The Bank of England (BoE) has published the results of the Climate Biennial Exploratory Scenario (CBES), which explores the financial risks posed by climate change for the largest banks and insurers operating in the UK. In line with the findings of other central bank stress tests across the globe, the CBES found that while the financial … Read more

HM Treasury (HMT) has published a response setting out its policy approach to reforming the UK’s prospectus regime, in the biggest shake up since 2005. The response follows the initial consultation published in July 2021. HMT’s intention is to proceed with the reforms broadly as proposed in its initial consultation. The next step is for HMT … Read more

The High Court has struck out a claim by the former shareholders of a dissolved company against an investor on the basis that all the losses claimed were barred by the reflective loss principle: Burnford & Ors v Automobile Association Developments Ltd [2022] EWHC 368 (Ch). As a reminder, the Supreme Court in Sevilleja v … Read more

The High Court has published a summary of its findings on liability in the long-running USD$5 billion civil fraud action brought by the Hewlett Packard group in connection with its acquisition of the UK software company Autonomy Corporation Limited in 2012. The claimants have “substantially succeeded” in their claims against two former Autonomy executives: ACL Netherlands … Read more

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP have published an article in Butterworths Journal of International Banking and Financial Law on the litigation and regulatory risks for special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) in England & Wales. SPACs scorched the US stock markets last year, with the UK left out in the cold. While the recent crackdown by the Securities and … Read more

Herbert Smith Freehills have published an article in the Journal of International Banking Law and Regulation: COVID-19 market disclosures and managing the associated litigation risks. Since the start of the pandemic many listed companies have sought to strengthen their balance sheet by raising additional capital from shareholders. This article considers the types of disclosures relating … Read more

The Board of the Privy Council has allowed an appeal in relation to the application of the so-called “reflective loss” principle, confirming that the rule falls to be assessed as at the point in time when a claimant suffers loss and not at the time proceedings are brought Primeo Fund v Bank of Bermuda (Cayman) … Read more

HM Treasury (HMT) has published an initial consultation on fundamental reforms promising the biggest shake up of the prospectus regime since 2005. The consultation follows the conclusions of the Hill Review of the UK listing regime published in March 2021. In this blog post, we consider HMT’s consultation paper through a securities litigation lens, highlighting the … Read more