Law Summer School

Dr. Ajay  Kumar to introduce and Prof. Engobo Emeseh to give the welcome address and open the summer school.

Attendees to participate in a Legal Quiz (Winner to be announced on last day).

Delivered by:

Prof Engobo Emeseh and Dr Ajay Kumar, University of Bradford.

The lecture will focus on the global climate change negotiations under the United Nations as a case study of the development of international environmental law and policy. Jumping off from a quick discourse on the theory of international negotiations, it will look at the history and actual practice of global climate change negotiations as an example of how theory and practice diverge and converge for purposes of improving global policy making in finding solutions to global public goods distributional problems. 

Delivered by: 

Vicente Paolo B. Yu III is currently a Senior Legal Adviser at the Third World Network (Malaysia)

Bio:

Vicente Paolo B. Yu III is currently a Senior Legal Adviser at the Third World Network (Malaysia), a Visiting Fellow at the UN Research Institute for Social Development (Switzerland), a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the International Peace Institute (United States) and an Associate Fellow at the Geneva Center for Security Policy (Switzerland). Previously, he served as the Deputy Executive Director of the South Centre (from 2016-2018), the intergovernmental policy research institution of developing countries based in Geneva.

His substantive policy work covers policy and legal advice and capacity building, including on the right to development, international environmental law, international trade policy, international climate change policy, and South-South cooperation. He has been a technical adviser and negotiator for various developing countries and their groups in the UN climate change negotiations since 2007 to the present.

Financial crimes are non-violent crimes where the perpetrator seeks financial gain to himself or loss to another. Some of these crimes include internet scams and money laundering. Also, financial crimes are illegal acts of mostly privileged few in government who embezzle public funds and divert them into their private pockets. 

There are diverse issues militating against the successful prosecution of this genre of crime. The issues are multifaceted and include immunity from prosecution (enjoyed by certain class of persons in government), impunity, inadequate municipal legislations or legal framework, slow judicial process, non-existence of bilateral agreements in some cases, language barriers, non- penal provisions of United Nations Convention on Crime, Extradition and non-cooperation of some countries. Ultimately, the presentation concludes that the identified issues create bottlenecks in prosecuting financial crimes. Furthermore, the issue surrounding assets recovery and repatriation is always on the front burner in administration of criminal justice as same is usually seen as a disincentive for criminals.  

With the aid of reported cases and personal experience, the presentation examines these issues and their interplay with each other in making prosecution of financial crimes a daunting but surmountable task. 

Faruk Abdullah - Head, Special Duties-Legal, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Nigeria).

Bio:

He is a Lawyer, Prosecutor, Investigator, with twenty years’ experience in both public and private sectors. He bagged an LLB from the prestigious University of Maiduguri, Nigeria and proceeded to the Nigerian Law School where he obtained his BL in 2004 to practice Law in Nigeria. He has vast experience in investigation techniques, intelligence gathering and the general practice of Law. Notably, he has extensive experience in rendering legal advice, preparing Executive Briefs, prosecution of financial crimes, investigation, recovery of private/public assets and inter-governmental cooperation activities. He has acquired trainings and attended workshops in Nigeria, London, Austria, Georgia and France.

He participated in developing the Anti- Corruption Benchmarks for the anti-corruption bodies for the Commonwealth countries. He has also participated in some inter-agency investigation in Nigeria and cross border investigations between Nigeria and the UK.

The session bio to update shortly.

Delivered by

Prof. (Dr) Aniruddha Rajput, Distinguished Professor of Law, National Law University, Delhi. Barrister; Consultant, Withers LLP (London)

Transitioning away from fossil fuels to cleaner forms of energy is a critical aspect of global efforts to address climate change. However, this transition is not without impact. The concept of just transition has therefore  become central to this discourse, and is a recognition of the fact that transitioning from fossil economy has to be done in a manner that takes account of stakeholders who may otherwise be impacted.  However, whilst a lot of attention has been paid to some key stakeholders such as workers, not enough attention has been paid to the those who have borne the brunt of decades of extractive activities. For local communities, there is an ongoing fight for environmental justice which has not necessarily be appropriately captured in the just transitions discourse. As multinational oil companies start to divest their holdings and move away from these communities,  there are real concerns about historic pollution. This presentation will address this issue against the backdrop of the Bayelsa Oil Commission Report, and the announcement by Shell on 16  January 2024 to divest its holdings from its subsidiary in Nigeria.

