CBFL REPORT: Observations on the Conference on Financial Law and Regulation by Rachel Phang

Financial law, as a discipline, can appear fragmented, possibly due to the traditionally sectoral nature of the financial industry and its regulation, which encompasses several areas – including the law and regulation of commercial banking, capital markets, derivatives, insurance, and investment management. Yet, increasing convergence in financial markets has been providing compelling impetus for the consolidation and development of financial law and regulation as an integrated discipline.

The lack of an established point of focus for the discipline is an issue recognised by the organisers of the inaugural Conference on Financial Law and Regulation. The conference, held in person at University College London (UCL) Faculty of Laws, from 30th June to 1st July 2022, hence aimed to provide an opportunity for financial law scholars in the United Kingdom (UK) and beyond to gather and discuss the evolution of financial law and regulation, and recent developments in the field. Organised by Dr. Andreas Kokkinis and Dr. Federico Lupo-Pasini, the conference was supported by a grant from the Society of Legal Scholars, and was closely connected to the Society’s Banking & Finance section. This year’s closed conference was attended by more than fifty delegates, including scholars, practitioners, and regulators. This report is based on the proceedings of the conference. It aims to synthesise and process selected themes and ideas presented during the event, and hopes to contribute to furthering the fruitful exchanges that took place at the conference. The report does not, however, provide a comprehensive and detailed summary of all conference proceedings, but is based on the author’s limited personal observations as a conference attendee. The author also regrets any errors that may have unwittingly been made herein.

The report can be seen here.