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Articles by Chris Webber
Important new developments in consumer financial mis-selling claims arena
Two recent court decisions could have wide significance for mass consumer financial mis-selling litigation in the UK: First, the Court of Appeal has recently permitted mass unfair credit relationship claims under s.140A of the Consumer Credit Act to be brought using the light-touch “omnibus claim form” route, setting a precedent that lowers a significant procedural hurdle to litigating large numbers of similar consumer claims together.
Important new developments in consumer financial mis-selling claims arena
Two recent court decisions could have wide significance for mass consumer financial mis-selling litigation in the UK: First, the Court of Appeal has recently permitted mass unfair credit relationship claims under s.140A of the Consumer Credit Act to be brought using the light-touch “omnibus claim form” route, setting a precedent that lowers a significant procedural hurdle to litigating large numbers of similar consumer claims together.
Important new developments in consumer financial mis-selling claims arena
Two recent court decisions could have wide significance for mass consumer financial mis-selling litigation in the UK: First, the Court of Appeal has recently permitted mass unfair credit relationship claims under s.140A of the Consumer Credit Act to be brought using the light-touch “omnibus claim form” route, setting a precedent that lowers a significant procedural hurdle to litigating large numbers of similar consumer claims together.
Wildfires are now an escalating risk: here’s how the UK needs to prepare ahead of next summer Original
Fire services across the UK are now working out how much they can do over the winter to prepare for one of the country’s escalating dangers: wildfires. Baroness Brown, the chairwoman of the UK’s Climate Change Committee, recently told the BBC that not enough action has been taken, given that the UK is predicted to face longer, drier summers due to global warming.
UK Finance Disputes and Regulatory Investigations Blog
Squire Patton Boggs is proud to host dynamic and wide-ranging events as part of this year’s London International Disputes Week running 1 – 5 June 2026. Join us for a series of thought-provoking discussions with industry experts from the firm and elsewhere. From global litigation risk to regulatory flashpoints and geopolitical fault lines, our sessions explore some of the key issues of the day and the impact on you. Registration for sessions is now open, and is on a first come, first served basis.
Credit Documentation In Conflict – MAC Clauses And Drawstop Rights In The GCC Loan Market
Squire Patton Boggs LLP are most popular: within Immigration, Litigation, Mediation & Arbitration and Criminal Law topic(s) in United States with readers working within the Banking & Credit, Healthcare and Transport industries The escalation of hostilities following US-Israeli strikes on Iran on 28 February 2026 and subsequent Iranian retaliation across the GCC is forcing lenders and borrowers to reassess the operation of their finance documentation.
High Court upholds FCA’s first use of “name and shame” powers
The High Court’s judgment in R (Claims Protection Agency Limited) v Financial Conduct Authority is a milestone for regulatory publicity. In a case closely watched by the financial services community, the court upheld the FCA’s decision to publicly identify a regulated firm as the subject of an enforcement investigation under its new “exceptional circumstances” publicity power — confirming both the scope of that power and the deference courts will give to the regulator’s judgment.
High Court upholds FCA’s first use of “name and shame” powers
The High Court’s judgment in R (Claims Protection Agency Limited) v Financial Conduct Authority is a milestone for regulatory publicity. In a case closely watched by the financial services community, the court upheld the FCA’s decision to publicly identify a regulated firm as the subject of an enforcement investigation under its new “exceptional circumstances” publicity power — confirming both the scope of that power and the deference courts will give to the regulator’s judgment.
FCA Enforcement Watch 1 - clues for asset managers about enforcement risks in 2026
The FCA’s publication of Enforcement Watch 1 marks an important shift in how the regulator communicates enforcement risk to the market. While the FCA has stepped back from proposals to routinely name firms under investigation, Enforcement Watch signals a targeted transparency approach, designed to highlight priorities and shape behaviour – without waiting for final outcomes. For asset managers, the first edition is revealing.
