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AI technology projects – the regulatory landscape

Published on 24 Feb 2023. By Helen Armstrong, Partner and Ricky Cella, Senior Associate and Joshy Thomas, Knowledge Lawyer

Parties engaged in AI technology projects should be mindful of the regulatory landscape, and the changes taking place within it. A failure to do so could result in an AI solution that is not compliant from a regulatory perspective, the use of which potentially creates risk for the technology provider and user.

RPC Law x Web3: Gambling regulations – Don't Play Games of Chance with the Law

Published on 22 Feb 2023. By Nick Lauw, Partner and Pu Fang Ching, Senior Associate

This is part of a series of RPC x Web3 articles designed to help Web3 participants and enthusiasts understand their rights in this rapidly evolving space.

New Digital Regulators on the 2023 Horizon: the Digital Markets Unit and the European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency

Published on 02 Dec 2022. By David Cran, Partner, Head of Disputes and Chris Ross, Partner

For a number of years, the UK Government has been laying the groundwork to bring in a digital markets regime to regulate digital firms designated as having ‘strategic market status’ (SMS). To be designated as having SMS, a firm must have 'substantial and entrenched market power' in at least one activity. Companies having SMS are likely to include the largest tech firms such as Amazon, Apple, Google, Microsoft and Meta (the so called 'GAMMA' firms).

Digital services providers—Commission to focus on implementation phase of EU consumer protection legislation

Published on 31 Oct 2022. By David Cran, Partner, Head of Disputes and Ellie Chakarto, Senior Associate

The Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA) are published in the Official Journal and the plenary vote of the European Parliament on the proposed text of the AI Act is expected once amendments are agreed by negotiators. The Commission is now turning its focus to the implementation phase of these landmark regimes. So, what does the future hold for the European tech sector and how might it differ for the UK?

The EU Digital Markets Act - a focus on gatekeeper obligations and sanctions

Published on 12 Oct 2022. By David Cran, Partner, Head of Disputes and Joshy Thomas, Knowledge Lawyer

What key obligations will the Digital Markets Act (DMA) impose on online platforms designated as gatekeepers?

Myth busting and moving the dial in DEI

Published on 20 Aug 2024. By Kelly Thomson, Partner, ESG Strategy Lead and Rachel Pears, Associate Director, Responsible Business & Employment Counsel and Katie Horn, DEIB and Responsible Business Manager (Market Facing)

This article is a summary of a session delivered by Kelly Thomson (Partner, Employment, Engagement & Equality and ESG Strategy Lead at RPC) and Rachel Pears (Head of Responsible Business at RPC), at the second Annual D&I Conference, in partnership with the British Retail Consortium (BRC). During this particular session, common myths and misconceptions surrounding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) were discussed and different sides of various issues were dissected, drawing out the nuances of seemingly polarised positional statements. Below, we address a handful of these myths, offering a balanced perspective on the complexities of DEI and exploring how to drive meaningful progress in our organisations.

Employer lessons from teacher's menopause bias win

Published on 17 Jul 2024. By Kelly Thomson, Partner, ESG Strategy Lead and Ellie Gelder, Senior Editor Employment & Equality

On May 31, a Scottish employment tribunal made its decision in Allison Shearer v. South Lanarkshire Council and awarded a teacher over £60,000 ($77,829) for disability discrimination and unfair dismissal, following her dismissal for ill health after a period of long¬term sickness absence.

Menopause discrimination: Where are we now?

Published on 16 Nov 2023. By Ellie Gelder, Senior Editor Employment & Equality and Kelly Thomson, Partner, ESG Strategy Lead and Victoria Othen, External Consultant

October heralded an important legal first when a Leicester employment tribunal began hearing the case of Rooney v Leicester City Council. It is the first case where a person's menopausal symptoms have been deemed by an appeal court to potentially amount to a disability for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010.

Adjusting your recruitment process for a candidate with a disability: What is reasonable?

