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Perspective - Blog

The summer of discontent?

Published on 31 Jul 2020. By Kelly Thomson, Partner, ESG strategy lead and Ben Roberts, Partner

What comes to mind when you hear the word "summer"? The unbridled joy of no more school for 6 whole weeks? Buckets, spades and wind-swept beaches? Perhaps the call of a sun-soaked tropical island? For most, summer means taking some time out to recharge and switch off.

Perspective - Blog

How should Financial Institutions manage the rise of non-financial misconduct?

Published on 19 Feb 2024. By James Wickes, Partner and Amber Slumbers, Associate

Over the last few months, Parliament's Treasury Committee has sought to examine the many barriers faced by women in financial services through the aptly named "Sexism in the City" inquiry.

Perspective - Blog

Quid game – fixed costs; pick your battles

Published on 30 Jan 2024. By Thom Lumley, Partner and Chris Gower, Senior Associate and Sally Lord, Knowledge Lawyer Manager

Ordinarily, the claims that make the headlines are those that have the highest value or the most significant impact on the public. With the costs landscape ever-changing in civil claims, without careful planning and strategy, even modest claims can end up biting defendants in the longer-term.

Perspective - Blog

Castle caper condoned? Court of Appeal rules on dishonest condonation and aggregation under solicitors policy in Discovery Land v AXIS

Published on 17 Jan 2024. By Graham Reid, Partner and Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

On 15 January 2024 the Court of Appeal handed down judgment in Discovery Land Company LLC and others v Axis Specialty Europe SE [2024] EWCA Civ 7. The case concerns the ability of a solicitors’ insurer to decline cover for a claim on grounds of dishonesty and, in particular, the meaning of “condonation” of dishonesty. It also concerns how the aggregation clause operates in a solicitors’ professional indemnity insurance policy.

Perspective - Publication

Law passed to regulate Significant Investments in Singapore Entities

Published on 12 Jan 2024. By Kenneth Leong, Partner and Jemima Holly Ang, Associate

The Significant Investments Review Bill (the "Bill") was recently passed by Parliament on 9 January 2024, and is expected to take effect in the first half of the year.

Perspective - Blog

The Terminator: A Tale of Two Insurance Claims

Published on 19 Dec 2023. By Peter Mansfield, Partner

It is 2029, and the Machines are losing their war with Humanity. What to do?

Perspective - Blog

Project Angel Bidco v AXIS - what are the key takeaways for warranty and indemnity insurers?

Published on 30 Nov 2023. By James Wickes, Partner and Matthew Wood, Senior Associate and Matt Ward, Trainee Solicitor

On 31 October 2023, the London Circuit Commercial Court gave judgment in Project Angel Bidco Limited (in administration) v Axis Managing Agency Limited & Ors (2023) EWHC 2649.

Perspective - Blog

Wordings do matter

Published on 06 Nov 2023. By Tamsin Hyland, Partner

Contract drafting has been brass tacks for lawyers since the dawn of time. In its broadest terms, it involves putting the scope of a bargain reached between parties into clear and effective language.

Perspective - Blog

Storm Babet, flooding and the insurance implications

Published on 24 Oct 2023. By Victoria Sherratt, Partner and Andrew Roper, Partner and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

Subtropical cyclone Storm Babet is currently responsible for over 350 flood warnings in the UK, with more flood warnings expected later this week.

Perspective - Blog

Getting to know Global Access Lawyers

Published on 09 Oct 2023. By Carmel Green, Partner and Simon Laird, Global Head of Insurance

Global Access Lawyers brings together some of the worlds leading insurance law practices. In the following pages get to know the different law firms that make up Global Access, who we are, where we operate and the kind of work we do. We hope you find this useful to understand the international reach of Global Access.

Perspective - Blog

Court of Appeal finds in favour of FSCS on scope of the Policyholder Protection Rules (PRR)

Published on 14 Sep 2023. By Tamsin Hyland, Partner

Tamsin Hyland explores the recent judgment of JR (On the application of Manchikalapati v FSCS [2023] EWCA Civ 1006) and its relevance to insurance policy wording.

Perspective - Blog

What does the FRC's proposed corporate governance overhaul mean for D&O exposures?

