Finance Legislation

Laws governing financial services, banking regulation, insurance, investment, and securities trading.

The Sanctions (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Overseas Territories) Order 2025

Published: Fri 12th Dec 25

The Sanctions (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Overseas Territories) Order 2025, enacted under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018, makes widespread technical amendments across numerous extant sanctions Orders applicable to listed British overseas territories (OTs).

The primary purpose is to align OT sanctions legislation with recent UK amendments (specifically the Sanctions (EU Exit) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 2024), particularly by clarifying financial regulatory authority roles (transferring responsibilities from the Treasury to the Governor) and expanding the scope of 'relevant firms' subject to reporting obligations to include entities dealing with cryptoassets, high-value goods transactions, and insolvency proceedings.

The Double Taxation Relief and International Tax Enforcement (Romania) Order 2025

Published: Thu 11th Dec 25

This Order, made by His Majesty in Council, formally brings into effect the Convention and Protocol between the United Kingdom and Romania, signed in November 2024, designed to eliminate double taxation on income and capital gains, prevent tax evasion and avoidance, and establish frameworks for mutual assistance in tax enforcement between the two countries, thereby replacing the previous 1975 Convention.

The Double Taxation Relief and International Tax Enforcement (Andorra) Order 2025

Published: Thu 11th Dec 25

This Order formally brings into effect the Convention between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Principality of Andorra, signed on February 20, 2025, aimed at eliminating double taxation on income and capital, preventing tax evasion and avoidance, and facilitating international tax enforcement; the Schedule includes the full text of this Convention, along with subsequent Notes Verbales from June 2025 that formally correct a clerical error found in Article 18 concerning Government Service payments, making the corrected text legally effective upon the Order's enactment.

The Double Taxation Relief and International Tax Enforcement (Portuguese Republic) Order 2025

Published: Thu 11th Dec 25

This Order formally enacts into UK law a new Convention and accompanying Protocol between the United Kingdom and the Portuguese Republic, signed in September 2025, designed to eliminate double taxation on income and capital gains, prevent tax evasion and avoidance, and establish mechanisms for mutual assistance in tax enforcement, thereby clarifying taxing rights and providing legal certainty for residents and enterprises of both nations concerning income tax, corporation tax, and capital gains tax.

The Double Taxation Relief and International Tax Enforcement (Peru) Order 2025

This Order formally brings into force the Convention and accompanying Protocol between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Peru, which aims to eliminate double taxation on income and capital gains, prevent tax evasion and avoidance, and establish mutual assistance mechanisms for international tax enforcement, setting out detailed rules for the allocation of taxing rights, definitions of residency and permanent establishment, and procedures for dispute resolution.

The Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 (Commencement No. 10 and Saving Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Wed 10th Dec 25

The Treasury enacted these Regulations using powers under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 to amend the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 (Commencement No. 10 and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2025.

The primary goal is to modify how permissions granted by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) under provisions of the Capital Requirements Regulation are treated after their scheduled revocation takes effect on January 1st, 2026, by ensuring certain permissions continue to have effect under relevant sections of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA 2000) and preserving the PRA’s power to update related delegated technical standards.

The Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2025

Published: Wed 10th Dec 25

These Regulations, made by the Treasury and the Secretary of State under the Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018, introduce various amendments to UK customs regulations, primarily focused on updating the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) origin rules and linked preferential arrangements, effective January 1, 2026.

Key changes involve differentiating origin rules for Enhanced Preference (EP) and Standard Preference (SP) countries, updating the criteria for 'economically vulnerable countries,' reclassifying Vanuatu from a Least Developed Country (LDC) to an 'other eligible developing country,' and updating the version numbers of several foundational customs reference documents.

The Court Funds (Amendment) Rules 2025

Published: Mon 8th Dec 25

These Rules amend the Court Funds Rules 2011 to provide enhanced detail on how the Accountant General manages and invests sterling deposits separately from foreign currency deposits held in court.

Key changes involve specifying when interest accrues daily (for sterling) versus under foreign account terms, outlining investment procedures for foreign currency based on court schedules or directions, and simplifying payment-out procedures under the Civil Procedure Rules.