Europe

Securities / Derivatives

UK to Issue First Sovereign Green Bonds for Retail Investors

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 03/03/2021

The savings bonds will fund projects in areas such as renewable energy and clean transportation and will go on sale to retail investors this year.

ESG / Sustainability

UK to Launch Post-Brexit Carbon Trading Scheme in May

By ESG Investor | 02/03/2021

The UK’s emissions trading scheme is “unlikely” to diverge too much from the EU’s regime, says Hæge Fjellheim, Head of Carbon Research at Refinitiv.

Fintech / Regtech

European Banks Push Ahead with Payments Network Plans

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 02/03/2021

The European Payments Initiative, launched last July, could have a new pan-European payments network in place by 2025.

AML / KYC

UK, Canada Impose Sanctions Against Myanmar Officials

By Manesh Samtani | 21/02/2021

Human Rights Watch is calling for economic sanctions, travel bans and asset freezes for leaders of Myanmar’s military, military business conglomerates and the new governing body.

AML / KYC

UK Sanctions Policy: A Progress Report

By Emil Dall | 21/02/2021

The UK has formally embarked on its independent sanctions regime. What work has been completed so far and what remains to be done?

Market Infrastructure

UK Consults on Legal Safe Harbour to Manage LIBOR Wind-down

By Editors | 18/02/2021

The consultation seeks views on whether a legal safe harbour could be a helpful supplement to the provisions inserted into the BMR by the Financial Services Bill.

AML / KYC

UK Issues Draft Rules to Promote Trust in Digital Identity

By Editors | 15/02/2021

New draft rules are aimed at deepening trust and confidence in digital identities through the adoption of common standards to safeguard personal data and privacy.

ESG / Sustainability

Singapore v EU: How Their Green Taxonomies Compare

By Shuhui Kwok | 11/02/2021

Allen & Overy’s Shuhui Kwok discusses Singapore’s proposed green taxonomy, describing how it aligns with – and differs from – the EU Taxonomy Regulation.

Enforcement

Leaked Report Reveals Credit Suisse Culpability in Lescaudron Fraud

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 09/02/2021

The case involved Patrice Lescaudron, a French banker who was jailed for defrauding clients in 2018 before committing suicide last year following his early release.