Search
Are procedural and administrative errors driving claims?
The PI insurance market has continued to harden in 2021, with most firms seeing premium increases in their 2021 renewals. As we come out of a highly disruptive period off the back of the pandemic and adjust to a new way of working, the solicitors PI market is likely to continue to see claims arising in areas such as cyber-related incidents, residential conveyancing, commercial property, wills and probate, and lost litigation. In this article we look at a common thread in many of these types of claim: procedural and administrative errors.
Read moreLawyers Covered - July 2021
Welcome to the latest edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we look back over the last month at key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.
Read moreLawyers Covered - October 2021
Welcome to the latest edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we look back over the last month at key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.
Read moreThe Week That Was - 29 October 2021
Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.
Read moreStating the not-so-obvious: the importance of highlighting onerous standard contract terms and the perils of e-signing (Blu-Sky Solutions Limited v Be Caring Limited)
The importance of the duty to "fairly and reasonably" draw any particularly onerous clauses in standard conditions to the attention of customers has been highlighted by the High Court in Blu-Sky Solutions Limited v Be Caring Limited, where a party did not review standard terms when e-signing a contract.
Read moreHigh Court finds agency relationship and 'control' for purposes of disclosure where third party not authorised to sign contract for principal
In Quartz Assets LLC and another v Kestrel Coal Midco Pty Ltd [2021] EWHC 2675 (Comm), the High Court held that a third party authorised to conduct contractual negotiations on behalf of the Defendant, but not sign the contract, was acting as an agent, and that relevant documents which it had created were therefore in the Defendant's control and ought to be disclosed. The decision emphasises that the courts will consider substance over form when determining whether an agency relationship exists, and constitutes a reminder of the definition of 'control' for the purposes of disclosure.
Read moreV@ Update – October 2021
Welcome to the October 2021 edition of RPC's V@, an update which provides analysis and news from the VAT world relevant to your business.
Read moreChoose your words wisely: waiving privilege in witness evidence
In a cautionary tale for litigators, the High Court has ordered disclosure of privileged notes of a conversation after a witness referred to the conversation in his witness statement.(1)
Read moreBuy Now Pay Later: What's coming down the line?
As part of a series of RPC events held during London Tech Week, Whitney Simpson, Senior Associate in the RPC Corporate team hosted a breakout discussion alongside Jourdain Tambo, Regulatory Director at the Compliance Company and Rolf Merchant, Head of Public Affairs at Innovate Finance to discuss the rise of Buy Now Pay Later and upcoming what is in store for that market.
Read moreBuy Now Pay Later: What's coming down the line?
As part of a series of RPC events held during London Tech Week, Whitney Simpson, Senior Associate in the RPC Corporate team hosted a breakout discussion alongside Jourdain Tambo, Regulatory Director at the Compliance Company and Rolf Merchant, Head of Public Affairs at Innovate Finance to discuss the rise of Buy Now Pay Later and upcoming what is in store for that market.
Read moreThe World Bank
In this episode, Jamieson Smith, Chief Suspension and Debarment Officer at the World Bank, joins Alice Kemp and Alex Haines, Barrister at Outer Temple Chambers, to discuss how this giant of international finance is fighting against the cancer of corruption in its mission to work in every major area of development.
Read moreThe Global Fund
In this episode, Patricia Diaz Dennis, the Sanctions Panel Chair, and Philippe Dewilde, Senior Legal Counsel at the Global Fund, join Robert Waterson and Alice Kemp to discuss how this giant of international finance is fighting against the cancer of corruption in its mission to defeat HIV, TB and malaria and ensure a healthier, safer, more equitable future for all.
