The contentious team at A&O Shearman represents leading financial institutions through complex, sensitive, and high-stakes regulatory, criminal and investigative matters. The firm’s stellar roster of clients spans a myriad of sectors, from traditional financial institutions such as banks, building societies, insurers, and asset managers, to more specialised and emerging entities including credit reference agencies, cryptocurrency exchanges, wealth management firms, and tech companies. Practice co-head Mahmood Lone, newly appointed as London Head of Litigation & Investigations, has standout experience in cross-border investigations into market abuse and benchmark rate manipulation. Fellow co-head Calum Burnett is a go-to adviser for high-stakes regulatory investigations, acting for the world’s leading financial institutions on contentious matters spanning market abuse, insider dealing, financial crime, and cultural failings; he is particularly sought after for his expertise in navigating FCA enforcement actions, internal investigations, and the SMCR. Eve Giles is a seasoned criminal defence lawyer with a standout practice in financial crime and cross-border regulatory investigations, advising major financial institutions and senior executives on matters ranging from market abuse and insider dealing to tax evasion and misconduct in public office. Lauded as a ‘safe pair of hands and very client friendly’, Sarah Hitchins is a trusted adviser to top-tier financial institutions, specialising in high-profile regulatory and internal investigations involving financial crime controls, consumer misselling and breaches of VREQs. Thomas Donegan has a broad practice, advising global banks and financial institutions on enforcement actions, financial services disputes, and investigations into anti-money laundering, sanctions breaches and cyber incidents. Arnondo Chakrabarti maintains a high-profile regulatory investigations and banking litigation practice.

Enhanced by its close collaboration with the non-contentious regulatory team, the ‘very responsive, practical and outcomes focused’ contentious team at Ashurst combines a deep understanding of regulatory matters, with in-house regulatory body and banking experience, supporting banks and hedge funds in investigations and enforcement matters, including market abuse, governance and SMCR issues, systems and controls failures, financial crime risks, and whistleblowing. Team head Nathan Willmott draws on decades of experience representing senior management — including CEOs, CROs, general counsel, heads of compliance, and non-executive directors — as well as financial institutions in FCA and PRA investigations on both a personal and corporate level. Willmott is particularly skilled in multi-jurisdictional enforcement investigations, skilled person reviews, SMCR and governance matters, whistleblower and internal investigations, and related litigation. Adam Jamieson advises financial services firms and senior individuals on FCA and PRA investigations, drawing on his experience from an FCA secondment. Tom Connor is well-versed in regulatory investigations, market abuse, and high-profile disputes, including derivatives, structured products, and wealth management claims.

Clifford Chance LLP remains at the forefront of regulatory, investigations and financial crime work. Its ‘highly experienced’ team is a key port of call for high-profile financial services clients, as well as a number of corporate clients across sectors including aerospace, healthcare, defence, electronics and tech. The scope of the team’s work is broad, from precedent-setting PRA and FCA investigations to sanction prosecutions and criminal proceedings under money laundering regulations. Increasingly, the group is also applying its contentious expertise to ESG, corruption, and fraud issues. The ‘experienced and pragmatic’ Dorian Drew co-heads the practice, leveraging decades of experience in high-stakes regulatory investigations and enforcement action. Drew leads the team alongside the ‘extremely capable…considered and conscientious’ Oliver Pegden, who is regularly instructed on complex regulatory enforcement matters, including high-profile FCA and PRA investigations into insider dealing, gilt market manipulation, and dividend arbitrage schemes; Pegden also leads sensitive internal investigations involving data sharing within investment banks. Kelwin Nicholls advises across a broad spectrum of contentious regulatory matters, from precedent-setting investigations in the blockchain sector to multi-agency proceedings involving complex allegations of misconduct. Michael Lyons brings deep expertise in financial crime and regulatory enforcement, routinely advising institutions on high-stakes investigations involving sanctions, AML breaches, export controls, and bribery concerns. Samantha Ward combines expertise in competition litigation and contentious regulatory enforcement, frequently supporting financial institutions in high-profile investigations spanning cartel conduct, systems and controls failures, and financial market integrity.

