The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (“ECCTA”) has received Royal Assent.

The Act aims to tackle economic crime and improve the transparency of corporate entities in the UK.

The Government is extending the scope of corporate criminal liability in the UK, making it easier to pursue large organisations for economic crime. As part of this, the Act introduces the new corporate offence of failing to prevent fraud.

What this means for you

Burness Paull has put together a summary of known changes in relation to this new corporate offence.

Much of the detail around implementation of the Act will follow in secondary legislation which we expect to be available in the coming weeks and months, and we plan to share regular updates.

Please do get in touch if you have any questions or if you would like to discuss. You can also sign up for updates on our dedicated ECCTA webpage.

Written by

Lynne Gray (7) Web

Lynne Gray

Partner

Health & Safety

lynne.gray@burnesspaull.com +44 (0)1224 618 511

Get in touch
Eilidh McSherry

Eilidh McSherry

Senior Solicitor

Dispute Resolution

eilidh.mcsherry@burnesspaull.com +44 (0)131 370 8986

Get in touch

Related News, Insights & Events

Error.

No results.

Building And Fire Safety After Grenfell

Building and fire safety after Grenfell: the criminal process

11/09/2026

This blog explores the Grenfell criminal investigation, and what it could mean for corporate liability, senior management accountability, and safety governance.

Read more
Class Action

UPDATE: Scotland’s class action ‘opt out’ proposal

01/09/2026

This insight discusses the Scottish Civil Justice Council (SCJC) responses, which reveal a clear divergence of opinion.

Read more
Verbal Contracts – A Stark Reminder That They Can Be Binding And Enforceable

Verbal contracts – a stark reminder that they can be binding and enforceable

13/08/2026

This blog explores a recent case confirming that verbal agreements can be legally binding under Scots law.

Read more

Want to hear more from us?

Subscribe here Subscribe here