Luke Steadman

SFO in the dock - again. In this article I take a look at the CPS Inspectorate's report on the SFO, prompted by a number of disclosure-related, high profile SFO blunders. (To the uninitiated these comprise failings on the SFO's part to share material evidence it holds with the Defence). The Report makes 6 key recommendations, but I'm afraid it echoes the usual refrain of a procedural system unfit for purpose suffering chronic under-funding. Interesting that Sue Horley, executive director of campaign group Spotlight on Corruption observed that disclosure is “not just the SFO’s problem, however, but rather an Achilles heel of the justice system as a whole, particularly prosecutions of complex economic crime.” Fair comment I would say. As has been argued in relation to the delays and dilution that have affected the audit reform programme, the effectiveness, credibility and integrity of the UK’s regulation and law enforcement are critical to UK Plc’s future prosperity.  The government (of whichever hue) really needs to get a grip on this going forward.

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I found the Q&As covering the upcoming UK merger control reforms along with the one-page handout setting out key facts and figures particularly helpful #DMCCBill #DMCCAct #digitalmarkets #ukmergercontrol #competitionlaw #AddleshawGoddard

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The securitisation industry is subject to a wide range of laws and regulations which need to be considered when structuring a securitisation transaction. Our guide highlights the main legal, tax and regulatory requirements relevant for securitisation in the UK. Click below for more information. #Securitisation #CapitalMarkets #Regulation #StructuredFinance #ESG #Blockchain

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See the first of our briefings on one of the many facets of the DMCC Act - just to be contrarian, part 1 is merger control. Amongst the noise, some immediate practical implications for UK deal doers here. With thanks to Karoline Phillips Sarah Randall and Victoire Binchet #DMCCBill #DMCCAct #digitalmarkets #ukmergercontrol #competitionlaw #AddleshawGoddard

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Keep up to date with this week's Lexis+ UK Corporate Crime weekly highlights which includes insights into HMCPSI's report on the SFO's disclosure obligations by Nick Murphy, the expected government guidance on failure to prevent fraud, the roll out of director disqualification sanctions as well as the latest bribery, health and safety, environmental and trading law prosecutions. All this, and more, available here: https://lnkd.in/eHnGSWNq (subject to subscription). Freya Colvin Keely M Wright #LexisNexisUK #corporatecrime #practicalguidance

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On 23 April 2024, the FCA published the much-anticipated anti-greenwashing guidance which will apply to all FCA regulated firms from 31 May 2024. The FCA is also consulting on extending the SDR and labelling regime to portfolio managers in proposed rules which largely mirror those introduced for asset managers in November 2023. Read our detailed analysis below from Rita Hunter and Julia Cripps who would be very happy to discuss. #SDR #ESG #greenwashing #financialregulation

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A most edifying experience being involved in one of the rare, ultimately successful, appeals on a question of law under s. 69 of the Arbitration Act 1996. The Supreme Court's judgment today demonstrates the extent to which cross-border commercial transactions, in this case commodities sold under GAFTA terms, can give rise to competing legal characterisations and bases for valuing damages, even under standard terms. Great work by our Zaiwalla & Co team including Varun Zaiwalla, Saurabh Bhagotra and Daniel Powell, ably supported by stellar advocacy from Chirag Karia KC and Ben Gardner. #arbitration #GAFTA #trade #commodities

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Have a read of this article about privacy in tax disputes written by my brilliant colleague Krishna Mahajan

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Some useful insights into the current state of the legal market here.....

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The FCA has released a suite of Dear CEO letters, providing sector-specific expectations for firms navigating CD closed products changes. These insights offer crucial guidance on key risks and compliance priorities. #FCA #Compliance #FinancialServices #RegulatoryM&A #RiskManagement

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A great reminder from Amy Kelly and Rachel Mann about the value of self-auditing to confirm compliance with ERISA, including with the terms of an ERISA plan. We Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP can help with any self-audit.

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#SPBRestructuring offers an informative breakdown of what to expect out of the updated IP guidance from the FCA!

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Our new UK Public M&A Market Update for 2024 provides a snapshot of the current trends, shifts and predictions. Read more and request a copy. https://ow.ly/I5YQ50REixM #PublicMnA #MarketInsights

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The HCR R&I Conference returns on Wednesday 9 October 2024. More details to follow. We look forward to catching up with our contacts and discussing the restructuring and insolvency issues of the day. For the time being, save the date. #restructuring #insolvency #finance

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Listen to the latest episode in our #DataAsAnAsset podcast series for an overview of the #competition and #disputes issues relating to #data. Philip James, Daniel von Brevern, Matthew Howse, James Hyde and Aisling O'Hare discuss EU and UK data and competition regulations that businesses need to be aware of, including the EU Digital Markets Act, contractual disputes, and trends in #DataPrivacy litigation.   Listen now: https://lnkd.in/emmQRDxK

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Listen to the latest episode in our #DataAsAnAsset podcast series for an overview of the #competition and #disputes issues relating to #data. Philip James, Daniel von Brevern, Matthew Howse, James Hyde and Aisling O'Hare discuss EU and UK data and competition regulations that businesses need to be aware of, including the EU Digital Markets Act, contractual disputes, and trends in #DataPrivacy litigation.   Listen now: https://lnkd.in/emmQRDxK

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Our monthly bulletin contains the latest personal injury case law, legislation and news.

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Read our latest commercial litigation round up here...

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