A go-to firm for high-profile, complex and often cross-border matters, the ‘stellar’ team at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP represents well-known financial institutions in enforcement, outsourcing, operational resilience, consumer duty, accountability reviews and market disclosures. The group’s established client roster includes high-profile banks, investment banks, asset managers, and institutions in insurance and broking. Credited for his ‘practical orientation and a measured approach’, practice head Hywel Jenkins is a key port of call for financial institutions on all aspects of FCA and PRA engagement, with a strong track record in steering firms through complex enforcement, skilled person reviews, and internal investigations. Jenkins is particularly noted for his expertise in consumer redress, and FOS matters, as well as governance issues tied to the Senior Managers Regime. Leading the global financial services practice, Jenny Stainsby excels in representing multinational institutions facing complex regulatory investigations and enforcement action. She regularly advises on skilled persons’ reviews, conduct issues, and the senior managers regime across EMEA, the US and APAC. Chris Ninan supports major banks on high-profile contentious regulatory matters, including FCA and PRA enforcement, internal investigations, and FOS interactions. Jon Ford leverages in-house investment bank regulatory experience to advise on enforcement, litigation, and investigations, notably handling cross-border FX probes and significant debt capital market disputes with regulators, including the FCA, DOJ, and SEC. Other names to note include Susannah Cogman, Karen Anderson, Tim Parkes, and Andrew Proctor.

Boasting a deep bench, enhanced by the presence of numerous ex-FSA, FCA and PRA enforcement lawyers and in-house banking lawyers, Linklaters LLP is well-equipped to handle the full range of complex, high-profile, and multi-jurisdictional regulatory matters. The firm's regular workload covers reputational risk, market misconduct, and senior management accountability. The team is headed by Nikunj Kiri advises clients through high-risk contentious matters, from managing FCA and PRA investigations into systems and controls breaches and insider dealing, to steering internal reviews, whistleblowing inquiries, and enforcement proceedings before the RDC and Upper Tribunal. Alison Wilson, noted for her litigation experience, works with various top-tier financial institutions on FCA and SFO investigations, internal inquiries into culture and conduct, section 166 reviews, and enforcement work spanning AML failings, arrears handling, and customer remediation. Head of the firm's investigations arm, Gavin Lewis is a key contact for prominent corporates, financial institutions, and funds, who turn to him for his experience in multi-jurisdictional enforcement investigations spanning the UK, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the US. Other significant figures within the team include ex-FCA managing director Clare McMullen; Elizabeth Dowd, who brings deep expertise in regulatory enforcement investigations into firms and individuals; and Ben Packer, whose capabilities extend across the worlds of tech, financial services, and sports.

Drawing upon a ‘strong contentious regulatory experience’, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner provides ‘calm, considered and professional’ advice to global financial institutions, investment exchanges, and corporates under investigation by the FCA and PRA, with noted expertise in complex capital markets trading investigations, internal investigations and consumer regulatory enforcement. Praised as ‘the go-to lawyer for regulated firms in difficulties’, practice head Polly James is noted for her capabilities in cross-border investigations for international banks, financial institutions, and senior management, with extensive experience handling internal investigations, whistleblower complaints, and regulatory interactions. David Rundle represents individuals and firms in regulatory enforcement and criminal investigations, advising on cases involving market manipulation, insider dealing, money laundering, systems and controls failures, and senior management under SMCR, as well as cross-border SFO investigations beyond financial services. ‘Powerhouse’ Marc Thorley boasts extensive experience in litigation, investigations, and regulatory matters, representing a wide range of clients, including banks and buy-side firms. Oran Gelb is a seasoned litigator and investigations lawyer who handles complex, cross-border litigation and investigations, representing institutions and individuals across the wholesale financial markets, technology, and telecom sectors.

Credited for the breadth of its expertise, the ‘very responsive, thoughtful and commercial’ team at CMS are active in all key buy-side and sell-side markets, representing banks, fund managers, insurers, and wealth managers on FCA and PRA enforcement investigations, regulatory interventions, and remediation projects, using their unique experience with skilled persons appointments to help clients respond effectively to regulatory challenges. Practice head, Ash Saluja, is praised for providing ‘deep insight into regulator practice and procedure’. Simon Morris leverages his deep expertise in supporting financial institutions through high-stakes investigations and disciplinary actions, frequently acting in FCA, PRA, and international regulatory proceedings. Alison McHaffie is a seasoned regulatory lawyer who works with a range of banks, insurers, fund managers, lenders, and advisers on FCA, PRA, and cross-border investigations, supervisory interventions, skilled person reviews, and high-stakes governance issues. Experienced in all facets of the enforcement process, Elisabeth Bremner represents financial institutions and senior executives on investigations, enforcement actions, and Skilled Persons reviews, often under intense public and regulatory scrutiny.