Delivered By:

Prof (Dr.) Engobo Emeseh Head, School of Law, University of Bradford

Prof. Engobo holds a PhD from the Centre for Energy Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy, University of Dundee.  Her research is broadly in the area of environmental law and policy, with particular interests in regulation and enforcement, environmental justice, corporate social responsibility, and the interface between environmental regulation and international economic law. She has published widely and presented papers at academic conferences and other international fora, usually within the context of the natural resources industry in Africa.

This book assesses the relationship between cosmopolitanism and sovereignty. Often considered to be incompatible, it is argued here that the two concepts are in many ways interrelated and to some extent rely on one another. By introducing a novel theory, the work presents a detailed philosophical analysis to illustrate how these notions might theoretically and practically work together. This theoretical inquiry is balanced with detailed empirical discussion highlighting how the concepts are related in practice and to expose the weaknesses of stricter interpretations of sovereignty which present it as exclusionary. Finally, the book looks at territorial disputes to explore how sovereignty and cosmopolitanism can successfully operate together to deal with global issues.  

The work will be of interest to academics and researchers in the areas of Legal Philosophy, Legal Theory and Jurisprudence, Public International Law, International Relations and Political Science. 

Delivered by:

Dr Jorge E. Nunez, is an Argentinean scholar based in the UK, presently a Reader at the Manchester Metropolitan University and holds a PhD (University of Manchester). UK). 

Bio:

Please feel free to take any information from my website https://drjorge.world/ 

The session bio to be updated shortly. 

Delivered by:

Micheal Dando&  Michael Crowley, University of Bradford. 

Bio:

Prof. Malcolm Dando

Malcolm Dando is a biologist researching international security at the University of Bradford’s Department of Peace Studies with a focus on chemical and biological weapons, arms control, and biosecurity. Author and contributor to numerous books on bio-weapons and biotechnology, including Deadly Cultures: Biological Weapons Since 1945. Dando’s recent research includes how the revolution in the life sciences might open up possibilities for new biological weapons.

Dr. Michael Crowley

He is Research Associate with the Omega Research Foundation, and Honorary Visiting Senior Research Fellow at Bradford University, both in the U.K. He has worked for 30 years on arms control, disarmament, security and human rights issues in academia and with organizations such as Amnesty International, Arias Foundation, BASIC, and as Executive Director of VERTIC.

The lecture explores the dynamic intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) in mental health care and the legal challenges that accompany its rise. As AI promises to revolutionize mental health services with enhanced accessibility and personalized care, it also raises critical ethical, privacy, and regulatory concerns. The speaker delves into unique legal quandaries such as cross-jurisdictional data sharing, algorithmic accountability, and the complexities of informed consent in an AI-enhanced healthcare ecosystem. Highlighting less-explored issues, the speaker further examines the implications of digital phenotyping, workplace mental health surveillance by AI, and the influence of AI-driven diagnostics on insurance practices. These discussions foreground the necessity of balancing technological advancement with the protection of individual rights and privacy. Central to our exploration is the "right to explanation," emphasizing patients' rights to understand AI healthcare decisions. Additionally, the speaker addresses the ethical and legal considerations of using patient data to train AI systems, advocating for robust anonymization to mitigate re-identification risks. Concluding with forward-looking recommendations, the lecture advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration and regulatory innovation, including the development of regulatory sandboxes. The aim is to foster a future where AI in mental health care advances ethically and legally, ensuring both societal wellbeing and the safeguarding of individual rights. 

Delivered by:

Dr Hartini Saripan (Associate Professor) Faculty of Law Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Malaysia  

Bio:

Is an Associate Professor and current Dean at the Faculty of Law, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia, holds an extensive 21-year tenure at the institution. Her academic journey commenced at the International Islamic University Malaysia, culminating in a Ph.D. in Law from UiTM. Her initial scholarly forays into cyber law, with an emphasis on electronic commerce and digital signature law, laid the groundwork for her respected position in the field of technology law. Her expertise soon evolved to encompass cutting-edge domains such as robotic law and Artificial Intelligence (AI), areas where she is deeply committed to sharing her knowledge and insights. Her acumen has led to consultancy roles with key institutions such as CyberSecurity Malaysia and the National Centre for Governance, Integrity, and Anti-Corruption, where she addresses pivotal issues in Law, Technology, Privacy, Ethics, and Integrity. Most recently, her contribution is instrumental in a strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Learning, aimed at optimizing governance frameworks for polytechnics and community colleges in Malaysia. 

