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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UK AI Regulation: What the Law Says
The UK has no standalone AI law. Unlike the European Union, which passed the AI Act in 2024, the UK has chosen a sector-led approach under which existing regulators apply existing law to AI systems within their remit. This article sets out what that means in practice in 2026: which statutes and regulators bind AI developers and deployers, what the DUAA 2025 changed for automated decision-making, where copyright law stands after the government stepped back from its proposed training exception, and how Ofcom, the FCA, the PSR and the CMA apply existing powers to AI.
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BNPL Regulation: What FCA Authorisation Means for BNPL Operators
From 15 July 2026, BNPL firms must hold FCA authorisation or rely on the Temporary Permissions Regime. What PS26/1 and SI 2025/859 require now.
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Ofcom Copper Retirement: What the Three-Stage Framework Means for Operators
Ofcom confirmed its three-stage copper retirement framework in the TAR 2026-31. The second threshold consultation closes 12 May 2026. What operators and wholesale access purchasers need to know about the stop sell, charge control removal and full copper withdrawal timeline.
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Automated Decision-Making After the DUAA: What the New UK Regime Means for AI-Enabled Products
The DUAA replaces Article 22 UK GDPR with a new ADM regime effective 5 February 2026. The default shifts from prohibition to permission with safeguards. The ICO consultation on draft ADM guidance closes 29 May 2026.
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FCA Safeguarding Rules 2026: A Compliance Checklist for 7 May
The FCA supplementary safeguarding regime under CASS 15 takes effect on 7 May 2026. This compliance checklist covers the operational requirements for payment institutions and e-money institutions: daily reconciliation, monthly reporting, annual audit, resolution packs and third-party due diligence.
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PSR/FCA Consolidation: What Changes for Payment Firms and Scheme Participants
The PSR FCA consolidation transfers all PSR functions to the FCA. What changes for payment service providers, scheme participants, and payment system operators.
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Data Protection Complaints: What Controllers Must Do by 19 June 2026
Section 103 of the DUAA introduces a statutory data protection complaints process for all controllers from 19 June 2026. For telecoms operators and payment firms, the obligation overlaps with existing Ofcom and FCA complaints regimes.
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Does Your Regulated Business Need a Fractional General Counsel?
Three models for legal support compared. When a fractional general counsel is the right answer for telecoms, fintech and data businesses in the regulatory perimeter.
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What Does the CMA Do? A Guide to the UK’s Competition Regulator
The CMA enforces UK competition law, controls mergers, investigates markets and regulates digital platforms. Guide to CMA powers, penalties and the new SMS regime.
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What Do the FCA and PSR Regulate? A Guide to UK Payments Regulation
The FCA and PSR regulate UK payment services, payment systems and electronic money. Guide to authorisation, enforcement powers and the PSR consolidation.
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What Does the ICO Regulate? A Guide to the UK’s Data Protection Regulator
The ICO regulates UK data protection, freedom of information, electronic marketing and network security. Guide to ICO powers, penalties and enforcement under the DUAA 2025.
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What Does Ofcom Regulate? A Guide to the UK Communications Regulator
Ofcom regulates telecoms, broadcasting, postal services, spectrum and online safety in the UK. This guide explains what Ofcom does, its enforcement powers, and what the obligations mean for operators and platform businesses.
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.
How we work
Bratby Law works with clients in three ways: as direct legal advisors 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?
Sector expertise
Bratby Law advises exclusively on telecoms regulation, data protection, and payments regulation. That concentration means deeper knowledge of the regulatory landscape, faster analysis, and advice that reflects how regulators actually behave: not how the textbook says they should.
Senior delivery
Every instruction is handled by Rob Bratby personally. With 30 years’ experience spanning Oftel, senior in-house roles at network operators, and partnership at international law firms, you receive the analysis directly: not through a junior team. The firm uses AI tools to extend research capacity and accelerate document review, so senior judgment is applied to more of your matter, not less.
Unique perspective
Rob Bratby has sat on all three sides of the regulatory table: as a regulator at Oftel, as General Counsel at major operators, and as external counsel. That inside-out perspective informs every piece of advice. He currently holds fractional General Counsel appointments at TOTSCo, UKPI, TelXL, and Core.