Leveraging its global reach, Dentons is well-placed to advise on both domestic and cross-border investigations. Credited for its ‘truly collegiate approach’, the team handles regulatory and dual track investigations for a wide array of financial institutions, asset managers, banks, insurers and brokers. Praised for her ‘solid all-round knowledge’, Katharine Harle regularly handles cross-border matters involving multiple regulators. Her workload covers enforcement actions concerning market misconduct, financial crime, CASS breaches, systems and controls failings, Principle 11 breaches, complaints handling, and governance failures. Louisa Caswell‘s recent workload has focused on regulatory regimes involving consumer redress, as well as high-profile judicial review challenges. Zeena Saleh’s focus encompasses systems and controls failures, corporate governance reviews, market abuse, insider dealing, financial crime, and non-financial misconduct, frequently supporting clients facing stringent regulatory supervision. The firm has been strengthened by the arrival of partners Andrew Barber from Pinsent Masons, and Joanna Dimmock from Paul Hastings.

Housing a ‘highly competent, very knowledgeable and responsive’ team, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP advises across regulatory and financial crime investigations, compliance, risk advisory and enforcement matters, underpinned by the team’s experience in in-house roles at regulatory bodies and major international banks. Gregory Brandman represents financial institutions and senior managers in complex regulatory investigations and disputes, covering issues from market abuse to mis-selling and control failures, while also acting in high-stakes commercial litigation across the financial sector. Claire Carroll leads on complex pensions disputes and regulatory investigations, advising trustees and employers on everything from professional negligence claims to whistleblowing reviews and FCA enforcement. Kari McKormick, a seasoned litigator, defends accountancy firms and auditors in civil disputes and regulatory investigations. Julia Neal is a key port of call for both firms and senior individuals in complex regulatory investigations, including those involving mis-selling, market abuse, and financial crime systems failings.

Regarded as a ‘star team’ in the regulatory space, Freshfields remains active on big-ticket matters, from regulatory investigations to enforcement actions with high-profile reputational stakes, showcasing expertise in cyber, ESG, and sanctions. The team is jointly headed by Sarah Parkes, Simon Orton, and Piers Reynolds. Orton is recommended for experience in acting for financial institutions, sponsors, and corporates in high-profile disputes and regulatory investigations involving complex financial products, AML and sanctions breaches, whistleblowing, and investor or M&A-related litigation. Market-leading seasoned disputes lawyer, Parkes focuses on financial services litigation. Reynolds specialises in complex litigation and contentious regulatory investigations for a broad spectrum of financial institutions, with particular expertise in FCA enforcement, cross-border investigations, mis-selling claims, and multi-jurisdictional disputes involving financial products and services. Ali Sallaway demonstrates considerable expertise in cross-border investigations and regulatory enforcement actions by the SFO, FCA, FRC, and HMRC, particularly in cases involving fraud, bribery, market abuse, and governance breaches. Christopher Robinson is noted for his focus on disputes concerning wholesale misconduct, insurance coverage matters, and financial crime. An expert in litigation and contentious regulatory matters, Thomas Clark is a key figure for various banking and financial services clients.

With a strong capability in cross-jurisdictional matters, the female-led practice group at Latham & Watkins works with a wide array of clients, including banks, exchanges, private equity firms, lenders, and hedge funds. Regarded as an ‘elite high-end financial services firm’, the team is at the forefront of trends, covering financial crime, crypto and fintech, market abuse, insider dealing, non-financial misconduct, and culture-related issues. A leading figure on culture and governance frameworks, practice co-head Nell Perks' workload covers non-financial misconduct, ESG, and AML issues. The ‘all-round strategic genius’ co-head, Andrea Monks, maintains a reputation within major international banks, investment funds, and asset managers for her handling of complex regulatory matters.

With an active cross-border disputes practice, Macfarlanes LLP regularly handles global investigations and prosecutions for a diverse clientele across investment funds, corporate, tax, competition, employment, fraud, privacy, data protection, and white-collar crime. Practice head Matt McCahearty maintains a strong track record in high-profile investigations, including LIBOR and anti-money laundering, and brings particular expertise in transatlantic matters and FCA-appointed skilled person reviews. Barry Donnelly is experienced in international financial services disputes and investigations, with noted expertise in transatlantic regulatory enforcement, having advised on high-profile LIBOR matters and acted as an FCA-approved skilled person. Laura Bridgewater is a litigation specialist who excels in sensitive investigations involving market abuse and rogue trading.

The ‘top-tier’ team at Mishcon de Reya LLP has rich expertise across the regulatory landscape, acting for both corporates and individuals in both the wholesale and retail markets. A ‘strong representative with good judgment,’ team head Guy Wilkes is noted for his standout expertise in financial crime and AML investigations, drawing on his experience heading an FCA Enforcement department and advising on high-profile matters involving supervisory intervention, insolvencies, and enforcement proceedings. Adam Epstein, well-versed both in FCA and PRA investigations, will be moving to a consultant role in 2025. Adept in cross-jurisdictional regulatory matters, Jonathan Barnett is well-equipped to advise clients across a range of regulatory matters, including market abuse, misconduct, and complex trading strategies.

