United Kingdom: Compliance

The Security Industry Authority has published a significant update on the implementation of Martyn's Law, providing crucial details on compliance templates, scope assessments, and the forthcoming notification portal. With the legislation expected to come into force in spring 2027, organisations must now turn their attention from understanding the requirements to preparing for practical compliance and regulatory oversight.

This comprehensive regulatory update examines critical developments affecting legal professionals, from the landmark determination of the SRA's investigative powers under Section 44B to proposed reforms in costs dispute resolution and compliance officer roles. The analysis explores how recent court decisions, regulatory changes, and industry proposals are reshaping the landscape of legal practice management and professional liability.

The Iran (Sanctions) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 introduce sweeping new financial, trade and transport restrictions affecting businesses across multiple sectors including financial services, commodities, shipping and software. These expanded controls require companies to reassess their products, services, counterparties and supply chains to identify both direct and indirect Iran-related exposure and ensure compliance with strengthened enforcement provisions.

Travers Smith's Pensions Sector Group provides comprehensive legal expertise across all technical specialisms required by pensions clients. Their multi-specialist teams stay at the forefront of pensions developments to help clients predict and plan for the future with confidence.

Companies House has secured its first prosecutions for identity verification offences, highlighting that UK directors and PSCs cannot opt out of the new requirements. Existing directors should complete verification within the applicable transition period.

Artificial intelligence has moved from boardroom discussion to business reality at remarkable speed. Organisations of all sizes are using AI tools to streamline operations, analyse data, assist in decision making, improve customer service and enhance productivity.

The UK Government is tackling the growing problem of 13 million small, dormant pension pots through a new automatic consolidation regime using multiple default consolidators. This comprehensive framework will require DC schemes to identify eligible pots, determine appropriate consolidation destinations, and transfer them to authorised consolidator schemes, fundamentally reshaping how small pension pots are managed across the industry.

The European Union's Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive took effect on 27 September 2026, leaving many brands with old stock carrying environmental claims that may no longer comply with the new rules. The EU's Consumer Protection Cooperation Network has issued guidance clarifying how national authorities will approach products, packaging, and marketing materials that remain in circulation, confirming that businesses must comply from the application date with only limited exceptions

The Fédération Equestre Internationale is undertaking its most significant revision of Dressage Rules since 2022, with a central question emerging: can 'harmony' between horse and rider be meaningfully captured in judging scores? The proposed changes, driven by welfare concerns and public scrutiny, could fundamentally reshape how dressage tests are marked and how future disputes are assessed across the sport.