Events

Sep 03
0

Upcoming FSLA Academy events

By | Events, Junior Lawyers | No Comments

On behalf of the Financial Services Lawyers Association (FSLA) and Brown Rudnick, we invite you to attend a FSLA Academy series of training sessions on “FCA enforcement: misconduct and lack of fitness and propriety”.

The series will provide a detailed but practical guide to the FCA’s powers to investigate and impose sanctions on individuals in relation to misconduct and lack of fitness and propriety. It will deal with issues that may be faced by firms and individuals following the identification of a potentially significant regulatory issue all the way through to an FCA decision to impose a sanction and the options then available.

The series will consist of three sessions:

  1. Misconduct and lack of fitness and propriety – the scope and meaning of the terms and the circumstances in which the FCA can take action in relation to them
  2. The pre-FCA investigation stage – how a firm should go about investigating a potentially significant regulatory issue and the consequences of that for an individual
  3. The FCA enforcement process – an overview covering the opening of an investigation through to the conclusion of any enforcement proceedings

The sessions will be led by Ian Weinstein and Chloë Kealey of Brown Rudnick’s Contentious Financial Services Team and build upon the contents of their recently published book on the subject. Ian and Chloë will be joined by a different barrister or in-house practitioner for each session.

The series is open to all but specifically targeted at practitioners with fewer than seven years dedicated contentious regulatory experience. It is therefore also suitable for those practitioners who are more than seven years PQE / call but who do not exclusively focus on contentious regulatory work.

Each session will be followed by drinks and canapés, providing an opportunity to network.

Location

The sessions will take place at Brown Rudnick’s offices (8 Clifford St, London W1S 2LQ).

Dates

  1. Tuesday 24 September – Session 1: Misconduct and lack of fitness and propriety
  2. Tuesday 15 October – Session 2: The pre-FCA investigation stage
  3. Tuesday 5 November – Session 3: The FCA enforcement process


Timings

For each session, registration will be open from 6.00pm and the session will start at 6:30pm, followed by drinks and canapés.
 
If you wish to attend one or more of the sessions, please register here. Please note that, by submitting this form, you are registering your interest in attending the FSLA Academy training sessions. This is not an acceptance or confirmation of any place.

If you have any queries or special requirements, please contact us at fslalondon@gmail.com.

Aug 30
0

The FCA in the High Court – The FSLA & 3VB Seminar 2024

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3VB & FSLA are pleased to present a panel discussion on FCA involvement in High Court litigation, including its pursuit of restitution and other orders under FSMA, its business interruption claim in FCA v Arch [2021] UKSC 1, and the FCA as a defendant in claims for judicial review.

Chaired by Saima Hanif KC, who will be joined by panellists:

  • Lauren Rafter – Head of Department in the Enforcement and Market Oversight Division of the Financial Conduct Authority
  • Sarah McNally – Partner at Herbert Smith Freehills
  • Caroline Hunter-Yeats – Partner at Simmons & Simmons
  • Adam Temple – Barrister at 3VB

Date:   Thursday 19th September 2024
Time:   
6:00pm: Registration
6:30pm – 7:30pm: Seminar
7:30pm – 9:00pm: Drinks Reception
Venue: Lecture Theatre, Inner Temple, Crown Office Row, London, EC4Y 7HL
RSVP:
Click here to register for a virtual place
Click here to register for an in-person place

If you have any queries or special requirements, please email at fslalondon@gmail.com

Aug 29
0

FSLA Essay Competition 2024

By | Events, Junior Lawyers, Students | No Comments

The Financial Services Lawyers Association is pleased to announce its annual essay competition.

The title for this year’s competition is: “With the rise of so-called “finfluencers”, how can the FCA and its international counterparts effectively protect younger consumers from high-risk investments such as cryptoassets and contracts for difference?”

The purpose of the essay competition is to provide students, trainees, and pupil barristers with the opportunity to apply their studies to issues that are of particular relevance to the financial services industry and wider society.

Essays should be no longer than 1,500 words, and the deadline for entries is midnight on Friday 11 October 2024.

Prizes

The Chris Stallard Memorial (First) Prize: £1,500 and a legal internship at the FCA Second Prize: £750 Third prize: £500

We hope to present the prizes at FSLA’s winter social event.  In any case, winners will be notified by the end of 2024.

There is no requirement that entrants be FSLA members; however, free membership is offered to all students.  Please email fslalondon@gmail.com for further details. The full rules for the competition, including submission details and terms applying to the prizes, can be found here.

