A&O Shearman fields a team praised by its clients for its ‘strong technical knowledge’, with a strong track record across the range of financial regulatory matters, including prudential regulation, resolution planning, payments, fintech and consumer finance, which often lie at the intersection of national and international regulations. The team is co-headed by Bob Penn, a seasoned regulatory specialist, who excels in supporting banks, asset managers and market infrastructure providers on regulation matters. Thomas Donegan is particularly active in the UK regulatory landscape, and his offering ranges from advisory to transactional work. While Kate Sumpter, a key contact for financial market infrastructure operators, brings expertise in bank recovery and resolution regimes. Nick Bradbury is adept in matters involving crypto and digital assets. Nadia Pascal is another key contact.

Praised by clients for its ‘mix of legal expertise, business acumen, market insight and client relationship management’, Clifford Chance LLP’s financial services group boasts comprehensive expertise across M&A transactions, digital assets, innovative technologies, policy work, funding and payments, with noted capabilities in multi-jurisdictional mandates. Practice head Caroline Meinertz brings deep sector knowledge concerning global financial institutions. Simon Crown is a key contact for bank and securities regulations, with a specialism in regulatory capital, client assets, and European directives. Caroline Dawson supports clients with investment banking, securities and derivatives, and market infrastructure, boasting particular expertise in ESG, cross-border compliance, and regulatory change. Paul Ellison is noted for his work concerning the structuring of private equity funds and the regulatory aspects of corporate transactions. Expert in supporting global financial institutions, blockchain disruptors, and crypto service providers on complex cross-border regulatory issues is Monica Sah. Diego Ballon Ossio is noted for his expertise in post-Brexit regulatory work, alongside trading and conduct requirements, custody and settlement, and benchmark regulation. Stephanie Peacock is another key contact.

Latham & Watkins leverages its global reach to advise on cross-border regulatory risk amid geopolitical upheaval, and is highlighted for its ‘ability to combine technical legal precision with commercial pragmatism’ through its comprehensive financial services offering, spanning ESG, M&A, capital markets, and consumer credit. The group is jointly spearheaded by Nicola Higgs and Rob Moulton, praised for their ‘deep subject-matter expertise, global coordination, and responsiveness’. Higgs maintains a strong reputation for global investment banks, wealth managers, and market infrastructure providers on conduct of business, MiFID II, PRIIPs, and EU Benchmark Regulation, with particular strength in complex product distribution and contested enforcement. Moulton, meanwhile, brings deep expertise in MiFID, MAR, and conduct rules, regularly guiding investment banks, asset managers, and clearing houses through high-profile transactions, regulatory change, and enforcement proceedings. Mark Austin draws on his FCA advisory experience to support clients with UK capital markets reform and equity capital markets transactions. Noted for her work with financial institutions, fintechs, and fund managers, Becky Critchley is a specialist in consumer protection, benchmark regulation, conduct rules, consumer duty, and regulated lending. Anne Mainwaring leads the practice’s ESG offering, advising global financial institutions and asset managers on UK and EU ESG regulatory compliance. Jonathan Ritson-Candler is a key port of call for global banks, asset managers, insurers, broker-dealers, and market infrastructure.

Leveraging ‘breadth and depth’ throughout the financial services sector, which is enhanced by the team’s international capability, Linklaters LLP is well-positioned to support clients with retail and consumer concerns, ESG requirements, wholesale reforms, fintech and digital assets matters, and governance concerns. Former practice head Martyn Hopper retired from the practice in January 2025, and the team has since been strengthened by the arrival of new head Harry Eddis, a market-leading expert in financial markets regulation. Eddis brings particular specialism in clearing platforms, fintech innovation, perimeter and conduct issues, regularly advising major banks, broker-dealers and investment managers on complex regulatory change, including MiFID II and post-Brexit compliance. Michael Kent has a reputation within major banks and investment firms for work involving governance, SMCR implementation, MiFID II, and market infrastructure initiatives, and is particularly well-versed in advising on high-profile consortia projects and complex regulatory change. Peter Bevan excels in broker-dealer and investment bank advisory, regulatory investigations, and product structuring, frequently advising global financial institutions on regulatory change, ESG, market abuse, and cross-border compliance. While Alastair Holt brings broad sector expertise across licensing, conduct, governance, prudential rules, and transactions, with a growing focus on the insurance sector. The ‘knowledgeable and commercially minded’ Raza Naeem is noted for work involving ESG, MiFID, Brexit and funds regulation. James Morris and Clare Whittle are further key contacts.