Read moreThe Inter-American Development Bank
In this episode, Juan Ronderos, the Sanctions Officer, and Samir Fahoum, the Principal Integrity Officer, at the Inter-American Development Bank join Alice Kemp and Alex Haines, Barrister at Outer Temple Chambers, to discuss how this giant of international finance is fighting against the cancer of corruption in its mission to improve lives in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Read moreThe European Bank for Reconstruction & Development
In this episode, Paul Kearney, Chief Counsel and Enforcement Commissioner, and Rohan Schaap, the Director of Investigations, at the European Bank for Reconstruction & Development, join Alice Kemp and Alex Haines, Barrister at Outer Temple Chambers, to discuss how this giant of international finance is fighting against the cancer of corruption in its mission to foster the transition towards open market-oriented economies and to promote private and entrepreneurial initiative.
Read moreThe New Development Bank
In this episode, Dr Srinivas Yanamandra, Chief of Compliance at the New Development Bank, joins Alice Kemp and John McKendrick QC, of Outer Temple Chamber, to discuss how this giant of international finance is fighting against the cancer of corruption in its mission to support infrastructure and sustainable development efforts in BRICS and other underserved, emerging economies for faster development through innovation and cutting-edge technology.
Read moreThe Caribbean Development Bank
In this episode, Dr Toussant Boyce, Head of the Office of Integrity, Compliance and Accountability at the Caribbean Development Bank, joins Robert Waterson and Alice Kemp to discuss how this giant of international finance is fighting against the cancer of corruption in its mission to reduce poverty and transform lives through sustainable, resilient and inclusive development.
Read moreThe Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
In this episode, Jean-Marc Lafreniere, Head of the Integrity Function, and Hamid Sharif, Managing Director, at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, join Robert Waterson and Alice Kemp to discuss how this giant of international finance is fighting against the cancer of corruption in its mission to build green infrastructure with sustainability, innovation and connectivity at its core.
Read moreThe European Investment Bank
In this episode, Dominik Adamski, Head of the Fraud Detection Unit, and Mirela Lascu, a member of the Inspectorate General, at the European Investment Bank join Robert Waterson and Alice Kemp to discuss how this giant of international finance is fighting against the cancer of corruption in its mission to back the European Green Deal and make Europe carbon-neutral.
Read moreThe Nordic Investment Bank
In this episode, Mark Butler, Chief Compliance Officer at the Nordic Investment Bank, joins Alice Kemp and Alex Haines, Barrister at Outer Temple Chambers, to discuss how this giant of international finance is fighting against the cancer of corruption in its mission to finance projects that improve productivity and benefit the environment of the Nordic and Baltic countries.
Read moreHMRC targets enablers of tax evasion
HMRC and the OECD are looking to tackle the rise of the professional enabler of tax evasion, but what is an enabler? And what does that mean for professionals?
Read moreNavigating your career: In conversation with Jack Bonehill
In this episode, we are delighted to be joined by fellow tax podcast host Jack Bonehill, the man behind the fantastic Tax Professionals Podcast series.
Read moreThe Week That Was - 22 October 2021
Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.
Read moreInvestigation and Disciplinary Action: Law and Practice in Hong Kong
Where an employer suspects its employee(s) has committed an act of misconduct, an employer should take reasonable steps to find out what has happened. The earlier an employer learns about the misconduct, the better. A proper investigation into the issue may give the employer a fighting chance of resolving it, addressing it and, even if it doesn't, might at least give the employer a defence to a future lawsuit.
Read moreHMRC Target Cryptocurrency Investors
HMRC has announced it will launch a new ‘nudge letter’ campaign that will target UK taxpayers who may have failed to pay tax due in respect of their cryptoassets.
Read moreSports Ticker (21 October 2021) - A women’s B&I Lions team, UKGC warning on Sorare, and the latest tech innovations
In a fortnight which has seen UEFA hand England a one-match Wembley Stadium ban for Euro 2020 final crowd trouble, Rory McIlroy dazzle at The CJ Cup and 18 EPL clubs vote to temporarily block certain related party transactions whilst considering future regulations on the issue, we feature the potential for a women's British and Irish Lions team, Google's new partnership with the NBA plus key developments at the interface of sports and technology.
