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Thinking - Blog

SIPPs and FOS - does the Rowanmoor decision change anything?

Published on 02 Feb 2022. By Rachael Healey, Partner

Last week FOS published a decision it reached last year in a complaint against a SIPP provider involving advised sales. The FOS upheld the complaint, finding that the SIPP provider should have rejected business from the regulated financial adviser, CIB Life and Pensions Limited (CIB), given, broadly, red flags available to the SIPP provider with respect to the operation of CIB's business model including that CIB was not advising on the ultimate investment within the SIPP and as a result such introductions involved a significant risk of consumer detriment. The decision has received quite a bit of press attention - but has it moved the dial for SIPP complaints before FOS or not?

Thinking - Blog

The Future of Insolvency Regulation

Published on 04 Jan 2022. By Rachael Healey, Partner

On 21 December 2021 the Government launched a consultation into the future of insolvency regulation. The changes proposed in the consultation document will have a wide ranging impact on the insolvency profession (and its insurers) with the proposals including: the direct regulation of insolvency firms, the introduction of a single regulatory body with powers to order compensation against insolvency practitioners and firms, a new additional requirements regime, changes to the bond regime and a public register of insolvency practitioners and firms. Many of the changes proposed require primary legislation and so it may be some time before the changes to take effect (if adopted). But there does appear to be some wind behind these proposals given they follow on from the Call for Evidence in 2019 and a more general focus on insolvency issues in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Thinking - Blog

Surveying the risks: RICS proposed updates tackling financial crime

Published on 02 Jun 2025. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Emma Wherry, Of Counsel and Catherine Zakarias-Welch, Knowledge Lawyer

Financial crime is on the rise. In response to the new technologies criminals are using, such as AI and cryptocurrency, RICS launched a consultation calling on members, regulated firms and key stakeholders to respond to its consultation on proposed changes to "The Financial Crime Standard" (The RICS Countering Financial Crime: Bribery, Corruption, Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Sanctions Violation Professional Standard).

Thinking - Blog

A guide to buying and selling English residential property

Published on 14 Jan 2025. By Elizabeth Alibhai, Partner and Sukh Ahark, Partner, Co-head of India Practice and Ben Roberts, Partner and Jon Ely, Partner and Arash Rajai, Partner

We are seeing increased positivity in the English residential property market. In 2024, inflation reached the Bank of England’s 2% target, down from 11.1% in 2022, which was a significant factor in the return of consumer confidence and economic growth. Mortgage rates are falling slightly with approval rates at their highest level since 2022 as buyers continue to respond to increased certainty post-election. Property values are again on the rise while demand continues to outstrip supply.

Thinking - Blog

Unpacking the Building Safety Act's industry overhaul

Published on 06 Mar 2024. By Zoe Eastell, Partner and Zack Gould-Wilson, Senior Associate

On June 28, 2022, the Building Safety Act 2022 received royal assent, bringing about the biggest change to building safety in 40 years.

Press and Media

The Times recognises RPC among Best Law Firms 2024

Published on 30 Oct 2023.

International law firm, RPC, has been recognised by The Times in its Best Law Firms 2024 report, an annual ranking of the top 250 law firms in England and Wales.

Thinking - Blog

The El Niño year and impact on subsidence claims

Published on 13 Jul 2023. By Andrew Roper, Partner and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

Insurers should be bracing for a wave of subsidence claims arising from the increasingly warm weather. The UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has declared that an El Niño climate event is in progress, which helps explain why June 2023 was the hottest on record in the UK.

Thinking - Blog

Building on renewable energy #3 – Anaerobic Digestion

Published on 24 Sep 2020.

Anaerobic digestion is the process by which biodegradable materials are broken down in a controlled environment. Whilst being broken down, the materials emit gas (which can be used as a source of renewable energy), and produce heat (which can also be harnessed on or near-to site). The process also leaves a waste material (digestate), which can be used as fertiliser, contributing to the circular economy.

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Thinking - Blog

Generative Artificial Intelligence Risks for Litigation Lawyers

Published on 09 Jun 2025. By Nick Bird, Partner and Cheryl Laird, Senior Associate

In R (on the application of Frederick Ayinde) v The London Borough of Haringey AC-2024-LON-003062 the President of the King's Bench Division (Dame Victoria Sharpe) and Mr Justice Johnson gave judgment in two referrals that had been made under the Hamid jurisdiction. That jurisdiction is the court's inherent jurisdiction to regulate its own procedures and enforce the obligations that lawyers owe to it.