Norton Rose Fulbright is active in all key areas of the contentious regulatory process, including financial crime, lending practices and governance, systems, and controls.  The team is spearheaded by ‘doyen of the FS regulatory arena’ Katie Stephen, who draws on decades of experience advising on litigation and investigations across multiple regulators, with particular expertise in tax-related disputes, skilled person reviews, internal investigations, and enforcement matters involving senior management and complex regulatory issues such as market abuse, ESG, and consumer credit. Alongside her, David Harris co-heads the team, focusing on transnational investigations and enforcement, while advising financial institutions, corporates, and senior executives on civil, criminal, and regulatory proceedings across the UK and US, with particular expertise in financial crime, sanctions, and cybersecurity-related matters. Another key name to note is Matthew Gregory.

Showcasing demonstrable expertise in FCA regulatory breach mitigation strategies, Pinsent Masons LLP’s ‘high-quality’ practice handles matters concerning remediation/redress projects, FCA investigations, mass action litigation, and s166 investigations. The ‘tremendously experienced’ practice head Jonathan Cavill works extensively for major UK financial institutions on regulatory issues, enforcement, redress schemes, routinely advising on FCA s165, s166, and enforcement proceedings, and has recently represented clients in the Upper Tribunal and in judicial reviews involving the FOS. An expert in the insurance sector, Colin Read is frequently engaged in internal and external investigations, overseeing complex fraud-related matters involving the City of London Police, as well as regulatory investigations by the FCA and the ICO. Melanie Ryan draws on extensive experience representing clients in money laundering, fraud, bribery, corruption, market abuse, and insider dealing cases.

Slaughter and May is a key port of call for a varied client roster that encompasses a broad range of market-leading domestic and international financial institutions. Co-head Ewan Brown advises boards and institutions on high-stakes FCA investigations and litigation, including leading a landmark FX investigation and its ongoing collective proceedings before the UK Supreme Court. Seasoned litigator, Jonathan Clark, handles complex, multi-jurisdictional regulatory investigations and litigation, with particular experience in benchmark manipulation and large-scale financial disputes. Gayathri Kamalanathan, whose expertise is shaped by extensive in-house experience at global banks, is renowned for her insight in matters involving coordinated regulatory and criminal enforcement. Tim Blanchard and Holly Ware have a deep bench of experts across various regulatory bodies, including the SFO, FCA, UK Competition and Markets Authority, and the European Commission.

‘Helpful and available under pressure, always looking for solutions and very collaborative’, the team at Stephenson Harwood is well-placed to act for a diverse client base on complex contentious mandates, including Skilled Person Investigations, FOS matters, regulatory investigations, and remediation schemes. Practice head Justin McClelland is widely recognised for his deep experience across regulatory, criminal, and civil matters, leveraging his dual background, including as a former prosecutor, to inform his handling of investigations involving market misconduct, cartel behaviour, and internal corporate issues. Sean Jeffrey, frequently instructed by leading financial institutions facing serious enforcement issues, has experience spanning large-scale redress schemes, FCA enforcement proceedings, and regulatory matters involving culture, governance, and client money. David Capps is a trusted handler of a wide range of regulatory issues, including market conduct, anti-money laundering, whistleblowing, sanctions, SMCR, and consumer duty obligations. Other key figures are experts in UK and EU regulatory frameworks, William Robertson and Christophe Boucherie.

The ‘innovative, commercially minded and collaborative’ team at Addleshaw Goddard provides a ‘tremendous range of expertise’ to an eclectic mix of financial services clients, including banks and lenders facing investigations and enforcement cases, including market abuse, insider dealing, anti-money laundering, MLRs, non-financial misconduct, and whistleblowing. Heading up the team is the ‘calm and measured’ David Pygott, a leading adviser on high-profile matters involving market abuse, AML, whistleblowing, and SMCR. Sarah Thomas handles a wide range of contentious regulatory matters, including investigations into financial crime systems and controls, market abuse, non-financial misconduct, fraud, perimeter issues, motor finance commission, and customer redress exercises, as well as contentious interactions with the PRA and FCA. Adept in criminal and financial regulatory matters is Harriet Territt, her workload consists of anti-money laundering, sanctions, supply chain compliance, trade and export controls, and conducts internal investigations, remediation projects, and engagements with enforcement bodies such as OFSI.