Published on 04 Jul 2023. By James Wickes, Partner and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has now published the draft new UK Corporate Governance Code following the Government's requirements that it incorporate more robust internal control and prudent and effective risk management requirements. The deadline for responses to the FRC's consultation is 13 September 2023.

Perspective - Blog

Consumer duty and claims handling – beware of sludge practices

Published on 10 May 2023. By Jonathan Charwat, Partner

The Consumer Duty is a new regulatory framework developed by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) aimed at creating a higher standard of consumer protection in the retail markets. The FCA expects the Consumer Duty to be a significant shift for the market in terms of its expectations on firms and in this blog we consider this shift in the context of insurance claims handling.

Perspective - Blog

Bossing the rules

Published on 03 Dec 2019. By Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

Watch out for RPC's new blog mini-series on the SRA Standards and Regulations 2019.

Perspective - Blog

FCA issues Final Report in the Wholesale Insurance Broker Market Study

Published on 20 Feb 2019. By Matthew Griffith, Partner and Jonathan Charwat, Partner

Today, the FCA released its Final Report in its Wholesale Insurance Broker Market Study. The study, which was launched in 2017, considered competition, transparency and conflicts concerns arising from changes in the market, including an increased use of broker facilities.

Perspective - Blog

Accountants, auditors and actuaries beware: the FRC continues to show its teeth, as its future stands in the balance

Published on 18 Jul 2018. By Rachel Ford, Partner

In widely publicised news, the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) continues to levy record high fines and has cast criticism on a number of firms. What appears to be an unforgiving stance taken by the regulator seems to come in the wake of the review into whether or not it should be disbanded, or folded into another regulatory organisation.

Perspective - Blog

The future of SIPPs – FCA responds to the Work and Pensions Committee

Published on 05 Jul 2018. By Rachael Healey, Partner

A couple of weeks ago we reported on 5 pointed questions raised by the Work and Pensions Committee of the FCA in relation to the SIPP market. Those questions included whether or not the FCA was considering banning non-standard investments in SIPPs. The FCA has now responded. The response includes the FCA's views on the due diligence it expects of SIPP providers when it comes to non-standard investments.

Perspective - Blog

PRA consultation to promote diversity on boards of large insurers

Published on 06 Jul 2017.

The PRA consults on further amendments to the Senior Insurance Managers Regime (SIMR) including promoting diversity on boards.

Profile

Sarah Chiang

Associate

Perspective - Blog

No bouncing back for directors

Published on 20 May 2024. By James Wickes, Partner and Adam Craggs, Partner and Catherine Zakarias-Welch, Knowledge Lawyer

Banned! Fraudsters! – Terms used by the Insolvency Service for directors who abused the government backed loan scheme which was put in place to help businesses struggling during the pandemic.

Perspective - Blog

AI in auditing: Embracing a new age for the profession

Published on 08 Jul 2024. By Ash Daniells, Senior Associate

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rather new concept for many (ignoring those versed in 80’s Sci-Fi movies); it’s something many don’t know much about and certainly don’t use in our day-to-day lives (or at least appreciate we are using). However, that’s not the case for everyone. Auditors have long been reaping the benefits of AI, but are auditors just scratching the surface of what AI can offer and what impact will an increased use have on their insurance requirements and claims they face?

Perspective - Blog

Virtual billboards: the future of immersive advertising?

Published on 15 Jan 2024. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner and Elizabeth Alibhai, Partner and Nick Lauw, Partner

With the deployment of immersive technologies poised to become the norm, the implementation of infrastructure for "virtual billboards", and the "property digital rights" which they demand, is demonstrating a lucrative gap in the market and huge growth potential.

Perspective - Blog

Thaler v Comptroller [2023] UKSC 49: the UKSC rules that AI cannot be an 'inventor'

Published on 10 Jan 2024. By Matthew Jones, Partner

To the surprise of no one, the UK Supreme Court (UKSC) has finally ruled that an artificial intelligence (AI) cannot be an inventor for the purposes of UK patent law. This judgment accords with the decisions of the lower courts in the UK and the initial ruling of the UKIPO. It also reflects similar findings from most of courts around the world where the claimant, Dr Thaler, brought similar actions.