'Commercially aware and pragmatic’, the team at Ashurst offers a deep and varied bench of experienced practitioners, equipped to handle large-scale regulatory changes concerning digital assets and fintech, ESG EU/UK law, investment, and market infrastructure cases, among other key workstreams. Practice head Jake Green supports a client roster of banks, brokers, fund managers, and digital platforms on complex matters including MiFID, market conduct, market abuse, financial crime, and regulatory enforcement, with particular expertise in innovative retail brokerage models. Etay Katz is a specialist in complex prudential, fintech, and blockchain regulatory issues, and uniquely appointed to the FCA’s Innovation Advisory Board, HM Treasury and Bank of England’s Digital Pound forum, and ICMA’s FinTech Committee, reflecting his central role in shaping the regulatory future of digital finance and capital markets transformation. Sidika Ulker is another key contact.

Praised by clients for its 'broad ranging capabilities and deep expertise', CMS' financial services regulatory practice works with a range of financial services clients, both wholesale and retail, including retail lenders, consumer credit providers, insurers and intermediaries, investment funds, fintech and digital asset firms, payment service providers and wholesale market participants. Practice head Ash Saluja draws on his deep experience in the full gamut of regulatory and commercial matters, for both the sell side and buy side. Adept in outsourcing matters is Angela Greenough, whose practice extends to complex commercial contracts and operational resilience aspects of matters. Sam Robinson is a key contact for banks, asset management firms, and broker-dealers in matters involving payments and fintech. Insurance specialist Pippa Tasker is equipped to handle insurance distributions, unregulated funds, cross-border business, and asset management regulation. Simon Morris leverages decades of experience in market conduct and governance work to guide financial institutions through regulatory authorisations. Joy Davey is a go-to adviser for outsourcing requirements and operational resilience requirements. Tom Callaby is a key contact for buy and sell-side firms, advising on M&A, securities, derivatives, and complex commercial transactions. Paul Edmondson remains an important contact within the group.

Freshfields

Maintaining a strong reputation within the investment banking sector, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP provides ‘concise, timely and commercial regulatory advice’, with its practice extending to sustainable finance, fintech, crypto and digital assets. Practice head Marina Reason is a key contact for traditional and digital finance clients and is particularly active on cutting-edge issues including blockchain tokenisation, the UK FMI Digital Sandbox, and consumer duty implementation. Clive Cunningham leverages his deep sector knowledge in banking, securities, and asset management, which is underpinned by his experience as a banking regulator. Kelesi Blundell regularly works with clients in the banking, investment, and financial market infrastructure sectors. James Palmer is a leading authority on corporate governance, M&A, and financial regulation, regularly advising clients on high-stakes matters involving boardroom disputes, regulatory investigations, and complex transactional or crisis scenarios.

The ‘capable and experienced’ team at Norton Rose Fulbright provides ‘360 degree knowledge of the sector covering all regulatory and contentious angles’ to a range of financial services clients and fintechs, leveraging the bench strength of its uniquely blended contentious and non-contentious team. The practice is jointly spearheaded by the ‘efficient, sensible and direct’ Jonathan Herbst, Hannah Meakin and Katie Stephen. Herbst boasts extensive experience advising UK and global clients on complex bank structuring, systems and controls, and the implementation of the Senior Managers Regime, drawing on his previous role as Head of European Law at the FSA. Meakin is a specialist in financial services regulation, with a focus on market infrastructure, commodities derivatives, and crypto, advising clients on compliance across trading, clearing, custody, and wholesale conduct. Stephen’s regulatory acumen covers systems and controls, corporate governance, ESG, individual accountability, and regulatory reporting, with particular expertise in skilled person reviews, internal investigations, and the design and implementation of redress and remediation programmes. Matthew Gregory is a key port of call for banks, investment firms, and fintech firms on a broad range of regulatory issues, with particular strength in retail conduct, regulatory capital, and policy development.

Simmons & Simmons is engaged by a diverse client base that spans global banks, brokerages, asset managers, hedge funds, cryptocurrency businesses, insurance companies, and payment services companies. Penny Miller leads the team, noted for her expertise in handling work across multiple regions, while advising boards and senior executives on governance, conduct risk, culture, and major regulatory developments, including the FCA Consumer Duty and EU retail investment strategy. Darren Fox is a highly regarded regulatory adviser to buy-side clients, including hedge funds and private fund managers, with deep expertise in market abuse prevention, SMCR compliance, transaction reporting, and fund marketing regulation across UK and European jurisdictions. Charlotte Stalin advises global investment firms and banks on business structuring, regulatory compliance, and ongoing reform, with particular expertise in cross-border regulation, Brexit transition, and IBOR remediation. Adept in advising buy-side clients, James Wallace supports private equity and hedge fund managers on UK and EU regulatory frameworks covering MiFID, AIFMD, SMCR, and ESG.

