Search results

The Times recognises RPC among Best Law Firms 2024

Published on 30 Oct 2023.

International law firm, RPC, has been recognised by The Times in its Best Law Firms 2024 report, an annual ranking of the top 250 law firms in England and Wales.

A look at climate insurance (With Richard Matsui)

Published on 20 Apr 2022.

Welcome to Insurance Covered, the podcast that covers everything insurance. In this episode Peter is joined by Richard Matsui, Co-founder of kWh Analytics, and they will be discussing the insurance of renewable energy sources with a particular focus on solar power.

Insurers need their own Hippocratic Oath

Published on 22 Mar 2022. By Simon Laird, Global Head of Insurance and Peter Mansfield, Partner

Does insurance have a role to play in setting the ethical standard for corporate ESG and promoting a ‘do no harm’ philosophy?"

A look at sustainable insurance (a podcast with Julian Richardson)

Published on 20 Jan 2022.

Welcome to Insurance Covered, the podcast that covers everything insurance. In this episode Peter is joined by Julian Richardson, CEO of Parhelion Underwriting and our topic for this episode is sustainable insurance.

A look at Flood Re (a podcast with Andy Bord)

Published on 22 Dec 2021.

Welcome to Insurance Covered, the podcast that covers everything insurance. In this episode Peter is joined by Andy Bord, CEO of Flood Re, a specialist UK reinsurer of flood risks. In this episode we will be discussing all things Flood Re.

New developments in AI may put law firms at greater risk of phishing fraud

Published on 28 Apr 2023. By Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks and Tom Morris, Associate

As the computing power of Artificial Intelligence continues to grow exponentially, we consider how generative technology may expand the reach of traditional phishing frauds aimed at law firms.

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.

Las Vegas of the East – Navigating Challenges and Embracing Economic Diversification in Macau

Published on 29 May 2024. By Abbie Cheung, Trainee Solicitor

Digital nomads: the world is your oyster?

Published on 08 May 2024. By Samantha Cheng, Trainee Solicitor

Imagine seeing the world while you work, without having to take time off. That's quite the dream, isn't it?

Trainees take on 2024

Published on 06 Feb 2024. By Dominic Barnes, Trainee Solicitor and Tom Butterfield, Trainee Solicitor and Victoria Lawman, Trainee Solicitor and Abigail Pipkin, Trainee Solicitor and Michael Miles, Trainee Solicitor and Emily Snow, Trainee Solicitor and Emily Twomey, Trainee Solicitor and Mars Yeung, Trainee Solicitor

2023 was a year of change, with the Coronation of King Charles III, COVID-19 finally losing its pandemic status and continued economic and political instability across the globe.

Rumble in the concrete jungle – London as a disputes powerhouse

Published on 23 Jan 2024. By Lucas Johncey, Trainee Solicitor

"London is the most attractive centre for commercial litigation and international arbitration" according to the Law Society's International Data Insights Report 2023.

Advertising Video on Demand – To AVOD or avoid?

Published on 15 Sep 2023. By Niamh Greene, Trainee Solicitor

As most movie and TV streamers can attest to, Subscription Video on Demand services (or 'SVODs') continue to multiply. No need to put the kettle on while the adverts play; SVODs offer consumers an instant, ad-free escape to worlds unknown at just a click of a button.

Listing reforms in the UK: to market, to market?

Published on 19 Jul 2023. By Ali Chowdhry, Associate

The Financial Conduct Authority is proposing wide ranging reforms to the UK's Listings Rules to entice more high growth companies to list in London

Luxury today - go green or go home?

Published on 09 May 2023. By Chloe Shum, Trainee Solicitor

"Sustainability" is the new buzzword in marketing.

Next-gen AI: Disrupting your business?

Published on 11 Apr 2023.

It’s no secret the tech sector is going through a tough time at the moment with the large swathes of layoffs seen in 2022 continuing into 2023. So much so that bespoke trackers now actively monitor the 167,004 (and counting) tech jobs already lost this year.

