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The rise of ESG finance

Published on 01 Oct 2021. By Sukh Ahark, Partner, Co-head of India Practice

ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) finance remains a hot topic and continues to grow rapidly, with Bloomberg predicting the $2.2 trillion ESG debt market to hit $11 trillion by 2025, based on the rate of growth during the past five years.

Balance on the board: Eight things UK PLCs need to know about the FCA's diversity targets

Published on 27 Sep 2021. By Karen Hendy, Partner, Head of Corporate and Connor Cahalane, Partner, Head of Public Companies

The Financial Conduct Authority's proposals will mean UK listed companies need to disclose whether their boards and senior management teams meet new gender and ethnic diversity targets.

Balance on the board: Eight things UK PLCs need to know about the FCA's diversity targets

Published on 27 Sep 2021. By Karen Hendy, Partner, Head of Corporate and Connor Cahalane, Partner, Head of Public Companies

The Financial Conduct Authority's proposals will mean UK listed companies need to disclose whether their boards and senior management teams meet new gender and ethnic diversity targets.

Balance on the board: Eight things UK PLCs need to know about the FCA's diversity targets

Published on 27 Sep 2021. By Karen Hendy, Partner, Head of Corporate and Connor Cahalane, Partner, Head of Public Companies

The Financial Conduct Authority's proposals will mean UK listed companies need to disclose whether their boards and senior management teams meet new gender and ethnic diversity targets.

RPC Insurtech in brief - September 2021

Published on 14 Sep 2021. By Neil Brown, Partner and Daniel Guilfoyle, Partner and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

Welcome to the September edition from RPC of Insurtech in brief, providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.

Takeover Code: What has changed?

Published on 13 Sep 2021. By Emily McGregor, Partner

On 5 July 2021, the most significant changes to the Takeover Code (the Code) since 2011 took effect. The changes are intended to standardise the treatment of regulatory clearances and simplify the offer timetable. An overview of the main changes is set out below.

Takeover Code: What has changed?

Published on 13 Sep 2021. By Emily McGregor, Partner

On 5 July 2021, the most significant changes to the Takeover Code (the Code) since 2011 took effect. The changes are intended to standardise the treatment of regulatory clearances and simplify the offer timetable. An overview of the main changes is set out below.

RPC Insurtech in brief - August 2021

Published on 16 Aug 2021. By Neil Brown, Partner and Daniel Guilfoyle, Partner and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

Welcome to the August edition from RPC of Insurtech in brief, providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.

RPC Insurtech in brief - July 2021

Published on 16 Jul 2021. By Neil Brown, Partner and Daniel Guilfoyle, Partner and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

Welcome to the July edition from RPC of Insurtech in brief, providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.

Directors' duties and conflicts of interest – application to former directors

Published on 28 Jun 2021.

The High Court has recently considered the scope of the duty to avoid conflicts of interest as it applies to former directors of a company.

RPC Insurtech in brief - June 2021

Published on 17 Jun 2021. By Neil Brown, Partner and Daniel Guilfoyle, Partner and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

Welcome to the June edition from RPC of Insurtech in brief, providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.

The beginning of the end for tax havens?

Published on 08 Jun 2021. By Ben Roberts, Partner

Over the weekend it was widely reported that the 'G7' nations had agreed a deal on global tax reform.

RPC Insurtech in brief - May 2021

Published on 10 May 2021. By Neil Brown, Partner and Daniel Guilfoyle, Partner and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

Welcome to the May edition from RPC of Insurtech in brief, providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.

Japan's quiet approach to cross-border investment is changing

Published on 06 May 2021. By Nigel Collins, Partner, Head of Japan Desk

This article highlights a few interesting insights from an interview of Nigel Collins (RPC) and Mangyo Kinoshita (southgate) conducted by Brunswick Group.

RPC Insurtech in brief April 2021

Published on 07 Apr 2021. By Neil Brown, Partner and Daniel Guilfoyle, Partner and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

Welcome to the April edition from RPC of Insurtech in brief, providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.

Expert determination of completion accounts and "manifest error"

Published on 06 Apr 2021.

The courts narrowly interpret what is a "manifest error" in the context of expert determination of completion accounts.

Insurance M&A and financing Q1 2021

Published on 22 Mar 2021. By James Mee, Partner

This blog considers insurance M&A and financing trends over the past 12 months.

FCA guidance on cancellations and refunds

Published on 15 Mar 2021. By Whitney Simpson, Of Counsel

COVID-19 disruption has caused an unprecedented number of cancellations of trips, holidays, and other events. On 2 April 2021, the temporary guidance which the FCA published in October 2020 setting out its expectations for insurance and card providers, is due to come to an end.

