Europe prepares to reopen GDPR: what the new EU omnibus package means for data protection
Following the EU’s recent unravelling of sustainability regulations through its Omnibus package, the EU is now poised to revisit the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as part of another upcoming omnibus simplification package expected as early as April. The proposed changes to GDPR will have a particular focus on easing compliance burdens for small and […]
Major tax evasion crackdown announced by Chancellor in Spring Statement
Despite years of promises to crack down on tax evasion, in particular the failure to prevent model under the Criminal Finances Act 2017, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is finally getting serious about companies and advisers who promote tax evasion. A series of measures announced on 26 March 2025 will see new criminal and civil penalties for […]
UK steps up sanctions penalties with raft of fines and enforcement actions
The UK’s financial sanctions enforcement landscape has seen significant developments in recent weeks, as the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) takes a more proactive approach to compliance monitoring and enforcement. With increasing scrutiny on financial and non-financial entities alike, the latest actions signal that the UK government is strongly committed to ensuring strict adherence […]
UK publishes new modern slavery guidance as government plans crackdown
Almost ten years since the Modern Slavery Act was passed into UK law, the Home Office has now published updated statutory guidance for organisations across the UK. This comes amidst a new inquiry into the nation’s framework for addressing forced labour in international supply chains. As the House of Lords warned that the UK has […]
Sanctions and money laundering for letting agents: new changes in force from May 2025
From 14 May 2025, significant changes to financial sanctions and anti-money laundering (AML) regulations will come into effect, directly impacting letting agents, landlords, and self-managing landlords across the UK. These new requirements mandate financial sanctions checks on both landlords and tenants, with severe penalties, including substantial fines and up to seven years’ imprisonment, for non-compliance. […]
Astute LXP March 2025 update: Enhancing performance and user experience
The latest Astute LXP update (V3.3.1) introduces key improvements to performance and user experience. Our focus this month has been on improving system performance, refining user experience, and expanding integration capabilities. Here’s what’s new in the March 2025 release. Enhancements Learner Deactivation Control Organisations using a learner user sync can now prevent learners from […]
Trump Administration targets UK & global law firms over diversity initiatives
The Trump Administration has escalated its attacks on diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, targeting 20 major law firms, including prominent London-based practices. Among those affected are A&O Shearman, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, and Hogan Lovells, which now find themselves in the crosshairs of sweeping federal scrutiny. This comes amidst the crackdown on corporate DEI announced […]
Tax avoidance vs tax evasion – What is the difference?
Ever since the Panama Papers exposed the underground nexus of global tax evasion, regulators have been trying to figure out how to get ahead of it. The UK Criminal Finances Act, passed in 2017, attempts to shift the responsibility for criminal tax evasion to business. The offence of failing to prevent facilitation of tax […]
Across the world, penalties for sanctions violations are increasing
As global instability has increased from Russia to Iran, the resulting sanctions response has often been swift and intense. Throughout the invasion of Ukraine, countries worldwide have implemented rapid and swift sanctions on businesses and individuals alike. Governments are leveraging economic sanctions as a key tool for exerting pressure on foreign entities, enforcing compliance, and […]
VinciWorks launches essential compliance training, reimagined for financial services
A little over two months in 2025, the global financial landscape is already undergoing significant shifts. From President Trump announcing a 180-day suspension of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act to the FCA hinting at a major overhaul of the Senior Managers and Certification Regime, many financial firms are feeling the pressure to stay ahead of […]