Press and Media

Thaler v Comptroller [2023] UKSC 49: the UKSC rules that AI cannot be an 'inventor'

Published on 10 Jan 2024. By Matthew Jones, Partner

To the surprise of no one, the UK Supreme Court (UKSC) has finally ruled that an artificial intelligence (AI) cannot be an inventor for the purposes of UK patent law. This judgment accords with the decisions of the lower courts in the UK and the initial ruling of the UKIPO. It also reflects similar findings from most of courts around the world where the claimant, Dr Thaler, brought similar actions.

Perspective - Blog

Coming to a bank near you? How "investment AI" could transform financial mis-selling claims

Published on 09 Nov 2023. By Daniel Hemming, Partner and Olivia Dhein, Knowledge Lawyer

Living under a rock is probably the only way anyone might have escaped the media attention given to ChatGPT and generative AI in recent months. Beyond the (considerable) hype, this technology could have a profound impact on financial mis-selling claims where financial institutions and fund managers turn to the new technology to help them select investments and products.

Perspective - Blog

EU AI ACT-ion stations

Published on 29 Sep 2023. By Helen Armstrong, Partner and Charles Buckworth, Partner

The EU is forging ahead with its vision for AI. With wrapping up talks on the EU AI Act between the EU governments, the Commission and the parliamentary negotiators imminent, we bring you up to date on the EU's risk based approach, the scope of the Act, a timeline, key points that will form the basis of the discussions and next steps.

Perspective - Blog

What To Know About AI Fraudsters Before Facing Disputes

Published on 29 Aug 2023. By Dan Wyatt, Partner and Christopher Whitehouse, Senior Associate

Fraudsters are quick to weaponise new technological developments and artificial intelligence is proving no exception, with AI-assisted scams increasingly being reported in the news, including most recently one using a likeness of a BBC broadcaster.

Perspective - Podcast

AI and ChatGPT in Law firms

Published on 04 Aug 2023.

First published by 39 Essex Chambers, in this episode Patrick Brodie, Head of Employment, Engagement and Equality at law firm, RPC, discusses with Katherine Apps KC the issues raised by the use of large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT in a law firm environment.

Perspective - Podcast

Unlocking Generative AI’s Potential: Ethics, Creativity, and Impact

Published on 29 Jun 2023.

What if you could unlock the full potential of Generative AI and its impact on your life and company?

Perspective - Blog

Generative AI and intellectual property rights—the UK government's position

Published on 03 May 2023. By Helen Armstrong, Partner and Jani Ihalainen, Associate and Joshy Thomas, Knowledge Lawyer

The IPO is to produce a code of practice by the summer that will provide guidance to support AI firms in accessing copyright protected works as an input to their models.

Perspective - Publication

Sports Ticker (27 April 2023) – PL gambling sponsor ban, WWE x UFC merger and Schumacher's AI interview – a speed-read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 28 Apr 2023. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate

In a fortnight which saw Corach Rambler win the Grand National, the UK & Ireland submit its bid to host the UEFA Euro 2028 men's tournament, and 48,000 runners take to the streets for the London Marathon, we bring you updates on Spotify's new integration with Strava and Team GB's collaboration with Birds Eye. We also feature stories on a controversial AI-generated interview with Michael Schumacher and our own Kate O'Malley's sub-three hour marathon success.

Perspective - Blog

Understanding and managing the risks in artificial intelligence (AI) technology projects

Published on 12 Apr 2023. By Helen Armstrong, Partner and Ricky Cella, Senior Associate and Joshy Thomas, Knowledge Lawyer

How do you go about managing the risks and challenges that might arise during the deployment of AI technology?

Press and Media

RPC reacts to UK Government White Paper on AI

Published on 30 Mar 2023. By Jon Bartley, Partner and Ciara Cullen, Partner and Richard Breavington, Partner and Kelly Thomson, Partner, ESG strategy lead and Helen Armstrong, Partner and Patrick Brodie, Partner and Mamata Dutta, Partner

RPC reacts to UK Government White Paper on AI

Perspective - Blog

AI technology projects – the regulatory landscape

Published on 24 Feb 2023. By Helen Armstrong, Partner and Ricky Cella, Senior Associate and Joshy Thomas, Knowledge Lawyer

Parties engaged in AI technology projects should be mindful of the regulatory landscape, and the changes taking place within it. A failure to do so could result in an AI solution that is not compliant from a regulatory perspective, the use of which potentially creates risk for the technology provider and user.

