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Procedure, Damages and Costs
Alternative Dispute Resolution received a boost in 2024, when the Civil Procedure Rules were amended to expressly empower the court to order ADR. These changes follow the December 2023 judgment in Churchill v Merthyr Tydfil [2023] EWCA Civ 1416, in which the Court of Appeal concluded that it was lawful for the court to order parties to engage in ADR, provided the process does not interfere with the parties' access to a judicial determination.
Read moreUSA
In this chapter of our Annual Insurance Review 2025, we look at the main developments in 2024 and expected issues in 2025 for the USA.
Read moreAviation
In this this inaugural aviation chapter of the Annual Insurance Review, it would be impossible not to focus on the continuing upheaval wrought by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The aviation industry, which had largely weathered the disruption of the Covid pandemic, has been faced with new challenges since February 2022. Closure of European airspace to Russian aircraft, and of Russian airspace to aircraft from "unfriendly" countries, has forced route networks to adapt. Western sanctions which prohibited the supply of aircraft to Russian airlines have derailed longstanding relationships between Western aircraft lessors and their Russian customers. Prohibitions on the provision of insurance have similarly impacted aviation business models.
Read moreContingency
The contingency chapter of the Annual Insurance Review returns after a break. At the time of the 2022 update we expected the events market to rebound following the pandemic, although there remained lingering questions regarding entry requirements. Moving to 2024, the COVID restrictions appear to be a thing of the past, with attendance at events depending on a personal risk assessment rather than a vaccine passport or negative test. Despite the inevitable litigation following declinature of COVID claims, events and the contingency market have returned to normality.
Read morePolitical Risk and Trade Credit
For the previous two years we have started our review with commentary on the war in Ukraine and, unfortunately, its continuation means we are obliged to do so again. Last year we indicated that positions were entrenched, but as we head into 2025 it appears Ukraine's prospects are becoming gloomier. Support from the United States is likely to be less forthcoming under the new presidency and if there is still territory to be gained it is likely Russia will take advantage of this. Accordingly, underwritten assets deeper into western Ukraine are increasingly becoming at risk of the types of losses seen across the market for the last couple of years.
Read moreGeneral liability
This has been a dramatic year for cases involving fundamental dishonesty. In Williams-Henry v Associated British Ports Holdings Ltd, the King's Bench Division found that the Claimant, who had suffered a moderately severe brain injury, had dishonestly exaggerated her symptoms and attempted to inflate the value of her claim by over £1million. Although liability was admitted and, but for her dishonesty, she would still have been entitled to damages just under £600,000, the Court dismissed the whole of her claim. The Judge found that, given the extent of her deception, there would be no substantial injustice to the Claimant by her losing the genuine elements of her claim along with the dishonest ones.
Read moreWarranty & Indemnity
We predicted last year that 2024 would see deal volumes increase, owing to improving market conditions. Indeed, a pullback in inflation (and stabilisation of the cost of capital) has led to a rising M&A market, with notable growth among larger deals. Among European markets, the UK has been particularly active, reflecting perceived political stability following the decisive general election result (2024 was a bumper year for elections, too).
Read moreClass Actions and Collective redress
The UK group litigation/ class action landscape continues to expand, particularly in an environmental and consumer context. Whilst we still have no US-style "opt-out" class action regime for civil claims (opt-out class actions are only viable in respect of competition law infringements), the available mechanisms for seeking redress on behalf of multiple claimants, continue to be tested.
Read moreClimate risk and biodiversity
2024 closed with the conclusion of COP29 and COP16 conferences. COP29 continued discussions in relation to financing greener energy projects and compensation of developing countries in the Global South for loss and damage as a result of extreme weather events.
Read moreToxic Torts and Legacy Exposures
As predicted in last year's review, PFAS/ forever chemicals continued to dominate the toxic tort stage during 2024, with litigation rapidly expanding outside of the USA.
Read moreRPC issues letters before action in new water class action competition claim
On 20 December 2024 RPC and proposed class representative Professor Carolyn Roberts took the first step in launching a new opt-out competition collective action claim by serving proposed defendants Severn Trent, Yorkshire Water, United Utilities, Thames Water, Northumbrian Water and Anglian Water with letters before action.
Read moreOmbudsman decision – clarifying liability where there are delays in the pension administration process
When delays occur in pension transfers, the implications for members can be significant—but how far does a provider’s responsibility extend? A recent determination by the Pensions Ombudsman in the case of Mr R offers important clarification. Whilst the Ombudsman recognised some administrative shortcomings, the decision reaffirmed that providers are not liable for all financial consequences arising from delays, particularly when those consequences result from a member’s own actions.
Read moreISDA Master Agreements
Banking litigation partners Simon Hart and Jake Hardy discuss the world of ISDA Master Agreements, close out mechanics and a rather opaque investment bank wheeze involving counter hedging strategies, which counterparties miss at their financial peril.
