Search results

Perspective - Blog

Code of Conduct for Leasing of Retail Premises to take effect from 1 February 2024

Published on 11 Dec 2023. By Bonnie Wong, Of Counsel

Following from the passing of the Lease Agreements for Retail Premises Bill which mandates compliance with the Code of Conduct for Leasing of Retail Premises in Singapore ("Code") for qualifying leases of retail premises earlier this year, the Lease Agreements for Retail Premises Act ("Act') is expected to take effect from 1 February 2024.

Press and Media

Wilko becomes 'yet another casualty' of tough economic conditions facing UK retailers

Published on 10 Aug 2023. By Finella Fogarty, Partner, Head of Restructuring & Insolvency

'Perfect storm' of rising interest rates, increased energy bills, supply chain issues and squeezed customer spending is hitting retailers hard

Perspective - Publication

Lawyers Covered - February 2022

Published on 28 Feb 2022.

Welcome to the latest edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we look back over the last month at key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

Perspective - Publication

Lawyers Covered - December 2021

Published on 23 Dec 2021.

Welcome to the latest edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we look back over the last month at key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

Perspective - Blog

Uncertainty around the mandatory reimbursement cap for APP frauds – a new headache for FI firms and their insurers?

Published on 09 Sep 2024. By James Wickes, Partner and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

New regulations coming on 7 October 2024 will force payment firms to reimburse victims of authorised push payment (APP) fraud up to a set limit. On 4 September 2024, the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) announced a consultation proposing to set this limit at £85,000, vastly reduced from the previously proposed £415,000 cap. This is a potential headache for insurers as the level of the cap will impact assessment of risk and apportionment of liability between sending and receiving payment firms – and the industry will only have 7 days to prepare.

Perspective - Blog

Further welcome news from the FCA – this time on co-manufacturing

Published on 08 Aug 2024. By Jonathan Charwat, Partner and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

Following on from our earlier blog, our review of the FCA's 'Discussion Paper' (DP24/1) continues, this time considering the rules relating to co-manufacturers of insurance products.

Perspective - Blog

Potential deregulation and a pragmatic approach to commercial insurance – welcome news from the FCA

Published on 01 Aug 2024. By Jonathan Charwat, Partner and James Houlihan, Associate

The FCA has published a 'Discussion Paper' (DP24/1) seeking feedback on its rules on commercial insurance including in respect of the types of commercial customers in-scope, co-manufacturing of products and bespoke insurance products.

Perspective - Publication

New Labour government – what is in store for the UK?

Published on 09 Jul 2024. By Rachael Healey, Partner

We have a new Labour Party government for the first time in 14 years. The new government has already made various announcements, with more set to follow in the coming days, and then we have the King’s Speech on 17 July, when the Labour Party will set out its opening legislative agenda – but what can we expect from the new government impacting services regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, pensions and accountants?

Perspective - Publication

Going Green – staying on the right side of competition law

Published on 15 May 2023. By Melanie Musgrave, Of Counsel

Environmental issues are high on the agenda for many consumers and businesses alike. They are also increasingly an area of focus for competition authorities around the world, including the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), who are keen to ensure that competition law concerns do not unnecessarily prevent businesses from collaborating legitimately on environmental sustainability initiatives.

Perspective - Publication

Hong Kong data protection: cross-border transfers of personal data

Published on 20 Jun 2022. By Jonathan Crompton, Partner and Andrea Randall, Partner

We take a closer look at businesses' obligations under Hong Kong law to protect personal data in a cross-border transfer and the new recommended model contractual clauses.

Perspective - Blog

FOS complaints and hindsight – categorical statement from the Chief Ombudsman

Published on 11 May 2020. By Rachael Healey, Partner

The FCA has been producing a range of temporary measures with the aim of ensuring that firms can work at pace during the pandemic for the benefit of customers. However, where procedures are bypassed or corners cut what will FOS do in response? The response from FOS to that questions raises another – the use of hindsight when coming to its decisions.

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

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

The El Niño year and impact on subsidence claims

Published on 13 Jul 2023. By Andrew Roper, Partner and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

Insurers should be bracing for a wave of subsidence claims arising from the increasingly warm weather. The UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has declared that an El Niño climate event is in progress, which helps explain why June 2023 was the hottest on record in the UK.