Published on 18 Sep 2023. By Ellie Gelder, Senior Editor Employment & Equality and Charlotte Reid, Senior Associate

The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has held that a failure to make enquiries into a job applicant's disability amounted to a failure to make reasonable adjustments.

Recent judgment on ad hoc admission of overseas counsel tells of wider COVID-19 story

Published on 10 Dec 2021. By Samuel Hung, Partner and Jennifer Leung, Associate and James Lee, Associate

Applications for ad hoc admission, pursuant to section 27(4) of the Ordinance, are fact dependent and the relevant legal principles are well-established.

New Cryptoasset reporting obligations for businesses

Published on 02 Jun 2025. By Adam Craggs, Partner and Michelle Sloane, Partner and Liam McKay, Of Counsel

The UK is adopting the OECD’s Cryptoasset Reporting Framework (CARF) and expanding it to include domestic data collection and reporting requirements. Starting from 1 January 2026, businesses operating in the cryptoasset sector will face new obligations to collect and report data to HMRC.

New reporting obligations for Cryptoasset users

Published on 02 Jun 2025. By Adam Craggs, Partner and Michelle Sloane, Partner and Liam McKay, Of Counsel

The UK is adopting the OECD’s Cryptoasset Reporting Framework (CARF) and expanding it to include domestic data collection and reporting requirements. From 1 January 2026, users of cryptoasset service providers will be required to provide identifying information to those providers, which may then be reported to HMRC.

Directors beware: Key legal shifts in 2024 and what’s ahead for 2025

Published on 19 Feb 2025. By James Wickes, Partner

The legal landscape for directors and officers (D&O) underwent significant developments in 2024, with court rulings and regulatory changes raising the stakes for company leaders and their insurers.

Navigating PRA's data request for crypto-asset exposure

Published on 29 Jan 2025. By James Wickes, Partner

On Dec. 12, the Prudential Regulation Authority issued a data request to identify firms' current and expected future crypto-asset exposures. In this blog, we discuss the request, and what implications may arise for financial institutions and their insurers.

High Court permits enforcement of foreign judgment in crypto recovery case

Published on 22 Jul 2024. By Dan Wyatt, Partner and Christopher Whitehouse, Of Counsel

Tai Mo Shan Ltd v. Persons Unknown [2024] EWHC 1514 (Comm)

RPC earns top ranking for Crypto-Asset Disputes in the UK

Published on 05 Dec 2023. By Dan Wyatt, Partner and Sarah Mountain, Partner

International law firm RPC has been ranked for the first time in Chambers and Partners 2024 FinTech Guide, achieving Band 1 for Crypto-Asset Disputes in the UK.

Cracking Down on High-Risk Investments: FCA considers industry performance

Published on 11 Oct 2023. By Dorian Nunzek, Trainee Solicitor

After introducing stricter rules for the promotion of Restricted Mass Market Investments (RMMIs) in February 2023, the FCA continues to monitor the performance of firms, is conducting a multi-firm review and has outlined good and poor practices in the industry.

FCA rules could trigger 'marked drop' in finfluencers marketing crypto

Published on 09 Oct 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead and Hettie Homewood , Senior Associate

Regulator clamping down over concerns consumers are being 'influenced into high risk investments without understanding consequences'

The FCA sets expectations ahead of incoming cryptoasset marketing rules

Published on 28 Sep 2023. By Kerone Thomas, Associate and Faheem Pervez, Associate

The FCA has issued a "final warning" to firms promoting cryptoassets to UK consumers to prepare for the cryptoassets financial promotion regime. Effective from 8 October 2023, this regime aims to protect consumers from promotions that make exaggerated claims about the benefits in investing in cryptoassets.

What To Know About AI Fraudsters Before Facing Disputes

Published on 29 Aug 2023. By Dan Wyatt, Partner and Christopher Whitehouse, Of Counsel

Fraudsters are quick to weaponise new technological developments and artificial intelligence is proving no exception, with AI-assisted scams increasingly being reported in the news, including most recently one using a likeness of a BBC broadcaster.