Read moreAccess all areas? Privilege, the loss of confidentiality and a missed opportunity
Privilege is not necessarily lost when an opposing party has had access to that privileged material. The purpose and context of the access will lie at the heart of the court's decision in the event that a claim to privilege is disputed: ConocoPhillips Co v Chrysaor E&P Ltd [2021](1).
Read moreRPC Insurtech in brief - November 2021
Welcome to the November edition from RPC of Insurtech in brief, providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.
Read moreRPC Insurtech in brief - October 2021
Welcome to the October edition from RPC of Insurtech in brief, providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.
Read moreVermilion Holdings – Court of Session confirms that the grant of a share option by an employer was not an employment related securities option
In Vermilion Holdings Ltd v HMRC [2021] CSIH 45, the Court of Session overturned the decision of the Upper Tribunal (UT) and confirmed that an option granted by a company as part of a refinancing exercise was not an employment related securities option, for the purposes of section 471, Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 (ITEPA).
Read moreWelcome to the age of the virtual influencer
Miquela de Sousa, aka Lil Miquela, is a 19-year old musician and model (having worked with the likes of Prada and Calvin Klein) and currently boasts an impressive 3 million Instagram followers. In 2018, The Times listed Lil Miquela as one of the 'Most Influential People on the Internet.' On the face of it, her profile reads like a dream for any brand looking to engage an influencer for marketing purposes. However, Lil Miquela is not actually real. Lil Miquela was one of the first of new online personalities that are completely controllable virtual influencers (complete with realistic characteristics features and personalities).
Read moreFOS proposals to clear the back-log - attractive or not?
The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has proposed a temporary approach to the classification of certain complaints in an attempt to alleviate their complaints backlog exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The approach could see firms looking to pro-actively resolve complaints before a defined cut off date before FOS reaches a decision so that the complaint is recorded separately and not as a "change in outcome" (i.e. where a complaint has been rejected by a business and upheld by FOS). The consultation was open for a short two-week period between 4 and 18 October 2021.
Read moreCarve-out deals: Preparation for separation
The value of UK carve-out deals is on the rise. Deal value increased by 182% to £30.8bn for the tax year 2020-21. Participants should be aware of the complex issues involved.
Read moreHo v Adelekun [2021]: Supreme Court decision on QOCS spells bad news for defendants and insurers
META DESCRIPTION Think Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). Summarise your blog in 160 characters. Search engines such as Google, Yahoo, and Bing use the meta description as the search results description for that page. A review of the Supreme Court decision of Ho v Adelekun and the impact on QOCS and costs recovery for defendants and insurers.
Read moreHigh Court refuses permission for unissued contempt application where breach of freezing order only technical
In Pharmagona Limited v Taheri,(1) the High Court refused to seal and issue a contempt application as the breach, if it had occurred, was only technical, and it was therefore inappropriate for the application to succeed.
Read moreFinancial Crime Time - Your update from RPC: 2021 Q3
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 may affect your business.
Read moreTurning the ratchet - understanding anti-dilution rights in venture capital
In the third of a series of blogs aimed at demystifying common provisions found in venture capital term sheets (with the hope of accelerating the negotiation process between investors and founders), Peter Sugden looks at anti-dilution rights.
Read moreQuarterly Contentious Tax Review
The Tax Law Review Committee (TLRC) has published an in-depth review of the First-tier Tribunal (FTT), how it operates and why. In some respects, it is not working as well as it could for certain users. The review makes a number of positive recommendations, which we discuss below, together with two important developments concerning (1) the requirement for HMRC to initiate a formal enquiry and (2) HMRC's strategy on settling disputes relating to the use of historic tax avoidance arrangements.
Read moreRPC Bites 38 – Green Claims Code gets the green light, McDonald's announces new plant-based products and EU to UK import controls delayed until 2022
Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!!
Read moreSports Ticker (11 October 2021) - DAZN and BT Sport European Super League and new AJ deal
In a fortnight during which Tyson Fury retained his world title in an epic bout against Deontay Wilder, we feature Qatar joining the F1 circuit, AJ's new "career-long" deal with Matchroom, Excel Esports' exciting additions to its FIFA roster, and DAZN's potential bid for BT Sport.