FCA publishes views on firms' risk assessment processes and controls
The FCA has recently published its multi-firm review: Risk assessment processes and controls in firms: our findings (11 November 2025) which focuses on how regulated firms are conducting business-wide risk assessments (BWRA) and customer risk assessments (CRA). Weak risk-assessment frameworks can invite regulatory scrutiny, so firms should consider whether the review findings warrant changes to their approach.
FCA publishes views on firms' risk assessment processes and controls
The FCA has recently published its multi-firm review: Risk assessment processes and controls in firms: our findings (11 November 2025) which focuses on how regulated firms are conducting business-wide risk assessments (BWRA) and customer risk assessments (CRA). Weak risk-assessment frameworks can invite regulatory scrutiny, so firms should consider whether the review findings warrant changes to their approach.
Motor finance claims - the current state of play
The prospects of claims against motor finance lenders continues to develop rapidly as courts, the Financial Ombudsman Service, and the FCA continue to grapple with the issues raised by the large volume of cases being initiated. Here’s the current state of play at a glance: The Johnson v Firstrand Bank Court of Appeal decision in October 2024 recast the industry consensus on exposure to secret and half-secret commission claims.
FCA marks principal firms’ homework on appointed representatives - must try harder
The FCA has been focused on appointed representatives (“ARs”) for many years now, dating back to its 2016 and 2019 thematic reviews. It grudgingly accepts that the AR regime has some cost efficiency, competition, and market access benefits. But it sees ARs as high risk, because it perceives that often principal firms undertake inadequate due diligence before appointing ARs and are lax with their ongoing oversight.
Court of Appeal reaffirms stance on fiduciary duties in half-secret commission cases
Some years it seems like there are no cases of any real importance. 2025 is not one of those years. Last week a strong Court of Appeal doubled down on a key element of the landmark Johnson v FirstRand decision on secret commissions in motor finance (about to be heard before the Supreme Court).
FCA’s discretion upheld in IRHP redress scheme judicial review
In R (All-Party Parliamentary Group on Fair Banking) v Financial Conduct Authority [2025] EWHC 525 (Admin), the High Court examined the FCA’s decision regarding the exclusion of certain customers from the scope of the voluntary Interest Rate Hedging Products (IRHP) redress scheme established in 2012, which was criticised in a subsequent independent review.
AI as the New Research Assistant: A Game-Changer in How We Work and Search
In the not-so-distant past, conducting research was a manual, tedious task. Libraries, whether physical or digital, were our go-to sources, with the Dewey Decimal system guiding our way through shelves of books. The digital card catalog was a big leap forward, but it still required navigating an ocean of data. Enter Google: the first major shift in how we found information. Suddenly, we could search for books, articles, and other resources at lightning speed.
AI as the New Research Assistant: A Game-Changer in How We Work and Search
In the not-so-distant past, conducting research was a manual, tedious task. Libraries, whether physical or digital, were our go-to sources, with the Dewey Decimal system guiding our way through shelves of books. The digital card catalog was a big leap forward, but it still required navigating an ocean of data. Enter Google: the first major shift in how we found information. Suddenly, we could search for books, articles, and other resources at lightning speed.
Court of Appeal reaffirms stance on fiduciary duties in half-secret commission cases
Some years it seems like there are no cases of any real importance. 2025 is not one of those years. Last week a strong Court of Appeal doubled down on a key element of the landmark Johnson v FirstRand decision on secret commissions in motor finance (about to be heard before the Supreme Court).
Family Office Insights - Squire Patton Boggs Wins for Family Office Client in High Profile London “Moth House” Dispute
In a case that has made front page news in the UK press, including articles in The Guardian, The Times, the BBC and others, a Squire Patton Boggs team led by partners Chris Webber, Julian Ciecierski-Burns and director Tim Flamank have secured a notable victory for long-standing clients Iya Patarkatshishvili (daughter of the late Georgian businessman Badri Patarkatshishvili) and her husband Yevhen Hunyak, in a claim over their £32.5 million purchase of Horbury Villa in Notting Hill, London.