The session bio to be updated shortly.

Pakistan is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change.  This class will delve into the reasons for such vulnerability and then assess their policy responses.  The class will explore the features of Pakistani climate policy as well as lay out their shortcomings and will conclude with a summary of the climate challenges Pakistan faces.

Delivered by:

Rafay Alam, Environmental Lawyer, Pakistan. 

Bio:

An environmental lawyer and Yale World Fellow specializing in the energy, water, natural resources and urban infrastructure sectors.  Mr. Alam has vast experience in environmental law, litigation and regulation and regularly advises governments, international financial institutions and NGOs on environment, water, sustainability, climate change, energy and air quality issues.  Mr. Alam has served as a Member of the Pakistan Climate Change Council, Punjab Environmental Protection Council and as Chairman of the Lahore Electric Supply Company and Lahore Waste Management Company.  He lectures on environment and climate policy at the Lahore University of Management Sciences and the National School of Public Policy and currently serves as a Senior Advisor to Air Quality Asia and as a Member of the Hisaar Foundation Think Tank on the Rational Use of Water. 

Power underpins the correlations between water scarcity, poverty, and climate impacts. Through influencing the design of governance institutions, power affects the allocation of natural resources and negative externalities. This is evident in water resources management that is deeply rooted in colonial practices, and the use of water as an instrument of subjugation in postcolonial states. The right to water has emerged as a counter-narrative, advancing access to clean and safe drinking water, especially for vulnerable populations. Water is also a vital livelihood asset for climate resilience and economic growth. The evolution of the right to water reflects how power determines how rights are defined, enforced, and experienced. This presentation explores the intersections of the right to water and hydro-colonialism, in connection with climate justice, to propose an integrated framework that addresses the prevalent power asymmetries for effective implementation of the right to water.

Delivered by:

Dr. Pedi Obani , University of Bradford

The real estate sector faces significant susceptibility to money laundering and other illicit financial activities, primarily attributed to the substantial amounts of money involved in transactions that often undergo limited regulatory scrutiny. Consequently, instances of money laundering and terrorist financing are prevalent in the industry. To effectively tackle this issue, regulatory bodies should mandate the creation of a Compliance Department within the real estate sector to ensure strict adherence to AML/CFT Regulations in the UAE. This presentation will delve into the pivotal role of a Compliance Officer in the real estate sector, shedding light on considerations when establishing a Compliance Department and the inherent risks associated with engagements in the real estate domain. Furthermore, we will explore the organization's compliance maturity plan and how the active involvement of a Compliance Officer can guarantee the success of the Compliance program. 

Delivered by:

Zohreh Estak, Head of the Compliance Department at Bank Saderat in the United Arab Emirates

Bio:

I am the Head of the Compliance Department at Bank Saderat in the United Arab Emirates. I am a Certified Anti Money Laundering Specialist (ACAMS) and hold a Master's Degree in Financial Crime and Anti-Money Laundering. I have over 15 years of experience in the banking sector, with a strong focus on Compliance and Anti Money Laundering (AML) for the past 10 years.

Transnational organized crime has grown rapidly over the past 35 years, a result of globalization and unparalleled flows of people, goods and capital across borders, but also technological developments and the emergence of global cybercrime. While all societies are grappling with diverse dimensions of transnational organized crime, fragile and conflict-affected contexts are particularly vulnerable to its corrosive effects. This lecture provides an overview and assessment of efforts to counter illicit markets and transnational organized crime, exploring governance challenges at local, national, and especially international levels. It considers linkages between organized crime and corruption, and the notion of societal resilience to organized crime. Finally, it considers prospects for deepening international cooperation among law enforcement agencies, states and other stakeholders at a time when multilateralism is under significant strain. 

