Included in this update: Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill introduced to Parliament; FRC updates guidance on corporate governance and reporting and more...

Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill introduced to Parliament

The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill (“Bill”) was published on 20 May 2020. The overarching objective of the Bill is to provide businesses with the flexibility and breathing space they need to continue trading during this difficult time. The measures introduced by the Bill are designed to help UK companies and other similar entities by easing the burden on businesses and helping them avoid insolvency during this period of economic uncertainty.

On 20 May 2020, the UK Government published the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill (“CIGB” or the “Bill”) which proposes several changes aimed at improving the chances of company rescue and better overall returns for creditors. One of the proposed changes is to restrict parties’ ability to exercise contractual termination rights where a company enters into an insolvency or restructuring procedure, meaning that for most suppliers and supply contracts a termination clause will be ineffective upon insolvency.

Directors' Duties and Related Matters, in the Context of COVID-19

EMEA UK 27 May 2020

Scope And Purpose of This Note

This note summarises the duties that directors of companies incorporated in England and Wales are subject to.

This note explains those duties, and matters that directors should consider in relation to those duties, in the context of the developing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), commonly known as the "coronavirus" or simply, COVID-19, pandemic.

The Coronavirus Economic Response Package Omnibus Act 2020 (Cth) (Omnibus Act) amended the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Act) and the Corporations Regulations 2001 (Cth) (Regulations) with effect from 25 March 2020 to create a “safety net” for Australian businesses facing COVID-19 related financial distress.

The much anticipated Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill (the Bill) was published on 20 May 2020.

The proposed legislation is split into two broad categories: temporary provisions brought about as a result of COVID-19 and permanent provisions which will result in fundamental changes to UK insolvency law. The proposals, both temporary and permanent, reflect a shift towards a more debtor-friendly regime.

On 20 May 2020, the Corporate Insolvency & Governance Bill 2019-2021 was introduced to Parliament. With the Bill slated to be fast-tracked into law, here are some of the key insolvency aspects to be aware of.

Why now?

On 20 May 2020, the Government introduced the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill in Parliament. The Bill is a much awaited development following the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s statement on 28 March 2020 announcing key measures to help businesses address the challenges resulting from the impact of coronavirus.

Financial services firms subject to special insolvency regimes supervised by the FCA, PRA, and other financial services regulators have been largely excluded by the Bill.

Introduction

The UK Government has tabled legislation to assist companies in financial difficulty and to make temporary changes to the law relating to the governance and regulation of companies. The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill1 (the "Bill"), which commenced its passage through the UK Parliament on 20 May 2020, is relevant to public companies as it provides for the temporary relaxation of certain requirements regarding annual general meetings ("AGMs") and other shareholder meetings and the temporary easing of certain statutory filing requirements.