Welcome to the August 2022 edition of Legal News, a selection of our recent publications on subjects that may affect you or your business. We regularly publish briefings and insights on legal and regulatory developments.

For more information on any of the topics covered in this edition, please contact the people listed in the articles or your usual William Fry contact.

• Central Bank (Individual Accountability Framework) Bill 2022 published
  On 28 July 2022, the Central Bank (Individual Accountability Framework) Bill 2022 was published. The Bill will be debated in Dáil Eireann after it resumes in mid-September 2022.
• The Companies (Corporate Enforcement Authority) Act 2021: Insolvency-Related Amendments
  We review the insolvency-related amendments to the Companies Act 2014, introduced under the Companies (Corporate Enforcement Authority) Act 2021, which came into force on 6 July 2022.
• CBI Administrative Sanctions – Themes of Relevance to (Re)insurers
  An overview of the CBI Administrative Sanctions and the themes of relevance to (Re)insurers.
• Brand Protection in the Metaverse: EUIPO Updates Guidance on Trade Mark Applications for NFTs and Virtual Goods
  Brands are racing to protect their intellectual property in the metaverse through trade mark registrations for virtual goods and NFTs. In response, the European Intellectual Property Office has issued guidance on classifying virtual goods and NFTs.
• Webinar: EU Whistleblowing Directive: Is Your Organisation Ready to Comply with the New Whistleblowing Rules?
  A discussion on the EU Whistleblowing Directive, including practical recommendations, and cross-border insights on the transposition of the Directive.
• Virtual Asset Service Providers’ AML/CFT Frameworks: Central Bank Observations on VASP Applications for Registration
  On 11 July 2022, the Central Bank issued a bulletin to virtual asset service providers (VASPs) outlining its regulatory expectations and setting out recurring weaknesses in, VASP registrations.

In Shorts

• William Fry Responsible Business Annual Report 2021
• Parent’s Leave entitlement extends from 5 weeks to 7 weeks
• The Real Estate Investment Structure Taxation Review – Ireland