Spring Budget 2021 – spend now, tax later?

Published on 11 Mar 2021. By Ben Roberts, Partner

RPC Insurtech in brief – March 2021

Published on 05 Mar 2021. By Neil Brown, Partner and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

Welcome to the latest edition from RPC of Insurtech in brief, providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.

UK Listing Review wants companies to stay at home

Published on 04 Mar 2021. By Connor Cahalane, Partner, Head of Public Companies and Karen Hendy, Partner, Head of Corporate

Recommendations will make it easier to list and fundraise on the London Stock Exchange

UK Listing Review wants companies to stay at home

Published on 04 Mar 2021. By Connor Cahalane, Partner, Head of Public Companies and Karen Hendy, Partner, Head of Corporate

Recommendations will make it easier to list and fundraise on the London Stock Exchange

Commercial Court cracks down on crypto-fraudsters (if it can find them)

Published on 18 Feb 2021. By Dan Wyatt, Partner and Christopher Whitehouse, Of Counsel and Becky Baker , Associate

In the first initial coin offering 'ICO' fraud case before the Commercial Court, Ion Science Limited & Duncan Johns v Persons Unknown & Ors, the court granted permission to serve disclosure orders on two cryptocurrency exchanges through which the claimants' stolen bitcoin had been traced, granted a world-wide freezing order against persons unknown, and gave ground-breaking guidance on the lex situs of crypto-assets.

National Security and Investment Bill – when will it come into force?

Published on 17 Feb 2021. By Neil Brown, Partner

This blog considers when the National Security and Investment Bill might come into force, and the risk that transactions currently underway might be caught by the incoming rules.

The 2021 Budget and M&A

Published on 11 Feb 2021. By James Mee, Partner and Ben Roberts, Partner

Many in business will have a keen eye on Rishi Sunak's Budget announcement that is due on 3rd March. As always, there is intense press speculation as to the measures that may be announced.

Time for public companies to come clean: New UK climate-related disclosures and ESG guidance

Published on 03 Feb 2021. By Connor Cahalane, Partner, Head of Public Companies

Companies listed on the London Stock Exchange's Main Market will need to include a statement in their annual report confirming if they have made climate-related disclosures consistent with the recommendations of Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Companies planning to IPO, or move from AIM to the Main Market, are also affected by these new Listing Rules.

Time for public companies to come clean: New UK climate-related disclosures and ESG guidance

Published on 03 Feb 2021. By Connor Cahalane, Partner, Head of Public Companies

Companies listed on the London Stock Exchange's Main Market will need to include a statement in their annual report confirming if they have made climate-related disclosures consistent with the recommendations of Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Companies planning to IPO, or move from AIM to the Main Market, are also affected by these new Listing Rules.

Time for public companies to come clean: New UK climate-related disclosures and ESG guidance

Published on 03 Feb 2021. By Connor Cahalane, Partner, Head of Public Companies

Companies listed on the London Stock Exchange's Main Market will need to include a statement in their annual report confirming if they have made climate-related disclosures consistent with the recommendations of Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Companies planning to IPO, or move from AIM to the Main Market, are also affected by these new Listing Rules.

RPC Insurtech in brief – January 2021

Published on 29 Jan 2021. By Neil Brown, Partner and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

Welcome to the latest edition from RPC Insurtech in brief providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.

The Brexit deal and tax – what did we end up with?

Published on 26 Jan 2021. By Ben Roberts, Partner

Over the festive period a Brexit deal was finally agreed between the UK and the EU, just in time for the end of the transition period on New Year's Eve.

RPC Insurtech in brief – December 2020

Published on 15 Dec 2020. By Neil Brown, Partner and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

Welcome to the latest edition from RPC Insurtech in brief providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.

Japan-UK free trade agreement and Japan Inc M&A

Published on 23 Nov 2020. By Nigel Collins, Partner, Head of Japan Desk

Japan and the UK signed a post-Brexit bilateral free trade agreement on 23 October 2020 with an implementation date of 1 January 2021. This ensures continuity in trade and investment beyond the end of the UK's transition period.

National Security and Investment Bill – Headline Points

Published on 20 Nov 2020. By Neil Brown, Partner

This blog summarises the key headlines from the new National Security and Investment Bill.

A guide to buying and selling English residential property

Published on 16 Nov 2020.

With the advent of COVID-19, Brexit and global market volatility, the mature, fast-moving English real estate sector faces unprecedented challenges. However history has shown the English residential property market to be particularly resilient and many consider this a time of unique opportunity.