Trainees take on 2023

Published on 02 Feb 2023. By Lauren Butler, Associate and Tom Butterfield, Trainee Solicitor and Ella Ennos-Dann, Associate and Rory Graham, Associate and Lewis Manning, Associate and Emily Snow, Trainee Solicitor

2022 was a year of extremes, with focus on our longest-reigning Monarch alongside our shortest-serving Prime Minister (and a lettuce).

TGI…Thursday?

Published on 04 Jan 2023. By Megan Grew, Associate

What would you say if I offered you 100% of your salary and you only had to work four days a week? For the employees of 70 companies across the UK, this was their reality for the second half of 2022.

The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive expert briefing

Published on 08 Jul 2024. By Sam Tate, Partner and Sophie Tuson, Senior Associate and Thomas Jenkins, Senior Associate and Robert Semp, Associate and Sarah Barrie, Associate and Eve Matthews, Associate

The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) was adopted on 24 May 2024 and was published in the Official Journal of the EU on 5 July. This means the law will enter into force 20 days later on 26 July, and will apply to companies from 2027.

Green claims update: June 2024

Published on 02 Jul 2024. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner and Ciara Cullen, Partner and Hettie Homewood , Senior Associate and Sophie Tuson, Senior Associate

Welcome to our round-up of the key legal and regulatory developments relating to green claims.

Environmental sustainability: a snapshot of a changing regulatory landscape

Published on 01 Jul 2024. By Sophie Tuson, Senior Associate

Sophie Tuson charts the key legal developments in the UK and EU across the product lifecycle and flags practical considerations for businesses.

Context is everything – key takeaways on green claims from the CMA's recent consumer law conference

Published on 18 Jul 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner and Hettie Homewood , Senior Associate and Praveeta Thayalan, Knowledge Lawyer

On 28 June 2023, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) held a highly anticipated conference on consumer law and enforcement. RPC's Senior Partner Oliver Bray was invited to speak on green claims alongside a stellar panel comprising Anna Jewitt (CMA), Justine Grimley (Advertising Standards Authority (ASA)), Tim Rowe (Financial Conduct Authority), and Rupert Earle (Bates Wells).

Climate-related financial disclosures: what companies and LLPs need to know about the UK's new mandatory rules

Published on 10 May 2022.

The UK's new climate-related financial disclosures: mandatory requirements to come clean

How to comply with the FCA's new diversity and inclusion targets for listed companies

Published on 05 May 2022. By Connor Cahalane, Partner, Head of Public Companies and Karen Hendy, Partner, Head of Corporate

The FCA has finalised its new rules on diversity and inclusion on listed company boards and executive committees. The rules, which are set out in the FCA's policy paper PS22/3: Diversity and inclusion on company boards and executive management, are substantially in line with the proposals set out in the FCA's consultation paper CP 21/24. In scope listed companies are required to include a statement in their annual financial report on whether they have met specific board diversity targets on a ‘comply or explain’ basis, as at a chosen reference date within their accounting period.

'Big Plastic' is an emerging climate risk and a ticking time-bomb for litigation

Published on 14 Apr 2022. By Lucy Dyson , Partner

The tangible commitment to plastics regulation and action will likely trigger a new wave of plastics-related litigation.

Shell directors facing potential UK ESG shareholder derivative lawsuit

Published on 18 Mar 2022. By James Wickes, Partner

In the wake of COP26, more focus than ever is being given to the climate risks which apply to every aspect of business. Scrutiny of a company's climate awareness and adherence to applicable regulation is at the forefront of minds of companies' stakeholders.

ESG claims in the banking and financial markets Sector: will "greenwashing" claims soon be common in the UK?

Published on 14 Feb 2022. By Chris Ross, Partner

Environmental, Social and Governance "ESG" funds are an attractive avenue for investors seeking responsible investment choices.

