In reaching its decision, the court considered that the scheme was unlikely to materially affect policyholders and that no objections had been received.

The Financial Services Authority has this month published the Turner review, which reports on and makes recommendations for reforming both UK and international approaches to financial regulation in order to create a more robust banking system.

In a decision that may give intermediaries and especially aggregators cause to reassess their VAT position as a matter of urgency, this recent VAT tribunal ruling highlights that merely providing intermediaries with an internet link to customers may be an insufficient service to benefit from the VAT exemption enjoyed by insurance intermediaries.

The High Court's decision in Cereal Investment Co (CIC) SA v. ED&F Man Sugar Ltd [2007] EWCA Comm. 2843 concerns how parties define delivery periods in international sale contracts.

On 12 November 2009 HFW hosted a seminar on "Shipping Pools: Challenges and Solutions", attended by over 40 industry participants and chaired by HFW Partners Alistair Mackie and Julian Pierce.

The English Court of Appeal has recently reversed the High Court decision in “Regus (UK) Ltd -v- Epcot Solutions Ltd”, and in doing so has given welcome comfort to service providers who undertake services on standard terms, and their liability insurers.

Considering the allocation of risk is crucial when drafting construction and project agreements.

On 8 November 2017, the FCA launched its Wholesale Insurance Brokers Market Study, which is aimed at furthering the ambition of the FCA to ensure that London remains as an international centre for insurance.

From 1 April 2009, insurance intermediaries will be subject to a more stringent systems and control regime.

The recent case of Loyaltrend v Brit UW Limited & Others, relating to damages under a property policy for business interruption arising out of a subsidence claim, further considered and applied the principles set down by the Court in the recent spate of decisions on notification in liability policies, specifically the cases of Kidsons, Laker Vent and Aspen.

Most cooperative agreements between competitors are deemed to be anti-competitive and prohibited by EU law and equivalent laws in most EU Member States.

The Sanctions and Anti Money Laundering Bill (the Bill), which seeks to create a post-Brexit legislative framework for the imposition and enforcement of sanctions in the UK, was published on 19 October 2017.

In AWB Geneva SA v. North America Steamships Ltd (July 2007), the main issues before the English Court of Appeal were:

In Hatzl v XL Insurance Co Limited [2009] All ER 212, the Court of Appeal considered the question of whether the English Court had jurisdiction to hear the claimant carrier's claim for negative declaratory relief.

Today effectively marks the end of the road for liner conferences involved in European trades.

The judgment delivered by the High Court in the Bremen Max on 11 November 2008 provides a timely reminder of the willingness of the English courts to enforce LOIs given under charters.

In Lansat Shipping Co v. Glencore Grain BV (25 March 2009) the Commercial Court held that a liquidated damages clause relating to late redelivery in a time charter was penal and unenforceable.

The Court of Appeal in AIC Limited v. Marine Pilot Limited, The Archimidis (7 March 2008) has held that the words "safe port" in a voyage charter will always be treated as a warranty by charterers that the port in question is safe, even if owners and charterers agree in advance a single loading or discharge port.

The EU and US covered agreement on insurance and reinsurance prudential requirements was finally signed on 22 September, eight months after it was agreed, following nearly two years of negotiation.

The upsurge in piracy in the Gulf of Aden has continued since the beginning of this year, despite increased security measures.