Profile

Jessica Yates

Perspective - Publication

Sports Ticker 109: Wimbledon esports, Euro 2024 sustainability and renaming Old Trafford – a speed read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 17 Jul 2024. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate and Ellie Chakarto, Senior Associate

In a fortnight which saw Southgate step down as England manager after the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, Alcaraz and Krejcikova win the Wimbledon's singles tournaments, and Tadej Pogačar lead the Tour de France, we bring you updates on a new Wimbledon esports tournament, Old Trafford naming rights and UEFA's sustainability goals.

Sector

Sports & Esports

You’re passionate about sports - so are we. Let’s channel that shared passion to secure the best legal outcomes for you. Whether you’re out on the field or in the boardroom, we want to help you thrive.

Perspective - Blog

Property Digital Rights – A New Revenue Stream in a Digital World

Published on 13 Jul 2023. By Elizabeth Alibhai, Partner

Advances in technology are opening up exciting new frontiers for property owners and managers. Almost two billion people globally use augmented reality (AR) on their mobile phones and nearly 400 million engage in a virtual metaverse reality.

Press and Media

As EU's new sustainability directive is agreed, UK companies warned 'not to rest on their laurels'

Published on 15 Dec 2023. By Sophie Tuson, Senior Associate

Following the news that agreement has been reached on the EU's new Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, Environment and Climate Change Practice Lead Sophie Tuson, a Senior Associate who specialises in climate and environmental sustainability at international law firm RPC

Perspective - Blog

Key considerations crime and D&O insurers cannot a-fraud to ignore

Published on 15 Nov 2023. By James Wickes, Partner and Jessica Pease, Associate

The UK government is committed to reforming corporate criminal liability and making it "quicker and easier" to prosecute companies involved in fraudulent conduct. These reforms will no doubt be welcomed by many where the nature and scale of fraud in the UK has evolved significantly and now constitutes more than 40% of all offences in England and Wales. However, it will inevitably have an impact on insurers, especially the D&O insurance market.

Perspective - Blog

Overview of the key risks affecting the Professional and Financial Risks market

Published on 11 Oct 2023. By Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks and Scott Ashby, Partner and Graham Reid, Partner and Richard Breavington, Partner and Ben Goodier, Partner and Tom Green, Partner and Laura Stocks, Partner and Kirstie Pike, Partner and Robert Morris, Partner and Tom Wild, Senior Associate

Last month RPC's Professional and Financial Risks team hosted a panel discussion to address the evolving challenges and responsibilities faced by professional clients in the current economic landscape. Access our document to explore the key insights from the session.

Perspective - Blog

What the fix?! Get up to speed in 10 minutes with our new video

Published on 29 Sep 2023. By Shauna Giddens, Associate and Scott Robins, Senior Associate and Chris Gower, Senior Associate and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

The first video in our new Getting Up To Speed series is now available below.

Perspective - Podcast

The Month That Was – June 2023 – Equity Release – the next emerging risk?

Published on 27 Jun 2023.

Welcome to Money Covered, a monthly podcast from RPC aimed at those dealing with complaints, claims and risk management in the financial services sector.

Perspective - Blog

The Building Safety Act 2022: a guide for conveyancers

Published on 26 Jun 2023. By Rhian Howell, Partner & Head of Office, Bristol and Daniel Charity, Associate

We explain below how the BSA is intended to protect leaseholders, what steps solicitors can take to ensure purchasers and lenders are protected and what to do if that protection cannot be obtained.

Perspective - Blog

Duties to third party investors in tax avoidance schemes following McClean

Published on 20 Jun 2023. By Nick Bird, Partner

We analyse the Court of Appeal's recent decision in David McLean and others v Andrew Thornhill KC in which the court considered the circumstances in which duties are owed to non-clients in the context of legal advice made available to investors in tax schemes.

Perspective - Blog

What the fix?!

Published on 15 May 2023. By Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

Fixed recoverable costs in professional negligence claims: new rules applicable from 1 October 2023

Perspective - Blog

Wasted costs – some comfort for legal professionals

Published on 09 May 2023. By Nick Bird, Partner

In its recent judgment in Anthony King and others v Barry Stiefel and others the Commercial Court has considered the circumstances in which wasted costs orders can be made against the legal representatives of a defeated party to a claim. The court dismissed the applications saying that wasted costs applications should only be made in respect of straightforward applications which can be dealt with summarily.

Perspective - Podcast

The Month That Was – May 2023 – Developments for Directors and Officers liability

Published on 04 May 2023.

Welcome to Money Covered, a monthly podcast from RPC aimed at those dealing with complaints, claims and risk management in the financial services sector.

