Contentious regulation

Voted top advisers by the regulatory industry in both contentious and non-contentious categories

Compliance Register 2007/08

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The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 places a heavy regulatory burden on those carrying on banking and investment business - and is enforced rigorously by the FSA.  Many of the Act's provisions - insider dealing, market abuse, money laundering, misleading the market and the like – also relate to the wider community. 

In parallel, the Serious Fraud Office has become more active in probing the activities of companies and their employees.  Likewise, professionals, such as solicitors and accountants, are subject to the rules and enforcement procedures of their own regulatory bodies.

Failure to meet the exacting standards can have serious consequences - civil action, regulatory investigation and enforcement leading to loss of livelihood and reputation, adverse publicity and possibly criminal prosecution.

Stephenson Harwood has one of the most experienced regulatory practices in the City of London.  We have acted in most of the high-profile regulatory issues in recent times.  We have extensive experience in identifying risk, advising on steps to counter risk, handling regulatory disputes and piloting companies and individuals through regulatory and criminal investigations and proceedings.  We undertake advocacy.

In recognition of our work, we won the 'best legal services' award in litigation, investigation & enforcement work at the Compliance Register awards in 2007.

We can help you with:

  • FSA investigations
  • Serious fraud inquiries
  • Cartels and the Enterprise Act 2000
  • Insider dealing and market abuse
  • Money laundering
  • Health and safety
  • Trading standards
  • Consumer safety
  • Environmental protection
  • Data protection and freedom of information
  • Corporate criminal liability
  • Professional misconduct

Counsel of choice for high level referral work

Chambers UK 2010

"The kind of top client service that is hard to find"

Chambers UK 2009

"The sheer commitment of Stephenson Harwood is key to its success"

Chambers UK 2010

"Total dedication"

Asia Pacific Legal 500 2009/2010

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