Slaughter and May fields a financial regulation team adept in supporting a range of clients -- including insurance firms, investment groups, banks, payment service providers, and asset managers -- in the full array of non-contentious mandates. Co-head Jan Putnis advises a broad range of financial institutions on complex regulatory matters, corporate transactions, structural reforms, and post-Brexit business strategies, with particular expertise in governance, regulatory compliance, recovery and resolution regimes, and multijurisdictional corporate restructurings. Fellow co-head Nick Bonsall is skilled in complex prudential regulatory matters, capital efficiency transactions, financial institution reorganisations, and portfolio acquisitions and disposals, with a specialism in UK and EU solvency and governance regimes, supervisory and contentious regulatory issues, and Brexit-related restructuring. Adept in supporting fintech firms and challenger banks on transactional and advisory matters, David Shone frequently counsels on capital instrument structuring and group reorganisations, particularly for regulatory and strategic purposes. Kristina Locmele is a further key contact.

Led by Tim Lewis, the ‘technically brilliant and commercial team’ team at Travers Smith LLP provides an ‘excellent breadth of knowledge and expertise’ to a range of entities, from alternative and traditional asset managers, hedge and credit funds, private equity houses, brokers, banks, payment services to fintech, crypto and digital assets firms. Lewis is widely recognised for his deep expertise in financial services regulation, with a commercial focus on private equity and asset management, where he leads on ESG-related regulatory matters including SFDR, EU Taxonomy, and TCFD implementation. Maintaining a reputation within alternative asset managers is Phil Bartram who advises on major global M&A deals, sensitive investigations, fintech and payment infrastructures, and ESG initiatives. The ‘fintech, payments and financial markets powerhouse’, Natalie Lewis, is a key contact for general corporates navigating the regulatory perimeter, financial market infrastructures, especially payment systems and central securities depositories, traditional financial institutions, payments and e-money institutions. Mark Evans draws on extensive experience in clearing and settlement, having led major innovations in financial markets and advised regulators, policymakers, and central banks on key legislative and regulatory reforms affecting the UK’s digital and financial sectors.

Under the expert guidance of Rosanna Bryant, the team at Addleshaw Goddard handles the full range of regulatory work for banks, fund managers, insurers, investment platforms, payment services, cryptocurrency, building societies, and digital token businesses. Credited for ‘providing bespoke legal and compliance advice’, Bryant maintains a leading reputation within the consumer finance space, with her offering extending to retail financial services transactions, and structured finance, including portfolio sales, fintech product development, and regulatory input on securitisation and forward flow arrangements. Adept in wealth, private banking, and retail investments is Lorna Finlayson, who advises on regulatory compliance across the full client journey, including COBS, Consumer Duty, and CASS. Ben Koehne is a key port of call for various banks, building societies, mutuals and asset managers on matters involving corporate governance, group restructurings, regulatory-driven transactions, and strategic UK and cross-border M&A. James Greig is recommended for regulatory strategy and policy for wholesale financial institutions, drawing on his senior in-house and advisory experience to guide firms on regulatory engagement, post-Brexit structuring, outsourcing, and governance across the UK, EU and US. Leveraging her considerable experience at the Bank of England, Tess Kelly has strengthened the practice with her offering in prudential and wholesale issues, including capital, liquidity, resolution, operational resilience, and digital assets.

Housing a specialist fintech advisory practice, the team at Baker McKenzie LLP supports fintech firms with strategic and regulatory guidance, as well as offering the full range of regulatory advice across hedge funds, market infrastructure, derivatives, and financial crime, supporting top-tier clients with cross-border regulatory compliance, investigations, and strategic innovation. The team is headed by Mark Simpson, who frequently handles regulatory authorisations, business expansion, AML, and responding to regulatory investigations, while also contributing to financial crime law development and governmental advisory work. A specialist in representing global banks, asset managers, corporates, and payment institutions, Caitlin McErlane's workload consists of complex UK and EU regulatory matters, including compliance, acquisitions, market infrastructure, and cross-border trading.

