In recent years, the cryptoasset market has developed rapidly, with market capitalisation for cryptoassets estimated to have been around US$2.6-3trn in 2021.1 The market for decentralised finance (DeFi), although still relatively small, has also expanded quickly from less than US$10bn in 2020 to nearly US$100bn in 2021.2 However, over the last few months the cryptoasset market – specifically cryptocurrencies – has been seeing one of its worst selloffs since a market rally in 2020. This has sparked panic amongst investors, causing substantial financial losses. Inevitably, this has seen a flurry of litigation globally in recent months. This trend is likely to continue. We consider the causes of the crypto crash and the likely litigation risks for financial institutions and advisers.
1 SEP 2022Earlier this year, environmental law charity ClientEarth announced the first UK climate-based shareholder derivative action, seeking to hold a board of directors accountable for alleged deficiencies in their emissions reduction strategy. The claim fell at the first hurdle, the High Court refusing it permission to proceed on the papers – albeit ClientEarth will now have a second bite at the cherry in an oral hearing. This In Practice article considers the lessons learnt for future climate-related claims and the potential impact for the financial services sector.
1 AUG 2023HM Treasury’s (HMT) latest consultation on the UK regulation of Buy-Now Pay-Later lending (BNPL) includes welcome clarification regarding the scope of regulation and the application of exemptions, plus proposed draft amendments to the existing legislation. We examine the ambit of future regulation, where further clarification is required and the likely impact on consumer experience.
1 MAY 2023The authors look at the progress made to date by the UK government in implementing climate-related disclosure rules and consider the preparatory steps that organisations should take ahead of the inevitable introduction of additional disclosure requirements.
1 DEC 2022In the current economic landscape, which is plagued with high inflation and interest rates, the legal agreements covering intra-group loan transactions are being reviewed with a fine-tooth comb from an arm’s length perspective. This is because loan agreements are a starting point for any transfer pricing analysis and if done properly (ie are arm’s length) can assist in justifying interest deduction locally ensuring that there is no, to limited, double taxation. The question is however – what does an arm’s length loan agreement entail? In this In Practice article, we explore this question and highlight the key aspects to consider with their potential repercussions.
1 APR 2023On 29 November 2022, Mr Justice Butcher handed down judgment in LMN v Bitflyer Holdings Inc. and others [2022] EWHC 2954 (Comm), which is the first successful Bankers Trust application against overseas cryptocurrency exchanges based on the new “disclosure gateway” for service out of the jurisdiction at CPR Practice Direction 6B §3.1(25).
1 FEB 2023The de-banking of customers, and the legal and regulatory implications that can arise, are not new issues. However, those issues have come into sharp focus following recent publicity surrounding a high-profile account closure. This In Practice article considers what payment services firms can expect next following the increased scrutiny from customers, media, government and the regulators.
1 FEB 2024