Introduction:

In an insolvency case involving both UK trustees and Russian Bank Creditors, the High Court issued guidance in regards to the potential breach of the 2019 Regulations surrounding sanctioned entities. The significant criminal and civil penalties potentially arising from this case make it a consequential and relevant case for UK arbitration and litigation lawyers to consider and understand. The final ruling deals with three key questions, as outlined in the court proceedings and expanded upon below.

Case Summary:

One of the most stressful situations that a company director can face is their business becoming insolvent.

With the worry of fighting to keep the organisation from falling into administration or being wound up, it is easy to forget that directors’ duties remain applicable.

In fact, the risks and responsibilities increase when a company is in financial strife. This article explains everything you need to know about complying with directors’ duties when your company is insolvent.

The overriding duty

Whether you are starting a new venture, or you have been a company director for several years, you must understand your responsibilities.

Not complying with directors’ duties can lead to disqualification, financial penalties, and even imprisonment.

In this article, you will find the scope of directors’ duties, as set out in the Companies Act 2006 and other legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

The Supreme Court has handed down its long-awaited judgment, which as Lord Reed noted, considered issues that go to the heart of our understanding of company law and are of considerable practical importance to the management of companies.

Background to the Appeal