Lloyd's' focus on a more sustainable future

Published on 07 Dec 2021. By Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

Lloyd's published its first Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report at the end of last year and while this is a fairly new focus area for Lloyd's it noted that: a) in its history it has a long record of contributing to communities and helping them to recover from disaster; and b) the role that insurance plays in protecting society and supporting global economic growth.

The rise of ESG finance

Published on 01 Oct 2021. By Sukh Ahark, Partner, Co-head of India Desk

ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) finance remains a hot topic and continues to grow rapidly, with Bloomberg predicting the $2.2 trillion ESG debt market to hit $11 trillion by 2025, based on the rate of growth during the past five years.

What if the CEO asks me... about ESG-linked financing facilities

Published on 28 Sep 2021. By Edward Colville, Partner and Sukh Ahark, Partner, Co-head of India Desk

As focus moves from short term lockdown liquidity on to longer term financing needs, loan facilities linked to ESG and sustainability targets are back in the news.

Balance on the board: Eight things UK PLCs need to know about the FCA's diversity targets

Published on 27 Sep 2021. By Karen Hendy, Partner, Head of Corporate and Connor Cahalane, Partner, Head of Public Companies

The Financial Conduct Authority's proposals will mean UK listed companies need to disclose whether their boards and senior management teams meet new gender and ethnic diversity targets.

FCA set to expand climate-related reporting rules

Published on 17 May 2021. By James Parsons, Associate and Ash Daniells, Senior Associate

The FCA has revealed it will consult on plans to require asset managers, life insurers and FCA-regulated pension schemes to meet climate-related disclosure rules. In doing so, the FCA is expanding the scope of firms required to report on climate-related risks in accordance with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD).

Time for public companies to come clean: New UK climate-related disclosures and ESG guidance

Published on 03 Feb 2021. By Connor Cahalane, Partner, Head of Public Companies

Companies listed on the London Stock Exchange's Main Market will need to include a statement in their annual report confirming if they have made climate-related disclosures consistent with the recommendations of Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Companies planning to IPO, or move from AIM to the Main Market, are also affected by these new Listing Rules.

AI in Construction

Published on 16 Jul 2024. By Georgina Haynes, Senior Associate

There is a lot of discussion around Artificial Intelligence ("AI") and its application to industry. We have considered what AI is, the benefits and risks, how it fits into the construction industry, the effect on insurers and what the future holds.

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?

The Role of AI in Disputes

Published on 03 Jun 2024. By Daniel Hemming, Partner and Olivia Dhein, Knowledge Lawyer and Ricky Cella, Senior Associate

While lawyers have had various forms of AI available to them for years, it is generative AI and the development of large language models (LLMs) which is likely to represent a fundamental shift for dispute resolution. This technology now offers language capabilities that have never been seen before, and is likely to transform the way lawyers conduct proceedings.

AI-as-a-Service – Key Issues

Published on 03 Jun 2024. By Praveeta Thayalan, Knowledge Lawyer and Tom James, Associate

Artificial Intelligence-as-a-Service (AIaaS), in the same vein as Software-as-a-Service and Infrastructure-as-a-Service, refers to cloud-based tools that allow businesses to gain access to an AI model hosted by a third party provider.

Procuring AI – Commercial Considerations Checklist

Published on 03 Jun 2024. By Praveeta Thayalan, Knowledge Lawyer

Many companies will no doubt be considering using AI within their business to take advantage of the massive opportunities for increased productivity and cost efficiencies promised.

Generative AI – Addressing Copyright

Published on 03 Jun 2024. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Joshy Thomas, Knowledge Lawyer and Emma Dunnill, Senior Associate

When it comes to the interaction of AI and IP rights, bar a flurry of activity surrounding the inevitable outcome by all of the courts including the Supreme Court in the Thaler, Dabus case, most attention has been focussed on copyright. There are three main potentially thorny issues and all have been extensively covered by the mainstream media.

