In this article we look at key regulatory topics for 2025 that will have a significant impact on institutions operating in the UK financial services space. We have not attempted to list every single reform expected this year but rather pick out the top reforms in both the wholesale and retail space, as well as
Horizon scanning
SFO sets out its 5 year strategy: what does this mean for companies?
The SFO has published its 5-year strategy document (the Strategy Document), highlighting a number of areas of focus, from international coordination with counterparts to capitalising on technology and incentivising their workforce.
This follows Director of the SFO, Nick Ephgrave’s, speech in February 2024 setting out key priorities (see our recent Investigations and Enforcement horizon…
Upcoming webinar: Investigations in EMEA – Horizon scanning
On Tuesday 16 April 2024, please join us for a webinar where our team from across EMEA will discuss the key recent and upcoming trends in financial crime legislation and regulatory enforcement in the EU, UK and Singapore.
This webinar will highlight important changes to anti-money laundering regulation and wider financial crime legislation in the…
New UK civil enforcement authority created to investigate violations of trade sanctions
The UK’s Industry and Economic Security Minister, Nusrat Ghani, today announced the creation of a new civil enforcement unit, the Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI). OTSI is expected to become operational early next year, and will focus on the civil enforcement of trade sanctions, including in relation to the circumvention or evasion…
Horizon Scanning – Investigations and Enforcement – November 2023
Introduction
As anticipated in our previous horizon scan (see here), the end of 2023 has brought about significant developments in financial crime enforcement and a real focus on fraud. Looking ahead to 2024, we predict that developments affecting organisations doing business in the UK will include:
- a focus from organisations on fraud, in particular
…
Horizon Scanning – Investigations and Enforcement – November 2023
Introduction
As anticipated in our previous horizon scan (see here), the end of 2023 has brought about significant developments in financial crime enforcement and a real focus on fraud. Looking ahead to 2024, we predict that developments affecting organisations doing business in the UK will include:
- a focus from organisations on fraud, in particular
Initial steps to take on discovery of a sanctions breach
Introduction
Following the unprecedented levels of sanctions activity in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has resulted in companies dealing with the most significant and complex sanctions regimes across multiple jurisdictions, authorities in the US, UK and EU are now turning their attention to enforcement of those sanctions.
Sanctions authorities have indicated that they…
Initial steps to take on discovery of a sanctions breach
Introduction
Following the unprecedented levels of sanctions activity in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has resulted in companies dealing with the most significant and complex sanctions regimes across multiple jurisdictions, authorities in the US, UK and EU are now turning their attention to enforcement of those sanctions.
Sanctions authorities have indicated that they…
Patisserie Valerie charges preview impact of new failure to prevent fraud offence
The recent Patisserie Valerie charges against four individuals provide a preview of the type of scenario in which companies could be investigated under the new failure to prevent fraud offence as well as the expanded test for corporate criminal liability. In this blog, we outline the charges brought by the SFO, provide an update…
UK CPS, HMRC and NCA show their teeth on the Bribery Act
Three recent cases act as a reminder that the CPS, HMRC and NCA, as well as the SFO, are actively enforcing the UK Bribery Act and conducting cross-border investigations. Two of the cases summarised below also show a focus on the demand side of bribery (i.e. suspected offences of individuals receiving or requesting a bribe…