Value of NFT fraud plummets 82% in UK

Published on 18 Aug 2023. By Dan Wyatt, Partner and Christopher Whitehouse, Of Counsel

The value of Non-Fungible Token (NFT) fraud in the UK has dropped 82% over the last year as the collapse in prices and lower trading volumes make these digital assets less attractive to fraudsters, reveals new data from international law firm RPC.

New legislation proposed to bring FCA regulation to cryptoasset promotions

Published on 07 Jul 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead

What will the Government’s new legislation mean for the promotion of cryptoassets?

Crypto: issues for solicitors and their PI insurers

Published on 31 May 2023. By Simy Khanna, Partner and Harriet Keltie, Senior Associate

We explore the types of work lawyers are doing in this area, the risks this work may give rise to and issues for solicitors and their PI insurers to consider.

Crypto & Digital Assets Disputes

Our crypto and digital asset dispute lawyers have deep technical knowledge of the sector and the technology powering it alongside vast experience in navigating the commercial and legal complexities. Where fraud has occurred, we move fast to secure and recover stolen digital assets.

Carers Week Special (Part 2): Intersectional nuances, wellbeing and creating carer-friendly workplaces, with Rachel Pears and Zahra Lakhan-Bunbury

Published on 25 Jun 2025.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast where we discuss all things employment.

Hong Kong’s New 468 Rule for Continuous Employment

Published on 23 Jun 2025. By Andrea Randall, Partner and Courtney So, Associate

On 18 June 2025, LegCo passed the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2025 (the "Bill"). The Bill revises the working hours threshold for determining continuous employment and makes it easier for employees to enjoy the employment protection available under the Employment Ordinance (Cap. 57). The revised continuous contract requirement will take effect from 18 January 2026.

Carers Week Special (Part 1): Lived experiences, the law and the role of employers, with Rachel Pears and Zahra Lakhan-Bunbury

Published on 11 Jun 2025.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast where we discuss all things employment.

Supreme Court ruling on the definition of "sex": What does this mean for employers? with Patrick Brodie and Kelly Thomson

Published on 04 Jun 2025.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

The Work Couch: Navigating trauma in the legal world (Part 2), with Rebecca Norris and Camilla Wells: Implementing a trauma-informed work culture

Published on 28 May 2025.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast where we discuss all things employment.

The Work Couch: Navigating trauma in the legal world (Part 1), with Rebecca Norris and Camilla Wells: Spotting the signs and understanding the science

Published on 14 May 2025.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast where we discuss all things employment.

Regulatory Radar: quick takes May 2025

Published on 12 May 2025. By Gavin Reese, Partner, Head of Regulatory

Welcome to the latest edition of our bi-monthly Regulatory Radar: quick takes update, which collates the latest developments from across the UK’s regulators.

Ten years of the Modern Slavery Act: renewed focus on business responsibility

Published on 08 May 2025. By Patrick Brodie, Patrick Brodie, Partner, Head of Employment, Engagement & Equality and Eve Matthews, Associate

On 24 March 2025, the Home Office published its updated Transparency in Supply Chains (TISC) guidance, offering detailed recommendations to assist organisations in complying with their obligations under Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

Neonatal Care Leave: What do employers need to know?

Published on 07 May 2025. By Kim Wright, Senior Associate and Joanna Holford, Senior Associate and Brodie Walker, Trainee Solicitor

On 6 April 2025, the long-awaited new statutory right to neonatal care leave came into effect in England, Wales and Scotland. The new right provides employees with up to 12 weeks' leave if their babies spend an extended period in neonatal care.

The Work Couch: Neonatal care leave (Part 2): Managing the process and supporting employees, with Joanna Holford and Catriona Ogilvy

Published on 16 Apr 2025.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast where we discuss all things employment.

