EirGrid and ESB Networks (the System Operators) recently published the first batch results under the ECP-2 decision paper. This report outlines details of the 85 successful applicants under ECP-2.1, who are expected to receive connection offers in 2021.
Energy & Natural ResourcesThe Central Bank of Ireland is consulting on the exercise of national competent authority discretions under the Investment Firms Directive and Investment Firms Regulation.
Financial RegulationPhilip McQueston, Of Counsel, spoke with US and Brazilian attorney José Rubens Scharlack about inconsistencies José sees in the US position concerning the BEPS 2.0 project, highlighted in a recent article José co-authored.
TaxThe European Banking Authority is consulting on Draft Guidelines on sound remuneration policies for investment firms under the Investment Firms Directive.
Financial Regulation
Ongoing COVID-19 restrictions and recent changes to the UK’s immigration system mean more than ever, it is crucial that employers are carrying out right to work checks correctly.
COVID-19 Belfast
Although Northern Ireland is currently under a strict lockdown with the NI executive urging businesses to allow staff to work from home wherever possible, it is essential that businesses have a plan in place for upholding health and safety standards.
COVID-19 BelfastQ&A of the month. What is the latest update on the impact of Brexit, in particular for Irish authorised UCITS and QIAIFs with UK management companies and investment managers?
Asset Management & Investment FundsSFDR, Reverse Solicitation, Costs and Fees of UCITS, ETFs, ESMA AIFMD Leverage Guidelines for NCAs, ESMA Guidelines on outsourcing to cloud service providers
Asset Management & Investment FundsDeadlines, ILP (Amendment) Act 2020, CBI markets updates.
Asset Management & Investment FundsCompanies caught in the crossfire between US sanctions against Iran and the EU’s Blocking Regulation have found themselves in a precarious compliance zone. The combined effect of the reinstatement of US sanctions against Iran and the EU’s response in reactivating the Blocking Regulation have led to headaches for EU companies who have business exposure to both US and Iranian markets.
White Collar CrimeThe European Banking Authority is seeking responses to its Discussion Paper EBA/DP/2020/03. The Discussion Paper focuses on the management and supervision of ESG risks for credit institutions and investment firms. Interested parties have until 3 February 2021 to submit their comments.
DisputesPeter Sweetman successfully challenged the Board's decision to grant planning permission for abstraction, on WFD grounds. The failure to have assigned a Water Framework Directive (WFD) status to the relevant water body meant the Board could not carry out a valid assessment and made it impossible for the Board to evaluate whether the proposed works were compliant with Article 4(1) of the WFD.
Environmental & Planning
