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The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive expert briefing
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.
Read moreEnvironmental sustainability: a snapshot of a changing regulatory landscape
Sophie Tuson charts the key legal developments in the UK and EU across the product lifecycle and flags practical considerations for businesses.
Read moreContext is everything – key takeaways on green claims from the CMA's recent consumer law conference
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).
Read moreClimate-related financial disclosures: what companies and LLPs need to know about the UK's new mandatory rules
The UK's new climate-related financial disclosures: mandatory requirements to come clean
Read moreHow to comply with the FCA's new diversity and inclusion targets for listed companies
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.
Read more'Big Plastic' is an emerging climate risk and a ticking time-bomb for litigation
The tangible commitment to plastics regulation and action will likely trigger a new wave of plastics-related litigation.
Read moreShell directors facing potential UK ESG shareholder derivative lawsuit
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.
Read moreESG claims in the banking and financial markets Sector: will "greenwashing" claims soon be common in the UK?
Environmental, Social and Governance "ESG" funds are an attractive avenue for investors seeking responsible investment choices.
Read moreLloyd's' focus on a more sustainable future
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.
Read moreThe rise of ESG finance
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.
Read moreBalance on the board: Eight things UK PLCs need to know about the FCA's diversity targets
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.
Read moreFCA set to expand climate-related reporting rules
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).
Read moreTime for public companies to come clean: New UK climate-related disclosures and ESG guidance
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.
Read moreAI in Construction
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.
Read moreAI in auditing: Embracing a new age for the profession
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?
Read moreNavigating the impact of AI on work: challenges, opportunities, and the human touch
The fear of job losses because of technology and automation, including artificial intelligence, has been with us since the 1960s. For some time, academics have predicted the decline of routine, rules-based and process-driven roles.
Read moreVirtual billboards: the future of immersive advertising?
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.
Read moreThaler v Comptroller [2023] UKSC 49: the UKSC rules that AI cannot be an 'inventor'
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.
Read more12 top tips for using AI in retail and consumer businesses
Last year, we set out our top ten tips for retailers entering the metaverse. This year, AI is the hot topic in retail and pretty much everywhere else! AI is redefining the retail and consumer industry. It can improve consume engagement, aid decision-making, curate tailored promotions, improve efficiencies, and reduce costs. So what do retailers and consumer bran need to be mindful of when deploying AI?
Read moreComing to a bank near you? How "investment AI" could transform financial mis-selling claims
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.
Read moreEU AI ACT-ion stations
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.
Read moreWhat To Know About AI Fraudsters Before Facing Disputes
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.
Read moreThe November 2023 AI safety summit and the UK's direction of travel
The government has confirmed that the UK AI safety summit will be held at Bletchley Park on 1 and 2 November 2023.
Read moreThe "Unicorn Kingdom's" AI White Paper
The UK's pro-innovation AI White paper has been published. It landed almost simultaneously with an open letter from the Future of Life Institute which called for a six-month halt in work on AI systems more powerful than the generative AI system: GPT-4.
Read moreGenerative AI and intellectual property rights—the UK government's position
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.
Read moreNew developments in AI may put law firms at greater risk of phishing fraud
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.
Read moreUnderstanding and managing the risks in artificial intelligence (AI) technology projects
How do you go about managing the risks and challenges that might arise during the deployment of AI technology?
Read moreAI technology projects – the regulatory landscape
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.
Read moreTribunal confirms no tax due on disposal of property held on trust for taxpayer's brother
In Raveendran v HMRC [2024] UKFTT 273 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal allowed the taxpayer's appeal against HMRC's discovery assessment in relation to the disposal of a property because it was held on trust for his brother.
Read moreTribunal confirms loans from remuneration trust were disguised remuneration
In allowing HMRC's appeal in part, the Upper Tribunal determined that payments received under a remuneration trust scheme were caught by the anti-avoidance provisions in Part 7A of the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003.
Read moreDealing with HMRC information notices
Considering three common types of HMRC information notices and the extent to which they can be challenged.