Delivered by:

Dr. Marina Caparini 

Bio:

Marina Caparini is an independent researcher specializing in security sector reform and governance, within post-conflict and transitional contexts. She has held senior research positions at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Norwegian Institute for International Affairs, International Centre for Transitional Justice, and the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces. She holds a PhD in War Studies from King's College London.

The lecture will deal with the current legal issues affecting the conduct of Israel in the case brought by South Africa against Israel in the ICJ for crime of genocide and ICJ Advisory Opinion on the legal issues pertaining to Israel's occupancy and the practices and policies on the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). 

Delivered by: Prof Dr Rahmat Mohamad, Universiti Teknologi MARA. 

Bio:

Professor of law at the law faculty, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. He is also an Honorary Fellow of the University of Aberystwyth, UK. He has served as the Chairman of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia. At the international level, he was the former Secretary General of the Asian- African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO) from 2008 to 2016, an inter- governmental organization with its headquarters in New Delhi, India. He is currently involved in sustainability, climate change and SDG as consultant. In addition, he is the Head of the Legal Team of My Aqsa Foundation, a non- governmental organization focussing on legal rights of Palestine under international law.

Understandably, there are mixed feelings and divergent opinions on the ongoing Hamas-Israeli war which has resulted in several deaths, causalities, humanitarian catastrophes, hostage taking and alleged genocidal starvation. Upon South Africa’s allegation that Israel’s actions in response to the terror attacks led by Hamas on 7 October 2023, exhibited a pattern of genocidal conduct, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled on 26 January 2024 that there is imminent risk of irreparable damage to some of the rights asserted by South Africa. Consequently, the ICJ instructed Israel to take all necessary provisional measures to prevent its military from committing acts which might be considered genocidal to the people of Gaza. The sui generis nature of provisional measures in the context of plausible allegations of genocide has been highlighted by the ICJ in the Bosnia Herzegovina v Serbia and Montenegro case. Beyond the several representations to the ICJ in the present case, this presentation examines  the dolus speicialis of genocide and argues that although the actus reus of genocide may be apparent, establishing the dolus specialis may pose a challenge for the ICJ.

Delivered by:

Dr Ovo Catherine Imoedemhe, (University of Bradford).

Bio:

Is a Lecturer in Law, School of Law University of Bradford. She is also the School Liaison Academic Lead for the Human Rights, Inclusion and Justice Cluster. Teaching and research focus areas include Criminal Justice, Human Rights Law, International Criminal Law, International Humanitarian Law, Complementarity and Implementation of the SDGs within the African Region

Abstract:

From 1967 to 2015, the Special Branch division has identified at least 22 home-grown militant groups of various ideological orientations and motivations. Based on investigations, it was concluded that the emergence of these groups were generated by numerous factors, namely, radical ideology, dissatisfaction towards the political system (which they considered un-Islamic), socialization, personal problems and the widespread usage of new media in the case of Daesh-affiliated groups.

Delivered by:

Dr Zaiton Hamin, Associate Professor , UiTM, Malaysia 

Stalking is an age-old crime that has evolved and transcended into cyberspace. The emergence of new technologies such as generative artificial intelligence has aggravated the situation even further as stalkers now have the opportunity to use such technologies in committing crime. The duality impact of technology has generated a high degree of risk of victimisation, especially within the context of intimate partner violence crimes, such as cyberstalking. Victims are now more vulnerable to risks as such emerging technologies have opened pathways for stalkers to commit this heinous crime. This session will delve into the legal response of the criminal justice system to facilitate victims of cyberstalking and the access to justice afforded to victims of such crime. The under-reporting by victims and under-recording by the police combined with frequent unresponsiveness of prosecutors and judges leads to significant barriers to effective criminal justice responses to stalking offences. 

Delivered by:

Dr. Wan Rosalili Wan Rosli, (University of Bradford).

Bio

Assistant Professor at the University of Bradford, United Kingdom.

She has secured multiple research grants whose subject area ranges from money laundering to cybercrime, artificial intelligence, prevention/countering of violent extremism-related laws, and cybersecurity issues. She also has more than 30 academic papers published in journals. She was invited to be a subject matter expert in formulating a new anti-stalking law for Malaysia. She developed an application named “MyStalk Alert” which aims to support the victims of harassment and stalking by facilitating them in keeping a trail of evidence which is imperative for investigation and prosecution. The App also gives mental health support and useful links that help victims keep a diary of all incidences. The MyStalk Alert won 1 gold medal and 1 silver medal in an international innovation competition. 

