Our Knowledge, Your Business
Financial Services Authority (FSA) Lawyers
If you require advice with regard to Financial Services Authority (FSA) Investigations & Enforcement, Irwin Mitchell has a number of lawyers specialising in FSA Investigation and Enforcement actions. We can advise companies and individuals who are at risk of/under investigation by the FSA's Enforcement or Supervision Divisions for alleged breaches of the FSA's principles, rules and regulations. Our team of solicitors advise on regulatory, civil and criminal investigations and litigation brought by the FSA.
For an initial discussion, with no obligation, call Sarah Wallace on 0207 421 3883 or 0870 1500 100.
Experts In Financial Services Authority Investigations & Enforcement
The FSA is responsible for regulating financial services in the United Kingdom.
Whilst it exists for the protection of responsibly-run businesses and honest consumers, the FSA's Enforcement Division has the power to:
- Investigate and sanction firms and individuals
- Compel individuals to attend interviews
- Make compulsory requests for information and documents
- Punish individuals and firms by way of fine, censure, prohibition or removal of authorisation or approval for breaches of the FSA's principles and rules for business
- Commence civil litigation and criminal proceedings for certain criminal offences such as misleading statements/practices and insider dealing
Sarah Wallace, one of our partners, has been seconded to the FSA Enforcement & Financial Crime Division. She brings to our team detailed understanding of:
- FSA Enforcement regime
- FSA compulsory powers to collect and gather information
- FSA investigation processes and internal decision making (by the Regulatory Decisions Committee or RDC)
- References to the Financial Services and Markets Tribunal
- The wide cross-section of financial services firms and individuals that the FSA regulates
- FSA criminal investigation and prosecution
Our lawyers can advise, defend and represent individuals and firms in relation to alleged FSA breaches, whether criminal, civil or regulatory and advise in relation to the use of FSA powers. Our experience includes advising on the following issues:
- Self reporting or notification to FSA of potential FSA rule breaches
- FSA Handbook - Principle and Rule breaches
- Financial promotions regime and mis-selling
- Training and competence, systems and controls
- Perimeter guidance and regulated activities
- Unauthorised collective investment schemes
- Illegal deposit taking
- Behaviour that questions whether approved persons are 'fit and proper' (eg FSA refusal of approval or prohibition orders)
- Senior management responsibility and significant influence functions ('SIFs')
- Market abuse
- Insider dealing
- Misleading statements
- Money laundering
- 'Boiler rooms'
- FSA interviews under compulsion or caution
- FSA powers to gather information under compulsion or voluntarily
- Hearings before the Regulatory Decisions Committee (RDC)
- References to Financial Services and Markets Tribunal
- Judicial review proceedings against the FSA
Working With Irwin Mitchell
Irwin Mitchell is one of the UK's leading providers of legal services to businesses. Our clients range in size from small enterprises to large corporations.
We offer commercially-focused expertise in complex, high-value work, and an exceptional portfolio of commoditised legal processes. Our legal guidance is designed to be assimilated by your business seamlessly and transparently.
Our clients value the proactive, straightforward approach, creativity and close partner involvement that make Irwin Mitchell one of the country's most successful and respected law firms.
Further Financial Services Authority Investigations & Enforcement Information
To arrange a discussion with no obligations, call Sarah Wallace on 0207 421 3883 or 0870 1500 100. Alternatively, you can send us an online enquiry.