REGULATORY CONSULTING

We combine technical depth with practical impact, delivering compliance solutions that go beyond box-ticking. Our team of experts works as an extension of your business, providing tailored advice, robust frameworks, and measurable outcomes. Whether you need strategic guidance, operational support, or training, we help you navigate regulation with confidence.

ESG: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations are now central to regulatory expectations and investor confidence. The FCA has introduced a formal regime for ESG disclosures, requiring firms to demonstrate transparency, robust governance, and clear methodologies. Our ESG compliance advisory helps firms navigate these evolving standards, implement anti-greenwashing controls, and align sustainability reporting with FCA requirements.

Prudential Regulation: Our advisory services cover the entire spectrum of regulatory capital regimes for investment firms and asset managers, including MIFIDPRU and IPRU-INV. We can support with Prudential regulation under the FCA and PRA ensures firms maintain adequate financial resources to meet obligations and protect clients. Our advisory services cover IFPR, ICARA, and capital adequacy requirements, helping firms design proportionate frameworks that satisfy regulatory scrutiny. We assist with stress testing, liquidity planning, and wind-down strategies, ensuring resilience and compliance.

SMCR: The Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR) places accountability at the heart of governance. Firms must clearly define responsibilities, certify key staff, and embed conduct rules across operations. Our SMCR advisory service helps you implement robust frameworks, draft Statements of Responsibilities, and deliver training that drives cultural change.

Marketing and Distribution: Marketing financial products is a high-risk area under FCA rules. All promotions must be fair, clear, and not misleading, with additional restrictions for high-risk investments. We review and approve marketing materials, ensuring compliance with COBS and Consumer Duty requirements. Our team provides guidance on digital campaigns, social media promotions, and influencer partnerships.

Data Protection: Financial services firms handle sensitive personal data and must comply with UK GDPR alongside FCA requirements. Our advisory service helps you implement robust data governance, encryption standards, and breach response protocols. We review policies, conduct risk assessments, and ensure your data handling practices meet both regulatory and legal obligations.

AIFMD: The Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) sets strict rules for fund managers, covering authorisation, capital requirements, risk management, and investor disclosures. Our AIFMD compliance advisory supports UK AIFMs with regulatory reporting, depositary arrangements, and governance frameworks.

CASS: The Client Assets Sourcebook (CASS) is one of the FCA's most scrutinised areas, designed to protect client money and custody assets. Our CASS advisory service helps firms implement segregation, reconciliation, and reporting processes that meet regulatory standards. We provide health checks, governance reviews, and training for CASS roles.

Perimeter Guidance: Understanding the FCA's regulatory perimeter is critical for determining whether your activities require authorisation. Our advisory team interprets PERG guidance and assesses your business model against regulated activities under FSMA.

Consumer Duty: The FCA's Consumer Duty sets a new standard for customer outcomes, requiring firms to act in good faith, avoid foreseeable harm, and deliver fair value. Our advisory service helps you embed the Duty across governance, product design, pricing, and communications. We provide gap analysis, implementation plans, and board reporting frameworks.

Policy and Procedure Writing: Well-drafted policies and procedures are the foundation of effective compliance. We create bespoke documentation tailored to your business model, covering areas such as AML, conflicts of interest, data protection, and operational resilience.

MiFID: MiFID II continues to shape conduct standards for investment firms, covering best execution, client categorisation, and transaction reporting. Our MiFID advisory service helps firms implement compliant frameworks, review governance arrangements, and meet reporting obligations.

We simplify the FCA authorisation process, ensuring your application is complete, compliant, and regulator-ready. Our team combines technical expertise with practical insight, guiding you through every stage. Whether you're seeking full authorisation, varying permissions, or appointing senior managers, we deliver clarity, confidence, and results.

FCA Authorisations: Obtaining FCA authorisation is a critical milestone for any regulated firm. The process is complex, requiring detailed documentation, governance arrangements, and robust compliance frameworks. We manage the entire process, including drafting your Regulatory Business Plan, preparing policies and procedures, and liaising with the FCA on your behalf. Our goal is simple: first-time success with minimal disruption to your business.

Change in Control: Any acquisition or restructuring that results in a change in control must be approved by the FCA. Failure to comply can lead to enforcement action and delays. We provide end-to-end support for Change in Control notifications, ensuring your submission meets all regulatory requirements and timelines. Our team anticipates FCA queries and mitigates risks before they arise.

Variation of Permission: As your business evolves, you may need to expand or adjust your regulatory permissions. We help firms navigate the Variation of Permission process, ensuring governance, systems, and controls align with new activities. From drafting applications to managing FCA engagement, we deliver a smooth, efficient process that supports your growth strategy.

Senior Management Function Applications: Under SMCR, appointing individuals to Senior Management Functions requires FCA approval. We assist with SMF applications, Statements of Responsibilities, and fitness and propriety assessments. Our approach ensures your governance structure meets FCA expectations and demonstrates accountability at every level.

