United Kingdom: International Law

The English Court of Appeal has ruled that a state's ratification of the New York Convention does not constitute a waiver of sovereign immunity in enforcement proceedings. Does this decision create obstacles for investors seeking to enforce arbitral awards against states, and what strategies should parties employ when contracting with state entities?

The UPC Court of Appeal has provided detailed guidance on long-arm jurisdiction and referred critical questions to the CJEU regarding anchor defendants. This analysis examines recent cases including Genevant...

The Court of Appeal has ruled that ratifying the New York Convention does not waive a state's sovereign immunity in enforcement proceedings, creating a significant distinction from ICSID Convention protections. This decision clarifies the complex interaction between international arbitration treaties and state immunity rules, with important implications for investors seeking to enforce arbitral awards against sovereign states. The judgment contrasts sharply with recent Supreme Court precedent on ICSID award

This comprehensive round-up examines the latest developments in UK, EU, and U.S. sanctions and export controls, covering new designations, enforcement actions, licensing updates, and policy shifts. The analysis explores how sanctions regimes are evolving to address evasion networks, cryptocurrency use, and compliance challenges across multiple jurisdictions.

This weekly update examines recent developments in UK sanctions policy, including amendments to general licences for Prince Group insolvency activities and Lukoil International operations, as well as new joint guidance from OFSI and OFAC comparing UK and US sanctions frameworks. The briefing also covers parliamentary research on legal mechanisms for enforcing sanctions against shadow fleet vessels in UK waters.

As the UK navigates its post-Brexit relationship with the EU, a critical question emerges: should Britain align with EU digital regulations or forge its own path? With the EU's digital rulebook facing criticism for overregulation and stifling innovation, while the UK lacks influence over rules its companies must still follow, policymakers face complex choices about convergence, divergence, and new international partnerships in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

This comprehensive round-up examines the latest developments in UK, EU, and U.S. sanctions and export controls, covering new designations, enforcement actions, licensing updates, and policy shifts. The analysis explores how sanctions regimes are evolving to address evasion networks, cryptocurrency use, and compliance challenges across multiple jurisdictions.

HMRC has taken the unprecedented step of publicly naming Petrofac Facilities Management Limited after the company paid a compound settlement of £569,157.07 for Russia sanctions violations. Meanwhile, OFSI has released responses to its call for evidence on ownership and control tests, revealing significant practical challenges and costs faced by businesses in making compliance assessments with limited information.

The international movement of fine art presents collectors with an increasingly complex web of legal, tax, and regulatory challenges spanning export restrictions, customs duties, and anti-money laundering rules. This analysis examines the key considerations for navigating cross-border art transactions, comparing regulatory frameworks across the UK, EU, and US while exploring the future of global art regulation.