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Regulation 7(4): when is an entity “controlled” by a sanctioned person?
In this article Tom Leary explains the key decisions in the Mints litigation on issues of “control”, why the Court of Appeal’s approach to Reg 7(4) of the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 is unsurprising given the genesis of its drafting, and the practical implications for practitioners.
18 March 2024New challenges for tackling Authorised Push Payment fraud
The Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) has recently announced significant changes to the mandatory reimbursement regime for Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud that will be implemented during 2024. The scheme is likely to create difficulties for financial institutions preparing for the far-reaching changes. This article summarises the reforms, explores the challenges and provides suggestions for preparing for the new measures.
18 March 2024Shared appreciation mortgages: how far can the “unfair relationships” regime stretch?
A trial of alleged mis-selling of shared appreciation mortgages (SAMs) by Bank of Scotland plc (BoS) is listed for early 2024. In this article Benjamin Pilling KC and Ruth Bala of 4 Pump Court review the issues in the case. Does the “excessive” finance charge generate an “unfair relationship”? Will the court be willing to use the “unfair relationship” provisions to rewrite a mortgage, where there was full disclosure upon inception of the level of the finance charge (c.f. PPI, where the high level of commission was undisclosed)? The authors also consider limitation.
18 March 2024Significant Risk Transfer’s impact on the output floor under Basel III: the EU’s proposed panacea unveiled
The European Banking Authority, in its Basel III full implementation impact report11 found that European banks’ Tier 1 capital requirements would increase by 15% as a 1result of Basel III changes, with the proposals for an output floor being responsible for a 7.1% overall rise. In this article, the authors consider how significant risk transfer (SRT) transactions can be used to decrease a bank’s risk weighted assets (RWAs) in order to minimise their capital burden in light of increased capital requirements as a result of the output floor. Other capital requirements specific to securitisations are also considered.1 1
18 March 2024Foreign crypto arbitrations and UK consumer rights: a culture clash?
In this article, Lara Kuehl discusses the enforceability of arbitration agreements which provide for foreign (non-UK) seated arbitration and foreign governing laws, commonly found in the terms of service of crypto exchanges and platforms, in contracts with UK consumers.
18 March 2024Collective stress or collective redress? Examining available mechanisms for securities litigation in England and Wales
It has been a turbulent few years for mass litigation in England and Wales. The advent of new collective procedures and revival of old ones has seemingly gifted claimant investor groups an abundance of choice. But the precise boundaries of the various mechanisms available seem to be in a constant state of flux. This article examines the current state of play through the prism of securities litigation and seeks to identify key considerations and future trends.
18 March 2024Liquidity covenants to the fore
With interest rates remaining at record levels and businesses still struggling with increased costs and the fall-out from the cost-of-living crisis, many businesses have been unable to meet leverage maintenance covenant requirements in their deals. As a quid-pro-quo for covenant relief, lenders often seek to impose a minimum liquidity covenant to ensure the business remains operationally solvent during the covenant relief period. This article explores what a liquidity covenant is and the issues facing sponsors and lenders in negotiating them.
18 March 2024For whom the code tolls: an integrated, modular architecture for smart derivatives contracts
In this article, we dissect the complex interplay between law and technology in the derivatives market and describe an approach for developing modular, smart contracts. We draw parallels between legal prose and programming, advocating for a formalised approach to contract drafting that accommodates smart contract technology. The Common Domain Model is identified as a pivotal tool, providing a standardised representation of contractual terms that ensures clarity and consistency across the industry. Using this standard framework, we demonstrate how to embed traditional contracts within a modular, composable smart contract architecture.
18 March 2024The implications of the novel “Audit Duty” on professional service firms: Part 1: Rihan v Ernst & Young
In Part 1 of this two-part article, barrister and Chartered Banker Jacob J Meagher analyses the legal basis of the novel “Audit Duty” using Rihan v Ernst & Young [2020] EWHC 901 (QB) as a case study. In Part 2 he discusses the uncertainties related to the scope and application of the “Audit Duty”, in particular to professional service firms more widely.
18 March 2024What is in a name? The regulators seek to have the final word on the meaning of trading venue under MiFID
For the EU’s and UK’s securities and markets regulators nothing is in the name nor in the technology used when it comes to the need for a trading venue licence. Yet, noting some uncertainty around the application of key concepts to certain facilities, each regulator has sought to provide clarity for their respective markets via recently published guidance.
18 March 2024
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