Kirkland & Ellis International LLP represents a broad roster of financial services clients, including fund administration and depositary businesses, insurance and credit brokerage businesses, financial advisory firms, and payment service operators. Co-head, Lisa Cawley, leverages her strong reputation with private equity and investment firms to advise on regulatory compliance, FCA authorisations, fund structuring, governance, and evolving EU/UK financial services rules, including ESG considerations. Julia Dixon focuses on private equity funds and financial services clients, providing strategic regulatory guidance while navigating complex fund structuring, cross-border deals, governance frameworks, and compliance with evolving UK and EU financial regulations. Thomas Woodhead brings expertise in FCA regulation for private fund sponsors, advising on fund structuring and financial services M&A across diverse alternative investment strategies, with a keen focus on emerging industry trends. Skilled in regulatory issues within the private investment fund industry, Adam Skinner focuses on primary and secondary fundraising and GP-led transactions. Deirdre Haugh and Albert Weatherill are other important names to note.

Fielding an ‘extremely responsive’ team, Reed Smith LLP maintains a strong international reputation for ‘high-quality services and exceptional knowledge about the industry’, acting for a varied array of clients in the sector, including payment service providers, investment banks, asset managers, banks, and brokerages. Co-head David Calligan is a highly respected financial regulatory specialist with over three decades of experience advising investment managers, brokers, and trading firms, particularly in the CFD and FX space, on non-contentious matters such as UK regulatory compliance, authorisations, and the regulatory aspects of financial services M&A. Fellow co-head Chris Borg is a seasoned regulatory specialist, handling matters relating to futures, options, and the regulation of energy and commodity trading. Claude Brown is adept at handling non-contentious ESG legal work, advising on adaptive finance, green finance, and voluntary carbon markets, with a focus on innovative, impact-driven financing solutions for climate resilience, sustainable development, and social infrastructure across emerging economies. Brett Hills focuses on regulatory and transactional work across energy, commodities, and environmental markets, advising traders, banks, and exchanges on complex products like carbon credits, power and gas trading, and listed derivatives. Romin Dabir advises alternative fund managers on fund formation, structuring, and marketing, as well as guiding buy- and sell-side clients through governance, perimeter, and compliance issues under FSMA and related regimes.

With a reputation for investment fund regulation, the ‘commercial, diligent, and responsive’ team at Sidley Austin LLP advises on UK and EU regulatory frameworks, working with a host of banks, global asset management firms, private credit funds, and US corporates. Credited for his ‘depth of knowledge as well as commercial awareness’, practice head Leonard Ng guides global financial institutions through complex UK and EU regulations, including post-crisis frameworks, Brexit-related changes, sustainable finance/ESG, and crypto-asset regulation. Rachpal K. Thind offers expertise on regulatory investigations and breaches, and offers expertise in structured finance and capital markets, including securitisation, regulatory capital, marketing, listing requirements, and market conduct under the market abuse regulation.

The ‘responsive and experienced’ team at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is a pipeline for asset managers, insurance firms, payment service providers, banks, and currency exchange platforms, in particular those under investigation by regulators, including the FCA and PRA. The team is headed in London by Polly James, a key port of call for financial institutions, who brings significant expertise in FCA/PRA interactions, governance frameworks, and SMCR implementation. David Rundle advises clients on financial crime compliance and governance matters, drawing on his dual regulatory and criminal expertise to support firms, particularly in the financial services sector, with preventative strategies and SMCR-related responsibilities. Marc Thorley is noted for his capabilities in supporting clients with risk management and navigating evolving financial regulatory expectations. Oran Gelb handles internal governance and regulatory risk in wholesale financial markets. Joseph Ninan is another key contact.

Noted for its buy-side offering for asset managers, Dechert LLP also maintains a strong practice concerning fund managers, investment services, derivatives and trading, and ESG-related matters. Practice head Gus Black boasts deep expertise in investment funds, spanning private equity, debt, and hedge funds, and also regularly advises on the establishment and restructuring of international asset management businesses. With noted experience in UK and EU financial services regulation, Katie Carter advises banks, investment and fund managers on compliance with frameworks like AIFMD, MiFID II, and SFDR. Karen Anderberg supports European, Asian, and US asset managers and investment funds on US financial services regulatory matters. Karen Stretch is lauded for her advisory and transactional work, with specialist expertise in EMIR, SFTR, short selling, and benchmarks regulations. Mikhaelle Schiappacasse heads the ESG group, advising fund clients on EU sustainable regulations. Richard Frase is a key contact for advisory and structuring work.

