FCA Investigations

Solicitors for Financial Conduct Authority investigations

We provide experienced and strategic legal advice and representation to individuals and firms facing FCA investigations. We understand the complexities and potential consequences of these investigations, and our goal is to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Why Choose Us?

• Experience - proven track record of successfully advising clients facing FCA investigations.

• Strategic guidance - from initial consultation to final resolution, we provide strategic guidance to help you navigate the complexities of the FCA investigative process.

• Contacts - we work closely with other experts who we have worked with before and we trust, such as forensic accountants.

Key Areas of Our Expertise

• FCA Enforcement Proceedings - we represent clients facing a range of enforcement actions, including investigations, fines, public censure, and injunctions.

• Criminal Investigations - we assist clients with defending criminal prosecutions related to financial crime, such as insider dealing, market manipulation, and fraud.

• Judicial Review - we have experience in challenging FCA decisions through judicial review proceedings.

• Regulatory Compliance - we assist clients in understanding and complying with FCA rules and regulations to prevent future investigations.

Who can the FCA investigate and/or prosecute?

The FCA has the authority to investigate a wide range of individuals and entities within the UK financial services industry. These include:

In relation to financial firms :-

• Banks

• Insurance companies

• Investment firms

In relation to individuals :-

• Senior managers of financial firms

• Financial advisers, financial services professionals and anyone involved in the provision of financial services

What can prompt an FCA investigation?

The FCA can investigate individuals and firms based on a variety of criteria, including:

• Regulatory breaches - non-compliance with FCA rules and regulations

• Consumer complaints – a high volume of complaints or serious allegations of misconduct

• Market conduct issues - price manipulation, market abuse, or other misconduct that affects the functioning of financial markets

• Financial crime - money laundering, terrorist financing, or other criminal activities

• Suspicion of misconduct - tip-offs, intelligence, or other indications of potential wrongdoing

• High-profile incidents - involvement in financial scandals or negative media attention

Ultimately, the FCA has broad investigative powers and can initiate investigations into any individual or firm that it believes may be involved in misconduct or non-compliance with financial services regulations.

While the FCA often focuses on larger financial institutions, they do not exclude small businesses from their investigations. If a small business is involved in activities that fall under FCA regulation, such as providing financial services or products, they could be subject to an investigation.

The FCA's Investigative Powers

The FCA has broad investigative powers, including the ability to:

• Suspend regulated activities - temporarily halt your business operations.

• Impose fines - levy financial penalties for breaches of FCA rules.

• Seek injunctions - obtain court orders to prevent future misconduct.

• Bring criminal prosecutions - initiate criminal proceedings for serious offenses.

• Request information - demand access to your records and conduct interviews.

FCA Investigation legal advice and defence

If you are facing an FCA investigation or believe one may be imminent, it is crucial to seek expert legal advice to protect your interests against civil and/or criminal liability, and protect your reputation, business, and financial well-being.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your specific situation.