2022 in review: a look at key developments in opt-out collective redress in the UK

2022 was a record year for opt-out collective redress in the UK. The highest number of new collective proceedings claims were filed to date, and a record six claims were granted certification. While some actions were certified by the Competition Appeal Tribunal without challenge from the defendants, other proceedings were appealed to the Court of Appeal. All of this scrutiny saw both the judiciary – and the parties before it – test the boundaries of the certification stage; ultimately providing important guidance for the young regime. This article tracks the key developments in 2022 and analyses their impact on the collective proceedings regime under section 47B of the Competition Act 1998, before looking ahead to potential trends in 2023 and beyond.