United Kingdom

UK Sanctions Guidance for Businesses

The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and HM Treasury have published new guidance for businesses and organisations on understanding and complying with UK sanctions. The guide outlines various types of sanctions and reporting obligations for regulated firms.

UK Sanctions List Consolidation and OFSI List Closure

The UK's Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) Consolidated List of Asset Freeze Targets closed on January 28, 2026. All UK sanctions designations are now consolidated under the UK Sanctions List. This change aims to streamline sanctions information for regulated entities.

Guidance on Belarus Sanctions Trade Licence Considerations

The UK Department for Business and Trade has published guidance on considerations for granting trade sanctions licences related to Belarus. This guidance details specific conditions under which licences may be granted for military goods, technology, and related services, as well as for hydrazine imports.

Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) Annual Report

The Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) has published its first-year operational report, detailing activities from 2024 to 2025. The report outlines OTSI's powers, capabilities, operational functions, and engagement efforts, while also looking ahead to future priorities such as enhanced business support and proactive enforcement.

Glass Containers from Turkey Anti-subsidy Investigation Initiated

The UK Trade Remedies Authority has initiated an anti-subsidy investigation into glass containers originating from Turkey. The investigation covers various types of glass containers used for packaging, excluding those with a capacity of 2.5 litres or more. Interested parties must register to participate.

CMA Clears Constellation's Purchase of Aston Barclay Merger

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has cleared Constellation Developments Limited's acquisition of ABVR Holdings Limited (Aston Barclay). The decision follows an in-depth phase 2 investigation which found the merger would not substantially reduce competition in the UK used vehicle auction market.

Diesel Generators Procurement for Ukraine

The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, through the Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine, has published a notice for the supply of diesel generators. The procurement opportunity closes on March 20, 2026.

FCA warns customers of unsuitable advice from HDH Investment Services

The FCA has warned customers of HDH Investment Services Limited that the firm may have provided unsuitable financial advice. Restrictions were placed on HDH from January 20, 2026, preventing it from conducting regulated activities. Customers who believe they received unsuitable advice are advised to complain and seek advice from another authorised firm.

FCA Announces Senior Leadership Appointments

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced two senior leadership appointments: Chris Knight as Director of Insurance and David Lymburn as interim Deputy Managing Director of the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR). These appointments aim to strengthen the FCA's capabilities and support its strategic priorities.

Environment Agency v. Action Skip Hire Limited - Waste Removal Order

The Environment Agency has ordered Birmingham skip firm Action Skip Hire Limited to pay £9,495.50 for failing to remove waste from a site as previously ordered by a magistrates' court. This follows a prior conviction where the company was fined over £48,000 for operating an illegal waste site.