Financial Services Regulation

Regulation of financial services doesn’t have to stifle innovation.

Our clients include all types of regulated businesses across the financial services sector – from start-ups to corporates, national and international.

They trust us to ensure they’re compliant, properly authorised, and with up-to-date contracts, so they can run their business without interruption. We also help them to develop innovative products and services, from the conception phase right through to the launch.

As well as being leaders in insurance law, our lawyers have specific InsurTech and FinTech expertise, working closely with industry bodies like FinTech Wales.

We have proven regulatory expertise in the blockchain and cryptoasset sector, too – having project managed several token launches/sales and provided significant regulatory advice on treatment of cryptoassets within the UK’s regulatory regime.

If the FCA is investigating you or your business, we can advise you on your rights and responsibilities and engage with the investigator on your behalf throughout the process.

Expertise

  • applications for FCA authorisation and post-authorisation support
  • providing advice on FCA and PRA rules and guidance, and the underlying UK and European legislation, including FSMA, MiFID, IDD, PSD2 and SMCR
  • supporting the launch and distribution of new products, services and associated promotions
  • drafting and negotiating contracts and terms of business
  • helping with the sale and purchase of regulated businesses and companies
  • supporting financial services firms with corporate governance requirements
  • undertaking commercial due diligence on the sale and purchase of regulated businesses

Experience

  • Advising Zego on the launch of pay-as-you-go insurance for gig-economy workers
  • Advising a wealth tech provider on the interplay of several regulatory regimes within the UK, in relation to its platform solution
  • Working with FCA authorised self-invested personal pensions operator, to set up and register a new SIPP scheme

Many thanks for this succinct summary of the regulatory status of our various activities. I think this is an exceptional body of work and exactly what I have been hankering for!

Ian Pettifor
Co-Founder and CFO | Azur Group