AI and Privacy – 10 Questions to Ask

Published on 03 Jun 2024. By Jon Bartley, Partner and Praveeta Thayalan, Knowledge Lawyer and Karolina Lewicki, Associate

We set out in this section 10 key questions to ask yourself at the outset when developing or deploying AI solutions in your business.

The Ethics of AI - The Digital Dilemma

Published on 03 Jun 2024.

This is Part 6 of 'Regulation of AI – raising the trillion dollar bAIby'

Part 6 – Practical Considerations

Published on 03 Jun 2024. By Caroline Tuck, Partner and Joshy Thomas, Knowledge Lawyer and Ricky Cella, Senior Associate

This is Part 6 of 'Regulation of AI – raising the trillion dollar bAIby'

Part 5 – AI Regulation Globally

Published on 03 Jun 2024. By Caroline Tuck, Partner and Joshy Thomas, Knowledge Lawyer and Ricky Cella, Senior Associate

This is Part 5 of 'Regulation of AI – raising the trillion dollar bAIby'

Part 4 – AI Regulation in Asia

Published on 03 Jun 2024. By Caroline Tuck, Partner and Joshy Thomas, Knowledge Lawyer and Ricky Cella, Senior Associate

This is Part 4 of 'Regulation of AI – raising the trillion dollar bAIby'

Part 3 - AI regulation in the US

Published on 03 Jun 2024. By Caroline Tuck, Partner and Joshy Thomas, Knowledge Lawyer and Ricky Cella, Senior Associate

Back in October 2022, the White House published federal guidance – a Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights identifying five principles aiming to guide the design, use, and deployment of automated systems. It was designed to operate as a roadmap to protect the public from AI harms and was followed in October 2023 by the US President's Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence...

Part 2 - AI regulation in the EU

Published on 03 Jun 2024. By Caroline Tuck, Partner and Joshy Thomas, Knowledge Lawyer and Ricky Cella, Senior Associate

The EU AI Act, the main elements of which are covered in our previous article, was provisionally agreed in December 2023. Shortly after it was agreed, the Commission released some Q&As to flesh out the key provisions and timelines for application. It is anticipated that the latest text of the Artificial Intelligence Act will be formally adopted by both Parliament and Council in April, triggering a graduated two year period for compliance (with obligations for high-risk systems defined in Annex II applicable in 3 years).

Part 1 - UK AI regulation

Published on 03 Jun 2024. By Caroline Tuck, Partner and Joshy Thomas, Knowledge Lawyer and Ricky Cella, Senior Associate

There has been consistent messaging from the UK Conservative-led government that the UK has decided to adopt a light touch approach to regulating AI. This was evident in the AI white paper published in March 2023 which outlined a principles based framework (see ['The Ethics of AI – the Digital Dilemma'] for more information about the principles themselves and see here for additional coverage of the AI white paper). The UK government held a consultation on the AI white paper in 2023 and published a response on 6 February 2024 that adds slightly more flesh to the bones of the UK framework.

What is a foundational model?

Published on 03 Jun 2024. By Caroline Tuck, Partner and Rory Graham, Associate

What is AI and why is it topical?

Published on 03 Jun 2024. By Paul Joukador, Partner and Helen Armstrong, Partner and Charles Buckworth, Partner and Caroline Tuck, Partner

Whilst there is no universal definition of what constitutes artificial intelligence, at its core, AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. This encompasses the ability to reason, learn from experience, understand complex concepts, interact with their environment and look to solve problems.

Regulation of AI - raising the trillion dollar bAIby - introduction

Published on 03 Jun 2024. By Caroline Tuck, Partner and Joshy Thomas, Knowledge Lawyer and Ricky Cella, Senior Associate

As with any new technology, existing data protection and privacy, intellectual property, competition, product liability, data security and consumer laws apply to its application in each jurisdiction. This has thrown up a number of important and newsworthy issues and considerations for AI developers and providers, legislators, consumers and rights holders. There are also several sets of high profile legal proceedings both decided and ongoing in several jurisdictions. These issues and legal proceedings are discussed in other sections of this AI Guide.