The Work Couch: Neonatal care leave (Part 1): What is the new right, who is eligible, and does the law go far enough? With Joanna Holford and Catriona Ogilvy

Published on 02 Apr 2025.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast where we discuss all things employment.

The Work Couch: What to expect at an employment tribunal: appearing as a witness, with Kim Wright and Joseph England

Published on 19 Mar 2025.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast where we discuss all things employment.

Employment Rights Bill: 10 key amendments explained

Published on 13 Mar 2025. By Patrick Brodie, Patrick Brodie, Partner, Head of Employment, Engagement & Equality and Kelly Thomson, Partner, ESG Strategy Lead and Ellie Gelder, Senior Editor Employment & Equality

On 5 March 2025, the government published a 200 page amendment paper containing a wide range of amendments to the draft Employment Rights Bill (the Bill). A number of the amendments follow the government's response to various consultations on some of the most significant proposed reforms. We highlight 10 of the key amendments and what they mean for employers.

The Work Couch: Data protection and HR-related challenges (Part 2), with Jon Bartley and Helen Yost

Published on 05 Mar 2025.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast where we discuss all things employment.

The Work Couch: Preventing sexual harassment - is your business compliant?

Published on 19 Feb 2025.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast where we discuss all things employment.

The Work Couch: Data protection and HR-related challenges (Part 1), with Jon Bartley and Helen Yost

Published on 05 Feb 2025.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast where we discuss all things employment.

The Work Couch: What's on the horizon for employment law in 2025?

Published on 22 Jan 2025.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

The Work Couch: Disability inclusion at work (Part 3): What does genuine accessibility look like? with Samantha Renke

Published on 03 Dec 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

The Work Couch: Disability inclusion at work (Part 2): Narratives, reasonable adjustments, and the business case for accessibility, with Samantha Renke

Published on 27 Nov 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

The Work Couch: Disability inclusion at work (Part 1): The lived experience, with Samantha Renke

Published on 20 Nov 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

The Work Couch: How to tackle seven tricky disciplinary issues, with Joanna Holford

Published on 06 Nov 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

The Work Couch: Employment Rights Bill: What employers need to know, with Patrick Brodie

Published on 23 Oct 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

The Work Couch: Black maternal experiences and supporting colleagues, with Shanice Holder, Tinuke Awe, Clo Rebecca Abe and Tonye Alagoa

Published on 09 Oct 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

Neurodiversity at work (Part 3): How to implement effective neuro-inclusion

Published on 18 Sep 2024.

Ahead of ADHD awareness month in October, we are devoting our latest deep-dive mini-series to the topic of neurodiversity. Given 15 to 20% of the UK population are neurodivergent - and more than half of Gen Z identify as "definitely" or "somewhat" neurodiverse - it is essential for employers to understand how neurodiversity interacts with, and affects, employment law and the world of work.

Neurodiversity at work (Part 2): The law, HR considerations and wellbeing, with Kelly Thomson and Victoria Othen

Published on 11 Sep 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast where we discuss all things employment. Ahead of ADHD awareness month in October, we are devoting our latest deep-dive mini-series to the topic of neurodiversity. Given 15 to 20% of the UK population are neurodivergent - and more than half of Gen Z identify as "definitely" or "somewhat" neurodiverse - it is essential for employers to understand how neurodiversity interacts with, and affects, employment law and the world of work.

Neurodiversity at work (Part 1): Myths, misconceptions and the lived experience, with Ashlea Cromby, Tracey West, Alice de Coverley and Victoria Othen

Published on 04 Sep 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast where we discuss all things employment. Ahead of ADHD awareness month in October, we are devoting our latest deep-dive mini-series to the topic of neurodiversity. Given 15 to 20% of the UK population are neurodivergent - and more than half of Gen Z identify as "definitely" or "somewhat" neurodiverse - it is essential for employers to understand how neurodiversity interacts with, and affects, employment law and the world of work.