Financial services

The pace of change in the financial services industry is unprecedented; the sector has never been more multifaceted.  With regulation developing continuously and being enforced more rigorously, financial services businesses are coming under greater scrutiny from the public, investors, government and the media.

We make it our business to be at the forefront of legal and regulatory changes affecting the sector so that we can guide and support our clients.

We provide legal advice to Financial Services Authority and overseas regulated businesses operating in and from the UK financial services sector.  We help clients with the legal and regulatory aspects of financial services and products, on domestic, European and international regulatory requirements, and on corporate transactions and restructurings involving our clients.

We are able to bring together lawyers who work together to deliver pragmatic solutions for clients in the financial services sector.  Legal 500 commented that the group are “competitive in pricing terms without compromising on quality”.  Chambers UK describes members of the team as being “delightful to deal with” and “pragmatic, thoughtful and co-operative”.

The core team of financial services lawyers is led by six partners, Jonathan Bayliss, Elizabeth Budd, Jonathan Crawford, Nick Janmohamed, Vincent Mercer and Kate Troup.  The team is supported by a consultant, Mervyn Couve, who has extensive financial services experience, particularly in the insurance and investment fund areas.  A characteristic of the partners and assistants in the team is that a number have worked in the financial services industry in front or back office operations.

We believe that a solid understanding of the regulatory and business environment in which our clients operate is vital if we are to provide the best service and support and become our clients’ trusted advisors.

We represent clients from all parts of the financial services community including:

• Clearing firms
• Corporate finance firms
• Custodians
• Depositaries
• Funds
• Fund managers
• Futures brokers and dealers
• General insurers
• Investment advisers
• Investment banks
• Investment funds
• Investment platforms
• Investment trusts
• Life insurers
• MTFs
• Private banks and Private wealth
• Proprietary traders
• Stockbrokers
• Wealth managers.