Financial Services Regulation

Specialist regulatory advice is hard to find outside central London. We offer it here, at rates that make sense.

Our regulatory practice covers the full life of a regulated business in the UK and EEA: working out whether you need to be authorised, getting you through the application process, keeping you compliant day to day, dealing with your supervisors, and standing beside you if the regulator opens an investigation.

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Financial Services Regulation

We act for financial services firms of all kinds, from established institutions to start-ups, and for the senior managers and other individuals within them. We also defend professionals facing investigation by their own regulators, including doctors and nurses before the GMC and the NMC.

Perimeter Queries

Clear analysis of whether your product, service or business model needs FCA authorisation or registration under FSMA, the Payment Services Regulations 2017, the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 or the cryptoasset regime, before you launch rather than after. Carrying on a regulated activity without authorisation is a criminal offence, so this is the first question to get right.

Authorisation & Registration

Preparing and managing FCA applications, including regulatory business plans and responses to case officer questions, for payment institutions, e-money institutions, consumer credit firms (including buy-now-pay-later lenders), investment firms and cryptoasset businesses.

Supervisory Matters

Handling your day-to-day relationship with the FCA, including information requests and formal notices, skilled person reviews, attestations, variations of permission, changes in control and everything else your supervision team can send your way.

Payments, E-money & Fintech

Safeguarding arrangements, agent and distributor models, framework contracts with banking-as-a-service and infrastructure providers, and advice on the authorised push payment fraud reimbursement regime.

Cryptoassets & Digital Assets

Advice on the UK cryptoasset regime as it develops, including authorisation strategy, stablecoin issues, financial promotions and anti-money-laundering registration.

Financial Promotions

Reviewing marketing, websites and social content for compliance with the section 21 FSMA restriction, including the strict rules on promoting cryptoassets and other high-risk investments to UK consumers.

Ongoing Compliance

Consumer Duty implementation, the Senior Managers & Certification Regime, conduct rules, and practical policies and procedures your team will actually use.

Enforcement & Investigation

Advice and representation through FCA investigations, from the initial notice of appointment of investigators, through compelled interviews and document production, to settlement discussions or contested proceedings. We act for firms and for individuals, whose interests are not always the same as their employer's.

Why choose T&A

We give you practical answers, not memos that sit on the fence. What the rules require, what the regulator expects in practice, and the most proportionate way for a business or professional in your position to respond. Our lawyers’ regulatory experience was gained on both sides of the fence, including within the regulatory world itself, so we understand how regulators think and what persuades them.

Straight Talking

We explain the law in plain English and give honest, realistic advice, even when it is not what you hoped to hear.

Two Legal Worlds, One Firm

Qualified to advise on English common law and French civil law matters, with a French-speaking service.

Transparent on Cost

Clear estimates from the outset and fixed fees wherever possible. See our Pricing page.

Regulated and Insured

Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA No. 8003985).

Row of successful intercultural delegates in formalwear looking at you while preparing their reports - T & A Solicitors

Our Approach

Financial regulation is constantly evolving. We take a proactive approach by providing practical legal advice, clear regulatory guidance, and strategic support tailored to your business. Our aim is to help you manage regulatory risk, maintain compliance, and respond confidently to regulatory challenges.

1. Practical Legal Advice
We provide straightforward advice that helps you make informed decisions from the outset.
2. Strategic Representation
Every case is managed with a clear legal strategy focused on achieving the best possible result.
3. Clear Communication
You’ll receive regular updates and honest advice throughout your case.
4. Protecting Your Interests
Whether negotiating a settlement or representing you in court, your objectives remain our priority.

FAQs

Do I need FCA authorisation?

It depends on precisely what you do, for whom and how. Small differences in a business model can move you inside or outside the regulatory perimeter, and getting it wrong is a criminal offence. We offer fixed-fee perimeter reviews that give you a definitive answer.

I have received a letter or information request from the FCA. What should I do?

Take it seriously and take advice before responding, even if the request seems routine. Statutory deadlines are usually strict, and your early responses set the tone for everything that follows. We help you respond accurately, proportionately and on time.

My regulator has opened a fitness to practise investigation against me. Do I really need a lawyer?

You are entitled to respond on your own, but the stakes are your registration and your career, and regulators are experienced at these proceedings even if you are not. Early specialist advice frequently results in cases being closed at an earlier stage, or in a better outcome at hearing. Check whether your professional indemnity insurance or union membership covers legal representation; it often does.

Talk to us today​​

Call (+44) 01322475026 or email info@teneandassociates.co.uk to arrange an initial consultation. Regulatory problems rarely improve with time, so speak to us early.