Perspective - Blog

Costs recovered in the Small Claims Track from an unreasonable Litigant in Person

Published on 24 Jan 2023. By Rhian Howell, Partner & Head of Office, Bristol and Daniel Charity, Associate

Most (if not all) litigators will be familiar with the challenge of being on the other side of a claim brought by a litigant in person ("LiP"). The courts expect practitioners to be sensitive to their opponent's lack of legal expertise and familiarity with court rules, but judges have also been clear that they expect all parties – including LiPs – to follow the rules regardless of their legal representation.

Perspective - Blog

SRA issues Warning Notice on solicitors' involvement in SLAPPs

Published on 20 Dec 2022. By Graham Reid, Partner

SLAPPs (aka 'Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation') is a term coined in the USA. They are becoming the object of increasing concern over here too.

Perspective - Blog

Invest in due diligence for dubious schemes (Part 2)

Published on 24 Nov 2022. By Simy Khanna, Partner

With suspicious activity on the rise, the SRA remind firms of their anti-money laundering obligations.

Perspective - Blog

A tale of loss, limitation and a flawed transaction: why a loss may not feel like a loss

Published on 28 May 2021. By Peter Mansfield, Partner

A recent Court of Appeal decision, Elliott v Hattens [2021] Civ 720, has once again raised the vexed issue of when the limitation period starts to run in a flawed transaction case. Does it start running immediately or at some later date? .

Perspective - Blog

800 DB Transfer complaints to the FOS: A 44% increase in one year

Published on 01 Mar 2021.

The FOS have seen the number of complaints relating to defined benefit transfer advice increase by 44% since 2019. However, the proportion of decisions being upheld appears to have fallen.

Perspective - Blog

SMCR: an effective deterrent?

Published on 05 Nov 2020. By Shauna Giddens, Associate

The Senior Managers & Certification Scheme (SMCR) was introduced in early 2016 to establish "effective governance in firms by encouraging greater individual accountability". However, following a response to a recent Freedom of Information (FOI) request, questions have been raised as to its effectiveness as a deterrent.

Perspective - Blog

Part 36: avoid a storm, use the form!

Published on 23 Sep 2020. By Harriet Keltie, Senior Associate and Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks

Pepperall J's impressively clear judgment in Essex County Council v UBB Waste (2020) makes it abundantly clear that, when it comes to Part 36 Offers, the rules are strict. If litigants wish to reap the significant rewards of this regime, the price they must pay is to ensure they (or their solicitors) follow the rules on how offers should be made.

Perspective - Blog

Invest in due diligence for dubious schemes

Published on 26 Aug 2020. By Claire Revell, Partner

The SRA provides updated guidance for firms to avoid becoming involved in dubious investment schemes.

Perspective - Blog

Where there's a will there's a remote possibility of a way

Published on 03 Aug 2020. By Simon Love, Senior Associate and Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks

In the face of the global COVID-19 pandemic the government has acted to change the law to allow wills to be witnessed remotely.

Perspective - Blog

Is more co-operation the new normal?

Published on 07 Jul 2020. By Jonathan Wyles, Of Counsel

What keeps you as a lawyer awake at night during the coronavirus pandemic? The list is likely to be very long and the fear of making a mistake will be close to the top. Help may come from some unexpected quarters such as the Courts.

Perspective - Blog

Relief from sanction: claimant being forced to pursue his solicitors for negligence is not desirable

Published on 23 Jun 2020. By Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer and Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks

A recent High Court decision demonstrates a common-sense, realistic approach to relief from sanctions. Solicitors might have become used to judges, when striking claims out, reassuring the claimant that they can always sue their solicitors for negligence. In a welcome judgment, Mr Justice Fancourt reversed a decision to refuse relief from sanction.

Perspective - Blog

Judicial guidance on listing of hearings remotely

Published on 22 Apr 2020. By Rhian Howell, Partner & Head of Office, Bristol and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

Senior judges have issued guidance to the judiciary on listing hearings in light of the current coronavirus situation. This gives litigants some clues as to how the court will approach upcoming hearings.

Perspective - Blog

Adams v Carey – where does the Court of Appeal's decision leave the SIPP market?

Published on 01 Apr 2021. By Rachael Healey, Partner and Ash Daniells, Senior Associate

The Court of Appeal has today dismissed Mr Adams' appeal against Carey in respect of COBS 2.1.1R. However, the appeal in relation to s.27 FSMA has been upheld. We discuss the background to the proceedings, the Court of Appeal decision and where it takes the SIPP (and wider financial services) market.

Perspective - Publication