United Kingdom: Corporate Governance

The U.K. Financial Conduct Authority's Mills Review envisions a 2030 retail financial services market where AI agents could transact autonomously on behalf of consumers. Sebastian Barling and Deborah Kirk explore the review's five-level autonomy spectrum, key recommendations, and critical questions about consumer duty adequacy, infrastructure readiness, and systemic risks of AI concentration.

The FCA's new non-financial misconduct rules and the Employment Rights Act 2025 create dual regulatory and employment obligations for financial services firms to prevent sexual harassment, including by third parties. The recent Odey tribunal decision demonstrates how harassment failings can trigger both conduct sanctions and senior manager accountability, making robust prevention measures essential.

From Harry Houdini's magic apparatus to Napoleon's locks of hair, discover how famous figures used their Wills to create lasting legacies with unusual and memorable bequests. Learn why clear testamentary wishes matter for protecting your own legacy.

The UK Government has launched a consultation on consolidating small pension pots worth £1,000 or less through a multiple default consolidator model, aiming to address the growing issue of 13 million deferred small pots across the workplace pensions market. Under the proposed framework, eligible dormant pots would be automatically transferred to authorised consolidator schemes unless members opt out, with implementation targeted for 2030 through a phased regulatory approach.

Fraud risk management often falls between multiple departments, creating gaps in accountability and response capabilities. This analysis examines how general counsel can coordinate cross-functional teams to establish clear ownership, implement effective controls, and ensure boards can demonstrate proportionate prevention measures when incidents occur.

Discover how in-house legal teams are approaching litigation strategy in 2025, from viewing disputes as operational necessities to leveraging alternative funding and managing geopolitical risks. Our collaboration with The Lawyer reveals the priorities shaping the year ahead for general counsel navigating an increasingly complex legal landscape.

The final report of the Thirlwall Inquiry reveals serious failures in management, governance and safeguarding at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2018. Lady Justice Thirlwall's investigation identifies 17 recommendations aimed at improving the safety of babies in hospital care, following events that led to the conviction of former neonatal nurse Lucy Letby. Bond Turner, representing affected families as a Core Participant, emphasizes the importance of these findings and the need for meaning

The Supreme Court's landmark ruling in Saxon Woods Investments Limited v Francesco Costa establishes a critical precedent for director duties under section 172 of the Companies Act 2006. Can a well-intentioned director pursue an alternative strategy that contradicts the collective will of the board, even if they genuinely believe it serves the company's best interests?

The ESG regulatory landscape continues to evolve rapidly in 2026, with significant developments including the EU Omnibus simplification amendments and ongoing UK Sustainability Reporting Standards efforts. This comprehensive timeline tracks key ESG developments across the UK and EU throughout 2026, providing essential horizon scanning support for sustainability practitioners navigating the complex regulatory environment.