Abstract: This lecture looks at the concept of jurisdiction in international law and its practice within international tax. Revisiting this gains importance especially because the tax practices, that have remained unchanged for close to a century, are presently being redrawn. Incidentally the present tax practices were set at a time when the developing countries were colonies and hence absent in their creation. So, broadly, this lecture would look at the evolution of the concept within the international tax practice, the questions of sovereignty, equity and political expediency that have shaped such practice and finally the gains (tentatively) for developing countries.

This is session is to be delivered by:

Dr Ajay Kumar, University of Bradford 

Bio:

An experienced academic and a dual qualified commercial lawyer. His inter-disciplinary research focuses on International Tax, Law and Development and Financial Crimes. Presently he is a Lecturer at the University of Bradford.

Terrorism and acts of violence by religious and/or extremist groups have been commonly attributed to specific countries like Rwanda, Nigeria, Uganda, Sudan, South Africa, among others. As a means to deter would-be terrorists, and reduce repressive forms of counter-terrorism initiatives deployed by governments, deradicalisation of terrorists has been increasingly employed by countries within sub-Saharan Africa. This presentation discusses the rationale behind such deradicalization programmes and the effectiveness of same in boosting the legitimacy of governments within the sub-Saharan African region. The presentation draws comparisons from the South – Asian region to identify similarities and divergencies in the methods employed by both regions identified within this presentation, with a view to proffering recommendations which would improve the success rate of deradicalisation programmes in Africa. 

Keywords: Deradicalisation; counter-terrorism; Africa; governments; insecurity

Delivered by:

Irekpitan Okukpon, PhD ((PhD (University of Cape Town); LLM (Distinction – University of Cape Town); LLB (University of Benin).

Bio:

Irekpitan Okukpon, Lecturer-in-Law and Interim Research Lead at the School of Law, University of Bradford.

She holds a PhD (University of Cape Town); LLM (Distinction – University of Cape Town); LLB (University of Benin). She has over 13 years’ experience teaching and researching at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) Nigeria, and the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. She is passionate about improvements to higher education, advancements in waste management and the wider environment, counter-terrorism and human rights.

Addressing the global phenomenon of the need to protect policies and promises made by Higher Education Institutions is crucial to forestall breaches of student’s substantive legitimate expectations. Higher Institutions all over the world are known to make representations, policies and promises to students, yet students’ legitimate expectations based on the promises made are hardly recognised, let alone protected. This paper uses the Students Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2023 of Nigeria to focus on institutions in the United Kingdom, South Africa and India where promises to students have been kept, thereby protecting the legitimate expectations of students. It is anticipated that the analysis will provide a template for institutions globally and specifically institutions in developing countries such as Nigeria, not only to ensure protection of promises, but also to guarantee that remedies are enforced whenever students’ legitimate expectations are breached.

Delivered by:

Dr. Walter Imoedemhe, is a Lecturer in Law, Public Law Department, Faculty of Law, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.

Bio:

Lecturer in Law, Public Law Department, Faculty of Law, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.He was also the University Registrar and Administrator with Teaching and Research focus in Public Law, Administrative Justice System and Legitimate Expectations.

The concept of the “rule of law” originated in the West, as a means of governing society. The idea of ​​governing a country through law gradually spread globally along with the nation-state model, starting from the origins in Western Europe. The focus of this lecture will be on how law has functioned in the governance of nations during the period of modernization, and how it has facilitated the transition of nations from traditional to modern. Japan and Turkey in the early twentieth century would be the case in addressing the questions. Ultimately, the course will analyze and summarize the pivotal role played by law in the transitional period of modern states. 

Delivered by:

RAN LU – SOOCHOW University. 

BIO:

He holds a Ph.D. in Law from the University of Manchester, his studies in East China University of Political Science and Law earned him a M.Phil degree in law. He is a member of the European Chinese Law Studies Association (ECLS). Currently, Ran Lu is the associate professor in the Law School of Soochow University.