Thinking - Blog

Six steps to AI Literacy (whether legally required to or not)

Published on 27 Feb 2025. By Paul Joukador, Partner and Praveeta Thayalan, Knowledge Lawyer

At the beginning of February 2025, the AI literacy requirement under the EU AI Act came into force. The effect of this is that certain businesses must take measures to ensure a sufficient level of AI literacy in their staff.

Thinking - Publication

Retail Compass Autumn 2024

Published on 02 Oct 2024. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Karen Hendy, Partner and Ciara Cullen, Partner, Retail & Consumer Sector Lead

Welcome to the autumn edition of Retail Compass. This edition sees a surge of ESG-related legislative and regulatory updates. We hope to guide you through the most pressing, as well as the wider upcoming legal and policy changes affecting retail and consumer brands.

Thinking - Blog

AI in auditing: Embracing a new age for the profession

Published on 08 Jul 2024.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rather new concept for many (ignoring those versed in 80’s Sci-Fi movies); it’s something many don’t know much about and certainly don’t use in our day-to-day lives (or at least appreciate we are using). However, that’s not the case for everyone. Auditors have long been reaping the benefits of AI, but are auditors just scratching the surface of what AI can offer and what impact will an increased use have on their insurance requirements and claims they face?

Thinking - Publication

Retail Compass Spring 2024

Published on 15 Apr 2024. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Karen Hendy, Partner and Ciara Cullen, Partner, Retail & Consumer Sector Lead

Welcome to the Spring edition of Retail Compass, where we guide you through key upcoming legal and policy changes affecting retailers and consumer brands and provide our thoughts on those crucial, need-to-know issues.

Thinking - Blog

Navigating the impact of AI on work: challenges, opportunities, and the human touch

Published on 20 Mar 2024. By Patrick Brodie, Partner, Head of Employment, Engagement and Equality

The fear of job losses because of technology and automation, including artificial intelligence, has been with us since the 1960s. For some time, academics have predicted the decline of routine, rules-based and process-driven roles.

Thinking - Blog

Virtual billboards: the future of immersive advertising?

Published on 15 Jan 2024. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead and Elizabeth Alibhai, Partner and Nick Lauw, Partner

With the deployment of immersive technologies poised to become the norm, the implementation of infrastructure for "virtual billboards", and the "property digital rights" which they demand, is demonstrating a lucrative gap in the market and huge growth potential.

Thinking - Blog

Thaler v Comptroller [2023] UKSC 49: the UKSC rules that AI cannot be an 'inventor'

Published on 10 Jan 2024. By Matthew Jones, Partner

To the surprise of no one, the UK Supreme Court (UKSC) has finally ruled that an artificial intelligence (AI) cannot be an inventor for the purposes of UK patent law. This judgment accords with the decisions of the lower courts in the UK and the initial ruling of the UKIPO. It also reflects similar findings from most of courts around the world where the claimant, Dr Thaler, brought similar actions.

Thinking - Blog

12 top tips for using AI in retail and consumer businesses

Published on 18 Dec 2023. By Praveeta Thayalan, Knowledge Lawyer and Brendan Collar, Senior Associate

Last year, we set out our top ten tips for retailers entering the metaverse. This year, AI is the hot topic in retail and pretty much everywhere else! AI is redefining the retail and consumer industry. It can improve consume engagement, aid decision-making, curate tailored promotions, improve efficiencies, and reduce costs. So what do retailers and consumer bran need to be mindful of when deploying AI?

Thinking - Blog

Coming to a bank near you? How "investment AI" could transform financial mis-selling claims

Published on 09 Nov 2023. By Daniel Hemming, Partner

Living under a rock is probably the only way anyone might have escaped the media attention given to ChatGPT and generative AI in recent months. Beyond the (considerable) hype, this technology could have a profound impact on financial mis-selling claims where financial institutions and fund managers turn to the new technology to help them select investments and products.

Thinking - Publication

Retail Compass Autumn 2023

Published on 17 Oct 2023. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Karen Hendy, Partner and Ciara Cullen, Partner, Retail & Consumer Sector Lead

Welcome to our Autumn edition of Retail Compass, where we guide you through the key legal and policy changes affecting retail and consumer brands and provide our thoughts on those crucial, need-to-know issues.

