UK Knowledge Collection | Liability for appointed representatives, voluntary carbon markets, and M&A in the staffing sector

A recent split decision by the Court of Appeal on the liability of principals for the conduct of their appointed representatives, under section 39 of the Financial Services and Markets Act, has risk implications for regulatory hosts. Our Insight looks at what can be done to mitigate this risk.

In November, during the COP29 climate summit, the UK government laid out its principles for voluntary carbon and nature market integrity which it plans to consult on next year. Our Insight considers the policy proposals and whether they are likely to succeed in their stated aims.

As businesses look ahead to the new year, our Workforce Solutions team has written about what the M&A picture for the staffing sector might be in 2025. The impact of tax and employment law changes, technology and AI, and the importance of compliance are likely to be important factors for dealmakers.

Our GDPR for HR team is also anticipating what the coming year will bring, with an in-person seminar in London exploring recent privacy developments and their implications for the processing of HR-related data. And in January, our annual Construction Disputes Review of the Year webinar will consider the key cases from 2024.

Recent Insights

UK government reveals principles designed to 'offset' doubts in the voluntary carbon markets

The government has laid out a set of principles aimed at increasing integrity in the voluntary carbon and nature market, ahead of a proposed consultation early next year.
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The Energy Transition

Developments this week include a record low for UK fossil fuel generation; Ofgem's consultation on licence conditions in relation to its connection reforms; and government consultations on energy efficiency in buildings, and land rights and consents for renewables projects.
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How medical technology is navigating the AI Act in Europe

Artificial intelligence is transforming medical products and manufacturing, but how will the new EU rules affect the industry?
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What could 2025 bring for M&A deals in the UK staffing sector?

A look at how the use of tech, tax changes, employment law reform and compliance burdens could affect deals and valuations in the workforce solutions sector next year.
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Court of Appeal spotlights principal's liability for appointed representatives in the UK

In the light of the decision, many risk and compliance officers are likely to consider reviewing their contractual arrangements with appointed representatives, increasing supervision and audit activity and checking their insurance coverage.
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Upcoming Events

Eating Compliance for Breakfast | Failure to prevent fraud (part one)

17 December | 09:00-09:30

A look at the new offence of failure to prevent fraud, introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act.
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Eating Compliance for Breakfast | Failure to prevent fraud (part two)

19 December | 09:00-09:30

In this second webinar on the new offence, we discuss the overlap with other compliance expectations and obligations, what businesses need to do to implement reasonable fraud prevention procedures and the approach of different regulators/prosecutors.
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Construction Disputes Review of the Year       

29 January | 09:00-10:00

A deep dive into key cases from the past 12 months.
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GDPR for HR | 12-month glance back and look forward

12 February | 17:15-19:30

Our in-person seminar, taking place at our London office, considers recent developments and what is on the horizon for the processing of HR-related data, including AI in the workplace, data subject access requests and ICO enforcement.
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