Led by Mark Simpson, the team at Baker McKenzie is adept in a host of complex regulatory enforcement and internal investigation matters, working with a mix of individuals, international banks, and other financial institutions. Simpson heads up the London practice group, exhibiting noted expertise in authorisations, business expansion, regulatory compliance, financial crime, AML, and responses to internal issues or regulatory investigations. Adept in cross-jurisdictional investigations, litigation, and regulatory compliance matters is Philip Annett, a key contact for clients in the fintech, and healthcare sectors, handling FCA and PRA enforcement actions and financial crime systems and controls issues. Jonathan Peddie departed the team in mid 2025.

Spearheaded by the ‘forward-thinking’ Ian Weinstein, Brown Rudnick LLP represents individuals, large commercial banks, and insurers in the full spectrum of contentious issues. Weinstein is renowned for his work in high-profile enforcement actions involving the FCA and FRC, with recent matters relating to motor finance and corporate audit failures. Chloë Kealey is an important contact for a varied client base, from senior individuals to listed companies, on contentious financial regulatory matters, with a particular focus on investigations and enforcement actions involving non-financial misconduct and market abuse.

With a particularly active cross-border practice, Corker Binning is regularly turned to by senior executive employees of large banks for all aspects of regulatory investigations, earning a reputation for acting sensitively and safeguarding client reputations. The ‘extremely intelligent, strategic and client-friendly’ team head, Claire Cross, draws on FCA and CMA in-house experience to advise on the full gamut of FCA, criminal and regulatory investigations. Peter Binning boasts prosecution experience for the SFO and Crown Prosecution Service, and is geared to support clients at the intersection of regulatory and criminal investigations. Nick Barnard’s well-established client base consists of individuals. David Corker remains an important individual within the team.

Counting challenger banks, subsidiary banks, investment firms, fintech firms and senior executives within its key client roster, Fox Williams LLP handles a broad range of regulatory work, including internal investigations, supervisory interventions and regulatory reporting into issues of non-financial misconduct, controls, and governance, and financial crime. ‘Extremely commercial and responsive, ’ Sona Ganatra maintains a reputation for high-profile internal investigations and regulatory advisory work, particularly involving misconduct, governance failures, and criminal allegations. Notable matters include leading the independent investigation into sexual misconduct at the CBI. While ‘smart and committed’ Sebastian Sayer is a key port of call for senior executives, compliance officers, and directors in complex regulatory and criminal matters, his highlights include advising on whistleblowing, SMCR compliance, governance, and Companies House prosecutions.

‘A significant market player in this space’, Kingsley Napley LLP demonstrates ‘real expertise and dedication’ at the intersection of regulatory and criminal matters, representing senior managers under SM&CR and in non-financial misconduct work. Practice head, Jill Lorimer, leverages extensive experience in representing individuals facing criminal investigation, prosecution for insider dealing or market abuse, alongside her in-house roles at the FCA, to support a diverse client roster. An expert in FCA investigations, financial crime, and fraud is Louise Hodges, who is a key contact for insider dealing, market manipulation, market abuse, and breach of principle cases. Nicola Finnerty excels in proceedings by the FCA, CMA, SFO, and NCA, with recent cases consisting of competition investigations and Account Freezing Orders.

Forming part of the broader global financial group, Reed Smith LLP fields a contentious team well-equipped to handle the full spectrum of regulatory work. Areas of strength include cross-jurisdictional cases where FCA, PRA, and FRC enforcement and investigations are involved. The practice acts for a multinational client roster consisting of trading companies, accountancy firms, brokerages, senior individuals, and banks. The group is headed by Robert Falkner, who boasts an active cross-border practice and is a key adviser to clients operating in the securities, foreign exchange, derivatives, and commodities space. Charles Hewetson is a key contact for high-net-worth and senior individuals on a wide range of contentious regulatory mandates.

Drawing upon its ‘deep sector knowledge, practical commerciality, and solutions-focused approach’, Travers Smith LLP provides ‘first-rate technical regulatory expertise’ to a range of financial services clients, from corporates and senior executives to large financial institutions, frequently handling highly sensitive and high-profile internal corporate investigations, FCA enforcement cases, disciplinary proceedings, and regulatory investigations. The team is led by Heather Gagen. Rob Fell, a seasoned litigator, has built significant relationships with major investment and clearing banks, specialising in high-stakes disputes before the Commercial Court and Chancery Division. A respected litigator, Caroline Edwards' workload spans various industry sectors. Toby Robinson, co-heads the investigations side of the practice, boasting extensive experience representing banks and financial institutions in FCA enforcement actions, including cases involving LIBOR and market abuse. Stephanie Lee represents a wide range of commercial clients in multi-jurisdictional cases.