Ran Lu's primary research areas include legal history, comparative law, and jurisprudence. His research interests focus on the origin and transformation of modern legal concepts, legal reforms in transitional countries, the interaction of legal ideas between the Western and China, and technological changes with the legal responses from a historical perspective. His research has been published in the form of monograph and research articles in Chinese and English journals.

The lecture will explore the intricate interplay between domestic law, international law, and geopolitical factors. It aims to examine various theories that facilitate the interaction between International law and Domestic Law, using refugee and migrant law concerns within India as a case study. India, renowned as one of the world’s most populous and diverse nations, confronts significant challenges in managing the influx of refugees and migrants while simultaneously upholding their rights and fulfilling its international obligations. Central to India’s response is the delicate equilibrium between human rights considerations and national security imperatives. Despite not ratifying the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol, India has historically offered sanctuary to individuals escaping persecution and conflict, guided by principles of compassion and non-refoulement. However, the absence of a comprehensive legal framework specifically addressing refugee and migrant rights has resulted in ad-hoc policies and inconsistent treatment. In navigating these complexities, India grapples with reconciling its international commitments with domestic realities. The lecture will scrutinize these domestic ramifications of international law and evaluate the necessity for striking a balance between human rights imperatives and national interests, given that this remains a formidable challenge in the globalized world order. 

Delivered By:

Dr. Garima Tiwari,  Associate Professor ,Assistant Dean (Admissions and Outreach; Research and Consultancy) ,School of Law, Bennett University , Greater Noida, India .

Bio:

Dr. Garima Tiwari is an Associate Professor at School of Law, Bennett University, India. She also holds the position of Assistant Dean of Admissions and Outreach and Assistant Dean of Research and Consultancy at the School of Law, Bennett University, India.   She has worked with National Judicial Academy, India and Lexidale-International Policy Consulting. She has a Ph.D. from University of Camerino, Italy and spent research periods at University of Oxford, UK and University of Copenhagen, Denmark. She has an LL.M. from University of Torino, Italy and  BALLB (Hons) from National Law Institute University, Bhopal India. Dr. Garima was awarded the 2009 Justice Makers Fellowship’ by International Bridges to Justice, Switzerland and the ‘2016-18 Equality Knowledge Research Grant’ award by the Eastern Michigan University, USA. Dr. Tiwari has several publications to her name and has presented her work at many forums. 

This talk provides a thorough exploration of China’s strategies and methodologies in sovereign debt restructuring, focusing on Zambia as a key example. It aims to shed light on the mechanisms and negotiations China, as a significant global creditor, employs in its debt restructuring agreements, particularly in Africa. 

The talk begins with an in-depth analysis of Zambia’s situation, highlighting the negotiation tactics and agreement terms between Zambia and China. This specific case not only reflects China’s approach with one country but also sets the stage for a wider discussion on China’s role in Africa. The talk then expands to assess China’s lending dynamics across the African continent, examining the patterns, similarities, and differences in its lending practices. These insights reveal the underlying motives and implications of China’s financial interactions in Africa. Additionally, the talk situates China within a global context, acknowledging its status as the world’s largest official creditor. It critically evaluates China’s decision to remain outside the Paris Club and explores its tendencies towards either coordinated or unilateral approaches in debt restructuring. 

Delivered by:

Charles Mak, Lecturer, Robert Gordon University .

Brief Bio:

An award-winning scholar. He is a Lecturer in Law at Robert Gordon University, a PhD Candidate in law at the University of Glasgow, a Fellow at the Stanford-Vienna Transatlantic Technology Law Forum at Stanford Law School, a Fellow of the Centre for Chinese and Comparative Law at the City University of Hong Kong, a Leslie Wright Fellow at the Philip K.H. Wong Centre for Chinese Law at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) (2022), an Honorary Fellow of the Asian Institute of International Financial Law at the HKU, a Research Affiliate at SovereigNet at The Fletcher School, Tufts University, and a Research Associate at China, Law and Development Project at the University of Oxford. His research concentrates on sovereign debt restructuring, technology law and dispute resolution.