Thinking - Blog

EU AI ACT-ion stations

Published on 29 Sep 2023. By Helen Armstrong, Partner and Charles Buckworth, Partner

The EU is forging ahead with its vision for AI. With wrapping up talks on the EU AI Act between the EU governments, the Commission and the parliamentary negotiators imminent, we bring you up to date on the EU's risk based approach, the scope of the Act, a timeline, key points that will form the basis of the discussions and next steps.

Thinking - Blog

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.

Thinking - Podcast

AI and ChatGPT in Law firms

Published on 04 Aug 2023.

First published by 39 Essex Chambers, in this episode Patrick Brodie, Head of Employment, Engagement and Equality at law firm, RPC, discusses with Katherine Apps KC the issues raised by the use of large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT in a law firm environment.

Thinking - Snapshot

Ethics in the age of AI: new Institute of Directors checklist

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

What are the key considerations for boards regarding the ethical use of AI within their companies based on the Institute of Directors’ (IoD) Checklist for Boards (Checklist)?

Thinking - Snapshot

Government White Paper sets out UK approach to AI regulation

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

How is the UK Government looking to regulate AI?

Thinking - Podcast

Unlocking Generative AI’s Potential: Ethics, Creativity, and Impact

Published on 29 Jun 2023.

What if you could unlock the full potential of Generative AI and its impact on your life and company?

Thinking - Blog

Generative AI and intellectual property rights—the UK government's position

Published on 03 May 2023. By Helen Armstrong, Partner and Jani Ihalainen, Associate and Joshy Thomas, Knowledge Lawyer

The IPO is to produce a code of practice by the summer that will provide guidance to support AI firms in accessing copyright protected works as an input to their models.

Thinking - Publication

Sports Ticker (27 April 2023) – PL gambling sponsor ban, WWE x UFC merger and Schumacher's AI interview – a speed-read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 28 Apr 2023. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate

In a fortnight which saw Corach Rambler win the Grand National, the UK & Ireland submit its bid to host the UEFA Euro 2028 men's tournament, and 48,000 runners take to the streets for the London Marathon, we bring you updates on Spotify's new integration with Strava and Team GB's collaboration with Birds Eye. We also feature stories on a controversial AI-generated interview with Michael Schumacher and our own Kate O'Malley's sub-three hour marathon success.

Thinking - Publication

Retail Compass Spring 2023

Published on 27 Apr 2023. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Karen Hendy, Partner

Welcome to our Spring edition of Retail Compass, where we guide you through the key legal and policy changes affecting retail and consumer brands and provide our thoughts on those crucial, need-to-know issues.

Thinking - Blog

Understanding and managing the risks in artificial intelligence (AI) technology projects

Published on 12 Apr 2023. By Helen Armstrong, Partner and Ricky Cella, Senior Associate and Joshy Thomas, Knowledge Lawyer

How do you go about managing the risks and challenges that might arise during the deployment of AI technology?

Press and Media

RPC reacts to UK Government White Paper on AI

Published on 30 Mar 2023. By Jon Bartley, Partner and Ciara Cullen, Partner, Retail & Consumer Sector Lead and Richard Breavington, Partner and Kelly Thomson, Partner, ESG Strategy Lead and Helen Armstrong, Partner and Patrick Brodie, Partner, Head of Employment, Engagement and Equality and Mamata Dutta, Partner

RPC reacts to UK Government White Paper on AI

Thinking - Publication

What if the CEO asks me about... using Artificial Intelligence in our Retail stores?

Published on 28 Mar 2023. By Paul Joukador, Partner

The term "artificial intelligence" (AI) describes a range of technologies that enable machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as the ability to comprehend, act and learn.

Thinking - Blog

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.

Thinking - Snapshot

UK Government sets out proposals for regulation of AI

Published on 10 Oct 2022. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead

What are the UK Government’s plans for the future regulation of artificial intelligence (AI)?

Thinking - Snapshot

ICO launches AI and Data Protection Toolkit

Published on 28 Jul 2022.

How can those engaged in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) systems utilise the Information Commissioner’s Office’s AI and data protection risk toolkit (the Toolkit) to better ensure compliance with data protection legislation?

Thinking - Snapshot

UK government announces the launch of an AI standards hub

Published on 12 Apr 2022. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead

What does the new artificial intelligence (AI) standards hub mean for businesses seeking to develop AI technologies?

