United Kingdom: Inward/ Foreign Investment

Angela Gregson of Weightmans and Sean Ryan of Whitney Moore compare Ireland's new foreign direct investment screening regime with the UK's established National Security and Investment Act, examining when notification is required, key procedural differences, and practical steps to navigate both frameworks. The analysis draws on recent annual reports to reveal how these regimes are operating in practice and what reforms are on the horizon.

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership entered into force between Canada and the United Kingdom on September 1, 2026, fundamentally reshaping bilateral trade relations and investment frameworks. This development arrives as Canada actively diversifies away from U.S. trade dependence while the UK advances its post-Brexit global strategy, creating expanded market access for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.

International businesses face a critical challenge that often determines whether market entry succeeds or fails: securing banking access in foreign markets. While incorporation and commercial strategies can move quickly...

The UK Cabinet Office's fifth Annual Report on the National Security and Investment Act 2021 reveals a striking paradox: while the number of transactions reviewed under the regime continues to grow rapidly, the proportion of deals ultimately subject to intervention has fallen to its lowest level since the NSIA entered into force. This raises critical questions for dealmakers about whether the mandatory notification regime is capturing an increasing number of deals that pose little or no national security co

On 14 July 2026, the UK Cabinet Office published the fifth Annual Report on the National Security and Investment Act 2021 (NSI Act) (the Report). The Report provides summary information and statistics relating to the review of transactions and investments on national security grounds in the UK during the period 1 April 2025 – 31 March 2026.

The rapid expansion of AI technology is driving unprecedented demand for data center infrastructure, creating complex challenges around power availability, regulatory compliance, and financing structures. As global investment reaches hundreds of billions annually, developers, investors, and hyperscalers are navigating power scarcity, evolving geopolitical frameworks, and the emergence of innovative joint venture models to manage massive capital requirements and project risks.

On 4 May 2026, the European Parliament’s Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee (“ECON”) published its draft report (the “Draft Report”)...

European defence spending is surging toward unprecedented levels, with NATO members targeting 5% of GDP by 2035.

The post-War geopolitical order no longer appears orderly or certain. The underpinnings of US hegemony and the stability provided by multilateral institutions such as the UN and NATO all seem less solid.