Read moreIs time up for the Shareholder Rule? High Court departs from the century-old principle
In a recent decision, the High Court departed from a century-old precedent in ruling that the so-called 'Shareholder Rule' – the principle that a company cannot assert privilege against its own shareholders save for communications regarding litigation between the company and the shareholder – does not exist in English law. Justice Picken, in making this departure, has significantly limited the circumstances in which a claimant shareholder may be able to obtain disclosure of privileged information.
Read moreThe Week That Was - 10 January 2025
Welcome to the week that was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.
Read moreRPC advises Shore Capital on its role in Serinus Energy fundraising
International law firm RPC has advised Shore Capital, the nominated adviser and broker to Serinus Energy plc (Serinus Energy), an AIM-listed upstream oil and gas exploration and production company, on its equity fundraising by way of a placing, subscription, and retail offer.
Read moreML Covered - January 2025
As we welcome the New Year, we are pleased to share our latest version of ML Covered, our monthly round-up of key events relevant to those dealing with Management Liability Policies covering D&O, EPL and PTL-type risks.
Read moreMoney Covered: The Week That Was – 10 January 2025
Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the financial services sector over the last seven days.
Read moreUpper Tribunal allows taxpayers' appeals on 'deliberate' behaviour
In the Outram case, the Upper Tribunal overturned the First-tier Tribunal's decision concluding that it had erred in law when deciding that the taxpayers had deliberately filed an inaccurate return without considering the subjective knowledge and intention of the taxpayers concerned.
Read moreBrace for impact: major UK and EU regulatory changes set to transform 2025
2025 is poised to be a landmark year for businesses as a wave of new UK and EU regulations promise to reshape industries and redefine compliance standards. From product safety laws to AI regulations, leaders across multiple sectors will need to stay ahead to navigate these changes effectively.
Read moreFOS complaints on the rise – is enough being done?
The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has recently published its yearly complaint data, revealing that complaints regarding fraud, scams, current accounts and credit cards between July and September 2024 hit record levels, rising more than 50% compared to the same period in 2023. The data provides a breakdown of the areas where complaints appear to have increased the most.
Read moreRPC welcomes Alastair Mitton as Commercial, Technology and Outsourcing Partner
International law firm RPC has announced the appointment of technology and outsourcing specialist, Alastair Mitton, as Partner in the firm's Commercial, Technology and Outsourcing practice in Bristol. The move is part of an ongoing focus to grow RPC's presence in the South West, particularly strengthening its Media, IP, Technology, Outsourcing and Commercial (MIPTOC) team and client base.
Read moreCatrin Davies joins RPC as Partner
International law firm RPC has appointed lawyers liability defence specialist, Catrin Davies, as a Partner in the Professional & Financial Risks (PFR) practice in Bristol. Her appointment signifies the immense growth of RPC's Professional & Financial Risks practice in Bristol over the last five years, now over 75 lawyers strong.
Read moreRegulatory Radar - Winter 2025
Welcome to the Winter 2025 edition of RPC's bi-annual Regulatory Radar – a guide to the key regulatory changes worth having on your radar.
Read moreThe Consumer Duty – a theme running through 2024 and one to continue for 2025
The Consumer Duty has made a lot of headlines this year and as we enter 2025 its unlikely to change anytime soon. The FCA continues to publish its findings as part of its review of firms' compliance with the Consumer Duty and its most recent publication addresses the FCA's findings when reviewing firms' approaches to complaints and root cause analysis. This publication again highlights good practices for firms and areas for improvement.
Read moreCyber_Bytes Issue 70
Welcome to Cyber_Bytes, our regular round-up of key developments in cyber, tech and evolving risks.
Read moreSanta Claus and Section 32 of the Limitation Act – a lot in common?
Section 32 of the Limitation Act 1980 has seen some focus in recent years and next year we could see an even sharper focus given its potential importance in the area of undisclosed commission cases dependent on the outcome of the appeal to the Supreme Court. A recent case rejecting a claimant's amendments to their pleadings on grounds they were out of time and s.32 did not save them provides a useful reminder of some of the guiding principles – but to start with what can we learn from Santa Claus when it comes to s.32.
Read moreTake 10 - 20 December 2024
Welcome to RPC's Media and Communications law update. This month's edition on key media developments and the latest cases.
Read moreThe Week That Was - 20 December 2024
Welcome to the week that was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.
Read moreCorporate transparency reforms: what comes next?
Last year, we reported on the impact of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (the Act), which introduces the biggest changes to Companies House since corporate registrations were established in 1844. Companies House has now issued a transition plan for implementation of the Act, summarising the changes which have already been brought into effect and laying out Companies House's timing expectations for implementation of the remaining updates, including those relating to identity verification.
Read moreNew guidance on balancing data protection with the FCA's Consumer Duty and the TPR's Code of Practice
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and The Pensions Regulator (TPR) have published welcome guidance (Joint Statement) aimed at retail investment firms and pension providers on how to ensure their customer communications comply with the FCA's Consumer Duty (Consumer Duty) and the TPR’s Code of Practice (Code of Practice), whilst ensuring they follow the rules on direct marketing and data protection.
Read moreLawyers Covered - December 2024
What could be more festive than our December edition of Lawyers Covered – so here it is, a gift from the Lawyers Liability and Regulatory Group at RPC, to all of you, our lovely readers! And it’s a bumper edition with links to 3 full articles as well as our usual snippets. Happy holidays!