Thinking - Snapshot

UK authorities consider position of AI in preparation for a new Golden Age of Tech

Published on 09 Jun 2021. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead

The question: What direction is the UK taking regarding policies on artificial intelligence (AI)?

Thinking - Snapshot

ICO publishes guidance on AI decision making

Published on 02 Nov 2020. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead

How can companies comply with data regulation when using AI to make decisions affecting individuals?

Thinking - Blog

Falling Fowl in personal injury claims: the Animals Act 1971, fundamental dishonesty, quantum and forum shopping

Published on 11 Jun 2025. By Gavin Reese, Partner, Head of Regulatory and Sally Lord, Knowledge Lawyer Manager

Whether you're dealing with claims under the Animals Act 1971, fundamental dishonesty, quantum disputes or what forum to choose, Boyd v Hughes [2025] deals with it all. Here we discuss the principles before the court in a claim that arose out of a personal injury claim after a fall from a horse and what it means for personal injury cases going forwards.

Thinking - Publication

Lawyers Covered - May 2025

Published on 30 May 2025. By Will Sefton, Partner, Head of the Lawyers Liability and Regulatory Group and Carmel Green, Partner and Alexandra Anderson, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Cecilia Everett, Partner and Helen Kerr, Senior Associate and Karl Shortman, Associate and Laura Sponti, Associate

It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

Thinking - Publication

CAT Collective Proceedings - Summer 2025 update

Published on 28 May 2025. By Chris Ross, Partner and David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech and Zoe Mernick-Levene, Partner

Developments in the UK’s competition collective proceedings regime continue apace with new claims recently issued in the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT).

Thinking - Publication

Lawyers Covered - April 2025

Published on 30 Apr 2025. By Will Sefton, Partner, Head of the Lawyers Liability and Regulatory Group and Carmel Green, Partner and Carole Foster, Senior Associate and Tom Butterfield, Associate and Kerone Thomas, Associate and Simon Love, Senior Associate and Shanice Holder, Associate and Tom Wild, Senior Associate

It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

Thinking - Publication

PLC QTRLY - Q1 2025

Published on 29 Apr 2025. By Connor Cahalane, Partner - Corporate and James Channo, Partner and Karen Hendy, Partner, Head of Corporate

This is our regular quarterly update to help our listed company clients and other market participants keep up to date with key developments relevant to issuers on the Main Market and AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.

Thinking - Publication

Lawyers Covered: March 2025

Published on 01 Apr 2025. By Will Sefton, Partner, Head of the Lawyers Liability and Regulatory Group and Carmel Green, Partner and Carole Foster, Senior Associate and Tom Butterfield, Associate and Kerone Thomas, Associate and Simon Love, Senior Associate and Shanice Holder, Associate and Tom Wild, Senior Associate

It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

Thinking - Publication

Financial Crime Time - Your update from RPC: 2025 Q1

Published on 25 Mar 2025. By Adam Craggs, Partner and Michelle Sloane, Partner

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.

Thinking - Publication

Regulatory Radar - quick takes - March 2025

Published on 13 Mar 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.

Thinking - Blog

6 April 2025 - date confirmed for UK consumer protection law regime overhaul

Published on 12 Mar 2025. By Ciara Cullen, Partner, Retail & Consumer Sector Lead and Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead and Hettie Homewood , Senior Associate

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA) is set to substantially overhaul the UK's consumer protection law and enforcement regime. We now know the date that key consumer protection and enforcement changes will come into force: 6 April 2025.

Thinking - Publication

Regulatory Radar - Winter 2025

Published on 10 Mar 2025. By Gavin Reese, Partner, Head of Regulatory

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.

Thinking - Publication

Lawyers Covered - February 2025

Published on 26 Feb 2025. By Will Sefton, Partner, Head of the Lawyers Liability and Regulatory Group and Carmel Green, Partner and Carole Foster, Senior Associate and Tom Butterfield, Associate and Kerone Thomas, Associate and Simon Love, Senior Associate and Shanice Holder, Associate and Tom Wild, Senior Associate

It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to our February 2025 edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

Thinking - Publication

Lawyers Covered - January 2025

Published on 30 Jan 2025. By Will Sefton, Partner, Head of the Lawyers Liability and Regulatory Group and Carmel Green, Partner and Carole Foster, Senior Associate and Tom Butterfield, Associate and Kerone Thomas, Associate and Simon Love, Senior Associate and Shanice Holder, Associate and Tom Wild, Senior Associate

It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to our January 2025 bumper edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.