May 16
0

FSLA responds to the FCA’s Consultation Paper CP24/2

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FSLA has submitted a response to the FCA’s Consultation Paper CP24/2 titled “Our Enforcement Guide and publicising enforcement investigations – a new approach”.  FSLA considers that the FCA’s proposal to identify investigation subjects (whether firms or individuals) at the commencement of an enforcement investigation where it is in the public interest to do so, may not deliver on the FCA’s stated objectives namely: to build trust and show the public that the FCA is “on the case”; to educate and deter by being clearer about the types of misconduct which will warrant a formal investigation; and to improve accountability of the FCA by shining a light on the efficiency and pace of its investigations. Our response examines the significant legal and practical challenges which the FCA may face as a result of such a fundamental policy shift and explores some alternative approaches which could enable the FCA to achieve its aims in a proportionate manner which balances the public interest and consumer protection with the irreparable harm which could be caused to investigation subjects (especially where over 60% of investigations are closed with no enforcement action being taken).

Please note: The response as submitted on behalf of FSLA and is intended to capture the overall weight of contributions received from its membership, but the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this response belong to the individual authors of this paper (and not for example the author’s employer, chambers, organisation, committee or other group or individual members of FSLA). For the avoidance of doubt, this paper does not contain the views of or purport to make any representations on behalf of any FSLA members who are employed by the FCA, the Bank of England (including the Prudential Regulatory Authority) or any other regulatory bodies.

May 03
0

What can ED&I deliver for financial services?

By | Events, Financial Services Practitioners, Junior Lawyers, Students | No Comments

A FSLA panel discussion at Travers Smith LLP on Thursday 23 May 2024 at 6:30pm

On behalf of the Financial Services Lawyers Association (FSLA), we invite you to attend a panel event which seeks to examine the impact that equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) initiatives can have on financial services, and the advisors which service the sector.

We are grateful to the experts who will contribute to the event, including:

Sophie Hulm – CEO, Progress Together 

Progress Together is a not-for-profit membership body which aims to create equity of progression for individuals in the financial services sector, levelling the playing field and ensuring equal access to senior level roles for all, regardless of socio-economic background.

Sarah Minor-Massy – Director – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, PwC

Sarah Minor-Massy is a trained behavioural scientist with 15+ years of management consulting experience. Sarah helps clients to refine their understanding of their current DE&I challenges, and develop DE&I strategies that are aligned with overall business strategy. Sarah has extensive experience in inclusive leadership development, working with leaders to deepen their understanding of DE&I, connect to the topic on a personal level, increase their confidence and competence to engage with stakeholders, and role model inclusion throughout their organisation.

Rupert Allen – Barrister, Fountain Court

Rupert has a broad commercial and civil practice, and frequently acts for and against regulators in professional disciplinary and regulatory investigations (particularly in relation to solicitors, accountants and matters concerning financial services), including where there are allegations of discrimination and/or offensive communications.    

Natalie Lewis – Partner, Travers Smith LLP

Natalie leads the Fintech, Market Infrastructure and Payments Group at Travers Smith, and is the executive sponsor of the firm’s Gender Balance Group.

Michael Raymond – Partner, Travers Smith LLP

Michael is a partner in the Financial Services and Markets Group at Travers Smith, and an active member of the firm’s LGBTQ+ Group.

A panel discussion will be followed by networking drinks and is open to any lawyers with an interest in financial services and/or ED&I within financial services (including students, private practice lawyers and in-house lawyers).  The event is not restricted to FSLA members.

The event will be hosted by Travers Smith at their offices at 10 Snow Hill, London EC1A 2AL.

The event will start at 6pm and the panel discussion will start at 6:30pm.

You can register to attend at this link.

If you have any queries or special requirements, please contact us at events@fsla.org.uk

We look forward to seeing you on 23 May 2024.

FSLA – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group

Oct 21
0

100 days of the Consumer Duty

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FSLA panel discussion at Fox Williams on Wednesday 8 November 2023 at 6:30pm

On behalf of the Financial Services Lawyers Association (FSLA), we invite you to attend a panel event which seeks to examine and reflect on the first 100 days of the FCA’s new Consumer Duty – a duty which signals a significant shift in the FCA’s expectations and seeks to impose higher and clearer standards for consumer protection across financial services and requires firms to act to deliver good outcomes for customers.

The panel shall examine the success stories and challenges faced by firms and practitioners tasked with delivering the Consumer Duty and offer some lessons learned for the future.   

The event panel will include:

  • Peter Finch – Partner in the Financial Services and FinTech team at Fox Williams LLP  
  • Rebecca Irving – Head of Regulatory Legal, Close Brothers Bank and formerly of the FCA
  • Mark Turner – Head of Regulatory Consulting, Kroll

The discussion will be followed by a networking event which is open to all attendees.  

The event will be hosted at Fox Williams LLP at 10 Finsbury Square, London, EC2A 1AF.  

You can register to attend the event at the link below. Please do not register again if you have registered before.

Registration will be open from 6pm and the panel discussion will start at 6:30pm.
If you have any queries or special requirements, please contact us at events@fsla.org.uk. 

