Financial Services & Regulation
Our Financial Services & Regulation team can provide a wide range of legal services advice associated with the regulated financial sector.
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With leading practices in the UK’s two biggest financial services centres, London and Edinburgh, our team combines wholesale and retail, contentious and non-contentious expertise across banking, insurance, asset management and financial intermediation. You can be assured we understand the regulatory context in which you operate and recognise the importance of finding commercial solutions.
Our specialist regulatory lawyers advise retail and wholesale financial services firms on managing regulatory risk and resolving and avoiding regulatory action and disputes.
Having represented firms in over 400 regulatory investigations and enforcement proceedings, our team combines knowledge of regulated businesses with a clear understanding of what the regulators require.
We use that experience to help clients manage and grow their businesses through the development of new products, services and distribution channels.
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Regulatory News - Financial Services & Regulation
See allFCA: CP26/21: Proposed changes to the UK Listing Rules for closed-ended investment funds/ Engaging and enabling retail shareholders to vote – good practice
FCA is consulting on proposed changes to its UK Listing Rules for closed‑ended investment funds. FCA states that the changes are designed to strengthen the integrity of a board being able to act independently of any investment manager, apply consistent protections for all changes to investment manager fees and remuneration, and recognise the conflict arising where a substantial shareholder is also an investment manager. Responses are required by 14 August 2026. Alongside the consultation, FCA has published a note which sets out good practice to increase retail shareholder engagement and reduce barriers to voting.
FATF: Implementation guidance on FATF Recommendation 16
FATF is consulting on revisions to FATF’s Recommendation 16. Feedback is invited on a range of issues including whether the guidance provides sufficient clarity and support on; the detection and prevention of misdirected payments and how Recommendation16 applies to newer payment methods, such as digital wallets and mobile money. Responses are required by 21 August 2026. The consultation and an accompanying explanatory memorandum may be downloaded via the following link.
FCA: Listings data
FCA has published information on key trends in the UK listings market. The data will be updated quarterly. FCA intends to add new categories and share further research to provide a clearer picture of market trends in future updates.
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FCA: Handbook Notice 142
FCA has published details of Instruments made at its Board meeting on 25 June 2026. These are: Markets in Financial Instruments (Equity Transparency) Instrument 2026/30; Technical Standards (Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation) (Equity Transparency) (Amendment) Instrument 2026/31; Collective Investment Schemes Sourcebook (Statement of Recommended Practice) Instrument 2026/32, and Targeted Clarifications of Handbook Materials Instrument 2026/33.
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FCA: Why stronger Buy Now Pay Later protections are the right step for consumers
This blog by Alison Walters provides an overview of the forthcoming regulation of BNPL.
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