New documentation for unit trust investors is part of a push by regulators to provide information and protection similar to that provided to buyers of life insurance and pension plans. They have also established a cooling-off period, during which the purchase of a unit trust can be cancelled without charge. This applies only when advice has been received, typically from an independent financial advisor. Purchases made directly, for example in response to advertising, are not covered.

Most companies involved in manufacturing and heavy industry have to manage environmental problems created by past activities, either of their own or a predecessor’s making. In some cases, the practices that lead to this are no longer acceptable. Much of the industrial contamination of soil does not pose an immediate hazard, as long as the property is left undisturbed. Contamination that is an immediate threat to people and the environment, such as contaminated ground water, has to be cleaned up in most countries as a matter of law, with the company responsible bearing the cost.