12/01/2020
FCA response to IBA’s proposed consultation on intention to cease US$ LIBOR
This will incentivise swift transition, while allowing time to address a significant proportion of the legacy contracts that reference US$ LIBOR.
Legal, Regulation & Compliance
12/01/2020
European central bankers predict that the digital euro is at least five years away
Nobody seems to be in a rush to digitize the euro, but that could change given increasing global competition.
12/01/2020
SBM Offshore Faces Swiss Probe Over Legacy Bribery Allegations
The latest SBM Offshore probe is related to allegations that it has resolved in the U.S., Brazil and the Netherlands, according to the company.
12/01/2020
Arcadia collapse sees 10,000 pensions head to PPF
Both the industry and MPs have called on Sir Philip to plug the shortfall.
12/01/2020
FCA clarifies notification requirements under UK EMIR
EU market participants will be able to use benchmarks administered in a country outside the EU until the end of 2023.
12/01/2020
FCA criminal prosecution for destruction of documents - lessons for firms
The Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) has been unsuccessful in its attempted prosecution of a former banker
12/01/2020
Brexit | Action points for pension scheme trustees
As the UK approaches the end of the transition period, what steps should pension scheme trustees be taking?
12/01/2020
COVID-19 impacts Irish law firms, with 60% concerned maintaining profitability is a key challenge for the sector
Nearly two in three Irish law firms has recorded a decline in revenue over the last year, with six out of ten citing maintaining profitability as a key challenge facing the sector over the next two to three years.
12/01/2020
Distribution of Foreign Investment Funds in the UK Post Brexit TPR and OFR
Before transitioning to the OFR, any eligible foreign investment fund which is to be marketed in the UK, is required to be opted into the Temporary Permissions Regime ("TPR") by no later than 30 December 2020.
12/01/2020
Are you ready for the new rules on ESG investment coming into force in March 2021?
The right digital solution isn’t just a tick in the box or a way to avoid further administrative burden – it can enable an increase in client engagement and loyalty and deliver long-term growth.
12/01/2020
New requirements for transferring personal data from Europe
As a result of the New SCCs and other recent developments discussed below, businesses will need to undertake a remediation project to assess their data transfer arrangements.
12/01/2020
British banks to close EU residents’ investment accounts
Several British banks have confirmed that the accounts of investment or wealth management customers in France will close before 2021
12/01/2020
Big Four await shake-up as probes into alleged corruption continue
This could mean that, amid the backdrop of a recovering COVID economy and Britain outside of the European Union, the Big Four could face a major shake-up in this new business environment.
12/01/2020
Second passport demand surges by 50% amid Covid-19 restrictions
While this still remains the case, there’s also been a shift due to the pandemic.
12/01/2020
Stephenson Harwood advises Schroders on British Opportunities Trust launch
The Stephenson Harwood team was led by partner Alex Haynes, who was supported by senior associate Carolyn Hall and associate Daniel Whalen.
11/30/2020
PIMFA calls for urgent reform of supervision & FSCS levy to protect consumers & industry as it sets out a roadmap towards lower FSCS bills
PIMFA has consistently argued that policy should be designed to minimise the need for the compensation scheme and protect consumers before the harm occurs - rather than allowing harm to occur and relying on the FSCS as a safety net.
11/30/2020
Swiss court orders full access to records for Vatican financial investigation
Vatican prosecutors have been working with Swiss authorities since filing letters rogatory in December last year.
11/30/2020
Reminder of Upcoming Deadlines Under CbCR Regulations
A Jersey resident UPE (or appointed surrogate parent entity (“SPE”)) of a qualifying multinational group must file the group’s CbC report within a year of the accounting period end date.
11/30/2020
Ireland Update: Virtual Risk Assessments and Employee Consultation on Remote Working Arrangements
Clarity on employer obligations to home working employees is particularly welcome due to the significant increase in employees working from home on a full or part time basis due to COVID-19 restrictions.
11/30/2020
Regulation and the Risks of Implementing Liquidity Limits for Asset Managers
Regulation is necessary and should provide a clear framework for asset managers and suitable protection for investors.