Navigating Financial Crime Risks & Regulatory Landscape

The year 2023 posed significant challenges for the AML/Sanctions community, spanning corruption, money laundering, and other financial crimes. Technological advancements, accelerated by the post-COVID era, drove rapid digitalization in the financial industry. While institutions adapted to this digital landscape, criminals exploited new methods, and crypto concerns emerged.

Regional tensions and economic turmoil complicated matters. In 2024, top expectations for financial institutions (F.I.'s) include:

1. Enhanced Crypto Regulations: Addressing risks associated with cryptocurrencies.
2. Strict Real Estate Regulations: Mitigating vulnerabilities in the real estate sector.
3. Governance Framework for Digitalization and A.I. Adoption: Ensuring robust oversight.
4. Balancing Automation and Job Enhancement: Navigating workforce changes.
5. Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborating for effective risk management.
6. Changing Sanctions Landscape: Adapting to geopolitical shifts.

Geopolitically, 2024 presents challenges:

• Hamas-Israel Conflict: Potential regional escalation.
• Houthi Attacks in Yemen: Iran-Israel military confrontation.
• War in Ukraine and Black Sea Tensions: NATO involvement.
• China-Taiwan Cross-Strait Crisis: Economic and military pressure.

Financial institutions must remain agile, emphasizing compliance, security, and best practices to thrive in this complex landscape.

Delivered by:

Sheetal Bharadwaj - Head of Virtual Assets Compliance, Commercial Bank of Dubai & 

Pradeep Janardanan Financial CRIME COMPLIANCE professional.

Bio:

Sheetal Bhardwaj is a seasoned Risk & Compliance professional with over 19 years of hands-on experience managing successful Compliance Programs in the MENAT region. She is presently working with one of the largest banks in the New Zealand.  

She was an approved Compliance Officer & MLRO by the Central Bank of the UAE and Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). As a Subject-Matter Expert, she has served in leadership roles covering various aspects of Regulatory Compliance & Financial Crime Risk, including regulatory audits & thematic reviews. She is an Executive Board Member and Communication Director of ACFCS (Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialists, US), MENA Chapter. 

Bio: 

Pradeep Janardanan is presently working in Bangalore with one of the global leading banks. He has over 18 years of experience in leading and building a Financial Crime Compliance program (FCC) and has expertise in compliance, risk management, and ops performance around Financial Crime Compliance. He has previously worked with Financial institutions in the UAE and did a brief stint in the UK. Over the tenure of his experience, he has worked with multiple European and US Financial Institutions and payment companies in various Financial crime compliance functions like Advisory, Transaction Monitoring, Sanctions, KYC, and Quality Assurance for different regulatory jurisdictions, such as the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and India. He has a PGDM in Finance and Marketing from the School of Communication and Management Studies. In addition to that, he is a Certified Anti Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), and Certified Financial Crime Specialist.

The session abstract to be updated shortly. 

Delivered by:

Aruna Kashyap, Associate Director on Corporate Accountability. Human Rights Watch

Bio:

Aruna Kashyap is the associate director in the Economic Justice and Rights Division where her work focuses on corporate accountability and human rights, especially in global supply chains. Before joining the Economic Justice and Rights Division, she worked with the Women's Rights Division of Human Rights Watch. As a lawyer, she has a background in strategic litigation on economic, social, and cultural rights, commercial contracting, and experience with criminal, contractual and tort law frameworks.

Platforms have become the main channel of social interaction on the internet. The typical business model of such players is to monetise such interaction in the form of advertising or data brokerage. To keep users engaged, platforms adopt a variety of strategies which, sometimes, affect vulnerable individuals in a disproportionate way. Nowadays, with new forms of interactions emerging in parallel to the consolidation of mega-platforms, it is worth exploring the national and supranational approaches to tackling the so-called dark patterns, and to evaluate whether data protection may be a useful catalyst in this process. 

Delivered by:

Dr Filippo Marchetti, Senior Lecturer in Law and Technology (University of Westminster, London), Adjunct Professor of International and EU Law (Bocconi University, Milan)

Bio:

As a mature international and EU law expert, Dr Marchetti has provided regulatory advice to multiple international organisations (UNHCR, WHO, ECB, EMA) and teaches law & technology and international & EU law to both law and non-law students. Alongside his academic work, he advises technology startups on personal data protection and other regulatory challenges. Dr Marchetti's research interests include the protection of personality rights in international and EU law, space technology law and policy, and the interaction between international law and international relations, especially in the field of economic sanctions.

