster closures. These agreements provided specific scenarios under which certain actions would be permissible, thus reducing ambiguities. By defining clear triggers and thresholds, these contracts allowed parties to focus on when specific obligations applied, rather than debating their existence.

The key to faster deal closures was the construction of what could be termed "trust architecture" within the contract. This involved embedding concrete governance processes and accountability measures right from the start, making trust not just a statement of intent but a clearly observable framework. This approach shifted the focus from mere assurances to demonstrable compliance and alignment.

For lawyers and contract drafters, the lesson from 2025 was clear: the placement and clarity of governance language is crucial. By introducing detailed governance early in the contract, parties can align on expectations and reduce the friction caused by risk perception mismatches.

This shift towards detailed, trust-focused contracting practices not only expedited deal closures but also offered a blueprint for managing complex negotiations in an increasingly data-driven and regulated world. The takeaway is that in the realm of contracts, clarity does not just aid understanding—it accelerates operations.