Dentons utilises its international reach to support global banks, challenger banks, and the banking arms of retailers in cross-border compliance, coordinating multi-jurisdictional regulatory surveys and advising on international financial regulations. The team is headed by Greg McEneny, an experienced in-house regulatory practitioner, who brings deep expertise in post-Brexit market reform, regulatory capital, conduct rules, and the regulation of payments, derivatives, and market infrastructure. Andrew Barber is a go-to adviser for banks, fintechs, and consumer credit firms on authorisations, compliance, governance, and regulatory change, including consumer duty and financial crime prevention.

Drawing upon its ability to provide ‘real-world, pragmatic advice’, the financial services team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP provides ‘unique insights into how firms in the market approach key matters’, advising a wide array of clients — covering banking, asset management, investment management, insurance, pensions, funds, payments, e-money, securities services provision, and digital assets — on a range of advisory and transactional matters, with key specialisms in banking, ESG regulation and funds regulation. Practice head Michaela Walker brings expertise in a wide range of regulatory matters, including UCITS, AIFMD, MiFID, Consumer Duty, and ESG, regularly guiding clients through issues such as custody under CASS, sustainability labelling, marketing rules, outsourcing, and regulatory risk management.  Julian Brown, a pipeline for fund manager clients, handles the implementation of major regulatory reforms like UCITS I–V, MiFID, AIFMD, and Brexit-related changes. Tim Fosh, praised for his ‘deep practical knowledge‘, is also recommended.

Fox Williams LLP is praised for its ‘commercial approach’, advising a diverse client base that spans from banks and insurers to wealthtech companies and crypto firms on the full range of regulatory work, including conduct and product regulation, capital requirements, M&A due diligence, and FCA/PRA change in control approvals. Co-head Sona Ganatra represents financial institutions and senior executives in complex FCA, PRA, and SFO matters, including SMCR, misconduct, governance failures, and financial criminal conduct, while also spearheading sensitive cross-border investigations and providing strategic guidance through enforcement and remediation processes. Fellow co-head Peter Finch supports a client roster ranging from startups to major institutions on regulatory compliance, product launches, authorisations, and sector-specific rules, while demonstrating excellence in transactional matters such as fintech investments and consumer loan portfolio deals.

The team at Katten Muchin Rosenman maintains a reputation for its comprehensive offering, spanning FCA authorisation, regulatory reporting, trading documents and brokerage documents, working with a broad client roster of crypto investors, asset managers, hedge funds, investment banks, brokers, as well as trading venues including clearing houses and settlement banks. The team is jointly spearheaded by Carolyn Jackson, a seasoned expert in complex cross-border compliance; Nathaniel Lalone, a key contact for global market participants; and Neil Robson, whose specialisms span finance, fintech, funds, and transactions.

Praised for its ‘ability to combine deep regulatory expertise with commercially grounded, client-focused advice’, the regulatory team at Macfarlanes LLP has standout specialisms in the retail, funds and investment management sectors. Co-head Alexandra Green is noted for her ‘clarity of thought, commercial awareness, and deep understanding of the regulatory landscape’ and boasts deep experience across a broad range of financial services regulatory matters including restructurings, authorisations, regulatory capital, compliance with IFPR and SMCR, product launches and governance, FCA/PRA applications and investigations, corporate governance and AML obligations. Green also provides specialist guidance to family offices on regulatory compliance and licensing. Fellow co-head Michael Sholem handles authorisations, changes of control, governance, financial benchmarks, ESG, and investigations. He also advises non-financial clients on regulatory impacts, EU law developments, Brexit, and emerging areas like cryptocurrency and ESG.

The ‘exceptionally responsive and collaborative’ practice at Mayer Brown International LLP works with a diverse global client base, from buy-side clients in asset management and insurance to sell-side in banking, covering regulatory, policy and enforcement matters. The team is headed by Chris Chapman, an expert in regulatory matters under UK and EU law, including regulatory compliance, authorisations, and domestic and cross-border transactions; Chapman also guides senior managers through complex regulatory frameworks and investigations. Musonda Kapotwe, head of the EU ESG regulatory practice, advises a domestic and international client base on banking, capital markets, M&A, prudential regulation, and ESG financial product rules.

Paul Hastings LLP is noted for its comprehensive offering, spanning ESG regulatory advice, complex fund structuring, multijurisdictional M&A, and financing transactions, supported by seamless collaboration across its London, US, and Asia offices. The team is led by Arun Srivastava, an expert in regulatory compliance, who has greatly boosted the firm’s offering across finance, fintech and payments, funds, and transactional work. Another name to note is Nina Moffatt, a specialist in EU regulatory requirements.