Lessons in Consistency: How Chris Webber’s Mother Inspired Greatness
“I was never going to write a book,” Doris laughed. “But I just thought people should. And I never guessed that you would!” Webber’s career as a commentator also has its roots in his childhood. When he was a teenager, Doris challenged him to recite some of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches at church. To do so, Webber listened over and over to rare cassette recordings of Dr. King, methodically committing large portions of them to memory. When the time came, he gave the speeches to a rapt audience.
Too Soon to Move On? Supreme Court Changes Limitation in Secret Commission Cases: Canada Square Operations Ltd v Potter [2023] UKSC 41
The Supreme Court has provided important clarification on when “deliberate concealment” or “deliberate commission of a breach of duty” by a defendant will extend the limitation period for bringing claims. The decision is bad news for financial services firms affected by PPI mis-selling claims and other claims in which firms are accused of making secret commissions on financial products, such as interest rate swaps and other derivatives.
Becker named Men's South Region Runner of the Year
By Chris Webber Jan Lukas Becker, a standout member of the Mississippi College Cross Country team, has been named the 2023 Men’s South Region Runner of the Year following his victory at the 2023 South Region Cross Country Championships with a time of 29:21.3 over 9,800 meters. Defending his title from last year’s South Region Cross Country Championships, in which he set a 10K course record of 30:40.3, Becker has shown consistent excellence throughout the 2023 season.
Too soon to move on? Supreme Court changes limitation in secret commission cases
The Supreme Court has today provided important clarification on when “deliberate concealment” or “deliberate commission of a breach of duty” by a defendant will extend the limitation period for bringing claims. The decision is bad news for financial services firms affected by PPI mis-selling claims and other claims in which firms are accused of making secret commissions on financial products, such as interest rate swaps and other derivatives.
Push-ed Back - Supreme Court Considers Quincecare Duty for Authorised Push Payment (“APP”) Fraud Victims
On 12 July 2023, the Supreme Court delivered its widely anticipated judgment in Philipp v Barclays Bank UK PLC. In doing so, the Court has gone back to basics to explain the basis for and scope of a bank’s duty to its customers, and has brought the Quincecare duty back to a narrower footing.
Starkville's Sterling Scott Qualifies For U-20 World Champs
PAGES: Calendar | Rankings | Results Young Mississippi track and field sensation, Sterling Scott of Starkville High, has yet again made a remarkable stride, placing third at the U-20 U.S.A. Track and Field Championships in the Triple Jump. The Starkville, Miss. native secured a mark of 49-8 in his marquee event.
Financial Promotions Data Analysed - An Increase in Intervention
Earlier this year, the Financial Conduct Authority published its analysis of its financial promotions data for 2022. That report sheds some interesting light on the FCA’s actions taken against authorised firms, and unauthorised entities and individuals, for breaches of financial promotion rules. The standout message is clear – the FCA has significantly increased its interventionist activity, in response to what the FCA has said is poor financial promotions compliance.
Financial Ombudsman Service compensation limit increased again - by more than 10%
The Financial Conduct Authority confirmed last month that the limit for compensation that can be awarded by the Financial Ombudsman Service (“FOS”) will be raised from £375,000 to £415,000, for complaints made after 1 April 2023 relating to acts or omissions on or after 1 April 2019 – an increase of over 10%. A lower limit of £190,000 applies to any complaints made from 1 April 2023 relating to events that occurred prior to 1 April 2019 – again an increase of over 10%, from £170,000 in 2022.
Financial Ombudsman Service compensation limit increased again - by more than 10%
The Financial Conduct Authority confirmed last month that the limit for compensation that can be awarded by the Financial Ombudsman Service (“FOS”) will be raised from £375,000 to £415,000, for complaints made after 1 April 2023 relating to acts or omissions on or after 1 April 2019 – an increase of over 10%. A lower limit of £190,000 applies to any complaints made from 1 April 2023 relating to events that occurred prior to 1 April 2019 – again an increase of over 10%, from £170,000 in 2022.
