Insights
Analysis of telecoms, data, payments and technology regulation and transactions
Clear, practical commentary on legal and regulatory developments affecting telecoms operators, digital infrastructure providers, technology companies, financial institutions, fintechs and investors.
Our blogging history
We have been publishing insights since 2010, when Rob first built the website on WordPress. From the outset, the aim was the same: careful research, precise language and analysis that explains not just the legal issue, but its practical and commercial effect.
That remains our approach today. Artificial intelligence now helps with parts of the research and drafting process, and it has supported the development of this website. But technology does not replace judgement, experience or specialist expertise. Our insights are shaped by real advisory work across regulation, compliance and transactions.
Through this Insights section, Bratby Law aims to provide clear analysis that helps organisations make informed decisions in complex and fast-moving areas of law and regulation. For advice on a specific issue, regulatory strategy or a transaction, please get in touch.
Recent articles
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Copyright and AI: The Government Steps Back from a Training Exception
Copyright and AI policy in the UK reached a turning point on 18 March 2026, when the government published its Report on Copyright and Artificial Intelligence, together with an economic impact assessment. Both were required by sections 135 to 137 of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025. The report confirms what the UK’s creative…
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When is a Data Subject Access Request Abusive? The CJEU Draws the Line in Brillen Rottler
On 19 March 2026, the Court of Justice of the European Union handed down its judgment in Case C-526/24 Brillen Rottler, ruling that even a first-ever data subject access request can be refused as “excessive” under Article 12(5) of the GDPR where the controller demonstrates it was made with abusive intent. The decision matters because…
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Ofcom’s Plan of Work 2026/27: What It Means for Telecoms Investment and Transactions
Ofcom’s Plan of Work 2026/27 shapes telecoms investment, altnet consolidation and compliance. Analysis of what it means for operators and dealmakers.
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UK Fibre Consolidation: What the Nexfibre Deal, the SSP and the Access Review Mean for Transactions
The Nexfibre-Netomnia deal, the government Statement of Strategic Priorities and Ofcom Telecoms Access Review 2026-31 together set the framework for UK fibre infrastructure transactions. What advisors and investors need to know about deal structuring in a consolidating market.
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The DUAA Takes Effect: New ICO Powers Meet a Tougher Enforcement Stance
The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 commenced on 5 February 2026, reforming automated decision-making, expanding ICO enforcement powers, and raising PECR fines to UK GDPR levels. Combined with record enforcement activity in 2025 and a new settlement procedure, the ICO is better equipped and more willing to act. What regulated businesses need to do…
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PSD3 and the UK: Two Payments Regimes, One Direction of Travel
The EU agreed PSD3 and the Payment Services Regulation in November 2025, overhauling fraud liability, open banking and e-money rules. The UK is not bound by PSD3, but its own payments reform is heading in a similar direction. What firms operating across both regimes need to know.
Telecoms, data protection and payments regulation lawyers
Bratby Law advises on telecoms regulation, data protection, payments regulation and transactions across the communications, financial services and technology sectors.
Regulation
We advise on regulation across the telecoms, data and payments sectors. Our work covers telecoms regulation, data protection and data governance, payments regulation, consumer protection, market entry, ongoing compliance, regulator engagement, investigations and enforcement.
Independent directory rankings
Our specialist expertise is recognised in major independent legal directories:
- Chambers & Partners: Rob Bratby is ranked in the UK Guide 2026 in the “Telecommunications” category: Chambers
- The Legal 500: Rob Bratby is listed as a “Leading Partner – Telecoms” in London (TMT – IT & Telecoms): The Legal 500
- Lexology: Rob Bratby is featured on Lexology’s expert profiles (Global Elite Thought Leader): Lexology
How we work
Bratby Law works with clients in three ways: as direct legal advisers on specific matters, as specialist co-counsel supporting other legal teams, and as fractional general counsel on a longer-term retained basis. Each model delivers partner-level input without delegation.
Why Choose Bratby Law?
Why a specialist boutique?
Bratby Law is structured to provide a clear alternative to broad practices and City or international law firms:
Boutique approach |
City firm |
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Specialist, sector-specific focus |
Broad TMT or FS coverage with variable depth |
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Senior delivery on all matters |
Work delegated to teams of varying experience |
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Integrated regulatory, operator and advisory experience |
Limited practical or regulatory grounding |
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Predictable, flexible engagement models |
Rigid, process-driven structures |
As a boutique, Bratby Law provides specialist regulatory depth, partner-level delivery and commercially aligned advice shaped by practical operator-side experience. Engagement models are flexible and predictable, including direct instruction, specialist co-counsel and fractional general counsel support.