Experienced in supervision and enforcement matters involving the FCA, PRA, Bank of England, Lloyd’s of London, and other regulatory bodies, WilmerHale’s securities enforcement team houses ‘US law firm heft coupled with gold-standard UK lawyers', well-equipped to act for global investment banks, insurance entities, brokers, and other financial services firms. The ‘second to none’ Stephen Pollard is a highly respected litigator at the forefront of business crime and securities enforcement, co-heads alongside Richard Burger, who leverages his in-house roles at the FCA and FRC to act in domestic and cross-border regulatory enforcement and criminal investigations. Lloyd Firth is noted for his white-collar criminal defence, regulatory enforcement, and corporate compliance. Imogen Makin is a key contact within the group.

Engaged by various investment funds, hedge funds and c-suite individuals, the ‘highly-skilled’ team at Akin is frequently called upon to advise before the Regulatory Decisions Committee, Upper Tribunal and Court of Appeal. Praised as a ‘doyenne of contentious regulatory’, practice head Helen Marshall draws on first-hand experience as head of enforcement at the FSA to assist in regulatory investigations and enforcement proceedings. Adept in white collar defence mandates, Joe Hewton is a significant contact for cross-border investigations.

Working on a growing number of civil and criminal cases, the contentious team at Bivonas Law LLP – led by Cindy Dorrington  and Roland Ellis – excels in work at the intersection of civil and criminal liability. Turned to by a diverse array of clients, from high-profile individuals to international banks, the team is equipped to handle the full spectrum of financial services contentious cases. Dorrington, praised for offering a ‘unique and impressive personalised service’, maintains a leading reputation in white-collar crime, frequently representing individuals and companies facing investigations by key UK regulators. Senior partner, Antony Brown, pairs his international reach with decades of experience within both financial services and civil and criminal fraud.  Dispute resolution lawyer Roland Ellis handles FCA investigations.

Noted for its cryptocurrency focus, Cooke, Young & Keidan LLP is a key port of call for crypto asset clients navigating regulatory risks, advising on FCA engagement, financial promotions, and AML registration. Clients praise the team for being ‘on the cutting edge of financial services advisory and non-advisory’. The group is headed by the ‘sharp and pragmatic’ Stephen Elam, who brings litigation and regulatory knowledge to complex, contentious issues, representing both crypto clients and a range of financial services corporates and individuals. Sam Roberts is recognised for his expertise in cross-border issues involving brokerage, platform compliance, and regulatory enforcement in both traditional and digital asset markets, with a focus on crypto-related litigation.

The team at DAC Beachcroft LLP is jointly led by Angela Hayes, who is praised by clients for her ‘specialist advice and support.’ Hayes is a veteran contentious lawyer who frequently handles allegations of market abuse, trading errors, transaction reporting, bribery, fraud, or misconduct. The practice is co-led by the ‘bright, astute and very experienced’ Jonathan Brogden, who excels at the intersection of financial crime, fraud and regulatory defence, including multi-jurisdictional disputes, contentious crypto asset matters, and high-profile enforcement actions.

Noted for FCA intervention work, Fieldfisher has an established regulatory team with expertise in market abuse, market manipulation, and litigation. Building on a client base of retail asset managers and city broker dealers, the ‘steady and reliable’ team now also advises price comparison websites, peer-to-peer lenders, among other clients. A key contact for a host of financial institutions, including retail banks and asset managers, Simon Lafferty heads the practice. Duncan Black specialises in contentious regulatory, financial regulatory, and banking litigation matters, offering standout experience in his current roles in the Upper Tribunal and Tax and Chancery Chamber. Sam Clyndes offers enhanced FCA experience and technical knowledge.

Greenberg Traurig, LLP provides ‘clear, calm and strategic advice’ to businesses and individuals, offering a comprehensive service in regulatory issues, enhanced by deep experience with the FCA, PRA, RDC and the Upper Tribunal. ‘One of the most accomplished players in the sector’, practice head Matt Hancock boasts extensive experience advising individuals and corporates on FCA and PRA enforcement and supervisory matters, including issues under the Senior Managers and Certification Regime. Tim Dolan has deep expertise in UK and EU regimes, regularly advising institutions and individuals on the application and interpretation of FCA and PRA rules, authorisations, supervisory engagement, and ESG-related regulatory change. Katharine Bond, noted for her focus on FCA and PRA investigations, enforcement, and supervisory engagement, is recommended for matters at the intersection of regulatory scrutiny, employment law, and internal investigations.

