Finance Legislation
Laws governing financial services, banking regulation, insurance, investment, and securities trading.
The Individual Savings Account (Amendment) Regulations 2025
These regulations amend the Individual Savings Account Regulations 1998, clarifying definitions, updating subscription rules, and limiting withdrawals.
Key changes include defining "long-term asset fund," requiring national insurance information for non-junior ISA subscriptions, restricting replacement subscriptions to the original account, preventing withdrawals that reduce the current year's subscription below zero, and specifying qualifying investments for stocks and shares and innovative finance components until the end of 2026.
The changes mostly take effect from July 15th, 2025, except for one regulation commencing April 6th, 2027.
The Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Act 2024 (Commencement No. 3) Regulations 2025
These regulations, effective June 20, 2025, activate sections 18 and 21 of the Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Act 2024.
Section 18 establishes a Secretary of State review process for notices, while Section 21 requires notification of changes to telecommunications services.
The regulations apply across the UK. Previous commencement regulations have already brought other parts of the Act into force.
The Sanctions (EU Exit) (Treasury Debt) Regulations 2025
The Sanctions (EU Exit) (Treasury Debt) Regulations 2025 amend existing UK sanctions regulations concerning South Sudan, Central African Republic, Yemen, and Libya.
These amendments introduce exceptions to asset freezes and fund prohibitions imposed on UN-designated persons, allowing for the payment of Treasury debt owed to these individuals, provided certain conditions are met concerning the origin of the debt and the transfer of funds to a specified account.
The aim is to balance sanctions enforcement with the UK's financial obligations.
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (Commencement No. 5) Regulations 2025
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (Commencement No. 5) Regulations 2025 bring into effect sections 194 and 195 of the Act on June 18, 2025.
These sections address strategic litigation against public participation (SLAPPs) by requiring the Lord Chancellor to create Civil Procedure Rules enabling courts to dismiss SLAPP claims before trial and to make specific cost orders.
The regulations aim to deter SLAPPs, protecting free speech and streamlining legal processes.
The Free Zone (Customs Site No. 2 Thames) Designation Order 2025
The Free Zone (Customs Site No. 2 Thames) Designation Order 2025 designates a specific area at the Thames Freeport as a free zone for a 10-year period.
Cosco Shipping Crystal Logistics (UK) Company Limited was appointed as the responsible authority, subject to conditions encompassing record-keeping, security, access for HMRC officers, and health and safety.
The order leverages existing legislation to establish the free zone and aims to benefit trade and economic growth within the designated area.
The Wireless Telegraphy (Mobile Spectrum Trading) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Wireless Telegraphy (Mobile Spectrum Trading) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, effective July 7, 2025, amend the 2011 regulations to include a new license class, 'Spectrum Access High Density,' and two new frequency bands (25100–27500 MHz and 40500–43500 MHz).
These changes aim to increase mobile spectrum availability, potentially boosting network capacity, promoting technological advancements, and fostering economic growth.
OFCOM followed due process before enacting these amendments, and a regulatory impact assessment is publicly available.
The Wireless Telegraphy (Limitation of Number of Licences) Order 2025
The Wireless Telegraphy (Limitation of Number of Licences) Order 2025, issued by OFCOM, limits the number of wireless telegraphy licenses granted for use in the 25.1 to 27.5 gigahertz and 40.5 to 43.5 gigahertz frequency bands.
OFCOM will use a defined procedure outlined in the Wireless Telegraphy (Licence Award) Regulations 2025 to determine the number of licenses and their recipients.
The order came into force on July 7, 2025, and does not apply to the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
The Payment Services and Payment Accounts (Contract Termination) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Payment Services and Payment Accounts (Contract Termination) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, effective April 28, 2026, amend existing regulations to enhance consumer protection regarding payment service contract terminations.
Key changes include increased notice periods (90 days for contracts made on or after April 28, 2026), requirements for more detailed explanations of contract refusals and terminations, and specific exceptions for situations involving money laundering, serious crime, or immigration requirements.
These amendments aim to improve transparency and fairness in the termination of payment service contracts.