RLA Services

The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is expanding mandatory sustainability reporting — including for many non-EU companies.

Meanwhile, the Financial Conduct Authority is developing its own framework to keep the UK competitive.

ESG is now a compliance issue, not just branding.

Leading stablecoin payments infrastructure provider Fipto was granted both a Payment Institution licence and a full CASP licence under MiCA — a first for a European stablecoin player, enabling broader compliant services.

From 1 February, Companies House will increase its statutory fees.

On average, government filing fees will rise by 1.5–2 times, affecting company incorporations, filings, and other standard services.
The increase is part of a broader reform aimed at strengthening oversight, data verification, and tackling misuse of corporate structures.

You can review the full list of changes and updated fees here:
👉 https://changestoukcompanylaw.campaign.gov.uk/changes-to-companies-house-fees/

If you’re planning to register a UK company or make filings, be sure to factor in the new pricing.

Warm Holiday greetings to all! May this special season give you a chance to step back from daily business routines and recharge. Let 2026 bring you remarkable victories — and may reaching them be easier than ever. Merry Christmas and a joyful New Year! 🎅🎁

🤖 AI Boom 2025 — In One Look
2025 made AI the backbone of global business.
Companies moved from experiments to real-world deployment, investors shifted from hype to utility, and regulation finally caught up.
📈 Higher productivity
⚡ Smarter operations
🔐 More focus on responsible AI
Heading into 2026, AI isn’t a trend — it’s the new business norm.

🚨 From 18 November 2025 the mandatory identity-verification regime launches under the ECCTA via Companies House. All new directors or PSCs will need to verify their identity before taking office. Existing directors and PSCs must complete verification by their next company-filing deadline. You may also not be able to register a new company or appoint a director until they’re verified + your existing company may face filing restrictions if verification isn’t done in time. 🚨

Gold prices reach new all-time highs. Comex gold prices exceeded $3,578 per troy ounce. Gold futures jumped to $3,595 per ounce. This was driven by market expectations that the US Federal Reserve would lower interest rates at its next meeting. In addition, the quotes were affected by the decision of the US Court of Appeals, which found Donald Trump's tariffs illegal. On September 17, the US Federal Reserve will announce its decision on monetary policy. The market expects the US regulator to lower the interest rate by 0.25 bp from the current 4.25%.

Our company management visited BTC Prague 2025 - the biggest, most influential bitcoin event in Europe ever! The ultimate, Europe’s most influential bitcoin-only event bringing the biggest bitcoin voices to the heart of Europe.

The Czech National Bank will become the main crypto watchdog under the new EU MiCA rules.
From 2025, it’ll license CASPs, review white papers, and oversee token issuers. Why it matters:
1. Strengthens Czech Republic’s alignment with EU-wide crypto regulations.
2. Boosts legal clarity for entrepreneurs and fintech startups.
3. Reinforces CNB’s role in financial innovation oversight.

Hong Kong moves on Stablecoins.
Hong Kong just passed a law requiring all fiat-backed stablecoin issuers to be licensed. It’s a major step toward positioning the city as a global leader in digital finance.

Next stop: launching its own government-backed stablecoin?

🔍 The transparency vs. secrecy battle continues.

Several UK-linked offshore jurisdictions like BVI and Bermuda missed deadlines for corporate transparency reforms. BVI even launched a cartoon mascot—"Riley Wright"—to promote integrity, drawing sharp criticism from UK MPs who called it a mockery of anti-money laundering efforts.

UAE Emerges as a Growing Offshore Hub. The United Arab Emirates is strengthening its position as a key player in global offshore activity. Recently, little-known UAE-based companies have acquired dozens of oil tankers, indicating increased involvement in international energy logistics. Additionally, a new fintech service targeting international investors has been launched, highlighting the UAE’s expanding role in global financial services.