On 2 June 2020, the European Commission (Commission) launched a public consultation on the need for a possible new EU competition tool through the use of remedies to address evolving structural competition issues in areas such as digital markets.
EU, Competition & Procurement
With COVID-19 and its effect on the Irish (and wider global) economy, firms are experiencing significant economic challenges. As a result, stronger firms may become well-positioned to acquire ailing firms.
COVID-19Regulated funds and fund service providers established in Ireland have been operating under business continuity measures for over two months now.
Asset Management & Investment FundsBanks, brokers and private wealth managers (and their Compliance Officers and PCFs) should take note of the report recently published by the European Banking Authority (EBA) following its inquiry into dividend arbitrage trading schemes.
DisputesThe Belgian Data Protection Authority (Belgian DPA) recently imposed a €50,000 fine on a large telecommunications operator (the company), for failing to comply with the GDPR in relation to the appointment of their Data Protection Officer (DPO).
TechnologyLiquidity risks and tools, ESG, ESMA on half yearly reporting, conduct of business obligations and risk dashboard, FSB cyber consultation, DAC6, AML/CTF. ESMA consultation on guidelines on outsourcing to cloud service providers.
Asset Management & Investment FundsCBI Markets Update, Financial Crime Risk.
Asset Management & Investment FundsQ&A of the month. Over two months into the COVID-19 pandemic, what have we learned about the governance, contingency planning and risk issues for regulated investment funds and regulated financial service providers established in Ireland?
Asset Management & Investment Funds
In crises and emergencies such as COVID-19, storms, disasters and product shortages, there are often discussions about alleged "price gouging". The putting into effect of unjustifiable price increases during the COVID-19 pandemic is under active scrutiny by competition agencies in various jurisdictions
COVID-19
As part of their lockdown exit strategy, governments around the world are launching Apps with contact tracing functions.
Technology
The COVID-19 Crisis has had a very significant impact on competition/antitrust law. Already, it has influenced aspects of the practice of competition law in ways that no other crisis has ever done.
COVID-19
In response to the effect of COVID-19 on Irish businesses the Irish Government and, in particular the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (the DBEI) has provided certain supports to Irish businesses which primarily seek to assist businesses to stay operational and retain their staff
Corporate & M&A
