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April 2017

Insolvency Service clamps down on bankrupt gamblers and speculators

The Insolvency Service is clamping down on individuals who have become bankrupt as a result of ‘gambling, speculation or unnecessary extravagance’.

Brexit contingency planning alert

Banks, insurers and designated investment firms undertaking cross-border activities between the UK and the rest of the EU need to provide the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) with information on their Brexit contingency plans by 14 July.  

VAT blow for cultural charities and public bodies

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has finally crushed hopes that more public bodies and charities engaged in cultural activities could claim VAT exemption on their admission charges. Its recent judgment in the VAT case of the British Film Institute (BFI), released in February, draws a line under an argument that has been running for the last four years.

Time to tighten your anti-money laundering defences

By 26 June 2017, all European Union member states are required to have enacted the Fourth Money Laundering Directive (4MLD) into national law. 4MLD aims to give effect to the updated Financial Action Task Force (“FATF”) standards. With this in mind Firms need to make sure their policies, procedures, systems and controls are up to scratch.

The art of delegation: delegated authorities in the insurance sector

The regulators generally look at insurers and brokers who outsource via delegated authority with greater scrutiny, mainly because of the increased risk of weak oversight and control by the principal over the performance of products and delivery of services outsourced in this way. It is therefore crucial to have the right systems and controls in place, together with clear allocation of responsibilities.  

How ready are you for MiFID II?

With an implementation date of 3 January 2018, the deadline for readying your firm for the required changes is rapidly approaching. However, in a recent Moore survey, it was found that only 7% of firms had started their implementation plans and more than half did not even have a plan in place yet to achieve timely compliance.   To aid firms in scope of MiFID II, this article highlights the key milestones you need to work towards over the coming nine months.