The regulatory team at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP has been strengthened by the recent arrival of new practice head Prem Mohan and Reva Raghavan. Credited for its ‘commitment to personalised client service and responsiveness’, the team delivers a range of regulatory guidance — including FCA compliance and change in controls applications — working with a host of fund and asset managers across a range of sectors spanning healthcare, insurance, financial services, tech, and payments. ‘One of the most highly regarded practitioners in the market’, Mohan draws on his deep experience to represent private investment fund sponsors on regulatory matters related to fund structuring, co-investment arrangements, restructurings, liquidity solutions, secondary transactions, and strategic minority investments. Raghavan supports a number of sponsors with regard to fund formation matters and alternative investment strategies, guiding them through complex regulatory and sustainability disclosure requirements.

Fielding a ‘consistently outstanding’ team noted for a ‘deep, practical understanding of the regulatory landscape, combined with commercial sensibility’, Pinsent Masons LLP offers comprehensive support to investment managers, funds, insurers, payment providers, and consumer finance firms, with an increasing emphasis on ESG and sustainability regulations. Colin Read, who heads up the practice, specialises in non-contentious regulatory and transactional advice for insurers, wealth managers, payment firms, banks, and other financial services providers, with a particular focus on product structuring and distribution, authorisations, conduct of business, acquisitions and disposals, as well as emerging areas like crypto assets, technical regulatory solutions, insurance transactions, and governance. Elizabeth Budd draws on her extensive advisory experience in this field, working with various asset managers, fund managers, depositaries, wealth managers, fund distributors (including platforms), and insurance companies on both domestic and international matters. Jonathan Cavill and Iain Sawers are further key names to note.

Led by Charlotte Witherington, the team at Taylor Wessing LLP provides a wide-ranging non-contentious offering to a range of clients, including payment service providers, banks, platforms, marketplaces, e-commerce platforms, and crypto businesses. Witherington leads the UK Financial Services Regulatory Group, advising investment banks, fintechs, and payment firms on non-contentious regulatory issues, with a particular specialism in the intersection of finance and tech, including payments and crypto assets. Adept in UK and EU financial services regulation is Martin Dowdall, who brings notable experience in payments, crypto assets, AML, and fintech, advising a wide range of clients on regulatory compliance and innovation.

Burges Salmon LLP houses a ‘personable and knowledgeable’ team that acts for a range of clients, covering services from investment funds and wealth management platforms, to fintech, crypto and startup companies. Practice head Tom Dunn specialises in the structuring, operation, and compliance of UK-regulated investment funds. Another noted name is fintech expert Martin Cook, who advises fintechs and financial institutions on regulatory compliance, product development, authorisations, and governance.

The team at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is noted for its robust brokerage, trading and markets offering, exhibiting particular expertise in work concerning cryptocurrency and crypto assets. The team is headed by Charlie Ring, who advises regulated financial services businesses, including investment and wealth managers, on corporate finance and advisory matters, with a particular focus on owner-managed firms and transactional structuring. Charlotte Hill advises a broad range of financial institutions, fintech firms, and crypto businesses on non-contentious UK and EU financial regulation, including perimeter guidance, authorisations, and compliance with regimes such as MiFID, EMIR, and the rules affecting payment services, e-money, crowdfunding, and digital assets. Racheal Muldoon and Richard Ellis are  adept in matters involving crypto, digital assets and fintech.

Working as an integrated model with the contentious team, Fieldfisher houses a team that exhibits an ‘exceptional combination of deep technical expertise and commercial awareness’ while acting for banks, hedge funds, asset managers, mortgage and consumer credit lenders, payment service providers, and e-money institutions. Practice head Simon Lafferty excels in supporting clients with business establishment, FCA and PRA compliance, prudential and conduct regulation, and the regulatory aspects of corporate finance transactions, mergers, and reorganisations. Other key contacts in the group include John Budd and Steven Burrows.

Commended for its investment funds practice, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP houses a ‘market-leading practice’ well-equipped to handle the full range of legal and regulatory compliance issues. Practice head Gregg Beechey specialises in complex UK, EU, and US regulatory matters for private funds, with a strong focus on sustainable investment initiatives and regulatory issues arising from asset management industry consolidation. Zac Mellor-Clark brings expertise in AIFMD-related regulatory advice, guiding major asset managers on fund structuring, marketing, and compliance across the UK and Europe, while leading significant transactions involving regulated business acquisitions and staying at the forefront of evolving regulatory and market trends.  Nishkaam Paul is a key contact for asset managers.