Ready or not, here comes the Consumer Duty
Since July 2022 when the FCA published its rules and guidance to implement the Consumer Duty, much ink has been spilled on what it will mean for affected firms. Now, with the clock ticking down to implementation on 31 July 2023, the FCA has published the findings of its review of a number of larger firms’ plans for complying with the Duty. “Could do better” is the overall mark on the industry’s homework so far. What will the Consumer Duty involve?
Ready or not, here comes the Consumer Duty
Since July 2022 when the FCA published its rules and guidance to implement the Consumer Duty, much ink has been spilled on what it will mean for affected firms. Now, with the clock ticking down to implementation on 31 July 2023, the FCA has published the findings of its review of a number of larger firms’ plans for complying with the Duty. “Could do better” is the overall mark on the industry’s homework so far. What will the Consumer Duty involve?
Ready or not, here comes the Consumer Duty
Since July 2022 when the FCA published its rules and guidance to implement the Consumer Duty, much ink has been spilled on what it will mean for affected firms. Now, with the clock ticking down to implementation on 31 July 2023, the FCA has published the findings of its review of a number of larger firms’ plans for complying with the Duty. “Could do better” is the overall mark on the industry’s homework so far. What will the Consumer Duty involve?
Sterling Scott breaks Mississippi HS Boys Indoor TJ record
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- Starkville High School's Sterling Scott made history at the 2023 Ice Breaker, breaking the Mississippi High School Boys Indoor Triple Jump record with a leap of 46-9.75. This impressive feat saw Scott surpass Madison Central 2013 grad Barclay Angle's previous record by a mere 6.25 inches.
FCA tightens appointed representative regime
In August 2022, the FCA released a policy statement introducing improvements to the appointed representative (“AR“) regime. In its policy statement, the FCA provides feedback on its earlier consultation, and sets out new rules to make authorised financial firms more responsible for their ARs. In its press release, the FCA says that whilst some principal firms do effectively ensure their ARs comply with rules, “many do not adequately oversee the activities of their ARs“.
Is the FCA catching on to its AFrO and AFO powers?
Chris Webber specializes in resolving financial services disputes and regulatory investigations. He represents clients including banks, broker dealers, corporate trustees, bondholders, issuers, mortgage servicers, borrowers, insolvency office-holders, regulatory bodies, investment funds, and individuals. He also acts for corporate clients in contractual, investment, and… Chris Webber specializes in resolving financial services disputes and regulatory investigations.
Is the FCA catching on to its AFrO and AFO powers?
My colleague Ben Ticehurst, a Director in our UK Government Investigations and White Collar team, recently shared a timely insight on increased use by the Financial Conduct Authority of Account Freezing Orders (“AFrOs”) and Account Forfeiture Orders (“AFOs”) on our Anticorruption Blog. He reports on the recent decision for the FCA to secure its first AFO, a tool used for asset recovery under Part 5 of Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, for £2 million against QPay Europe Limited.
You’ve been served…well, virtually.
In what is widely touted as the first of its kind in the UK, a recent order made in D’Aloia v Persons Unknown & Others by the High Court marks an expansion of the potential methods for service of claims permitted for English proceedings, by allowing proceedings to be served via airdrop of Non-Fungible Token (NFT). The decision marks a useful step forward for victims of fraud in the crypto-asset space.
FCA future gazing
On 14 July FCA CEO Nikhil Rathi gave a speech at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, setting out a helpful overview of the FCA’s intended future approach to its aspects of its regulatory responsibilities.
Use it or lose it: FCA accelerates crack down on unused regulatory permissions
The Financial Conduct Authority’s new powers to more swiftly cancel or change firms’ regulatory permissions have now come into effect. These powers are particularly aimed at firms that have permissions they are not using. Firms can be required to prove they are carrying out the regulated activities they have permissions for, or risk losing their permissions.
