Steptoe LLP

Happy Holidays from all of us at Steptoe! https://lnkd.in/efrYN_8D

Global Competition Review quoted Ronan Scanlan in an article titled, " CMA Reveals Final Guidance on Digital Markets Regime.” The article discusses how the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) will operate the ex-ante regime for digital markets, which will empower it with a slew of new tools to regulate tech giants designated with strategic market status – substantial and entrenched market power in at least one activity. Speaking to Global Competition Review about the CMA’s final guidance Scanlan said: that while the final guidance offers “some improvement” on the draft, in providing more factors that will be considered when making critical decisions around SMS designations, conduct requirements and pro-competition interventions, it still “leaves the CMA with broad discretion in how it reaches each of these determinations.” Read the full article in Global Competition Review (subscription required): https://lnkd.in/g_sdBd7T

Partner Alex Melia and associate Elliot Letts authored an article in Law360, “What To Know About New Art Market Reporting Obligations.” The article covers new UK regulations effective May 14, 2025, mandating sanctions reporting for art market participants and high-value dealers. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/giEbuHZN

The Federal Communication Commission (FCC)’s One-to-One Consent Order is slated to go into effect on January 27, 2025, and close the so-called “lead generator loophole.” This Order amends the “prior express written consent” definition in the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) in a way such that a consumer must provide consent to each seller individually, a significant change from what the TCPA currently permits. However, the Order is being challenged in the US Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. For more information, read our recent client, “The (Possible) Fate of the FCC's One-to-One Consent Order: Takeaways From the Eleventh Circuit Oral Argument,” authored by partner Dan Blynn and associate Emily Tifft: https://lnkd.in/eU2UvdVW

We’re pleased to share that Steptoe represented the arrangers, agents, green loan coordinator, lenders and issuing bank on a Green Loan Principles-aligned assumption and combined restatement, increase and extension of credit facilities supporting the continued operations of a portfolio of behind-the-meter battery energy storage systems located in Southern California. The portfolio is owned by Electrodes Holdings, LLC.   Steptoe’s team was led by Philip Corsello and included Danielle Fern, Sabina Jacobs Margot, Chris Zentz, Alexandra Scheibe, Irene (Nilin) He, Alex Kaung Myat Ahkar, and Siobhan Smith. Read more on our website: https://lnkd.in/dMJ5K4Kd

Partner Anne-Gabrielle HAIE and associate Maria Avramidou authored an article titled “Preparing For The Next 5 Years Of EU Digital Policy,” which appeared in Law360. The article looks at the European Commission’s key priorities and expected developments concerning the European Union's AI, data and digital legal landscape over the next five years. Read the full article in Law360: https://lnkd.in/exWDnU6U

Members of Steptoe’s EU Trade team Renato Antonini, Eva Monard, Byron Maniatis, Yongqing Bao, and Elli Zachari authored a chapter that appeared in Legal 500’s International Trade Comparative Guide, “EU: International Trade.” The guide aims to provide its readers with a pragmatic overview of the law and practice of international trade law across a variety of jurisdictions. Their chapter provides information about the current issues affecting international trade in the EU and addresses topics such as WTO agreements, FTAs, trade sanctions and binding rulings. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gTC4wFg6

On December 12, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) to address the financial consequences of identity theft and financial abuse, specifically targeting issues related to domestic violence and elder abuse. This ANPR initiates the process of gathering public comments and information to inform future rulemaking under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Regulation V.   Our recent client alert, “CFPB Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Identity Theft and Financial Abuse” authored by Benjamin Saul and Tarrian L. Ellis, Esq. discusses key takeaways, implications, next steps, and more. Read here: https://lnkd.in/ep874z8B

We’re pleased to announce that the China Business Law Journal has named Hong Kong managing partner, Wendy Wysong, to the CBLJ’s “A-List” in the “Visionaries” category for 2024–25. The CBLJ invited corporate counsel and executives from Chinese and global businesses, partners from Chinese and international law firms, and legal experts across diverse industries to nominate attorneys for this honor. Congratulations, Wendy! Read more on our website: https://lnkd.in/e22_7YZ7

We’re pleased to share that our International Trade practice received a Band 1 ranking in Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific 2025 edition. Chambers also recognized Susan G. Esserman, Eric Emerson, and Wendy Wysong as leading international trade lawyers. Congratulations all! Read more on our website: https://lnkd.in/eyhtRfZ7