Hickman & Rose's regulatory and white-collar criminal defence capabilities, combined with its strong litigation bench, make the firm well-placed to act for organisations, executives, and high-net-worth individuals facing professional fallout from FCA and FRC investigations. The team is led by the ‘smart and tactically astute’ Andrew Katzen, whose workload consists of insider dealing, market abuse, unauthorised financial business, non-financial misconduct and breaches of FCA regulations. ‘Unfazed by any challenge’, Claire Wallace is a key contact for various high-net-worth individuals and other prominent figures facing both criminal and regulatory investigations. Co-founder Ben Rose handles FRC and FCA matters for a diverse array of clients.

A key port of call for various fund sponsor clients, Kirkland & Ellis International LLP is equipped to advise on UK and international regulatory authorities, processes, and requests for information. The team is jointly headed by Julia Dixon, a ‘fantastic operator’, who leverages extensive experience in regulatory supervisory activity, investigations, and proceedings. Marcus Thompson excels in business-related criminal matters for private equity firms and related portfolio companies, notably anti-money laundering, anti-bribery, and corruption.

Noted for its strong international regulatory practice, the team at Mayer Brown International LLP is well-placed to address an array of issues facing major financial institutions, spanning banking, insurance, investment firms, asset managers, funds, and fintech, including crypto and digital assets. The practice is headed by Christopher Chapman, credited for his ‘insightful and pragmatic advice’, is a key contact for financial institutions and senior managers on FCA and PRA enforcement, investigations, and high-stakes disputes involving market abuse, governance issues, and cross-border regulatory scrutiny in banking and insurance.

Litigation and disputes boutique firm, Pallas Partners LLP has been on a growth trajectory since its launch in 2022, drawing praise for its ‘comprehensive attention to and mastery of detail’. The group boasts deep knowledge of regulatory bodies, including SFO, FCA, PRA, DOJ, SEC and CFTC, as well as financial crime, insider trading, corruption, sanctions, whistleblowing, conduct, privacy, culture, ESG-related matters, and other sensitive issues. The team is jointly led by ‘robust and fearless’ Matthew Getz, who leverages his US/UK dual-qualification to represent multinational financial institutions, and the ‘fantastic’ Tracey Dovaston, who brings extensive experience in complex litigation matters.

Sidley Austin LLP retains a reputation as a trusted adviser in complex and politically sensitive investigations, frequently representing global corporations and individuals in a myriad of cases, from money laundering to international crime trials which overlap with regulatory enforcement concerns. Much of the work has an international element, demanding deep sector experience of both the UK and other jurisdictions' regulatory bodies. The London team is led by Sara George, praised for her capabilities in the 'most complex and high-stakes matters’, draws on experience as a former criminal barrister to advise corporates on matters involving market abuse, insider dealing, money laundering, fraud, and cyber breaches. George also represents clients in complex enforcement actions before the FCA, tribunals, and criminal courts.

Counting asset management firms, investment advisory firms, and fintech firms among its diverse roster of clients, Squire Patton Boggs handles a range of mandates, from advice concerning FCA regulatory investigations, skilled person reviews, and investment mis-selling disputes, to High Court litigation and claims to the FOS. Hannah Laming, regarded by clients as ‘impressive, approachable and a great lawyer’, draws on her experience in the FCA’s Wholesale Enforcement Division to act in cases involving market abuse, insider dealing, money laundering, and systems and controls breaches, regularly conducting internal investigations and defending clients facing enforcement and criminal scrutiny. Chris Webber is a key contact for skilled person reviews and FCA enforcement investigations, with recent work involving sanctions compliance, post-acquisition regulatory issues, systems and controls failures, and large-scale customer remediation. The firm has been bolstered by the addition of several partners, including Ellie Pinnels from Fieldfisher and Victoria Callicott from Eversheds Sutherland.

Noted for its capabilities in the retail financial services sphere, TLT represents retail banks, building societies, and consumer finance firms in sensitive regulatory issues and interactions with regulators, frequently engaging with the FCA, PRA, CMA and ICO. The team is also experienced in matters concerning mis-selling, fraud and whistleblowing. Manchester-based practice head James Chadwick is a seasoned litigator and contentious regulatory specialist with deep experience advising high-profile institutions and senior managers on complex investigations and enforcement actions, as well as Consumer Duty compliance, regulatory crisis response, and Section 166 reviews. In Bristol, Jonathan Hoey maintains a reputation for banking litigation. Richard Hayllar is a go-to for UK banks across lending disputes, contentious regulatory issues, receivership, and fraud.