Read morePrivacy developments – looking back and looking forward
In this article, we give you a high-level snapshot of the key data protection and privacy developments in the UK and EU in 2024 as well as developments we anticipate for 2025.
Read moreWill the UK government's latest measures targeting promoters of tax avoidance and fraud be effective?
In this article, which is based on an article published in Issue 4 2024 of the British Tax Review, Adam Craggs considers whether the UK's latest measures targeting promoters of tax avoidance schemes and tax fraud will be effective.
Read moreMoney Covered: The Year That Was 2024 - Top 10 risks facing the financial sector
Welcome to Money Covered, a monthly podcast from RPC aimed at those dealing with complaints, claims and risk management in the financial services sector.
Read moreRe KRF Services (UK) Ltd - A cautionary tale of a sole director and the Sanctions Regulations
The High Court recently handed down its decision in KRF Services (UK) Ltd [2024] EWHC 2978 (Ch), which provides a long-awaited decision to confirm that a sole director of a company with unmodified Model Articles can make decisions on behalf of the company regardless of how many directors it had in the past. The Court also held that making an administration application or order does not in principle breach The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 ("Sanctions Regulations").
Read moreHigh Court overturns SRA intervention
A recent High Court decision saw the court overturn the SRA's intervention in a regulated law firm: only the second decision of its kind in 20 years.
Read moreThe insurance of Christmas
Welcome to Insurance Covered, the podcast that covers everything insurance. In this special Christmas episode Peter is joined by an ensemble cast of insurance experts to discuss the insurance of the core elements of Christmas, from the tree and the presents under it, to the turkey and wine enjoyed at the dinner table.
Read moreGreen claims update: December 2024
Welcome to our round-up of the key legal and regulatory developments relating to green claims.
Read moreFinancial Crime Time - Your update from RPC: 2024 Q4
Welcome to the latest edition of our round-up of news making the headlines in the world of financial crime and compliance. Our aim is to give you an easily digestible, bite-sized overview of issues that are of interest and which may affect your business.
Read moreFinancial Conduct Authority updates its perimeter report
On 9 December 2024, the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") published an updated version of its perimeter report, identifying investment trust cost disclosure and exclusions to regulated activities as new issues.
Read moreThe Week That Was - 13 December 2024
Welcome to the week that was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.
Read moreSports Ticker #118: Thom Browne v Adidas, Formula E on TV and Q&A with Ben Maher – a speed read of commercial updates from the sports world
In a fortnight which saw boxing face an ultimatum for its inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, trials of an alternative system to VAR extended by the International Football Association Board and the NBA announce its return to China in 2025, we bring you updates on Thom Browne vs Adidas, AB InBev's partnership with FIFA for the Club World Cup 2025 and an exciting RPC event with Ben Maher on 17 December.
Read moreLessons from on high revisited: What does the recent International Entertainment Holdings coverage decision teach us about the approach to mistakes in insurance policies previously explored in George on High?
How should an insurance policy be applied when something goes wrong with the drafting of its terms? This article considers two recent cases with contrasting outcomes in which this question was explored, namely George on High Ltd & Anor v Alan Boswell Insurance Brokers Ltd & Anor [2023] EWHC 1963 (GOH v Alan Boswell) and International Entertainment Holdings & Others v Allianz Insurance PLC [2024] EWHC 124 (Comm) (IEH v Allianz).
Read moreAesthetic appeal and craftsmanship are not enough: WaterRower fails to secure copyright protection as a UK work of artistic craftsmanship
The term "artistic craftsmanship" has no statutory definition under UK copyright law – a position that has only been made more challenging by a conflict between EU and UK case law in this area. In this hotly anticipated judgment, the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court (IPEC) sought to determine what it means to be a work of artistic craftsmanship in the context of s 4(1)(c) of the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 (CDPA).
Read moreCourt of Appeal Confirms Occupational Pensions Are Shielded from Creditor Claims
The Court of Appeal has recently held that occupational pensions are protected from injunctions requiring them to be made available to creditors for enforcement purposes in the judgment of Manolete v White [2024] EWCA Civ 1418.
Read moreChambers Asia Pacific recommends RPC Premier Law in three categories
RPC Premier Law has maintained its rankings as a top firm in Band 1 for Insurance and Band 4 for Shipping: International: Litigation.
Read moreLiquidator granted permission to disclose bank statements to an assignee to pursue a cause of action
The High Court has recently handed down its judgment in Asertis Ltd & Anor v Melhuish & Ors [2024] EWHC 2819 (Ch), granting permission for a liquidator, who had assigned his claims against former directors, to disclose bank statements obtained under section 236 of the Insolvency Act 1986 to the assignee.
Read moreKey takeaways from the Financial Ombudsman Service's Annual Report and Accounts for 2023-2024
The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has published its Annual Report and Accounts for 2023-2024 (the Report) providing valuable insights into the trends and challenges faced by the financial services industry. It is important to understand these developments to proactively manage risks and ensure compliance.
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