SOBAL INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL

This new journal serves as a platform for the exchange and dissemination of legal information pertaining to Argentina and the United Kingdom, offering incisive analysis and timely updates on legal and regulatory issues impacting both countries. We hope to enhance thought-provoking conversations between the participants, creating a new academic space for the exploration of novel topics between or in relation to the jurisdictions of both countries.

<a href="https://sobal.org.uk/understanding-political-risk-insurance-as-a-tool-to-encourage-and-protect-investments-argentina-and-uk-perspective/"></a><a href="https://sobal.org.uk/understanding-political-risk-insurance-as-a-tool-to-encourage-and-protect-investments-argentina-and-uk-perspective/"><strong><strong><a href="https://sobal.org.uk/with-the-reform-of-the-english-arbitration-act-just-days-away-from-being-enacted-what-are-the-relevant-changes-and-why-will-they-be-of-interest/"><strong><a href="https://sobal.org.uk/with-the-reform-of-the-english-arbitration-act-just-days-away-from-being-enacted-what-are-the-relevant-changes-and-why-will-they-be-of-interest/">WITH THE REFORM OF THE ENGLISH ARBITRATION ACT JUST DAYS AWAY FROM BEING ENACTED, WHAT ARE THE RELEVANT CHANGES, AND WHY WILL THEY BE OF INTEREST?</a></strong></a></strong></strong></a>
WITH THE REFORM OF THE ENGLISH ARBITRATION ACT JUST DAYS AWAY FROM BEING ENACTED, WHAT ARE THE RELEVANT CHANGES, AND WHY WILL THEY BE OF INTEREST?

Agustin R. Spotorno (Senior Associate, Winston & Strawn LLP, dual qualified lawyer in Argentina and England & Wales); Tomas Villaflor (Arnold & Porter LLP, qualified lawyer in Argentina) / 20 February 2025 

The English Arbitration Act reform strengthens London’s position as a leading arbitration seat by enhancing efficiency, transparency, and judicial deference. Key updates include defaulting to the law of the seat, codifying arbitrators’ disclosure duties, limiting jurisdictional challenges, introducing summary dismissal, and recognizing emergency arbitration. These changes align with global best practices, reinforcing London’s neutrality and predictability amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.

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<a href="https://sobal.org.uk/understanding-political-risk-insurance-as-a-tool-to-encourage-and-protect-investments-argentina-and-uk-perspective/"><a href="https://sobal.org.uk/understanding-political-risk-insurance-as-a-tool-to-encourage-and-protect-investments-argentina-and-uk-perspective/"><strong>UNDERSTANDING POLITICAL RISK INSURANCE AS A TOOL TO ENCOURAGE AND PROTECT INVESTMENTS: ARGENTINA AND UK PERSPECTIVE</strong></a></a>
UNDERSTANDING POLITICAL RISK INSURANCE AS A TOOL TO ENCOURAGE AND PROTECT INVESTMENTS: ARGENTINA AND UK PERSPECTIVE

Sol Argerich dual qualified lawyer – Claims Counsel at Convex; Co-Author (UK perspective and analysis): Joana Ball chartered accountant Associate Director at ASL International / 29 January 2025 

Political Risk Insurance (PRI) protects investors from losses due to political instability, such as expropriation, political violence, and currency inconvertibility. Despite President Milei’s 2024 reforms to attract foreign investment in Argentina, its volatile political climate makes PRI essential, especially for UK investors. PRI offers immediate risk coverage, complementing legal recourse through investment treaties. Historical crises like Argentina’s pesification highlight its importance. Increasingly adopted in the UK post-Brexit and COVID-19, PRI is vital for navigating uncertainties and safeguarding investments in challenging markets like Argentina.

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<strong><strong><a href="https://sobal.org.uk/project-financing-between-argentina-and-the-united-kingdom-an-overview-of-key-regulatory-aspects-and-the-role-of-export-credit-agencies/">PROJECT FINANCING BETWEEN ARGENTINA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM: AN OVERVIEW OF KEY REGULATORY ASPECTS AND THE ROLE OF EXPORT CREDIT AGENCIES</a></strong></strong>
PROJECT FINANCING BETWEEN ARGENTINA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM: AN OVERVIEW OF KEY REGULATORY ASPECTS AND THE ROLE OF EXPORT CREDIT AGENCIES

Ian Borman, Partner, Banking & Finance, Winston & Strawn London LLP, Solicitor (England & Wales); Salvador Mele Mazza, Associate, Banking & Finance, Norton Rose Fulbright, Attorney-at-Law in Argentina / 10 December 2024 

This article provides an opinion on how project financing can contribute to the trading relationship between the UK and Argentina. Its paragraphs describe two key regulations impacting project finance, which are the 1997 Double Taxation Treaty between the UK and Argentina and the recently enacted Argentine regime for the promotion and investment and foreign trade (commonly known as RIGI). A brief description of the role of UK Export Finance to foster these trading relationships is also included.

