241-250 of 544 results
The wait is over: Equator Principles 4 is here
The Equator Principles Association unveiled the finalised fourth version of the Equator Principles (EP4) on 18 November 2019. Set for an effective date of 1 July 2020, EP4 heightens requirements for designated OECD countries and tightens due diligence assessments with a greater focus on human rights, climate change and biodiversity. While there are many improvements and refinements from the draft we reviewed in June, the only potentially material change is a compromise on the 'free prior and informed consent' requirement for affected Indigenous communities. ...
ALRC's Discussion Paper released: a clearer, consistent and more rational framework for addressing corporate misconduct in Australia
The Australian Law Reform Commission released for consultation today a set of proposals aimed at overhauling the federal corporate criminal responsibility regime. This comes in the wake of criticisms that the current system is ineffective in preventing, deterring and prosecuting serious corporate crime. Whilst the reforms offer a clearer, consistent and more rational framework for addressing corporate misconduct in Australia, some elements (such as the adoption of a general 'associate' model for criminal attribution) will no doubt raise concern given their capacity to significantly extend corporate liability. We examine some of the key proposals and their likely impact. Partner Christopher Kerrigan and Senior Overseas Practitioner Cindy McNair report. ...
ASIC Corporate Governance Taskforce report; ASX listing rules update; ACCC cartel immunity and cooperation policy update; High Court considers financial assistance prohibition; and other corporate law developments
This Insight examines the latest developments in corporate law ...
First shareholder class action judgment
The Federal Court has handed down the first judgment in a shareholder class action. There is plenty in the decision for board members and senior executives to consider in the application of the continuous disclosure laws. ...
Queensland Supreme Court refuses to order disclosure of class action defendant's insurance policy, providing further guidance on the making of such orders
The Queensland Supreme Court has refused an application by a class action plaintiff seeking to compel the defendant to disclose its insurance policy and documents relating to its insurance position. In doing so, the court commented on the recent Federal Court decision in the Radio Rentals class action but came to a different result on the facts. This decision shows that when determining whether or not to make an order for disclosure, the court is likely to take into account the defendant's financial capacity, and may be less likely to make such an order where the defendant's solvency is not a concern. ...
If in doubt, get the whitewash out
The High Court's first decision on the financial assistance prohibition in section 260A of the Corporations Act supports a conservative approach to the prohibition, and in particular highlights the danger of 'taking a view' on the no material prejudice exception. ...
ASIC Corporate Governance Taskforce Report
ASIC has released its first report focusing on director and officer oversight of non-financial risk in seven large financial services companies (the First Report). While the report focuses on financial services companies, ASIC points out expressly that all companies, regardless of sector, should read and engage with the findings of this report. ...
ASIC's latest Corporate Plan continues focus on corporate culture; ASX clamps down on 'ramping' announcements; FIRB reveals closer scrutiny of data acquisitions; and other corporate law developments
This Insight considers recent developments in Corporate Law. ...
Product safety snapshots – year in review
The last 18 months were a busy time for product safety. Consumers found redress via the courts (in the form of class actions) and the regulator (in the form of product recalls). ...
Digital Platforms Inquiry Final Report released; Takeovers Panel considers board discretions and process deed disclosure requirements; and other corporate law developments
Digital Platforms Inquiry Final Report released, Takeovers Panel considers board discretions and process deed disclosure requirements and other corporate law developments ...