Praised as a practice which ‘spans US, UK and UAE seamlessly’, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher is sought after for a range of transactional, cryptoasset regulation, funds regulation, risk management, personal accountability, and advisory work. The group is led by the ‘direct and clear’ Michelle Kirschner, who is well-equipped to service a comprehensive client roster, including investment managers, banks, corporate finance boutiques, private fund managers, and private wealth managers across UK and EU regulatory matters. Martin Coombes is an expert in multijurisdictional regulatory developments, the regulatory aspects of corporate transactions, and ongoing compliance obligations.

K&L Gates LLP showcases ‘sensible, practical legal advice’ across a range of regulatory mandates including FCA authorisations, regulatory perimeter issues, governance, conduct rules, and guidance on new regulatory developments. The team works with a number of clients in the asset management industry, as well as a number of fintech, crypto, and insurance firms. The London team is headed by Philip Morgan, a seasoned regulatory specialist who advises on investment management, insurance mediation, brokerage, payments, and crypto, while providing strategic, cross-border guidance on FCA perimeter rules, AIFMD, MiFID II, and Brexit implications. Andrew Massey and Ron Feldman are other names to note.

Capable in multiple areas of regulation and investigations, the team at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP offer a ‘cross-jurisdictional regulatory perspective’, frequently acting for banks, asset managers, insurance and general financial service firms, covering authorisations, compliance, financial promotions, AML, alternative investment funds, and the impact of key EU and UK regulations including ESG requirements. The London team is headed by Simon Currie, who draws on deep experience of shaping UK and EU financial services law to support clients in fund structuring, AIFMD compliance, FCA authorisations, new product development, and investment fund management. William Yonge specialises in non-contentious UK and European financial services law, advising asset managers, brokers, fintech firms, and institutional investors, bringing a growing focus on ESG and sustainability regulations impacting the investment industry.

Noted for their fintech expertise, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP’s workload covers payment service providers, fintech providers, crypto asset and blockchain applications, leveraging its transatlantic capabilities to support UK, European, and US clients. The team is headed by Dan Jones, who guides global banks, asset managers, and crypto firms through the full regulatory lifecycle, from licensing to compliance, product structuring, M&A due diligence, and regulatory investigations.

Noted for its reputation in the insurance sector, RPC are a go-to practice for insurance regulatory mandates. In addition, the group has notably boosted its payments, consumer credit and financial regulatory offering. Practice head Matthew Griffith is a seasoned expert in transactional, commercial, and non-contentious insurance regulatory matters, drawing on deep experience to advise insurers and brokers on complex regulatory frameworks and post-Brexit strategy, bolstered by first-hand insight from senior in-house roles at Worldpay and RSA Group.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has a robust track record for its retail funds work, alongside its broad regulatory offering of capital raisings, financial services M&A and regulatory developments for fund sponsors. The team is jointly headed by Owen Lysak, a key figure in UK and EU financial services regulation, who acts for leading private fund sponsors, asset managers, and financial institutions on complex matters including AIFMD, MiFID II, UCITS, regulatory capital, market abuse, securities offerings, and the structuring and distribution of innovative private markets investment products. Co-head Stephanie Biggs utilises her deep experience in advising on fund structuring, licensing, capital structuring, securities law compliance, and financial services M&A. Another notable figure is sustainable finance expert Matt Feehily.

Regularly turned to by investment managers, Akin focuses its work on fund structuring and management business setup, UK regulatory compliance (including FCA authorisations and variations), cross-border trading regulations, transactional regulatory approvals, and crypto asset regulatory requirements. ‘Fantastic, reliable and hands-on’ practice head Ezra Zahabi is a key contact for investment managers, advising on UK and EU regulatory frameworks, fund structuring, market abuse compliance, SMCR implementation, and sustainable finance regulations such as SFDR and the taxonomy regulation. Suley Siddiqui is noted for his work with asset managers.

Noted for its established focus on both insurance and funds managers, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP has demonstrable experience in handling regulatory mandates, from advising global clients on complex UK, EU, US, and Asian insurance regulatory matters, including Solvency II, PRA and FCA approvals, regulatory reorganisations, and ESG compliance, to guiding funds managers on AIFMD, MiFID, sustainable finance disclosures, Brexit restructuring, and cross-border fund structuring. The team is jointly headed by Patricia Volhard, a non-contentious private funds specialist, and Clare Swirski, an expert in non-contentious corporate insurance work. Further key contacts in the team include John Young, Philip Orange, and Robert Maddox.