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Oct 03
0

Recent Developments and Future Trends in the Regulation of Cryptoassets

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Tuesday 24 October 2023 at 5.45pm

Taking place at Taylor Wessing LLP, 5 New St Square, London EC4A 3TW

On behalf of the Financial Services Lawyers Association (FSLA), Taylor Wessing LLP and Outer Temple Chambers would like to invite you to attend our in-person event on Recent Developments and Future Trends in the Regulation of Cryptoassets to held on Tuesday, 24 October 2023 from 5.45pm to 8pm.

The panel event will feature the following speakers:

  • Victoria McLoughlin, Interim Head of Digital Assets Department at the Financial Conduct Authority 
  • Charlotte Hill, Partner and Head of Financial Services Regulation and Fintech at Taylor Wessing LLP 
  • Justina Stewart, Barrister at Outer Temple Chambers 
  • Ijeoma Okoli, Co-Director at the Digital Economy Initiative and Strategic Adviser, Digital Assets

The 1 hour event will focus on the latest developments, future trends and areas of concern in the fast-evolving and increasingly topical field of cryptoasset regulation. We expect that it will be of interest to all financial services lawyers of all levels of PQE. It will conclude with an audience Q&A session that will finish by 7.30pm and shall be held pursuant to the Chatham House Rule.  


Venue: Taylor Wessing LLP, 5 New St Square, London EC4A 3TW


Date:    Tuesday 24 October 2023

Time:     5.45pm – Registration

               6.15pm – Introduction, panel discussion and Q&A

               7.30pm – Drinks 

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Jun 13
0

The Bank of England’s Approach to Enforcement

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Tuesday 20 June 2023 at 6pm

Taking place at The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1PL

Members are invited to join Olie Dearie, Head of the Enforcement and Litigation Division at the Bank of England, for a discussion on the proposed changes to their enforcement policies. The changes – which are subject to consultation – are designed to create a single statement of policy identifying the various enforcement policies and procedures across its remit.

This will contain an updated version of the ‘PRA Approach to Enforcement’, as well as signposting the Bank’s other enforcement policies relating to financial market infrastructures, banknotes and in the context of the special resolution regime. The consultation also includes changes which are designed to facilitate earlier cooperation by subjects and faster investigatory outcomes, including via the introduction of an ‘Early Account Scheme’ and a revised approach to calculating the starting point for penalties for firms.
 
Agenda:

  • Introduction by Farhaz Khan KC, 3VB
  • Keynote speech by Olie Dearie, BoE
  • Q&A led by Andrew Spink KC, Outer Temple Chambers
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Apr 06
0

Non-Financial Misconduct Training Session

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A training session on non-financial misconduct hosted at Clifford Chance LLP on 27 April 2023.

On behalf of the Financial Services Lawyers Association (FSLA) and Clifford Chance LLP, we would like to invite our junior members (students and those with less than 5 years’ relevant experience), and those looking for a refresher, to attend a training session on non-financial misconduct hosted by Philip Cox, Murray Tabeart, Emily Goddard, and Amy Bird of Clifford Chance LLP. The increasing risk of regulatory enforcement in relation to non-financial misconduct may concern firms and, in particular, senior managers who themselves might face regulatory scrutiny.

This is especially so given that the exact scope of behaviour which may give raise to regulatory concern is not clear. The session will provide an overview of non-financial misconduct, the FCA’s recent approach to the issue (including the ways it might seek to take further action and the scope of its authority to do so) and possible future developments in the area.

The presentation will be followed by drinks and canapés, giving our junior members the chance to network in an informal and relaxed setting.

Location: Clifford Chance LLP, 10 Upper Bank Street, London, E14 5JJ

Date: 27 April 2023

Timings:

·       6 pm – registration

·       6.30 pm – session starts

·       7.30 pm – networking

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Jan 16
0

FSLA and Blackstone Chambers Trends in Enforcement Seminar

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The annual FSLA and Blackstone Chambers Seminar at RSA House on Thursday 23 February 2023 at 6:00pm

Blackstone Chambers, together with the Financial Services Lawyers Association (FSLA), is hosting its annual ‘Trends in Enforcement‘ seminar on Thursday, 23 February.

The seminar will comprise a panel chaired by Javan Herberg KC, Blackstone Chambers, and will also feature Mark Steward, Director of Enforcement and Market Oversight, Financial Conduct Authority, Daniel Chumbley, Head of Litigation, HSBC UK Bank plc and Andrew George KC, Blackstone Chambers. Further panelists will be announced in due course.

Registration will open at 6pm, with the talks starting at 6.30pm, followed by drinks and canapes at 8pm.

During the 90 minute seminar, the speakers will discuss the latest thinking on how to tackle some of the most difficult enforcement issues facing those working in the financial services sector, followed by a Q&A.

Members of Blackstone Chambers and the ExCo of FSLA would be pleased if you would join them and the panelists for a drinks reception following the seminar.

Please register for the event below.

We very much hope you will be able to join us and look forward to seeing you on 23 February. If you have any further queries or special requirements, please email the events team at events@blackstonechambers.com.

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