Expert Analysis

• How Decision On A Key Definition Affects SMEs

  

  The Financial Conduct Authority's decision not to extend the definition of small and midsized enterprises may benefit banks and finance providers in the current high interest rate environment and where SMEs in certain sectors may be under financial pressure in light of the cost-of-living crisis in order to streamline it, says Rachael Healey at RPC.

• Together, GDPR And AI Act Can Boost Digital Rights In EU

  

  The overlap between the General Data Protection Regulation and the forthcoming EU Artificial Intelligence Act is intriguing in that it demonstrates a shared commitment to upholding individual digital rights, and understanding this synergy is paramount in comprehending how the two domains can work in tandem, says Maria Moloney at PrivacyEngine.

• Acquisition Of AI Tech Poses Challenges For Media Industry

  

  The artificial intelligence regulatory landscape is changing quickly, and media and entertainment companies planning to acquire AI technology through a merger, acquisition or licensing deal should be mindful of potential new compliance requirements and AI-specific insurance products, say lawyers at Covington.

• What Extending Corporate Liability Will Mean For Foreign Cos.

  

  Certain sections of the Economic Crime Act enacted in December 2023 make it easier to prosecute companies for economic crimes committed abroad, and organizations need to consider their exposure and the new ways they can be held liable for the actions of their personnel, say Dan Hudson at Seladore Legal and Christopher Coltart at 2 Hare Court.

• Due Diligence Pointers After Entain Deferred Prosecution Deal

  

  The Crown Prosecution Service's £615 million settlement with Entain last month signifies that the CPS is a serious enforcer of corporate crime, and illustrates the importance of carrying out a tailored risk assessment in preparation for and following an acquisition, say Matthew Cowie and Aziz Rahman at Rahman Ravelli.

• A Consequential Moment For Sanctions Activity

  

  It is clear from the U.K. Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation's review of the 2022-2023 financial year that the unprecedented scale of designated persons and the value of assets frozen as a result has placed enormous pressure on OFSI and its partners, say lawyers at Greenberg Traurig.

• ECJ Ruling Triggers Reconsiderations Of Using AI In Hiring

  

  A recent European Court of Justice ruling, clarifying that the General Data Protection Regulation could apply to decisions made by artificial intelligence, serves as a warning to employers, as the use of AI in recruitment may lead to more discrimination claims, say Dino Wilkinson and James Major at Clyde & Co.

• Economic Crime Act Offers Welcome Reform To AML Regime

  

  The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act exemption for mixed-property transactions that came into force on Jan. 15 as part of the U.K.'s anti-money laundering regime is long overdue, and should end economic harm to businesses, giving banks confidence to adopt a more pragmatic approach, say Matthew Getz and Joseph Fox-Davies at Pallas Partners.

• 3 Financial Services Hot Topics To Watch In 2024

  

  Technology, ESG and private markets are set to have the greatest impact on financial markets in 2024, as firms grapple with increasing regulatory change and a shifting political backdrop on both sides of the Atlantic, says Matthew Allen at Eversheds Sutherland.

• Key Litigation Funding Rulings Will Drive Reform In 2024

  

  Ground-breaking judgments on disputes funding and fee arrangements from 2023 — including that litigation funding agreements could be damages-based agreements, rendering them unenforceable — will bring legislative changes in 2024, which could have a substantial impact on litigation risk for several sectors, say Verity Jackson-Grant and David Bridge at Simmons & Simmons.

• 10 Global Antitrust Trends To Anticipate In 2024

  

  Proactive navigation of the antitrust enforcement environment remains crucial this year as legal policy and tools evolve to meet intensifying global economic complexity, including geopolitical tensions, trade realignment, market volatility and inflation, say attorneys at Freshfields.

• Breaking Down The New Rules For High Net Worth Individuals

  

  Andrew Northage at Walker Morris outlines what businesses need to be aware of to ensure ongoing compliance with revised conditions in the U.K. government's updated financial promotion exemptions for high net worth individuals and sophisticated investors, and suggests a few practical tips for businesses to follow.

• How Data Privacy Law Cases Are Evolving In UK, EU And US

  

  To see where the law is heading in 2024, it is worth looking at privacy litigation and enforcement trends from last year, where we saw a focus on General Data Protection Regulation regulatory enforcement actions in the U.K. and EU, and class actions brought by private plaintiffs in the U.S., say lawyers at Morgan Lewis.

• Misleading Airline Ads Offer Lessons To Avoid Greenwashing

  

  Following the Advertising Standards Authority's recent decision that three airlines' adverts misled customers about their environmental impact, companies should ensure that their green claims comply with legal standards to avoid risking reputational damage, which could have financial repercussions, say Elaina Bailes and Olivia Shaw at Stewarts.

• CMA Guidance Can Help Businesses Act On Climate Change

  

  Guidance recently published by the Competition and Markets Authority, which explains how competition law applies to sustainability and climate change agreements, provides clarity for businesses seeking to collaborate and emphasizes the regulator’s open-door policy, says Andrew Maxwell at Freeths.