Designing Compliance Monitoring Programmes (CMPs):
A well-structured Compliance Monitoring Programme is essential for identifying and mitigating regulatory risks. We work with your leadership team to design CMPs tailored to your business model, risk profile, and FCA obligations. Our programmes include thematic reviews, risk-based testing, and governance reporting, ensuring your monitoring framework is proportionate, practical, and regulator-ready.

What We Deliver:

•  Bespoke CMP design aligned with FCA requirements
•  Integration with enterprise risk frameworks
•  Clear reporting structures for boards and senior management

Executing Compliance Monitoring Programmes:
Designing a CMP is only the first step, execution is where compliance comes to life. Our team conducts monitoring reviews, tests controls, and reports findings with actionable recommendations. We provide independent assurance that your compliance framework is operating effectively, helping you identify weaknesses before they become breaches.

Our Execution Services Include:
•  Periodic monitoring reviews and thematic testing
•  Detailed reporting with remediation plans
•  Ongoing support for continuous improvement

Regulatory reporting is one of the most critical touchpoints between your firm and the FCA. Accuracy, timeliness, and transparency are essential to avoid scrutiny and maintain trust. We provide comprehensive reporting solutions that ensure your submissions are complete, compliant, and regulator-ready. From routine returns to complex disclosures, we simplify the process so you can focus on your core business.

RegData Reporting: RegData is the FCA's platform for regulatory submissions, replacing Gabriel. Firms must submit accurate data on financials, prudential metrics, and compliance indicators. Our team manages the entire process, from data validation to submission, ensuring your returns meet FCA standards and deadlines. We also help automate workflows for efficiency and reduce the risk of errors that could trigger supervisory attention.

Annex IV Reporting: Alternative Investment Fund Managers (AIFMs) face complex Annex IV reporting obligations under AIFMD. These disclosures require detailed information on portfolios, leverage, and risk exposures. We provide end-to-end Annex IV reporting support, including data preparation, validation, and submission.

FCA Surveys: The FCA frequently issues ad-hoc surveys and data requests to regulated firms. Responding accurately and promptly is essential to avoid regulatory concern. We assist with interpreting survey requirements, gathering data, and preparing responses that meet FCA expectations.

Breach Reporting: Under FCA rules, firms must report breaches promptly and accurately. Failure to do so can lead to enforcement action and reputational damage. We help firms design breach reporting frameworks, assess materiality, and prepare notifications that satisfy regulatory requirements.

NPPR and other Marketing Notifications: To support your ability to access markets in full compliance, we will manage all required NPPR and marketing notifications in line with the relevant regulatory frameworks.

FCA Connect: As your regulatory profile evolves, we will manage all required updates through FCA Connect to ensure the regulator is kept fully informed.

Financial crime compliance is a critical component of regulatory obligations and business integrity. We help firms build robust frameworks to prevent money laundering, fraud, and other financial crime risks. Our solutions combine regulatory expertise with practical implementation, ensuring your business remains compliant, resilient, and trusted.

Advisory: Our financial crime advisory service provides expert guidance on anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorist financing, sanctions compliance, and fraud prevention. We help firms interpret FCA and UK Money Laundering Regulations, design proportionate controls, and implement best practices.

Risk Assessment: A robust financial crime risk assessment is the foundation of effective compliance. We conduct comprehensive assessments to identify vulnerabilities across your business, including client onboarding, transaction monitoring, and governance structures. Our approach ensures risks are documented, mitigated, and aligned with FCA requirements.

Policy writing: Clear, practical policies are essential for embedding financial crime controls. We draft bespoke AML, sanctions, and fraud prevention policies tailored to your business model. Our documentation meets FCA standards and provides staff with actionable guidance, reducing the risk of breaches and enforcement action.

AML Managed Services: Managing AML obligations can be resource-intensive. Our AML managed service provides end-to-end support, including investor and investment due diligence, transaction monitoring, and suspicious activity reporting. We combine technology with expert oversight to deliver efficient, compliant processes.

Compliance training is more than a regulatory requirement, it's a strategic investment in your people and your business. We deliver training that combines technical depth with practical application, ensuring your team understands not just the rules, but how to apply them effectively.

Online: Our online CBT modules provide flexible, interactive learning that fits around your team's schedule. Covering key topics such as SMCR, Consumer Duty, AML, and data protection, these courses are designed to be engaging, practical, and easy to access. With built-in assessments and progress tracking, you can demonstrate compliance and monitor staff understanding with confidence.

Senior Managers: Senior managers carry ultimate accountability under SMCR and Consumer Duty. Our tailored workshops for senior leadership focus on governance, accountability, and strategic compliance oversight. Delivered by experienced consultants, these sessions provide practical insight into FCA expectations, regulatory responsibilities, and cultural leadership that ensures your board and senior team are regulator-ready.

Operational Teams: Operational teams are the frontline of compliance. Our interactive sessions equip staff with the knowledge and skills to implement compliance processes effectively, from client onboarding and transaction monitoring to breach reporting and CASS controls. These workshops use real-world scenarios to turn regulatory requirements into practical workflows, reducing risk and improving efficiency.