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<strong><a href="https://sobal.org.uk/workers-rights-under-the-milei-and-starmer-administrations-diverging-approaches-to-labour-market-reform-1/?frame-nonce=c67f91c526&_gl=1*d4kygg*_gcl_au*NzI4Nzk5MDQyLjE3MjYwNTkyMzk.">WORKERS’ RIGHTS UNDER THE MILEI AND STARMER ADMINISTRATIONS: DIVERGING APPROACHES TO LABOUR MARKET REFORM</a></strong>
WORKERS’ RIGHTS UNDER THE MILEI AND STARMER ADMINISTRATIONS: DIVERGING APPROACHES TO LABOUR MARKET REFORM

Mauro Pucheta, Lecturer in Law, University of Kent / 15 October 2024 

The recent elections in Argentina and the UK have resulted in two very different approaches to labour market regulation. Javier Milei’s government in Argentina is focused on deregulation and economic liberalization, while Keir Starmer’s Labour government in the UK is prioritizing workers’ rights and job security. These contrasting approaches highlight a broader debate about the balance between economic competitiveness and social justice.

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<strong><a href="https://sobal.org.uk/beyond-the-algorithm-exploring-copyright-implications-of-ai-generated-content-in-the-uk-and-argentina/">BEYOND THE ALGORITHM: EXPLORING COPYRIGHT IMPLICATIONS OF AI-GENERATED CONTENT IN THE UK AND ARGENTINA</a></strong>
BEYOND THE ALGORITHM: EXPLORING COPYRIGHT IMPLICATIONS OF AI-GENERATED CONTENT IN THE UK AND ARGENTINA

Colin Maltby, Director at Maltby Capital (English Solicitor); Guillermo A. Grüning, Consultant at TheMindCo (Argentine Attorney & English Registered Foreign Lawyer); Cecilia Calello, Associate at Maltby Capital (Argentine Attorney) / 11 September 2024 

In the context of AI-generated content, copyright law faces a significant challenge with Large Language Models (LLMs). These models, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, produce text-based outputs that often mirror human creativity. Under current copyright frameworks, determining the originality and authorship of content created by LLMs is problematic. Traditional copyright laws, which require a human author and a personal touch, struggle to address works generated autonomously by AI systems. This discrepancy highlights the need for updated legal standards that can accommodate the unique nature of LLM-generated content while ensuring adequate protection and incentivization for AI-driven innovation.

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<a href="https://sobal.org.uk/service-of-proceedings-in-cross-border-disputes-a-uk-argentina-comparative-overview-to-legal-notifications/"><a href="https://sobal.org.uk/service-of-proceedings-in-cross-border-disputes-a-uk-argentina-comparative-overview-to-legal-notifications/"><strong>SERVICE OF PROCEEDINGS IN CROSS-BORDER DISPUTES: A UK-ARGENTINA COMPARATIVE OVERVIEW TO LEGAL NOTIFICATIONS </strong></a></a>
SERVICE OF PROCEEDINGS IN CROSS-BORDER DISPUTES: A UK-ARGENTINA COMPARATIVE OVERVIEW TO LEGAL NOTIFICATIONS

Federico (M. A.) Cincotta, CEO, International Advisory Firm | Senior Board, Business & Legal
Advisor, UK, LATAM & Emerging Markets Experience, Vice-President of SOBAL; Agustin R. Spotorno, Senior Associate Attorney at Winston & Strawn London LLP (International Arbitration, Foreign Direct Investments and Cross-Border Disputes) / 30 July 2024 

Service of process is fundamental in international proceedings, ensuring parties are notified of legal actions and can adequately prepare defenses. In Argentina and the United Kingdom, the intricacies of serving documents outside the jurisdiction are fundamental for practitioners navigating cross-border disputes. This article provides a detailed examination of the legal frameworks and conventions governing service of process in these jurisdictions, offering essential guidance for litigators to maintain compliance and effectiveness in international disputes.

