Financial Regulation

We advise on the supervision and regulation of investment firms, banks, building and friendly societies, insurance companies, brokers, exchanges and clearing houses (broadly all Financial Institutions which are regulated by the Financial Services Authority ("FSA")).

Among other things, we advise on:

• the rules and their application in mergers and acquisitions
• the structuring of new and innovative products
• the establishment of financial services businesses
• regulatory capital including Basel-related developments
• distribution and outsourcing arrangements
• regulatory investigations and disciplinary proceedings
• aspects of Asset Management
• developments in the law and market practice
• financial services e-commerce projects
• issues arising out of the anti-money laundering regime
  

We have been closely involved with our clients and the FSA in the consultation process surrounding the Financial Services and Markets Act ("FSMA") and the development of the FSA's Handbook. This enables us to provide insight, support and advice on the regulatory aspects of transactions in the area of financial services and to find practical solutions to the regulatory issues, whether of a strategic or compliance nature, that our clients face.

Many of the projects that we are involved in have an extensive international or cross-border element. We work in seamless integrated teams with leading local counsel who have some of the most highly regarded financial institutions lawyers in Europe, the US and Asia, as well as strong and constructive relationships with local regulators.