On February 1, 2023, the China Securities Regulatory Commission ("CSRC"), the Shanghai Stock Exchange ("SSE"), the Shenzhen Stock Exchange ("SZSE"), and the Beijing Stock Exchange ("BSE") issued for public comments draft rules and regulations (the "Draft Rules") related to the registration-based stock issuance system. The Draft Rules mark the official launch of the full implementation of stock issuance reforms in China ...
On Tuesday 7 February 2023, the Transport Secretary, Rt Hon Mark Harper, laid out his commitment to the rail industry for the first time during the George Bradshaw address. As it stands it was a huge night for rail, with the sector desperate for some clarity over what the next steps are in relation to a number of things ranging from the establishment of Great British Railways (GBR) through to where it will be based and visibility of work pipelines ...
On January 30, 2023, the Commission for the Financial Market ("CMF") approved an amendment to the Stock Market Regulation applicable to Issuers Exempt from Registration with the CMF, corresponding to the “ScaleX Santiago Venture Exchange” section of the Santiago Stock Exchange ("ScaleX") ...
The Ministry of Immigration and Population of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar has issued a notice that updates the application process to extend eBusiness Visas for foreigners working for companies or engaging in business in Myanmar. All such applications must be submitted in the name of a company that is duly incorporated and registered at the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (“DICA”) and must have the signature of the director of the registered company ...
When one instructs a painter to draw a portrait (no matter how detailed the instructions may be) the painter will always have discretion in executing the final product. Likewise, in investment funds, the investment manager is instructed to invest according to various rules and timeframes which are detailed in the investment strategy as approved by the competent financial regulator, but there will still remain investment discretion on how the investment strategy is executed ...
On February 1, 2023, the China Securities Regulatory Commission ("CSRC") started soliciting public feedback on the draft Administrative Measures for the Registration of Initial Public Offerings ("Draft Administrative Measures") and other major rules of the registration-based share offering scheme ...
For those engaged in the financial services sector, these seven letters often pave the way to difficult decisions, reprioritisation of projects and occasionally, an awkward shuffle in the seat. On receipt of their own Dear CEO letter from Unite the Union, I have no doubt that there has been a lot of awkward shuffling around the management tables at the FCA. The letter to Rikhil Rathi (CEO of the FCA) was sent on February 1 and it cannot make for comfortable reading ...
Fleur Turrington, Jennifer Clarke & Aimee Cook work through the pros & cons of the Procurement Bill ...
In the decision Beijing Judian Restaurant Co. Ltd. v. Wei Meng, 2022 FC 743, rendered by the Honourable Angela Furlanetto on May 18, 2022, the Federal Court clarified what constitutes bad faith in trademark law. Prior to the decision, the concept of bad faith in relation to trademarks was interpreted rather cautiously in Canadian jurisprudence. Background Beijing Judian Restaurant Co. Ltd ...
The idea of achieving purpose alongside profit has been part of the business world for centuries, but the importance placed on it has reached new heights in recent years. How can charities help? “In every corner of our lives and our country, civil society can be found ...
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) entered into force on July 1, 2020 replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that has been in force since 1994. The USMCA has a sunset provision providing that investors may continue using NAFTA’s dispute resolution mechanism for NAFTA legacy investments for up to three years after NAFTA’s termination, i.e., until June 30, 2023 ...
HSR Notice Thresholds Have Increased. On January 26, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced its revised annual threshold that determines whether companies may be required to notify federal antitrust authorities about a proposed merger or acquisition due to the size and value of the transaction. The Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Antitrust Improvements Act (Section 7A of the Clayton Act) requires parties to certain mergers and acquisitions to notify the FTC and U.S ...
With cybersecurity risks increasing and evolving moving into 2023, the federal government is taking steps to help secure our cyber infrastructure. The recent passing of the 2023 omnibus spending agreement included additional funds for a variety of federal agencies in order to strengthen our cybersecurity apparatus. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (“CISA”) received $1.3 billion for its cybersecurity programs. This is a $230 million increase over last year ...
This newsletter features a look into Finnish competition law developments and recent enforcement practice. 2023 starts with reforms in Finnish merger control Lower turnover thresholds enter into force Revised merger control turnover thresholds entered into force in Finland on 1 January 2023. The thresholds are applicable to all transactions signed on or after this date ...
The importance of the UAE as a trading and consumer goods hub resulted in a protective approach of the authorities towards distributors and franchisees. The UAE Federal Law No. 18 of 1981 on Commercial Agencies (Old Law) was drafted with the intent of protecting the interests of UAE nationals (and companies wholly owned by UAE nationals), and was protective towards the interests of registered commercial agencies ...
Rising interest rates, inflation, and a global economic slowdown create the perfect storm, pushing some companies into financial distress. These conditions can also create opportunities for investors to make strategic acquisitions of distressed assets ...
Canadian Lawyer By Tim Wilbur Cecilia Barnes knew from an early age she wanted to be in business. She entered law school so she could work with entrepreneurs and business executives. When Barnes looked for opportunities after graduating, she focused on working in-house. “I thought, I've taken all of these courses in business and trademark and copyright. So, any company is going to be so excited to have me ...
This is the third article in our series about sponsor licences. This article focuses on the effect of insolvency on a sponsor licence. Businesses are facing challenging times in the current economic downturn and insolvency is a real possibility for many, with 5,595 company insolvencies in the third quarter of 2022[1] alone. If a business is on the brink of insolvency this will potentially have an impact on any sponsorship licences held within the company group ...
Charities face challenges on many fronts right now, but one silver lining to the cost-of-living crisis is the popularity of charity shops, especially among younger people. Today sees the launch of Charity Super.Mkt at the Brent Cross Shopping Centre in North London, a great illustration of necessity being the mother of invention, meeting the demand for sustainable fashion and bringing life back to vacant retail space. Charity Super ...
Pensions analysis: On 16 December 2022, the Pensions Regulator (TPR) published its consultation on the new defined benefit (DB) funding code of practice together with a response to its first consultation and a consultation on its proposed twin track regulatory approach to assessing valuations including its proposed Fast Track design. Suzanne Burrell, partner at Shoosmiths examines the consultation and its implications ...
The UAE commercial agency regime has been a central pillar of commerce since the issuance of UAE Federal Law 18 of 1981 (the 1981 Law). While piecemeal amendments to the 1981 Law have been introduced from time to time, the UAE government has now issued UAE Federal Law 3 of 2022 concerning commercial agencies (the New Agencies Law) which repeals and replaces the 1981 Law in its entirety ...