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<strong><a href="https://sobal.org.uk/new-generation-laws-environment-social-and-governance-law-esg-law-what-and-how-are-the-uk-and-argentina-doing/">NEW GENERATION LAWS: ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL, AND GOVERNANCE LAW (“ESG LAW”): WHAT AND HOW ARE THE UK AND ARGENTINA DOING?</a></strong>
NEW GENERATION LAWS: ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL, AND GOVERNANCE LAW (“ESG LAW”): WHAT AND HOW ARE THE UK AND ARGENTINA DOING?

Cecilia Cook (Buenos Aires-based Special Counsel in Corporate & M&A, O’Farrell Law Firm, Argentine-qualified attorney); Victoria Bunchicoff (Argentine attorney, Commercial Strategy Lead, Stripe, UK); Pilar Spotorno (ESG lawyer, Legal Advisor ERSG Limited, UK) / 01 July 2024

New Generation Laws: Environment, Social, and Governance Law compares UK and Argentina’s approaches to ESG regulation. Argentina, without specific ESG legislation, relies on existing laws and international treaties, focusing on areas such as energy transition and governance. Key regulations are overseen by entities like the CNV and UIF. The UK has a structured framework derived from national and EU laws, mandating reporting through SECR and TCFD guidelines, with the FCA playing a relevant role. Both countries pursue sustainability and corporate responsibility, addressing unique challenges and reflecting their regulatory maturity and societal priorities in the push towards comprehensive ESG integration. 

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<a href="https://sobal.org.uk/foreign-direct-investment-and-investment-arbitration-in-the-uk-and-argentina-a-past-and-present-overview/"><strong>FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT AND INVESTMENT ARBITRATION IN THE UK AND ARGENTINA: A PAST AND PRESENT OVERVIEW</strong></a>
FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT AND INVESTMENT ARBITRATION IN THE UK AND ARGENTINA: A PAST AND PRESENT OVERVIEW

Agustin R. Spotorno (Senior Associate, Winston & Strawn LLP, dual qualified lawyer in Argentina and England & Wales); Ian Burton (Principal at Ian Burton Legal, dual qualified lawyer in England & Wales and New York); Tomas Villaflor (Arnold & Porter LLP, qualified lawyer in Argentina) / 31 May 2024

 This article examines foreign direct investment (FDI) between Argentina and the UK, highlighting its main dynamics and legal frameworks. FDI involves cross-border capital flows in which foreign investors acquire significant stakes or make portfolio investments. The article reviews the historical relationship of FDI, arbitration regimes and past investment disputes.

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<strong><strong><a href="https://sobal.org.uk/sobal-international-journal/strengthening-uk-argentine-relations-through-enhanced-cross-border-trade/?preview_id=3795&preview_nonce=5a75ecbe4f&preview=true">STRENGTHENING UK-ARGENTINE RELATIONS THROUGH ENHANCED CROSS-BORDER TRADE</a></strong></strong>
STRENGTHENING UK-ARGENTINE RELATIONS THROUGH ENHANCED CROSS-BORDER TRADE

Peter Taylor (Gibbons Taylor), Ricardo A. Spotorno (Argentine Attorney, International Trade and Commerce), and Agustin R. Spotorno (Winston & Strawn) / 10 April 2024

The dynamic relationship between the UK and Argentina intertwines historical ties with current challenges and opportunities that shape the development of cross-border trade. This article looks at the legal intricacies that govern the UK-Argentina trade relationship and examines the macro and micro-economic frameworks that underpin trade deals. From historical treaties to modern arbitration mechanisms, understanding the legal framework is crucial to promoting bilateral trade and strengthening diplomatic relations between these two countries.

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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS!

SOBAL International Journal is pleased to announce that we are now accepting submissions. We publish each article in English and Spanish to increase diversity in readership.

Are you interested in: Sharing your expertise on legal issues relevant to Argentina and/or the UK? Contributing to thought-provoking conversations on emerging legal topics? Reaching a wider audience of legal professionals?

We welcome submissions from academics, practitioners, and other legal professionals.

We are interested in areas such as international legal compliance; international employment law; intellectual property, M&A corporate law and governance, digital markets law and dispute resolution. We can provide a more detail description of the type of topics upon expression of interest. We are also open to other topics.

Editorial Team

Mauro Pucheta

Managing Editor

Peter Taylor

Senior Associate Editor

SOBAL Submission GuidelinesDownload