Government & Legislation

Companies House Transition Plan for Economic Crime Act

Companies House has published an outline transition plan for the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. The plan details the indicative timeline for commencing key provisions, with updates indicating potential postponements for certain measures to prioritize identity verification and stakeholder feedback.

Companies House Identity Verification Legal Requirement

Companies House has issued guidance stating that identity verification for directors and persons with significant control will become a legal requirement from November 18, 2025. This marks the start of a 12-month transition period for companies to comply.

Companies House Fees and Powers Update

Companies House will implement new fee structures effective February 1, 2026, with digital filing fees for incorporation, confirmation statements, and voluntary strike-offs increasing. These changes, alongside new powers granted by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, aim to enhance the UK's corporate registers and combat economic crime.

Insolvency Service Shuts Down UK Business Registration Services

The UK Insolvency Service has shut down three companies that facilitated the registration of over 11,000 UK businesses for overseas clients, primarily from China. These companies operated without proper registration and failed to conduct anti-money laundering checks, creating a false impression of UK presence for their clients.

Department of Labor Rescinds ERISA Advisory Opinion 2023-01A on Citigroup Program

The Department of Labor has rescinded Advisory Opinion 2023-01A concerning Citigroup's Action for Racial Equity Asset Manager Program. The Department now states the program is unlawful under civil rights laws, not ERISA, and requires Citigroup to immediately cease all illegal activity.

ERISA Advisory Opinion on California Firefighters Disability Plan

The Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) issued Advisory Opinion 2025-02A regarding the California Association of Professional Firefighters (CAPF) Long Term Disability Plan and the National Peace Officers and Fire Fighters Benefit Association (NPFBA) Long Term Care Plan. The opinion addresses whether these plans qualify as employee welfare benefit plans under ERISA.

Morgan Stanley Compensation Plan Not Subject to ERISA

The Department of Labor issued Advisory Opinion 2025-03A, determining that Morgan Stanley's deferred incentive compensation programs are not considered employee pension benefit plans under ERISA. This guidance clarifies the applicability of ERISA to specific compensation structures for financial advisors.

ERISA Advisory Opinion on Lifetime Income Strategy Program

The Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) issued Advisory Opinion 2025-04A, responding to a request from AllianceBernstein L.P. (AB) regarding its Lifetime Income Strategy (LIS) program. The opinion addresses whether the LIS program, which includes a guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit, meets the requirements to be a qualified default investment alternative (QDIA) under ERISA.

Employment Appeal Tribunal Rules 2026: Appeal Time Limits Clarified

The UK government has issued the Employment Appeal Tribunal Rules 2026, which clarify the time limits for lodging appeals. These rules aim to provide greater certainty for parties involved in employment tribunal proceedings.

Justice Reform Act Commencement Date Amendment

The UK government has issued amendment regulations to change the commencement date for the Justice Reform Act. These regulations, effective March 1, 2026, alter when specific provisions of the Act will come into force.