Acquisition

The term ‘acquisition’ refers to the purchase of a company or business, either through acquiring its shares or assets. Learn more from our Corporate and M&A Group.

Anti-Money Laundering (AML)

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) is the legal and regulatory framework aimed at preventing the use of the financial system to disguise the origins of criminal proceeds. Learn more from our Financial Regulation Group.

Breach of contract

A breach of contract is a failure by a party to perform its obligations under a legally binding agreement, which may give rise to a claim.

Capital markets

Capital markets are financial markets where debt and equity securities are issued and traded, enabling organisations to raise capital from investors. Learn more from our Debt Capital Markets Group.

Competition law

Competition law is the area of law that regulates how businesses interact in the marketplace and promotes fair competition and prohibits anti-competitive practices. Learn more from our Competition and Regulated Markets Group.

Confidentiality Agreement/Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)

A Confidentiality Agreement, also known as a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), is a legally binding agreement under which one or more parties agree to protect confidential information from disclosure to third parties.

Corporate governance

Corporate governance refers to the rules, practices, and processes by which a company is directed and controlled, including the roles and responsibilities of its board, management, and shareholders. Learn more from our Governance and Consulting Services Group.

Damages

In legal terms, ‘damages’ refers to compensation awarded by a court to a party who has suffered loss or harm as a result of another party’s actions or breach.

Data protection

Data protection is the body of law governing the collection, use, storage, and sharing of personal data, including obligations under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to ensure data is handled securely and transparently. Learn more from our Data Protection, Privacy and Cyber Group.

Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA)

The Digital Operational Resilience Act, often abbreviated to DORA, is an EU regulation establishing a framework to ensure that financial institutions can withstand, respond to, and recover from ICT-related disruptions and cyber threats. Learn more about DORA.

Due diligence

Due diligence is the process of investigating and assessing a target business or asset prior to a transaction, to identify risks, liabilities, and opportunities.

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)

ESG is a set of factors used to evaluate a company’s sustainability, ethical impact, and governance practices in investment and business decision making. Learn more by visiting our ESG Hub.

Fiduciary duty

Fiduciary duty refers to the obligations owed by certain individuals, such as directors, to act in good faith and in the best interests of another party, typically a company.

Force majeure

Force majeure is a contractual provision that relieves a party from performing its obligations where unforeseen events beyond its control prevent performance.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) refers to the law that gives individuals more control over their personal data and ensures that organisations handle personal data responsibly. Learn more from our Data Protection, Privacy and Cyber Group.

Governing law

Governing law refers to the law of a specified jurisdiction that applies to the interpretation and enforcement of a contract.

Indemnity

Indemnity refers to a contractual commitment by one party to compensate another for specified losses or liabilities.

Individual Accountability Framework (IAF)

The Individual Accountability Framework is an Irish regulatory regime designed to enhance accountability within financial services firms by clearly defining responsibilities of senior individuals. Learn more about the Individual Accountability Framework.

Injunction

An injunction is a court order requiring a party to do or refrain from doing a particular act.

Insolvency

Insolvency refers to a situation where an individual or company is unable to meet its financial obligations as they fall due, often leading to restructuring or formal insolvency proceedings. Learn more from our Restructuring and Insolvency Group.

Intellectual property

Intellectual property refers to legal rights that protect intangible assets such as inventions, brands, designs, and creative works. Learn more from our Intellectual Property Group.

Judicial review

A judicial review is a legal process by which the courts assess the lawfulness of decisions or actions taken by public bodies.

Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction refers to the scope of authority granted to a court or legal body to hear and determine disputes.

Liability

Liability refers to legal responsibility for one’s actions or omissions, which may result in an obligation to compensate another party.

Litigation

Litigation is the process of resolving disputes through court proceedings. Learn more from our Litigation, Dispute Resolution and Investigations Group.

Mergers

A merger is the combination of two companies into a single entity. Learn more from our Corporate and M&A Group.

Negligence

Negligence refers to a failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in damage or loss to another party.

Qualifying Investor Alternative Investment Fund (QIAIF)

A QIAIF is a regulated Irish investment fund designed for sophisticated investors, offering flexibility in investment strategies and asset classes. Learn more from our Asset Management and Investment Funds Group.

Senior Executive Accountability Regime (SEAR)

SEAR is a key component of the IAF which assigns clear responsibilities to senior executives in regulated firms and holds them accountable for their areas of oversight. Learn more about the Senior Executive Accountability Regime.

Settlement

A settlement is an agreement reached between parties to resolve a dispute without proceeding to a court judgment.

Shareholder agreement

A shareholder agreement is a contract between shareholders governing their rights, responsibilities, and the management of a company.

Termination clause

A termination clause is a provision in a contract that sets out the circumstances and process by which the agreement may be ended.