In today's globalised world, international commercial contracts and e-commerce have become integral to the success of businesses. Their prevalent use has raised legal issues and challenges that traditional legal frameworks are often times inadequate to address. These challenges stem from the unique nature of electronic commerce, where transactions are conducted online. As the global economy continues to expand and businesses engage in international commerce and e-commerce, the role of transnational law in regulating international commercial contracts has more than never before become increasingly important. Transnational law plays a fundamental role in providing a uniform framework for the creation, interpretation, and enforcement of contracts across different jurisdictions. This is particularly relevant in the context of e-commerce, where international commercial contracts are frequently subjected to a national law that was not elected by the parties but decided by an adjudicative tribunal as the law applicable to the contract.

Delivered by:

Dr. Prince Olokotor , Assistant Professor (University of Bradford).

Bio:

His research interrogates attitudes of courts towards private dispute resolution agreements and mechanisms, and his research interest spans the broad area of International Commercial Law. He is a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and with a demonstrated history of working in the law practice industry. He practiced law at the law firm of C. N. Obulor & Associates as Solicitor and Advocate. He is a consultant to Swift Solicitors, a firm of legal practitioners. Prince holds a PhD degree in Law from SOAS University of London.

As globalization and technology transform international business, so too must the practices that govern cross-border dispute resolution evolve. This speech profiles recent technological advances poised to expedite and lower the costs of mediation, arbitration, and litigation processes involving parties from different countries. We survey AI contract analysis to predict disputes, online platforms increasing access for remote parties, videoconferencing and virtual courtroom technologies, as well as implications around data security and privacy. We weigh the risks and benefits of such innovations through examples like blockchain smart contracts. Turning to Central Asia, I highlight recent modernizations in Uzbekistan’s legal system aimed to fuel greater global trade and participation in alternative dispute resolution. Initiatives like establishing a free trade zone, accrediting new arbitral institutions, ratifying the Singapore on mediation and Hague Conventions on enforcement of judgments. Yet work remains to build trust in neutrality and reliability amidst the nation’s rapid development. By showcasing Uzbek progress while also responsibly integrating cutting-edge legal technologies, dispute resolution can enable growth both in-country and with international partners. 

Delivered by:

Prof. (Dr) Islambek Rustambekov – Acting Rector and Professor of Cyber Law Department at Tashkent State University of Law, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Bio

He studies, researches, and writes about the ADR, in particular arbitration and mediation in the Republic of Uzbekistan, CA and CIS countries. An arbitrator and mediator, Prof. Dr. Islambek Rustambekov is a member of the board of the Russian Arbitration Center (Russian Federation), a member of the International Supervisory Board of the Arbitration Center of the Islamic Cooperation Organization, an arbitrator at the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes (USA), the Hong Kong International Arbitration center (Hong Kong), Asian International Arbitration Center (Malaysia), arbitrator and mediator at the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center (Switzerland), Energy Disputes Arbitration Center (Turkey), Tashkent International Arbitration Center (TIAC) and Tashkent Mediation Center (TMC). He is currently the chair of the TSUL Legal Report and Review of Law Sciences journals (Uzbekistan), and the member of editorial board of the following scientific journals: Uzbek Law Review, Jurisprudence (Uzbekistan), Revista Brasileira de Alternative Dispute Resolution (Brasil), Ticaret ve Fikri Mülkiyet Hukuku Dergisi (Turkey), The Asian Yearbook of International Economic Law (Springer Nature Switzerland), Beijing Law Review (China), International Journal of Criminology and Criminal Law (USA).

The session abstract to be updated shortly.

Delivered by:

Prof. (Dr.) Pradeep Kulshreshtha.

Bio:

Dean, Bennett School of Law is the senior academician with over 30+ years of extensive expertise in academic affairs, legal research & advisory services. He has authored 15 books, 35 research papers and conference papers. His teaching and research interests include Constitutional Law of India, Comparative Constitution, Comparative Public Law, Criminal Justice and Human Rights, Law of Tort, Consumer Protection Laws, Labour Laws, Industrial Relations, and Clinical legal education.