Working closely with the firm's white collar crime department, Withers LLP's contentious practice spans senior executives, non-executive individuals and owner-manager businesses facing exits, disciplinary action and international investigations by the FCA, with an increasing specialism in crypto disputes and regulation. Practice head Harvey Knight is a key contact for senior managers seeking counsel on legal and reputational issues. Knight regularly handles complex regulatory permissions, supervision, enforcement, and internal investigations, often involving agencies such as the FCA, PRA, SFO, and overseas regulators, where his work spans crisis management, financial crime prevention, and navigating multi-agency scrutiny.

Fielding an ‘efficient, proactive and competent’ team, BCL Solicitors LLP works with a range of high-net-worth individuals and senior executives, who turn to the team for its expertise in insider dealing, market abuse, market manipulation, mis-selling financial products, breaches of AML, breaches of internal policies, and other regulatory misconduct. Richard Sallybanks chairs the practice, bringing expertise on the full gamut of crime and regulatory investigations.

With a team across Bristol and London, Burges Salmon LLP is praised by clients for its ‘intelligence and deep understanding of technical areas of commercial law’, working with both regulators and private sector clients. ‘Outstanding' practice head, Matthew Kaltsas-Walker, acts for a mix of construction companies, financial services businesses, and energy companies. Suzanna Padmore is a specialist litigator, with niche expertise in pensions matters, including SIPPs and SASSs. Caroline Brown specialises in multi-claims litigation, banking and finance disputes, and professional negligence.

Constantine Law Limited boasts a particular strength in handling internal investigations and disciplinary proceedings involving both FCA and PRA exposure and non-financial misconduct, regularly working closely with the firm's employment law team. The group is led by Sarah Wallace, a ‘brilliant strategist and excellent all-around lawyer’ who works with various senior executives and firms involved in FCA, SFO, and DOJ investigations. Wallace is especially noted for her defence-side work in complex enforcement actions, including LIBOR and insider dealing cases. The team was strengthened by the arrival of John Milner in March 2025.

Lauded for its ‘tenacious and meticulous work’ as well as its ‘positive, solution-focused attitude’, the team at DWF works with clients across the full suite of regulatory issues, frequently advising on FCA supervisory actions. Practice head Robbie Constance, praised for his ‘unwavering commitment to detail’, advises various retail investment firms, maintaining a reputation for conduct risk, regulation, proposition, and distribution work. Lucy Tolond handles high-value claims against financial professionals, disputes over policy coverage, appeals to the Supreme Court, and regulatory complaints brought before the FOS. Regularly defending individuals and corporates in financial crime investigations, Euros Jones frequently advises on prosecutorial actions by authorities such as the SFO, FCA, HMRC, and CPS.

A ‘responsive, professional, and committed’ team, Gowling WLG represents financial institutions in the full gamut of regulatory matters. The team has extensive experience in FCA and PRA authorisation, supervision, and enforcement, boasting niche expertise in the regulatory aspects of fintech, including blockchain developments and cryptocurrency. Praised as a ‘stand-out partner’, James Sidwell brings specialist experience in financial services litigation, fraud, regulatory enforcement, and asset tracing. Adept in multijurisdictional mandates, Catherine Naylor's specialisms include fraud, regulatory breaches, and cryptocurrency disputes.

Cross-border mandates constitute a core part of King & Spalding LLP’s offering, notably at the intersection of US and UK contentious regulatory mandates, where the team works in conjunction with its US office. Praised for its ‘heavy-hitting financial services litigation practice’, the firm is well-equipped to support individuals, executives, and corporates. Practice head Aaron Stephens draws on his US/UK dual qualification to advise clients on the full spectrum of criminal and regulatory investigations, including fraud, regulatory breaches, and cryptocurrency disputes.

Milbank represents both individuals and institutions across the full spectrum of investigation, regulation, and litigation work, particularly in matters with a transatlantic dimension.  ‘Sharp, responsive, and easy to work with’, practice head William Charles is a go-to figure for multi-agency investigations and enforcement actions involving issues such as insider dealing, market manipulation, AML breaches, and mis-selling.

Shoosmiths LLP is noted for its expertise across the full spectrum of regulatory enforcement proceedings and investigations, including misconduct and whistleblowing, financial crime issues such as AML and sanctions breaches, s166 and s168 reviews, past business remediation, witness and suspect representation, and related follow-on litigation. The team also offers support on compliance audits, senior manager approvals, and regulatory change implementation. The London team is headed by Daren Allen, a key port of call for large corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals. Andrew Bowden-Brown is recommended for his work with asset-based lenders and banks.

The financial services group at Trowers & Hamlins LLP covers the full range of unregulated and regulated funds, representing hedge funds, real estate, commodity trade advisers, private equity firms, and closed-end listed funds. Sean Donovan-Smith continues to lead on complex matters, drawing on decades of experience in the sector.