Counting wealth and asset managers, fintech firms, and private banks among its roster of clients, Farrer & Co handles a range of matters concerning consumer duty, ESG regulation, compliance issues, governance, and regulatory developments. Noted for its ‘high level of competence, professionalism, commitment, client focus, flexibility, and friendliness’. Grania Baird heads the practice, bringing expertise in retail client compliance, consumer duty, product governance, outsourcing, and FCA-authorised fund operations. Andrew Peterkin specialises in investment fund formation and management, securities regulation, AIFMD compliance, fintech product launches, and advising non-financial institutions on the regulatory impact of financial services legislation. Katy Ruddell is a seasoned non-contentious lawyer focusing on conduct of business, regulated lending, mortgages, and SMCR compliance, well-equipped to advise private banks, wealth managers, and family offices.

A specialist financial services firm, McDonnell Ellis LLP‘s clients range from banks and asset managers to smaller fintechs, payments and crypto firms. Brian McDonnell heads up the practice, drawing on deep regulatory experience to cover the full spectrum of financial services law, including banking, wholesale financial services, funds and payments. David Ellis boasts noted expertise in regulatory capital, client money mandates and funds.

The ‘knowledgeable, responsive, and commercially minded’ practice at Proskauer Rose LLP supports a broad client roster — including global asset managers, private equity and credit firms, hedge funds, fintech and payments businesses, sovereign wealth funds, and major sports organisations — on works which spans fund structuring and marketing, Brexit-related restructuring, fintech regulation, financial crime compliance, and the regulatory aspects of high-profile M&A and private equity transactions. Exhibiting this comprehensive offering, practice head John Verwey has particular expertise in fund formation, management, and distribution, advising on AIFMD, MiFID, SFDR, firm authorisations, and regulatory change in control approvals.

McDermott Will & Schulte advises a number of funds — including hedge funds and private credit funds — on regulatory compliance matters, including sustainability concerns, regulation of digital assets, data protection, financial sanctions compliance, use of alternative data, as well as areas within financial crime protection. Polly O’Brien’s expertise lies in financial transactions and debt issuances. Jim McNally is a key contact for a mix of private equity firms, investment funds, and corporate clients.

Shoosmiths LLP fields a team with a strong record of acting in a diverse range of financial services regulatory matters, notably for banks, building societies and payment service providers — particularly in the automotive finance sector. The team is also a key contact for FCA supervisory activity, including information requests, skilled person reviews, and enforcement action. The department is co-led by Suzanne Taylor, who is a leading figure in consumer finance and a pipeline for clients seeking FCA support in regulatory compliance, consumer credit issues, contractual arrangements, and wider consumer law issues. Fellow co-head Wayne Gibbard is active in both automotive finance and wider financial services work, acting on behalf of motor finance clients on an array of supervisory matters, including enforcement action, skilled person reviews, and information requests.

Relaunched in 2024 by Amanda Hulme, the regulatory team at TLT handles a broad range of matters, covering asset wealth management, private wealth, payment services, and retail financial services. Practice head Hulme is a go-to adviser for major UK banks, building societies, and payment firms, offering expert, strategic counsel on regulatory change, product design, and compliance across sectors like motor finance, BNPL, and e-money. Ben Cooper specialises in economic crime compliance, designing and implementing global anti-financial crime programmes focused on sanctions, AML, bribery prevention, and corporate ethics. Andrzej Wieckowski provides expert guidance on prudential matters, payments, blockchain, and operational resilience.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP‘s delivers advice on UK, European, and global financial services law, supporting clients across the real estate, infrastructure, credit, hedge fund, private equity, and venture capital sectors on everything from investment structuring to complex compliance and cross-border regulatory issues. Practice head Marc Schubert is recognised for his work involving the establishment and regulation of private fund and investment structures, advising clients across private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate on fund formation, global marketing, and compliance with evolving UK, EU, and global financial services regulations, such as AIFMD, MiFID II, SFDR, and CSRD. Arup Sen has strong credentials in payments, consumer credit, and regulatory capital.

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP works with a number of financial institutions, including banks, non-bank lenders, insurers, payment service providers of investment firms, handling a broad range of regulatory compliance and governance matters, including Consumer Duty, SMCR implementation, financial crime prevention, and operational resilience. The team also offers FCA perimeter advice, notably to startups and fintechs. Michael Lewis leverages his experience in UK regulatory law to advise on perimeter guidance, authorisations, product design and launch, governance and conduct compliance, regulatory capital, and operational resilience. Emma Radmore is also recommended.