Impact investing is on the rise, capturing headlines and the imaginations of investors and investment funds alike. Indeed, the Global Impact Investing Network estimates that the value of impact assets managed globally is $502bn. Earlier this month, Osborne Clarke hosted a thought-provoking debate on Impact Investing – Fundraising for Good...

Business regulation is essential to ensure that public interests get taken into account in profit-driven enterprise . "The challenge of regulation keeping pace with new technology is nothing new", explained Ashley Morgan, Senior Knowledge Lawyer at Osborne Clarke. "Modern competition law was formed in response to the proliferation of railways...

After several high profile, large data breach incidents in Hong Kong, including involving companies such as Cathay Pacific, long-anticipated data privacy law reform has commenced in Hong Kong. On 20 January 2020, the Hong Kong Legislative Council Panel on Constitutional Affairs (LegCo Panel) met to discuss proposed reforms to Hong...

Current issues Brexit: adequacy for data protection The UK formally left the European Union on 31 January 2020 and entered the transition period, which will last until 31 December 2020. During this period, EU data protection law will continue to apply (in particular, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and...

Current issues Suitability and effective governance The regulatory spotlight was turned on the financial advisory, alternative investment and wealth management worlds in January, with three "Dear CEO" letters issued by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). In each case, the FCA has outlined its approach to tackling key areas of concern...

Current issues Applications to lift automatic suspension There have been two recent judgements in the High Court on applications to lift an automatic suspension – the injunction that comes into effect when a claim in the High Court is issued challenging a contract award before the contract is signed. These...

One of the lasting images of last week's World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos – a gathering of industry leaders and politicians – was of a meeting between a British royal and a 16-year-old activist. HRH Prince Charles and Greta Thunberg had each delivered impassioned pleas (and admonishments) that those...

In response to the exceptional demands for urgent procurement by public authorities for vital supplies – and pressures on existing suppliers – the government has provided welcomed clarity and direction, via two recently published Procurement Policy Notes (PPNs). In the PPNs, the government has: Advised that exceptions to the procurement...

In response to the exceptional demands for urgent procurement by public authorities for vital supplies – and pressures on existing suppliers – the government has provided guidance, via two recently published Procurement Policy Notes (PPNs). In the PPNs, the government has: Advised that exceptions to the procurement rules are likely...

The French law dated 22 December 2018 No2018-1202 for the fight against fake news (i.e. inaccurate or misleading information based on facts that can alter the integrity of an electoral vote) imposes on platforms certain obligations during election periods and other ongoing obligations to combat fake news. Platforms are required...