Regulatory investigations end faster when they're handled like one.
FCA and PRA enforcement, investigations and regulatory litigation, led by a partner who spent a decade inside the regulator before joining the firm.
Winning the argument is not the same as solving the problem.
A client under investigation doesn't want to win a procedural argument with the regulator. They want the investigation to conclude, their authorisation to remain intact, and their name out of the trade press — and those goals sometimes call for cooperation rather than confrontation.
Having worked inside the FCA's enforcement division, we advise from a clear understanding of how the regulator actually makes decisions internally, not just what the published guidance says.
— David Okonjo-Reid, Partner
How we work on these matters.
Enforcement Defence
Representing firms and individuals through FCA and PRA enforcement investigations, from first notice to final outcome.
Regulatory Litigation
Challenging regulatory decisions before the Upper Tribunal where the substance genuinely warrants contest.
Proactive Compliance Advice
Advising firms before a regulatory issue becomes an investigation, drawing on direct enforcement experience.
The Mandate Journey™
FCA enforcement action against a major insurer
A coordinated response to an FCA enforcement investigation resulted in a substantially reduced penalty.
Read the full Mandate Journey →Questions we're asked before instruction.
We've received a first notice from the FCA — what happens next?
The early response shapes the entire investigation's trajectory. We advise on positioning within the first 72 hours wherever possible.
Should we cooperate fully with a regulatory investigation?
Usually, in substantial part — but strategically, not unconditionally. We advise on where cooperation shortens the process and where it doesn't.
Can a regulatory decision be appealed?
Yes, to the Upper Tribunal, though we advise carefully on when the substance actually warrants that step versus a negotiated resolution.