Further Delays To SCA – A Strong Decision Or A Reality Check?

The Financial Conduct Authority has released comprehensive perimeter guidance for the UK's new regulated cryptoasset activities regime, clarifying when firms will need authorization and how the regulatory framework applies to qualifying cryptoassets and stablecoins. The guidance addresses critical questions about scope, territorial application, and the narrower "by way of business" test that determines which entities fall under the new regulatory requirements.

HM Treasury has published a consultation proposing a significant overhaul of the UK's payment services and electronic money regulatory framework, aiming to create a more agile regime that accommodates tokenised payments, open banking innovations, and agentic AI while maintaining consumer protections and addressing financial crime risks.

The UK's Financial Conduct Authority has finalized comprehensive perimeter guidance for its cryptoasset regime, opening a five-month authorization window for firms, while the US Senate's procedural rejection of the CLARITY Act leaves American digital asset regulation to continue through agency action. This divergence highlights fundamentally different regulatory approaches: a legislatively anchored UK implementation path versus US reliance on existing statutory authorities as Congress debates market structu

Islamic finance is experiencing rapid global expansion, with assets approaching US$6tn and record sukuk issuance attracting non-traditional investors. The convergence of Shariah-compliant and sustainable investing is creating new opportunities, while AAOIFI Standard No. 62 and tokenisation developments are reshaping how Islamic finance structures are designed and implemented across international markets.

The London Stock Exchange has implemented sweeping reforms to the AIM Rules, fundamentally reshaping admission requirements, transaction thresholds, and governance obligations for companies on the Alternative Investment Market. These changes eliminate longstanding requirements like working capital statements and corporate governance codes while introducing new features such as capital access windows and special voting shares, marking the most significant overhaul of AIM regulations in recent years.

The Financial Conduct Authority has released a comprehensive package of regulatory updates and findings covering investment management, wealth management, and consumer protection. Key developments include reforms to MiFID costs and charges disclosures, remuneration code changes, AIFM regime overhauls, and detailed reviews of firms' Consumer Duty compliance, financial crime controls, and governance frameworks.

Cryptoasset firms face a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape as the FCA's authorisation gateway opens on 30 September 2026. With the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Cryptoassets) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2026 laid before Parliament and the FCA's finalised PERG 18 guidance published within 24 hours, firms must navigate significant perimeter changes including new stablecoin payment exclusions.

On 14 July 2026, HM Treasury published its long-awaited consultation on modernising the UK’s payment services and electronic money regulatory framework. The consultation is part of the Government’s National Payments Vision agenda, which aims to ensure that the UK has a trusted, world-leading payments ecosystem delivered on next generation technology, while preserving choice for consumers and businesses.

The FCA has published Policy Statement PS26/15, “Improving the UK transaction reporting regime,” confirming its final rules following last year’s consultation CP25/32.

Western countries are increasingly focussed on the effective implementation of their sanctions regimes.

In the UK the Serious Fraud Office ("SFO") obtained its first conviction against a corporation for bribing foreign officials.

Fieldfisher's international legal experts share cutting-edge insights across multiple practice areas, from regulatory developments and franchise law to intellectual property, construction disputes, and corporate crisis management. This curated collection showcases thought leadership on emerging legal trends, regulatory changes, and strategic considerations affecting businesses globally in 2026 and beyond.

Dans une économie de plus en plus globale, les Etats sont évidemment en concurrence pour attirer les investissements étrangers.

The criminal trial of three executives accused of fixing prices for water storage tanks has been taking place this week in London.

Hotel management agreements can materially affect a hotel’s operation, profitability and value. We examine ten key areas hotel owners should consider before signing an HMA...

Following an internal review, ARM identified three related party transactions involving its subsidiary, PT Berau Coal Energy TbK.

In 2021, the French drug agency determined that the stocks of hundreds of specific pharmaceutical products must be maintained by pharmaceutical companies at a level equivalent to 4 months of coverage...

Belgium has introduced public Country-by-Country Reporting ("public CbCR") through the law of 8 January 2024 amending the Belgian Code of Companies and Associations...

Issuing e-money and performing a payment service in the UK are both regulated activities which can only be undertaken by firms which are appropriately authorised, registered (as a small provider) or are exempt.