United Kingdom: White Collar Crime, Anti-Corruption & Fraud

On May 31, 2026, Directive (EU) 2026/1021 of the European Parliament and of the Council of April 29, 2026 on combatting corruption (the EU Anti-Corruption Directive) entered into force, marking a significant step towards establishing a stronger EU legislative framework for combatting corruption effectively, with more harmonized national enforcement standards throughout the EU Member States.

Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney serve as critical safeguards against financial exploitation and fraud, ensuring your assets are protected during your lifetime and distributed according to your wishes after death.

The High Court has dismissed an application for an interim mandatory injunction to prevent a bank from closing personal current accounts, examining claims of breach of contract and alleged failures under the Equality Act 2010. The decision explores the complex interplay between banks' anti-money laundering obligations, their contractual rights to terminate customer relationships, and the practical constraints imposed by tipping-off prohibitions when financial crime concerns arise.