On the Domestic Front, we look at deadlines, the ICAV, Central Bank programme of themed inspections and enforcement priorities, Central Bank report on Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Financial Sanctions Compliance in the Irish Banking Sector as well as the Central Bank appointment of Gerry Cross to the role of Director, Policy and Risk.
Asset Management & Investment FundsGiven that Banks use systems to facilitate the management and monitoring of ML/TF risks and Financial Sanctions, it is important that these systems are operating correctly and effectively.
Financial RegulationHome Secretary Theresa May has this month announced sweeping reform to the United Kingdom's visa system, endeavouring to attract greater foreign investment through 'Corporate Immigration'.
BelfastMany hotel sales are now subject to Irish merger control approval due to the change to the turnover thresholds triggering a notification requirement to the CCPC.
Corporate & M&AIn The Lisheen Mine (being a partnership between Vedanta Lisheen Mining Limited and Killoran Lisheen Mining Limited) v Mullock and Sons (Shipbrokers) Limited and Vertom Shipping and Trading BV [2015] IEHC 50, the Irish High Court considered its jurisdiction to assess whether an arbitration agreement existed, in particular whether it should apply a prima facie or "full judicial consideration" test.
DisputesThe long awaited legislation which provides for the establishment of the Irish Collective Asset-management Vehicle (the ICAV) has now been passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas.
Asset Management & Investment FundsThe Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill (the Bill) is currently making its way through Parliament, bringing with it a number of important changes to company law. The intention of some of these changes is increased transparency, whilst other changes simplify company filing requirements. The Bill is expected to pass into law in early 2015, but it will come into force in stages.
BelfastThe Chinese Ministry of Commerce ("MOFCOM") released the draft of its proposed new foreign investment law (the "Draft Law") for public consultation on 19 January 2015.
Investing in IrelandWith the recent devolvement of corporation tax setting powers, the frequent announcements of new jobs coming into Northern Ireland not to mention the reported increase in the level of activity in the real estate sector, is it safe to assume that this is going to be a good year for businesses in Northern Ireland?
BelfastThe public consultation on the use of zero-hours contracts in Northern Ireland closed at the end of September 2014. Following the consultation process, Minister Farry announced this week that an outright ban on 'zero-hours' contracts will not be introduced in Northern Ireland and stated that '[s]uch a ban could have unintended consequences in relation to individuals and employment opportunities'.
BelfastThe legislation which provides for the establishment of the Irish Collective Asset-management Vehicle (the ICAV) has now been passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas. The ICAV is a new form of corporate vehicle specifically tailored for the funds industry. The ICAV will sit alongside the available fund structures in Ireland, namely the variable capital company (VCC), the unit trust, the common con
Asset Management & Investment FundsThe Central Bank of Ireland today published a report of its observations in relation to Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) and Financial Sanctions (FS) compliance by banks in Ireland.
Financial Regulation