10 tips for preparing a Section 172 Statement

Published on 02 Nov 2020. By Emily McGregor, Partner

For financial years beginning on or after 1 January 2019, all large private companies must include a statement in their annual report and accounts explaining how the directors have had regard to the matters in section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 when performing their duties.

The rule of DAC6 - are you ready?

Published on 16 Oct 2020. By Ben Roberts, Partner

UK companies involved in cross-border transactions need to be aware of looming reporting deadlines imposed by EU law and now implemented in the UK . These rules are designed to facilitate the reporting and sharing between EU tax authorities of instances of tax planning. However, the types of transactions caught by these rules are not limited to aggressive tax planning arrangements. In a number of cases, it is not a requirement for there to be a tax motive for the transaction to be reportable.

Major overhaul of UK telecoms regulation to go ahead by the end of December 2020

Published on 21 Sep 2020.

The UK still pushing ahead with implementing wide ranging European regulatory changes, but obligations for many "over the top" providers are likely to be postponed.

Future Funding here to stay?

Published on 09 Sep 2020. By Edward Colville, Partner

Latest figures show Future Fund's £642m investment in UK start-ups, but criticism of Government-backed business interruption loan schemes remains.

Calculating fair value – is it really fair?

Published on 04 Aug 2020. By Chris Brierley, Partner

The difficulties in determining what is meant by the phrase "fair value" have been highlighted by a recent decision of the Privy Council in the case of Shanda Games Ltd v Maso Capital Investments Ltd.

Drafting Formulae – the power of worked examples

Published on 27 Jul 2020. By Neil Brown, Partner

This blog considers a recent decision in which the High Court interpreted that worked examples took priority over narrative drafting, where the two were inconsistent.

W&I Insurance: The rise of synthetic warranties?

Published on 22 Jul 2020. By Jeremy Cunningham, Partner

Warranty and indemnity (W&I) insurers are seeking innovative ways to service the M&A market in a Covid-19 pandemic induced downturn. This article discusses the potential uses for W&I insurance policies with synthetic aspects in meeting the market's current needs.

M&A - how due diligence is being changed by coronavirus

Published on 13 Jul 2020. By Jeremy Cunningham, Partner

This blog considers what new areas of M&A due diligence may need to be prioritised in light of business changes brought about by coronavirus and the resulting disruption to normal business activity.

Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020: What's changed for companies?

Published on 06 Jul 2020. By Ella Shanks, Senior Associate

The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 (the Act) came into force on 27 June 2020

Loan covenant disputes likely to impact almost all industry sectors unless lenders and investors work to find resolution

Published on 12 Jun 2020. By Sukh Ahark, Partner, Co-head of India Practice

Loan covenant disputes caused by the coronavirus crisis are likely to impact almost all industry sectors in the coming year, unless lenders and investors work together to resolve problems caused by covenant breaches.

CK Hutchison wins in the ECJ – better late than never?

Published on 10 Jun 2020. By Brendan Collar, Senior Associate

CK Hutchison wins its appeal against the EC's decision to block Three UK’s 2016 merger with O2.

Insurance special purpose vehicles - the wheels of change in motion

Published on 01 Jun 2020. By Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

On 22 May 2020 the PRA published updates to its approach to the authorisation and supervision of insurance special purpose vehicles (ISPVs).

Football referees held not to be employed for tax purposes – the final whistle for HMRC?

Published on 14 May 2020. By Ben Roberts, Partner

Whether an individual is employed, or self-employed, for tax purposes is a question that has – in the era of the 'gig' economy and given the anticipated extension of the off-payroll working (IR35) rules – never required closer examination.

Tips for minimising costs on Part VII transfers

Published on 11 May 2020. By Neil Brown, Partner

The Covid-19 crisis might cause insurers to seek to free up capital by disposing of portfolios of legacy business. This blog sets out some tips for carrying out Part VII transfers whilst under increasing costs constraints.

New 100% government-backed loan scheme for small and medium-sized businesses

Published on 04 May 2020. By Sukh Ahark, Partner, Co-head of India Practice and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

The new 'Bounce Back Loans' scheme (the "Scheme") launches today. The Scheme provides small and medium-sized businesses with loans from between £2,000 and £50,000, such cash to be accessible within days.

New virtual insurer for Hong Kong

Published on 29 Apr 2020. By Andrew Carpenter, Partner

This month saw the award of a further virtual insurer licence in Hong Kong – this time for OneDegree (on 15 April 2020). The start-up will focus, initially, on the burgeoning Hong Kong pet insurance market, before a proposed expansion into health and cyber risk.