Read moreThe Ads that can't be skipped
Product placement is an increasingly popular form of advertising in which goods are deliberately featured in a tv show, film etc. Whilst it used to be primarily confined to use in films such as Back to the Future (Nike), and ET (where Reese's Pieces were ET's favourite snack). Use of product placement is on the rise, and this summer Love Island was dubbed "the most commercialised show ever".
Read moreConstruction Contracts Part 1 – Who is party to the contract?
It may at first sight appear difficult to imagine a scenario where works are performed and paid for but it is not clear who the parties to the contract are. Common sense would suggest that is simply the person or company who performs the work and the person or company who pays for it. However, it is not always readily discernible who those parties are, for example because payment is being made by a person or company who is not obtaining the benefit of the works or because a different party appears to be giving directions under the contract.
Read moreTake 10 #18
Welcome to RPC's media and communications law update. This issue reports on key media developments and the latest cases.
Read moreThe Week That Was - 8th October 2021
Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.
Read moreNavigating the hazards of Part 36 offers Part 2
In our first article we looked at problems associated with settlement offers made in multiparty actions and settlement offers where the intended consequence is unclear. In this article we look at some of the issues that can be caused by the litigation process itself and upon the way the offer is made.
Read moreInternational data transfers: time to update to the new standard contractual clauses
Retailers which rely upon standard contractual clauses for transferring personal data outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) will need to update their agreements to the new SCCs.
Read moreHigh Court reviews permission for expert reports and delay after general adjourned period
In Redland Precast Concrete Products (China) Ltd v AES Steel Mould (Hong Kong) Ltd1 the Court of Appeal emphasised that it is unlikely to interfere with the exercise of a first instance court’s case management discretion regarding directions for expert reports, unless an applicant can show that the lower court’s decision is plainly wrong. This presents a party seeking to challenge such directions with a high threshold to overcome in order to obtain permission to appeal. In this case, the applicant (the plaintiff) was unable to meet the threshold – therefore, its application for permission to appeal was refused by the court. Had the plaintiff acted more expeditiously, immediately after the general adjourned period (when the courts were generally closed between January and May 2020 because of the pandemic), things may have turned out differently.
Read moreHong Kong's Legislative Council to consider Cancellation of MPF Offsetting
Under the Employment Ordinance, employers can offset long service payment or severance payment due to an employee against the employer's mandatory and voluntary contributions to the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF), Hong Kong's pension system.
Read moreProfessional Game Match Officials - Court of Appeal sends football referees case back to the Tax Tribunal
In HMRC v Professional Game Match Officials Limited [2021] EWCA Civ 1370, the Court of Appeal (CoA) held that the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) and Upper Tribunal (UT) both erred in law in their approaches to the question of 'mutuality of obligation' and upheld the UT's decision that the FTT had erred in its approach to the issue of control. The case has been sent back to the FTT to reconsider whether there was sufficient mutuality of obligation and control in the individual contracts for them to be contracts of employment.
Read moreHow to create an insurer - the Inigo story (a podcast with Karen Graves)
Welcome to Insurance Covered. In this episode our guest is Karen Graves, Chief Operating Officer at Inigo Insurance and we will be discussing what goes into creating an insurer.
Read moreCMA publishes guidance on environmental claims – how can retailers avoid greenwashing?
Regulators are taking action in respect of ‘greenwashing’ to help protect consumers from misleading environmental claims. Following an investigation last year that found that 40% of green claims made online could be misleading, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published guidance to help businesses understand and comply with their consumer protection law obligations in order to avoid enforcement action. Based on six core ‘principles’, the guidance broadly restates the position under existing UK consumer law (particularly under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008) and includes examples of what compliance might look like in practice for green claims. Following a two-month consultation period, the CMA published its final guidance on 20 September 2021 and will expect businesses to comply by January 2022. The CMA has said there will be no ‘grace period’ come January 2022 – this is because they will be applying existing law and, strictly speaking, businesses should already be complying with this.
Read more