The Guardian has reported that MasterCard, the financial services firm, is being sued for £14bn in the biggest legal claim in UK history. It faces claims that its “interchange fees” on retailers unlawfully overcharged UK consumers for 16 years from 1992 to 2008. Law firm Quinn Emanuel filed the suit at the Competition Appeal Tribunal last week. It is the first claim to be filed under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 on behalf of all UK consumers. MasterCard will fight the action arguing that its payment services are designed to meet customer needs. The European Court of Justice ruled in 2014 that Mastercard’s fees were excessive.
15 September 2016
Mass action action against “interchange fees”
MOVERS & SHAKERS
NLJ Career Profile: Hugo Plowman, Mishcon de Reya
From global fraud cases to fishing off-grid, Mishcon de Reya’s chair of dispute resolution Hugo Plowman discusses mentors, management switching off
Maguire Family Law—Jennifer Hudec, Ciara Florey, Alice Ferguson & Ruth Wynn
Maguire Family Law announces partner promotion and new hires amid a record year for enquiries
Switalskis—Rebecca Parry & Hannah Gamble
Switalskis wills and probate team extends reach with two appointments
NEWS
Restrictions on workplace non-disclosure agreements could make settlements slower, more complex and more expensive when reforms expected in 2027 take effect
Private prosecutors face closer scrutiny under Crown Prosecution Service guidance designed to strengthen accountability and consistency when intervention is requested
Foreign states cannot necessarily claim immunity for cyber operations launched abroad against computers in Britain, following a divided Supreme Court ruling
Defendants who make unsupported complaints about their lawyers risk losing legal aid while confiscation proceedings continue without representation
Lawyers advising Russian clients face different sanctions restrictions across the UK, EU and US, despite their shared objective of increasing pressure on Russia
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