Matthew Townsend
Partner
London
Matthew Townsend
Partner
London
Contact Details
Matt is a Partner in, and global co-head of, the International Trade and Regulatory Group and advises extensively on a range of global trade and compliance issues including:
- International trade law;
- Sanctions and export controls;
- Anti-bribery policies, due diligence and compliance;
- Environmental, health and safety risks;
- Chemicals and product regulation;
- Climate change and carbon trading;
- Nuclear regulation;
- Transparency and disclosure requirements;
- Business ethics and supply chain controls;
- Human rights.
Leading directories note: “If I was putting together a dream team, it would have him in it.” Chambers UK 2018
“Matthew Townsend is ‘very experienced, knowledgeable, and client and business-focused’.” Chambers Europe 2018
“Matthew Townsend is an ‘extremely strong and truly engaging professional adviser’.” Legal 500 UK 2017
Qualifications
Professional
Admitted as solicitor, England and Wales, 1996
Admitted as solicitor, Ireland, 2018
Academic
BA (Hons), University of Birmingham, 1992
Diploma, Law, The College Of Law, York, 1993
Diploma, Legal Practice, The College Of Law, York, 1994
News & insights
Publications: 18 MARCH 2020
European commission publishes draft climate law: Europe’s “man on the moon” moment?
On 4 March 2020, the European Commission (the Commission) published a draft EU climate law, along with inception impact assessments for an EU carbon border adjustment mechanism and revisions to the Energy Taxation Directive.
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Publications: 11 MARCH 2020
FCA proposes enhanced climate-related financial disclosure for companies with listed equity
New Listing Rules applicable to premium listed commercial companies.
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Publications: 06 MARCH 2020
Review of the Non-Financial Reporting Directive: towards an EU-wide ESG reporting standard
In December 2019, as part of the European Green Deal1, the European Commission committed to reviewing the Non-Financial Reporting Directive 2014/95/EU (NFRD). The objectives of this review are two-fold: first, to improve disclosure of climate and environmental data by companies to better inform investors about the sustainability of their investments and, second, to give effect to changes required by the new Disclosure Regulation2 and the forthcoming Taxonomy Regulation.3
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Publications: 06 MARCH 2020
Covid-19 coronavirus: 10 key points for effective contingency planning
Covid-19 coronavirus is at the top of the agenda for businesses globally, for good reason. Here are 10 key points to consider to ensure your business is fully prepared.
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Qualifications
Professional
Admitted as solicitor, England and Wales, 1996
Admitted as solicitor, Ireland, 2018
Academic
BA (Hons), University of Birmingham, 1992
Diploma, Law, The College Of Law, York, 1993
Diploma, Legal Practice, The College Of Law, York, 1994
Pro-bono experience
- Ambassador for Hope and Homes for Children
- Executive member of the Legal Sector Alliance
Published work
- Co-editor: "REACH - Best Practice Guide to Regulation 1907/2006" (Hart/Beck)
- Contributor: "Project Finance" by G. Vinter (Sweet & Maxwell)
- Contributor: "EPC Contracts and Major Projects" by N. Pritchard (Sweet & Maxwell)
- Matt is a regular speaker and commentator on business compliance issues.
