1. A new UK Crypto regulatory regime The UK is introducing a formal regulatory regime for crypto assets under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA). A draft Crypto Assets Order has been published, and the new framework is
More about UK Crypto legal update: developments to watch in 2026Following the service of a statutory demand on Versilia Solutions Ltd for invoice debts amounting to some $1.5m which was only satisfied in part, Aerovias del Continente Americano SA presented a winding up petition. A number of matters led to
More about Aerovias del Continente Americano SA Avianca & Ors v Versilia Solutions LtdClarissa Levi, Wedlake Bell’s Art & Heritage Counsel, and Richard Harwood KC of 39 Essex Chambers present a podcast focusing on cultural heritage issues. Each episode offers expert insight into the legal, cultural, and economic forces that safeguard our heritage
More about Protecting national treasures: our role in preserving cultural heritageIt was sadly announced last week that Stephen Friedman Gallery, London, is entering into administration after 30 years and Nedim Ailyan and Glynn Mummery of FRP Advisory were appointed as Joint Administrators as of today (12 February 2026). This news
More about Know your rights: protecting artists amidst gallery insolvencyAfter several years of turbulence, the UK’s economic and political landscape is showing signs of stabilising. While uncertainties remain and policy developments continue, markets have steadied, the direction of travel on key reforms is becoming clearer, and the pace of
More about Globally Speaking – February 2026The Zakat principles Zakat is a strategic and rules-based mechanism rather than a random act of voluntary charity. It is obligatory for every Muslim who possesses the requisite net assets (Zakatable assets) to give Zakat. Zakat is due on assets
More about Understanding Zakat: obligatory charity giving in IslamHMRC, presented a winding up petition in respect of £1,104,015 for unpaid tax. HMRC relied on service at the default address given on the Companies House website. The company applied to restrain advertisement of the petition and to strike it
More about DG Resources Ltd v Commissioner for His MajestyThe UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme is tightening up, and from 25 February 2026, failing to travel with the right passport could stop you from boarding your flight altogether. This is not a small administrative tweak —it’s a fundamental
More about Urgent travel warning for British dual nationalsAgainst a backdrop of global political and economic uncertainty, and despite significant recent changes to the UK’s tax regime for individuals, the UK remains an attractive and comparatively stable destination for internationally mobile Americans. This summary highlights the principal UK
More about Stars, stripes and sterling: a tax guide for Americans in the UKIn our November 2025 edition of Globally Speaking, we explained that the UK Budget on 26 November 2025 included an unexpected announcement affecting the inheritance tax (IHT) position of formerly “excluded property trusts” that had a “long-term resident” (LTR) settlor
More about Capping inheritance trust charges for excluded property trusts revisited