Our knowledge resources reflect the breadth and depth of our expertise, our insight into the issues which matter to your business, and our understanding of the markets in which you operate.
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published its Final Report on the integration of sustainability risks and disclosures in the investment fund sector (Final Report).
A regular briefing for the alternative asset management industry.
In this edition, we look at the UK Government's 10 year Infrastructure Strategy and whether the "Washington effect" has trumped the "Brussels effect" in relation to ESG regulation. We also provide updates on topics including planning reform, housing, heat networks, national security, pension fund infrastructure investment and carbon markets.
The last 6 months have seen unprecedented turbulence in the field of sustainability regulation. The EU, historically a world leader in environmental standards and responsible business conduct, appears to be backtracking on its leading position and fitting in with the political mood in the US.
With the legal framework now in place for the Private Intermittent Securities and Capital Exchange System ("PISCES") regime to become operational, in this briefing we answer the key questions that clients are asking about this innovative trading platform for private companies.
On 3 June 2025, the Financial Reporting Council ("FRC") published the UK Stewardship Code 2026 (the "Code"). The Code is a voluntary framework designed to promote high standards of stewardship among financial market participants, encouraging the responsible allocation, management and oversight of capital. This edition of the Code will replace the UK Stewardship Code 2020 (the "2020 Code") as of 1 January 2026.
Modern slavery and human rights abuses impact countless supply chains across the world every year. Businesses and investors may be exposed to risks arising from such abuses regardless of how far down the supply chain they occur and, in some circumstances, may be under a duty to identify, remediate and prevent further violations.
A series of dynamic conversations hosted by Simon Witney, sustainable finance specialist, joined by two expert guests.
Join Sarah-Jane Denton, Simon Witney and Anne-Marie Schoonbeek, COO at KEY ESG for an expert guide to the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
As discussed in our February legal briefing, the EU Commission has recently proposed a sustainability "Omnibus" package, intended to deliver on its simplification agenda by amending certain key legislation - the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive ("CSRD"), the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive ("CS3D") and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism Regulation ("CBAM") with concurrent changes to the detail of the Taxonomy Regulation. The Omnibus proposes to dramatically reduce the number of companies subject to mandatory sustainability reporting under CSRD and ease obligations under the CS3D for active human rights and environmental due diligence.
How concerned should franchisors be about the recent trend of attempted claims against franchisors over misconduct by their franchisees, and which areas of law pose the greatest risk?
Our regular round-up of recent and forthcoming developments in law and practice for in-house counsel.
In recent years, corporations have increasingly prioritised ESG issues, often prompting them to collaborate in pursuit of sustainability goals.
The "Stop-the-Clock" proposal to delay sustainability reporting under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive ("CSRD") and due diligence obligations under the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive ("CS3D") was approved by the European Parliament on 3 April, with immediate consequences for many large companies preparing CSRD reports.
Earlier this week, the UK Home Office published updated guidance (the "Guidance") for businesses on how to comply with the letter and spirit of the UK's Modern Slavery Act 2015 ("MSA").
The Court of Appeal has handed down judgment in an appeal from various case management decisions in the long-running Alame & Ors v Shell plc & Anor [2024] EWCA Civ 1500 environmental group litigation ("Alame 3"). The decision emphasised the importance of parties' freedom to plead their case in a manner of their own choosing and the difficulties that can arise where claimants face an inequality of arms. The Court heard appeals from the first instance decisions in Alame & Ors v Shell plc & Anor [2023] EWHC 2961 ("Alame 1") and [2024] EWHC 510 ("Alame 2").
Three months after the European Commission announced a "simplification revolution", and after six weeks of intense speculation, rumours and leaks, we finally have the official texts of the sustainability "Omnibus" package. It is now clear that there will be significant changes to EU sustainability regulation. However, since this package needs approval from the co-legislators, it is unlikely to be the final word. Opponents of the Omnibus have pointed out that what was billed as simplification has turned into significant deregulation – although the European Commission is not labelling it that way.
Our webinar covering the 'how' and 'why' of transition planning through a UK and European lens, with front line learnings from Netherlands preeminent climate law experts, Houthoff.
In late 2024, the UK Government announced its intention to "crack down on late payments" and outlined a number of measures intended to support this. We look at what the changes mean and why it's more important than ever to take late payment seriously as an issue.