Alan Ward

Mar 28, 2024 | lexology.com | David Capps |Sean Jeffrey |Justin Mcclelland |William Robertson |Alan Ward |Christophe Boucherie

The FCA's latest Business Plan for 2024-25 had just been published. They make a number of forward- looking "Commitments". We touch upon some of those plans and express some views on what they may mean for firms (our observations appear in italics). Reducing and preventing financial crimeThe FCA say they will continue to take a data-led approach to identify potential harm for supervisory and/or enforcement action.

Feb 26, 2024 | lexology.com | Alan Ward

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 ("ECCTA") introduces a landmark new corporate offence of failure to prevent fraud (the "FTP fraud offence"). The new offence allows prosecutors to hold an organisation criminally liable, on a strict liability basis, for fraud committed by an employee or agent of that organisation.

Jan 17, 2024 | lexology.com | David Capps |Sean Jeffrey |Justin Mcclelland |Sue Millar |William Robertson |Alan Ward | +1 more

The Court of Appeal has allowed an appeal by Banca Intesa Sanpaolo SpA and Dexia Crediop SpA (the "Banks”) and dismissed a cross-appeal by the Comune di Venezia (“Venice”), upholding the validity of interest rate swaps entered into by Venice with the Banks and overturning the High Court decision that they were void because Venice lacked capacity to enter into them under Italian law.

Dec 14, 2023 | lexology.com | David Capps |Sean Jeffrey |Justin Mcclelland |Alan Ward

The FCA has recently published its Policy Statement PS23/16 - Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) and investment labels. It contains the FCA's final rules comprising:-An anti-greenwashing rule for all FCA authorised firms to reinforce the message that sustainability-related claims must be fair, clear and not misleading.

Nov 18, 2023 | bigissue.com | Alan Ward

BooksFrom the use of darts in conflict to 80s America, James Harkin picks five of the most interesting books on sportA history of English darts culture is one of the five selected this week. Image: Anastase MaragosSport has provided inspiration for authors through the ages, from the backdrop of the troubles to crown green bowls. Change a Big Issue vendor’s life this Christmas by purchasing a Winter Support Kit.