Smart contracts and efficient contracting
The idea of shifting transactions into the digital space dates back to the beginnings of computer science. The development of blockchain technology has uncovered new possibilities for regulating...
View ArticleEuropean Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 obtains Royal Assent
The flagship legislation that will repeal the European Communities Act 1972 and provide the framework for converting EU law into UK law has now become law. This means that the Government can start to...
View ArticleGlobal employment briefing: European Union, June 2018
Changes agreed affecting the treatment of mobile EU workers After 27 months of fraught negotiations, the EU Parliament has approved a revision of the 1996 Posted Workers Directive (PWD). This revision...
View ArticleFCA "Dear CEO" letter to banks on cryptocurrencies and financial crime
The Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) recently published a "Dear CEO" letter addressing the financial crime risks posed by cryptocurrencies. The FCA advises that, due to the anonymity of...
View ArticleEversheds Sutherland Financial Services Brexit Round Up week ending 29 June
It has been a busy week for Brexit. The European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (“EUWA 2018”) finally received Royal Assent. HM Treasury (“HMT”), the Bank of England (“BoE”) and the Financial Conduct...
View ArticleChanges to the IPO process
Introduction New rules in the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) Conduct of Business Sourcebook (COBS) took effect on 1 July 2018, which will result in changes to the timing and events in the UK...
View ArticleMachines can now solve the Rubik's Cube
CNET recently reported that yet another milestone has been reached in the quest for ‘general’ artificial intelligence, as a machine engineered by a team of computer scientists from the University of...
View ArticleWorkplace fatalities is our H&S record worsening?
On the 4th July 2018 the HSE published its annual workplace fatality figures which show that there has been a 6.6% increase in the number of workers being fatally injured at work. In actual numbers,...
View ArticleFinal Rules on Senior Managers and Certification Regime Published
The PRA and the FCA have now published their final rules (PRA PS15/18, FCA PS18/15) on extending the senior managers and certification regime (SMCR) to insurers. The PRA has also published an updated...
View ArticleThe French Minister of Economy calls for its own merger control review
On 14 June 2018, the French Minister of Economy announced its intention to review the decision by which the French Competition Authority (the “FCA”) cleared the acquisition of certain securities and...
View ArticleFCA near final rules for SM&CR, including a new register for financial...
The FCA has published near final rules to extend the SM&CR to FCA solo regulated firms and insurers, given guidance to insurers and solo regulated firms about the Duty of Responsibility and...
View ArticleNew French law on the protection of trade secrets: opportunities and risks...
Trade secrets have not been subject to any specific regime so far. Until now, the protection of trade secrets has been governed by ordinary law rules on civil liability or been addressed by certain...
View ArticleRates Mitigation: We act for Principled Offsite Logistics in landmark case
R (Principled Offsite Logistics Limited) – v - Trafford Council [2018] EWHC 1687 (Admin) In a decision which will be welcomed by corporate occupiers nationwide, the High Court has ruled that the...
View ArticleChina further relaxes restrictions on foreign investments
On 28 June, 2018, the PRC National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the Ministry of Commerce announced significant changes to the regulatory framework governing foreign investment in...
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