On 6 October 2023, the English Court of Appeal (Court of Appeal) handed down its judgment in Mints v PJSC National Bank Trust [2023] EWCA Civ 1132. The judgment considered the English High Court’s decision in PJSC National Bank Trust and another v Boris Mints and others [2023] EWHC 118 (Comm), and concerned a claimant’s … Continue Reading
On 6 September 2023, the UK Financial Conduct Authority (the FCA) published the findings of its review of the sanctions systems and controls in place at over 90 financial services firms operating in a range of sectors (the Review). This briefing summarises the FCA’s findings on good practices currently being followed by firms, as well … Continue Reading
As anticipated in our previous blog post on predictions for 2023, this year has brought about significant developments in investigations and a real focus on fraud. Looking ahead to the second half of 2023, we predict that developments affecting UK business or those doing business in the UK will include: 1. Fraud Economic Crime and … Continue Reading
In line with indications that it will prioritise enforcement in the coming year, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has expanded its enforcement guidance concerning the approach it takes when assessing potential breaches of financial sanctions. Earlier this month, OFSI amended its “OFSI enforcement and monetary penalties for breaches of financial sanctions” guidance (the … Continue Reading
As we enter a recession against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical instability, we expect to see significant financial crime enforcement and investigations in 2023, including a focus on emerging areas such as ESG, cryptocurrencies, and significant developments in financial sanctions. We predict that developments in 2023 will include: 1. Fraud We expect to see continued political … Continue Reading
On 30 August 2022, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) published a blog entitled ‘Reporting to the OFSI: what do I need to do?’ The blog describes what companies’ reporting obligations are under UK financial sanctions legislation and how they can be met. It also sets out high level examples. In terms of how … Continue Reading
On 30 August 2022, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) published updated general guidance for financial sanctions under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018. Chapter 5 of the general guidance dealing with reporting obligations has been expanded.… Continue Reading
On 30 August 2022, the European Commission updated their FAQs on asset freeze and prohibition to make funds and economic resources available. The FAQs have been updated to include the following question and answer: Does a listing affect the status of a beneficial owner of a legal person ? EU sanctions are temporary measures that … Continue Reading
On 4 May 2022, the UK Government announced a ban on services exports to Russia, and as of 21 July 2022 that ban is now in force by virtue of regulation 54C of The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (as amended by The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) (No. 14) Regulations 2022) (the Regulations). … Continue Reading
UK regulated firms seeking to comply with the Russian sanctions have had to grapple with fast moving legislative and regulatory change, and have inevitably encountered governance challenges along the way. The lessons learned as part of that process have read across which may assist firms in reacting to future developments beyond sanctions. Conducting a governance … Continue Reading
The next instalment of our Beyond Sanctions podcast series is now available to stream and download on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. In this episode, David Harris and Katie Stephen, Co-Heads of our Contentious Financial Services Group in London, discuss some recent developments regarding sanctions enforcement for regulated firms. For further updates in this area please … Continue Reading
Following adoption of a series of trade and economic sanctions against Russia (see our earlier Beyond Sanctions publication), the European Commission (the Commission) continues to update dedicated industry guidance in a form of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). The FAQs are divided into five thematic sections: Horizontal Individual financial measures Finance and banking Trade and customs … Continue Reading
Our financial services and regulation team have launched the ‘Beyond Sanctions’ insights hub, highlighting the broader issues that financial services firms will need to consider, above and beyond the immediate concerns and challenges arising from the economic sanctions. Visit our hub to find out more.… Continue Reading