Banks’ Quincecare duty in APP fraud Cases potentially extended
In March the Court of Appeal overturned an earlier High Court judgment and held that the application of Quincecare duty does not depend on the fact that the bank is instructed by an agent of the customer of the bank. In principle, the Quincecare duty could now arise where a non-corporate customer falls victim to an “authorised push payment” (APP) fraud. APP fraud happens when fraudsters deceive someone to make a payment under false pretences to a bank account held by the fraudster.
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The FCA has stressed recently that it expects the cryptoasset sector to play its part in ensuring that Russian sanctions are complied with, and highlighted that the financial sanctions regulations do not differentiate between cryptoassets and other forms of assets.
High-risk investments: FCA consults on strengthening financial promotion rules
The FCA perceives that since the start of the COVID-pandemic there has been a rapid growth in the proportion of consumers holding high‑risk investments. In response, the FCA is planning a revamp of the financial promotion regime, and has recently released its consultation paper on the proposed changes.
FCA consults on guidance for firms who seek to limit their liabilities
The Financial Conduct Authority has published proposed guidance on the use by firms of compromises to manage their liabilities. Compromises include arrangements with creditors and/or shareholders, such as Schemes of Arrangement, Part 26A Restructuring Plans, and Creditors Voluntary Arrangements (CVAs). The Guidance is aimed at FCA-regulated firms that seek to limit their liabilities by using these company or insolvency law techniques.
FCA stepping up competition law enforcement
The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is stepping up competition law enforcement in the financial sector, over which it has concurrent competition law enforcement powers alongside the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). Action by the FCA last year resulted in UK financial organisations being fined £586 million, according to data from the watchdog. Only a small fraction of this amount relates to fines for competition law violations.
A ‘Fundamental Shift’ in Financial Regulation - Further FCA Consultation on New Consumer Duty
2022 looks set to be a busy year for regulated firms dealing with retail customers. Following its initial consultation in May 2021, on 7 December 2021 the FCA issued a further consultation (CP21/36), announcing its desire to “fundamentally shift” the mindset of regulated firms, by implementing a new consumer duty later this year. What do the proposals entail? The FCA’s proposals consist of a package of additions to the regulatory landscape applicable where firms are dealing with consumers.
The FCA Perimeter Report 2020/21 - Key Points for Firms
The scope of the FCA’s powers and remit is not a simple matter, as the FCA readily acknowledges. The FCA’s regulatory “perimeter” derives primarily from from FSMA and the universe of secondary legislation surrounding it, particularly the Regulated Activities Order (“RAO”). However it also derives powers and responsibilities from various UK and on-shored EU-legislation in relation to areas such as payment services, competition, money laundering, consumer credit, fund management, and so on.
NBA Legend Chris Webber Breaks Ground on $50 Million Cannabis Facility In Detroit
By Cryss WalkerSeptember 28, 2021 at 10:40 pm A Detroit native and NBA Hall of Famer is bringing big business back home to provide inclusive opportunities in the booming cannabis industry. “I think so many athletes have understood the healing properties of the cannabis plant, that’s really exciting to hopefully be able to change the narrative,” said Chris Webber. READ MORE: MDHHS Reports 106 New COVID-19 Outbreaks In Schools Webber broke ground on a $50 million cannabis facility in Corktown.
LCF mini-bond holders withdraw appeal against FSCS
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) confirmed on 23 August that London Capital and Finance (LCF) mini-bond holders have withdrawn their appeal against an important March 2021 High Court decision dismissing their judicial review claim. FSCS confirmed that the litigation had been concluded without any change to any of its earlier decisions on LCF claims.
Rolling Stone and Select Announce New Pre-Rolls and Vaporizers
Image via @select.better on Instagram Rolling Stone recently announced the start of a partnership with Curaleaf’s Select brand. Select is a sleek and ambitious brand that provides dispensaries across America with innovative products. This unique alliance marks the beginning of a line of “Rolling Stone by Select” products. What may seem like an unlikely business decision is actually a great strategy. This project further introduces and normalizes cannabis into mainstream culture.
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