UK Knowledge Collection | Planning reform, ESG, and the future of financial services

As part of its broader set of planning reforms, intended to expedite essential projects, the government is now seeking views on its proposals to streamline the infrastructure planning regime. Our Insight considers how the proposed changes address current issues in the development process.

The complex regulatory frameworks for the protection of biodiversity in different jurisdictions pose challenges for businesses. Our Insight looks at the different approaches to mitigating biodiversity loss in the UK, France, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and the likely international direction of travel. While also framed in the context of climate change measures, the EU Deforestation Regulation aims to tackle biodiversity decline. It will now take effect on 30 December 2025. Our ESG Knowledge Update looks at this and other international developments.

Next week sees the return of our Future of Financial Services series – offering a mix of webinars and in-person events on a range of topics including business growth, digital regulation, financial crime compliance and litigation risk.

Recent Insights

ESG Knowledge Update | January 2025

Our latest round-up of ESG-related legal, regulatory and market developments in the EU, UK and internationally.
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How is biodiversity loss being addressed at a global level?

There is a complex regulatory landscape for businesses to navigate as a result of different approaches internationally to biodiversity loss. 
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UK government lays out plan to streamline the development of critical infrastructure

The government has published ambitious proposals for an action plan to reform the consenting process of nationally significant infrastructure projects.
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Key amendments to the Renters’ Rights Bill: what landlords in England need to know

The Renters' Rights Bill is expected to become law in summer or late autumn 2025, though there has been speculation it could receive royal assent even sooner than that.
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UK chancellor promises 'new flexibilities' for DB pension schemes to release surplus funds

This spring, the government is expected to release the final report on stage one of its pensions review, the responses to its consultations on reform of the defined contributions landscape and the local government pension scheme, and its response to the options for defined benefits consultation.
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Upcoming Events

Future of Financial Services

4-6 February
 

Deciphering DORA

4 February | Webinar | 09:30-10:30

Next steps for firms and third-party ICT supplier to consider as the EU Digital Operational Resilience Regulation applies from 17 January.

Navigating digital regulation

4 February | Webinar | 12:30-13:30

How to keep track of digital regulation affecting financial services.

Into the (cyber) breach

4 February | Webinar | 15:30-16:30

Strategies for managing simultaneous FCA and ICO investigations and meeting both regulators' requirements after an incident.

Growing your business in a challenging environment

5 February | One London Wall | 12:30-20:00

A half-day in-person event followed by networking drinks. View agenda >

Fincrime: AML, sanctions and fraud

6 February | Webinar | 09:30-10:30

Insights on the direction of travel for anti-money laundering and financial crime compliance.

Financial Services case law: the ones that got away

6 February | Webinar | 12:30-13:30

A round-up of financial services English law cases.

The rising tide of group litigation

6 February | Webinar | 15:30-16:30

Opt-in and opt-out collective actions are rising in the UK, and the financial services sector is in the firing line. What can the sector expect in future?
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Managing liability and disputes in the international satellite sector

25 February | 10:30-12:00

Our telecoms, defence and space groups host an online roundtable under the Chatham House rule on managing liability and disputes in the international satellite sector.
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Dipping into Data | AI and data protection

25 February | 16:00-16:30

The latest developments in the application of data protection laws to AI models and systems, including legislative changes, EDPB and ICO guidance, and enforcement actions.
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GDPR for HR | 12-month glance back and look forwards

5 March | 17:15-19:30

Our in-person event at our London office considers recent privacy developments and what's 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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Dipping into Data | GDPR for HR

20 March | 16:00-16:30

Following our in-person event earlier in March, this webinar summarises the hot topics for data-related issues in HR.
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