Perspective - Snapshot

ICO publishes guidance on AI decision making

Published on 02 Nov 2020. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner

How can companies comply with data regulation when using AI to make decisions affecting individuals?

Perspective - Podcast

The Work Couch: Bonus Live episode: Exploring the cost of untapped talent, with Tskenya-Sarah Frazer, Trevor Sterling and Mark Ash

Published on 31 Jul 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast where we discuss all things employment.

Perspective - Podcast

Supporting and retaining Gen Z talent (Part 2): Work-life balance, communication and wellbeing, with Rose Sellman-Leava and Laura Verrecchia

Published on 24 Jul 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

Perspective - Blog

Employer lessons from teacher's menopause bias win

Published on 17 Jul 2024. By Kelly Thomson, Partner, ESG strategy lead and Ellie Gelder, Senior Editor Employment & Equality

On May 31, a Scottish employment tribunal made its decision in Allison Shearer v. South Lanarkshire Council and awarded a teacher over £60,000 ($77,829) for disability discrimination and unfair dismissal, following her dismissal for ill health after a period of long¬term sickness absence.

Perspective - Podcast

The Work Couch: Supporting and retaining Gen Z talent (Part 1): Myths and opportunities, with Rose Sellman-Leava and Laura Verrecchia

Published on 10 Jul 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

Perspective - Podcast

The Work Couch: AI (Part 3): The role of emotional intelligence and AI's impact on wellbeing, with Jake Wall and Patrick Brodie

Published on 26 Jun 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

Perspective - Podcast

The Work Couch: AI (Part 2): Privacy, bias, and discrimination

Published on 13 Jun 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

Perspective - Podcast

AI (Part 1): Impact on litigation, responsible use and the regulatory landscape

Published on 29 May 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

Perspective - Podcast

The Work Couch: Mental health at work (Part 4): Mental health first aid, with Simon Blake OBE

Published on 22 May 2024.

We are marking Mental health awareness week this month by devoting a four-part mini-series to mental health at work. In our concluding episode this week, Ellie is joined by Simon Blake OBE, Chief Executive at Mental Health First Aid England to explain the role of mental health first aid in the workplace.

Perspective - Podcast

The Work Couch: Mental health at work (Part 3): Protecting your employees' digital wellbeing, with Alice Hendy MBE

Published on 15 May 2024.

We are marking Mental health awareness week this month by devoting a four-part mini-series to mental health at work. This week, in part 3, Ellie is joined by Alice Hendy MBE, CEO and founder of charity R;pple Suicide Prevention to explain how employers can protect their employees' digital wellbeing.

Perspective - Podcast

The Work Couch: Mental health at work (Part 2): Implementing effective mental wellbeing measures, with Neil Laybourn

Published on 08 May 2024.

To mark Mental health awareness week this month, we are devoting a four-part mini-series to mental health at work. In part 2, Ellie is joined by the other key person from the incredible "Stranger on the bridge" story, Neil Laybourn, who on that fateful day in January 2008, stopped to talk to Jonny Benjamin, who was about to take his own life on Waterloo Bridge.

Perspective - Podcast

The Work Couch: Mental health at work (Part 1): Turning despair into hope, with Jonny Benjamin MBE

Published on 01 May 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

Perspective - Blog

Government "crackdown" on "gagging clauses" is not new, but an important reminder

Published on 29 Apr 2024. By Macaela Joyes, Associate

The use of confidentiality clauses and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) by employers, whether as standalone agreements, or forming terms within employment contracts, settlement agreements, or COT3 agreements, has been subject to considerable scrutiny in the UK in recent years - despite existing professional obligations on UK regulated lawyers not to advance all-encompassing, unlimited NDAs.

Perspective - Podcast

The Work Couch: Whistleblowing (Part 3): 5 key challenges for employers in 2024

Published on 24 Apr 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

Perspective - Podcast

The Work Couch - Addiction at work: Disciplinary or wellbeing issue?

Published on 10 Apr 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

Perspective - Podcast

Whistleblowing (Part 2): How to approach whistleblowing complaints

Published on 27 Mar 2024.

In part 2 of our mini-series on whistleblowing, Ellie Gelder is joined by Sybille Raphael, legal director at whistleblowing charity Protect, to explain how employers can approach whistleblowing complaints proactively and effectively.