Your commercial news round-up: London robotaxis, Shein, money laundering data, LEGO

Anna O’Boyle is acting senior content and engagement coordinator at LawCareers.Net

Reading time: five minutes

As technical and regulatory issues pile up, the UK government’s timetable for launching London’s robotaxi service looks set to encounter further delays, while Danish company LEGO is storming ahead in sales. In other news, data suggests over 3,000 dissolved UK companies could be operating as money launderers. Elsewhere, ClientEarth prepares to bring legal challenges against companies allegedly responsible for causing the pollution that’s created France’s ‘Chemical Valley’, while Shein seeks a valuation of $27 billion.

Read on for LawCareers.Net’s pick of this week’s top commercial stories.

• The launch of London-based robotaxi services is unlikely to take place this year, as major operators face regulatory hurdles, pushing back the UK government’s ambitious schedule. Companies seeking to operate an automated passenger service must obtain approval from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), before approaching Transport for London (TfL) for consent. So far, no vehicles have been approved by the DVSA, despite Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander previously announcing that commercial trials of fully driverless taxi services would start in spring 2026. While the UK government seeks to position the country as a hub for technological innovation, TfL, whose consent is required for any rollout, hasn’t yet published guidance outlining how operators can obtain approval. Robotaxis are now available to hire in over 20 cities across the world, with Zagreb recently becoming the first European city to offer autonomous rides to the general public. Recent YouGov polling found that 42% of Londoners oppose autonomous passenger vehicles in the capital, while 29% are in favour.


• Online fast fashion retailer Shein is seeking a valuation of up to $27 billion as it prepares to list on the Hong Kong stock exchange, a significant reduction from the $100 billion valuation it achieved in 2022. The proposed valuation is below estimates reported last month, reflecting Shein’s slowing growth, rising costs and the increased regulatory scrutiny it’s been subject to. Shein’s plans to list in New York and London were previously unsuccessful amid concerns relating to labour practices, design theft, environmental impact and corporate transparency. The company has also faced challenges following the removal of a US import duty exemption for low-value packages and the introduction of a €3 fee on small parcels entering the EU. Shein reported a $99 million loss in its most recent quarter, with a further potential growth headwind expected as its $80 million purchase of the Everlane clothing brand in May is facing a US national security review.


• New research from anti-money laundering software provider SmartSearch has suggested that up to £464 million may have moved through more than 3,000 dissolved UK companies displaying patterns consistent with money laundering and terrorist financing. SmartSearch identified companies including hairdressers, barber shops, salons, mini-marts and convenience stores. The findings come amid growing concerns that criminals are exploiting the UK company registration system for money laundering and tax evasion. Paul Monaghan, chief executive of the Fair Tax Foundation, told MPs in June, “There is a reason that we have a company register full of hundreds of thousands of fraudsters. […] We have got a problem in this country that the obsession to set it up cheap and quick creates all the other problems.” SmartSearch estimated that between £310 million and £464 million passed through the companies examined and suggested the figure could exceed £1 billion if similar patterns are present across other high-risk sectors.


• LEGO increased revenue by 21% to 41.9 billion Danish kroner (£4.8 billion) in the first six months of 2026, driven by demand for products linked to the World Cup, Formula One, KPop Demon Hunters and Star Wars, as well as its botanical-themed ranges. With Lego launching 330 new products during this period, Chief Executive Niels B Christiansen described the World Cup partnership as a “breakthrough” for the company and said culturally relevant products continued to drive demand globally. Christiansen discussed the increasing presence of the “kidult” buyer, a demographic behind £1 in every £3 spent on toys in the UK. The company also highlighted ongoing sustainability initiatives, including expanding solar power generation at its factories, increasing the use of recycled plastic in bricks and continuing its transition to paper-based packaging.


• Environmental lawyer Hélène Duguy is helping to lead legal challenges against chemical companies accused of contributing to PFAS pollution in the area near Lyon referred to as France’s ‘Chemical Valley’. Duguy, who works for environmental NGO ClientEarth, known for bringing legal challenges against some of the world’s most polluting companies, is supporting cases against Arkema France and Daikin Chemical France over alleged contamination in St-Genis-Laval. PFAS, often referred to as ‘forever chemicals’, are used in a range of products and have been linked to cancer, birth defects, decreased immunity and other health concerns. The legal action follows investigations that found PFAS contamination in the air, soil and water around the Lyon area, as well as in the blood of local residents. Before joining ClientEarth, Duguy worked at law firm Squire Patton Boggs (UK) LLP, advising companies on chemical and environmental regulation. She outlined, “Our goal is not just to get compensation, but to force regulators to act, and that’s why this litigation path is very strategic.”

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