<p>Filter Knowledge</p>

On 8 April 2025 ESMA published for consultation the second of its draft regulatory technical standards (RTS) supplementing EMIR 3.0. These draft RTS set out the proposed new clearing thresholds applicable to financial counterparties (FCs) and non-financial counterparties (NFCs).

HM Treasury is expected to publish legislation bringing stablecoins into the UK's regulatory perimeter imminently, following growing concern that the UK may be falling behind in this vital market. In this briefing we set out our views on what the legislation must address to avoid the industry being strangled at birth – with lasting impacts on growth and innovation in the UK. 

A new duty to prevent sexual harassment came into force in the UK October 2024, which requires employers to take various proactive steps to protect their staff. Below, we summarise what you need to know, and how to comply with the new duty.

Our regular round-up of recent and forthcoming developments in law and practice for in-house counsel.

In recent years, corporations have increasingly prioritised ESG issues, often prompting them to collaborate in pursuit of sustainability goals.

Travers Smith LLP is delighted to announce that Natalie Lewis, a partner in the firm's award-winning Financial Services & Markets department, has been named as a Rising Star of European Finance 2025 by Financial News. The list recognises the most talented individuals under the age of 40 working in financial and professional services. 

The "Stop-the-Clock" proposal to delay sustainability reporting under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive ("CSRD") and due diligence obligations under the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive ("CS3D") was approved by the European Parliament on 3 April, with immediate consequences for many large companies preparing CSRD reports.

On 25 March 2025, Green J handed down judgment in Persons Identified in Schedule 1 v Standard Chartered PLC [2025] EWHC 698 (Ch).

Travers Smith LLP has advised Inflexion and 65 Equity Partners on their agreement to jointly invest in Kee Safety, a global leader in safety systems and solutions. 

Travers Smith LLP has advised longstanding client Benchmark Holdings plc (Benchmark) on the financing elements of the sale of its genetics business area to Starfish Bidco AS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Novo Holdings A/S. 

The Competition & Markets Authority ('CMA'), alongside other UK regulators, has been under pressure to align with, and advance, the UK Government's 'pro-growth agenda'. Merger control has, in particular, come under fire - with the Government aiming for a more certain, proportionate, transparent and thus more business-friendly approach.

Leading independent law firm Travers Smith LLP has announced the hire of Mandip Englund as a Restructuring & Insolvency partner in the Finance team, further strengthening its Restructuring & Insolvency practice. 

Travers Smith has advised InvestAcc Group, a leading UK specialist pension administrator, on its acquisition of AJ Bell's Platinum SIPP and SSAS business, the pension administration client books which form part of the AJ Bell non-platform business.

Travers Smith has advised long-standing client Brooks Macdonald Group plc, a leading provider of wealth management services in the UK, on its move from AIM to the Equity Shares (Commercial Companies) Category of the Official List of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and to trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange.

On 25 March 2025, the UK Financial Conduct Authority published a feedback statement (FS25/2) responding to its earlier call for input on reviewing FCA requirements following the introduction of the Consumer Duty in July 2024 (the Feedback Statement). On the same day, the FCA also published its high-level five-year strategy setting out its key strategic priorities until 2030 (the Strategy Document).

Travers Smith has advised Equisoft Inc. on the sale of Altus Consulting, its UK insurance, investments and financial services advisory services business, to Accenture. 

Following its pledge to introduce legislation within its first 100 days, the Government published the Employment Rights Bill on 10 October 2024. Once implemented, this legislation will make a number of significant changes to UK employment law.

Earlier this week, the UK Home Office published updated guidance (the "Guidance") for businesses on how to comply with the letter and spirit of the UK's Modern Slavery Act 2015 ("MSA"). 

All eyes will be on the Supreme Court next week, as appeals in the lead motor finance commission cases, Johnson, Wrench and Hopcraft^[1], will be heard over three days from 1-3 April 2025.