UNPRI consultation on human rights framework

A PRI consultation on a new human rights framework has begun. A paper has been published - see here (pdf) - the purpose of which is to set out a framework for institutional investors on the implementation of respect for human rights in their investment activities.

UK: England and Wales: the equitable remedy of rectification, tax returns and electronic documents

Judgment was given today by Master Kaye in Re Webster [2020] EWHC 2275 (Ch), a case concerning a taxpayer's claim for the rectification of an electronically submitted tax return. The claim was refused. Master Kaye found that, even if a tax return were a unilateral document capable of rectification, it would be "an odd and a surprising result and contrary to public policy" if the statutory regime that applied to the particular circumstances of the case (a claim for Gift Aid relief) could be circumvented by the use of the equitable remedy of rectification (see para. [77]).  It was also held, in principle, that documents or instruments created electronically were susceptible to rectification. 

UK: England and Wales: unfair prejudice and the removal of directors

Written judgment was delivered today by the Court of Appeal in Loveridge v Loveridge [2020] EWCA Civ 1104. The case centred on allegations of unfair prejudice, under section 994 of the Companies Act 2006, and interim orders that had been granted by the trial judge pending a trial.  Unlike the trial judge, the Court of Appeal found that the petitioning shareholder-director had failed to demonstrate an arguable case under section 994 based on the existence of an equitable constraint on the exercise of legal powers. Such a case had been based, in part, on the petitioner's role as the "driving force" behind the development of various businesses. Lord Justice Floyd observed (paras. [52] and [53]): 

It is not the law that progressive and energetic managers, however well they perform their duties to the benefit of the company, acquire entrenched rights not to be removed from their positions if the constitution of the company permits their removal. Such a principle would act as a significant but unjustified restriction on countless companies with dynamic executives from operating their companies in accordance with their constitutions .... the fact that an individual has had such a role [as 'driving force'] is not a sufficient indication that he is entitled to maintain it in the face of constitutional rules which permit it to be terminated".

 

Basel Committee consultation: Principles for the Sound Management of Operational Risk

The Basel Committee has published, for consultation, an updated edition of its Principles for the Sound Management of Operational Risk: see here. In the press release accompanying the consultation, the Committee states: "...the growth of technology-related threats has increased the importance of banks' operational resilience. The Covid-19 pandemic has made the need to address these threats even more pressing".

EU: Commission report - directors' duties and sustainable corporate governance

The European Commission has published a study on directors' duties and sustainable corporate governance: see here. The study found that, to "some extent", regulatory frameworks and market practices, contribute to corporate short-termism; and various options for reform our outlined.