Read moreTaxpayer's appeal against refusal of CGT loss relief claim allowed
Tax Tribunal confirms CGT relief for loan to trader not prevented by capitalisation of loan.
Read moreTribunal awards taxpayer his costs due to HMRC's unreasonable conduct
In Aftab Ahmed v HMRC [2024] UKFTT 00236 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal granted the taxpayer's application for costs as HMRC had acted unreasonably in defending the appeal.
Read moreTribunal allows entrepreneurs' relief appeal
In Cooke v HMRC [2024] UKFTT 272 (TC), the FTT allowed the taxpayer's appeal against HMRC's refusal of entrepreneurs' relief
Read moreTribunal dismisses HMRC's appeal and confirms transactions did not give rise to a taxable remittance
In dismissing HMRC's appeal, the Upper Tribunal confirmed that transactions entered into by the taxpayers for the sale of shares did not amount to a taxable remittance under section 809L of the Income Tax Act 2007 because no service was provided in the UK.
Read moreKey features of the new non-UK domicile regime
The UK government's unexpected announcement in Spring Budget in March on the taxation of non-domicile individuals has sparked concerns and much comment. It represents a major change to the current system of taxation, which is more than 200 years old.
Read moreTaxpayers' application for protective costs order against HMRC refused
UT dismisses taxpayer's application for a protective costs order against HMRC.
Read moreNo bouncing back for directors
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.
Read moreContentious Tax Update
Harry Smith and Adam Craggs examine developments in relation to DOTAS, R&D enquiries, and the Economic Crime and Transparency Act.
Read moreTribunal allows taxpayer's appeal in R&D case against penalty assessment for careless inaccuracy
In H & H Contract Scaffolding Ltd v HMRC [2024] UKFTT 00151 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) allowed the taxpayer's appeal against a penalty assessment as the inaccuracy in the tax return was not careless.
Read moreContentious tax quarterly: Spring review
The last few months have seen a flurry of activity in relation to the DOTAS regime, with HMRC seeking to register arrangements retrospectively and apply substantial penalties for failure to register. Woes continue for those unfortunate enough to have R&D claims under enquiry, and the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 gives HMRC a significant new tool in relation to suspected criminal activity by bodies corporate and partnerships.
Read moreCostly objection by HMRC
FTT allows costs application where HMRC acted unreasonably in opposing specific disclosure application.
Read moreLet us in!
Adam Craggs and Michelle Sloane explain what a business should do should HMRC come calling unexpectedly.
Read moreAre you ready for the Economic Crime Levy?
On 28 February 2023, HM Treasury published draft regulations, together with an explanatory memorandum, that revise and make further provision for assessment, payment, collection, and enforcement of the Economic Crime Levy (ECL).
Read moreCouldn’t careless? Reasonable care and the role of professional advisers
Whilst taking professional advice will usually mean a taxpayer has taken reasonable care, not taking advice does not necessarily mean a taxpayer has been careless.
Read moreVictory – but at what cost?
From a review of recent costs decisions handed down by the FTT, it is difficult to escape the conclusion that the FTT can be guilty of inconsistency and results-led reasoning when exercising its jurisdiction in relation to costs orders.
Read moreTribunal allows taxpayer's appeal and confirms its holding in another company constituted a "structural asset"
Tribunal allows taxpayer's appeal and confirms its holding in another insurance company constituted a "structural asset" for the purpose of section 137, Finance Act 2012.
Read moreUpper Tribunal agrees with the taxpayer on payments to secure changes to pension arrangements
The Upper Tribunal allowed E.ON's appeal against HMRC's decisions imposing income tax and national insurance contributions to facilitation payments for changes to pension arrangements.
Read moreLack of documentary evidence no bar to proving capital loss claim
Allowing the taxpayers' appeal, the First-tier Tribunal held the Appellant was entitled to claim a capital loss from an earlier tax year to reduce the capital gains tax due on a gain realised by him on the sale of a commercial property because the claim was notified in time, and that inaccuracies in the Appellant's return had not been brought about deliberately.
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