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23 9月 2025
Insight
Global
Class actions are growing in volume, complexity, and strategic importance across global markets.
Their rise is a 21st-century phenomenon shaped by megatrends such as globalisation, digital transformation, economic development, rapid consumerisation, and heightened expectations of corporate responsibility. These forces are reshaping legal systems and driving demand for more accessible and coordinated litigation pathways.
Legal frameworks are evolving at pace. Australia has had well-developed class action laws for over 30 years, while other jurisdictions are building out patchwork regimes through judicial interpretation and case law. In Europe, the transposition of the EU Directive on Representative Actions is strengthening domestic systems and expanding consumer protections. In the United States, class actions are increasingly part of a broader global litigation threat, especially in consumer fraud, employment, securities, antitrust, product liability, and data privacy.
As a global disputes powerhouse and the go-to firm for class actions, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer draws on deep experience advising clients across sectors and jurisdictions. This overview covers key developments in Australia, France, Germany, Italy, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Litigation drivers are broadening - from consumer protection to financial services, environmental and human rights breaches, and ESG-related claims. Digital transformation is introducing new risks, particularly around cyber breaches and data privacy, as companies face increasing scrutiny and evolving regulatory expectations. For businesses operating across borders, the threat of parallel and transnational actions, forum shopping by claimants, and serious reputational and financial exposure is growing.
This resource is designed to support legal teams and business leaders in navigating these challenges - highlighting recent legal developments, identifying emerging trends, and helping organisations prepare and ideally avoid litigation through improved business practices and prudent risk management.
Chapters
- Class Actions Radar: Scanning global trends and risks
- Class Actions Radar: Australia
- Class Actions Radar: United Kingdom – General (England and Wales)
- Class Actions Radar: United Kingdom – Competition
- Class Actions Radar: United States
- Class Actions Radar: France
- Class Actions Radar: Germany
- Class Actions Radar: Italy
- Class Actions Radar: South Africa
- Class Actions Radar: Spain
- Class Actions Radar: Thailand
Key contacts
Jason Betts
Partner, Head of Class Actions, Asia and Australia, Sydney
Alan Watts
Partner, Head of Class Actions, UK and EMEA, London
Legal Notice
The contents of this publication are for reference purposes only and may not be current as at the date of accessing this publication. They do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Specific legal advice about your specific circumstances should always be sought separately before taking any action based on this publication.
© Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer 2026
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