The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has a wide range of powers and a major role in regulating financial services and the financial markets.
It regulates 58,000 financial services firms and financial markets in the UK and investigates and penalises those that breach financial regulations. Banks, building societies and credit unions are regulated by the FCA, which also investigates mortgage lenders, pensions and insurance providers, electronic payment systems, fintech companies, finance and investment advisors and (from April 2019) claims management firms.
An FCA investigation is something that no corporate or senior business figure would welcome. But Rahman Ravelli is a market leader in the fields of FCA investigation, regulation and compliance; trusted and relied on by many major companies and individuals to provide expert legal representation. That representation is based on our in-depth knowledge and experience of how the FCA functions.
We challenge the FCA’s assumptions and protect a client’s interests, assets and reputation.
Challenging the FCA
Any major company, organisation or executive faced with an FCA investigation needs to be secure in the knowledge that they are being represented by those with the expertise to ensure their interests are being protected as strongly as possible. That is what we do.
We steer a course through the complexity, devise the most appropriate course of action and are on hand at all times to provide an immediate, and often innovative, response to any challenges presented by the FCA. We manage the problem and have the skills and speed of thought to gain the best results.
When the FCA is looking to pursue a criminal or civil penalty, we construct a robust, detailed defence for clients. We defend companies, organisations and senior business figures in the biggest and most complex, multinational criminal cases ever brought by the FCA. We did the same with its predecessor, the Financial Services Authority (FSA).
There are many ways that an individual’s or a firm’s conduct can come under FCA scrutiny. The FCA is opening increasing numbers of investigations and is looking to be more proactive. It expects senior management to be aware of risks and capable of devising and introducing appropriate preventative procedures.
At the first signs of an FCA investigation, it is important that a well-planned and properly-conducted internal investigation is carried out to assess the credibility of any allegations that have prompted the FCA’s interest. We have vast experience of carrying out such investigations.
UK legislation such as the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 and European Union law, including the European Regulation on Market Abuse (MAR) and the Markets in Financial Instruments Directives (MiFID and MiFID II), have placed greater responsibility on those working in financial markets.
No one can afford to be unaware of these responsibilities. If they are, they need to seek advice immediately. We understand the demands of the corporate world and the added pressure that an FCA investigation can bring.
The FCA exists to protect the integrity of the markets. Rahman Ravelli's team of highly experienced lawyers is here to protect your interests.
