The Court of Appeal upheld a ruling in BBC v BBC Pension Trust (2024), confirming that "interests" of active pension scheme members include future service benefits, not just accrued rights. This limits the BBC's amendment powers for pension scheme changes.

The Deputy Pensions Ombudsman has upheld two complaints made against the trustees of the Focus Group Administration Pension Scheme, with Simon Williams (the former sole trustee of the scheme)...

The FCA is consulting on targeted pension support, bridging guidance and advice to improve consumer decision-making, with feedback sought by February 13, 2025.

The UK Government aims to boost investment via pension "megafunds" by consolidating defined contribution schemes and Local Government Pension Scheme funds. Proposals include minimum size requirements, bulk transfers, and greater pooling, with consultations closing January 16, 2025.

In a keynote at the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association conference, Emma Reynolds outlined goals to boost pension fund investment in the UK economy and enhance savers' returns. Key points included upcoming reforms on small pot consolidation, Value for Money frameworks, and support for Collective Defined Contribution schemes, while emphasizing the importance of unlocking the £2 trillion pensions industry for UK assets. The government is considering various options but refrained from committ

On February 2, 2024, the Regulator published a report outlining its work with Capita to assess the risk to pension schemes and their members...

Parliament was dissolved on May 30, 2024, with the General Election being held on July 4, 2024. As a result, much of the planned pensions legislation has been lost and it remains to be seen if the various bills...

Emerging economies are exploring renewable energy projects to diversify and future-proof revenue streams. Investors face challenges like currency fluctuations, geopolitical issues, and supply chain problems. Mitigation strategies include enhanced project management, transparent contracts, flexibility, and robust dispute resolution mechanisms such as international arbitration.

Hot on the heels of its commitment to double onshore wind by 2030 and immediately lift the de facto ban on onshore wind development in the UK, the new UK Government has further demonstrated its commitment...

The UK Government introduced the Great British Energy Bill on 25 July 2024, establishing GB Energy and partnering with The Crown Estate to accelerate offshore wind development. The partnership aims to secure seabed leases for 20-30GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, addressing challenges like community consent and grid connections. The Crown Estate Bill, granting new borrowing powers, and the Planning and Infrastructure Bill will facilitate these goals. The initiative could power nearly 20 mil

Environmental civil sanctions are intended to provide a proportionate alternative to criminal prosecution for businesses and individuals who fail to comply with environmental regulation.

Regarding CP24/21 relating to investment research payment optionality for fund managers, the punchline is that the FCA is going to take the same line in liberalising the regime for fund managers...

The High Court in Allianz Funds v Barclays clarified that securities claimants must show direct reliance on alleged misrepresentations, limiting passive investor claims and rejecting broader US-style approaches.

With 2023 firmly behind us, holding the title of warmest year on record, sustainability issues show no sign of calming down in 2024 with a busy schedule...

The King's Speech introduced a Football Governance Bill, aiming to ensure financial sustainability and strengthen fan protections for English football clubs. Key measures include establishing an Independent Football Regulator, a new licensing system, an owners and directors test, and enhanced fan engagement standards.

It is estimated that over half of all family offices globally are invested in ESG initiatives and that very soon around 25% of their portfolios will be allocated to sustainable investments.

In Felicity Harber v The Commissioners for HMRC [2023] UKFTT 1007 (TC), the Appellant appealed a tax penalty issued by His Majesty's Revenue and Customs...

Minor amendments to the legislation governing the UK ETS have been laid in Parliament and are intended to come into force on 1 January 2024. The amendments follow on from the Government's...

With the introduction of the Hong Kong Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (the HK Convention)...

On 11 September 2023, the State Administration for Market Regulation of China (SAMR) issued the Antimonopoly Compliance Guidelines for Concentrations of Undertakings (the Guidelines).