James Smith published in Trusts & Trustees latest journal article

James Smith has written an article titled ‘Russia sanctions and the prohibition on trust services’ for the latest journal article of Trusts & Trustees, published on 9th July 2025.

UK sanctions law contains a prohibition on the provision of trust services to or for the benefit of designated persons and persons connected with Russia. This article analyses the background to and legal framework of the prohibition. The article then looks at the application of the prohibition to Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories, before considering practical steps for affected practitioners. It concludes that a prohibition on trust services is likely to be a lasting feature of the UK’s sanctions regime, posing significant compliance challenges for the trusts industry.

Read the full article here: ‘Russia sanctions and the prohibition on trust services’.

Find out more

James Smith has a broad practice which covers all aspects of Outer Temple Chambers’ business work, including commercial and chancery, pensions and employment, private client, and sanctions-related matters. James has experience advising on the application of the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. He has appeared as sole counsel in the High Court, County Court, Employment Tribunal and First-tier Tax Tribunal.

To find out more about James, contact Matt Sale on +44 (0)20 7427 4910 or Ellie Barra on +44 (0)20 7353 6381.

External Publications, News 11 Jul, 2025