Financial Services Practitioners

FSLA Response to FCA CP24/2 Part 2

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FSLA’s response may be found here.

FSLA has submitted a response to the FCA’s Consultation Paper CP24/2 Part 2 titled “Greater transparency of our enforcement investigations”, following on from our response to the initial Consultation Paper, which may be found here.

Despite some of the proposed amendments detailed in CP24/2 Part 2, FSLA remains of the view that the Publication Policy goes further than what is necessary, legitimate and proportionate to achieve the FCA’s stated objectives of transparency, consumer protection and the delivery of a more streamlined and effective Enforcement process. We contend that the FCA’s objectives could be achieved through existing regulatory tools and a more balanced approach, including a cost-benefit analysis and further consultation before implementing such a fundamental policy change

Our response examines the aims and objectives of the FCA, the process and safeguards of the Publication Policy, the case studies detailed by the FCA in CP24/2 Part 2, the potential implications for individuals of the Publication Policy and the possible next steps.

FSLA was pleased to see our evidence referred to in the House of Lords Financial Services Regulation Committee’s report into the FCA’s CP24/2 consultation, titled “Naming and shaming: how not to regulate”, a link to which may be found here.

Please note: The response is 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 Regulation Authority) or any other regulatory bodies.

Pathways into Financial Services and Regulatory Law

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Tuesday, 25th March from 6pm – non-members welcome

On behalf of the Financial Services Lawyers Association (FSLA) Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, we would like to invite you to attend the “Pathways into Financial Services and Regulatory Law” panel discussion and networking on Tuesday, 25th March, starting at 6pm.

The event will be hosted at the City of London Law School with a panel discussion chaired by Saima Hanif KC of 3 Verulam Buildings, a leading financial services silk. The event will feature panellists with a range of experiences, including:

  • Aleja Isip – Legal Counsel at the Financial Ombudsman Service. Aleja currently works for the Financial Ombudsman Service, within the Legal and Jurisdiction team. Aleja previously worked as a Lawyer at the Financial Conduct Authority, in its Enforcement and Market Oversight division. Admitted as a solicitor in 2022, Aleja was one of the first cohort to qualify via the SQE route. Aleja has had various roles in private practice and in-house where she gained Qualifying Work Experience, which included areas of professional discipline, healthcare, and insurance.
  • Thomas Cave – Solicitor Apprentice at CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang (second year). Tom is currently working within the Financial Services Litigation team. After completing A-levels at a state school in North Yorkshire, Tom opted for a gap year, during which he discovered the solicitor apprenticeship route as an alternative to traditional university education. This decision has allowed Tom to gain invaluable hands-on experience in the legal field while continuing his studies and progressing towards qualification.
  • Holly Girven – Barrister at Farrar’s Building. Holly is a barrister specialising in regulatory and personal injury law at Farrar’s Building. She is a manual wheelchair user and has first-hand experience of the importance of improving access to the legal profession for disabled people. She has previously spoken on Radio 4’s Law in Action and various podcasts about her experiences as a disabled barrister.
  • Dr Rohan Clarke – Pupil Barrister at CANDEY. Rohan is a former Jamaican diplomat who started his pupillage in September 2024. During his pupillage, he has undertaken a variety of work in sanctions advisory, insolvency and offshore and general commercial litigation. In addition to being a former diplomat, Rohan is an international consultant on illicit finance, a Fellow at Yale University’s Global Justice Program and a member of the organising Secretariat of the Cambridge International Symposium on Economic Crime.

During the panel discussion, our speakers will discuss their experiences and journeys into financial services and regulatory law. There will be ample time for questions at the end.

Please register to ensure that you have a space – we are expecting this event to be extremely popular, please contact events@fsla.org.uk if you would like to attend.

Following the panel discussion, we invite you to join us for a networking session with refreshments.

Registration will open at 6pm, with the panel starting at 6.30pm, followed by networking drinks from 8pm to 9pm.

Venue: City of London Law School, Faculty of Law, Northampton Square, Sebastian Street, London EC1V OHB

Due to the nature of the event, we are delighted to be able to invite non-members and members alike.

FSLA membership is free for students – for more details please email fslalondon@gmail.com.

We look forward to seeing you there!

The FSLA and Blackstone Chambers Trends in Enforcement Seminar

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Wednesday, 5th March 2025 from 6pm, hosted at The Royal Society of Arts.

On behalf of the Financial Services Lawyers Association (FSLA) and Blackstone Chambers, we would like to invite you to attend the annual Trends in Enforcement seminar and reception on Wednesday, 5 March 2025 at RSA House, 8 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6EZ.

The seminar will comprise a panel chaired by Javan Herberg KC, Blackstone Chambers, and will feature Therese Chambers, Joint Executive Director of Enforcement and Market Oversight, Financial Conduct Authority, Andrew George KC, Blackstone Chambers, Martyn Hopper, Partner, Linklaters and Scott Corrigan, Global Head of Disputes & Government Investigations, Legal, Standard Chartered Bank.

Registration will open at 6pm, with the panel starting at 6.30pm, followed by drinks and canapés 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 FSLA ExCo would be pleased if you would join them and the panellists for a drinks reception following the seminar.

Please note that attendance at this event is strictly for FSLA Members. If you wish to become a member of FSLA in order to attend, please contact fslalondon@gmail.com

Please contact events@fsla.org.uk if you want to attend.

We look forward to seeing you on 5th March 2025.

Modernising the Redress System – A FSLA and Ashurst Event

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A FSLA and Ashurst in-person roundtable to discuss the FOS/FCA Call for Input on Wednesday 8th January 2025 from 8.30 to 10am at Ashurst

On behalf of the Financial Services Lawyers Association and Ashurst we would like to invite you to attend our forthcoming event on Modernising the Redress System.

The roundtable will discuss the challenges that the Financial Ombudsman Service regime creates and explore the potential solutions sought under the recent Call for Input.

The roundtable discussions will be facilitated by four panellists:

  • Nathan Willmott, Partner at Ashurst
  • Saima Hanif KC, of 3 Verulam Buildings
  • Katharine Harle, Partner at Dentons
  • Gregory Brandman, Partner at Eversheds Sutherland

This is an in-person event, which will be taking place at Ashurst, Fruit & Wool Exchange, 1 Duval Square, London, E1 6PW. Registration will open at 8.30am, with refreshments, with the roundtable commencing at 9am.

If you have any queries ahead of the event, please contact us at events@fsla.org.uk.

Please note this is a small event and we may need to run a waiting list.

We look forward to seeing you on 8 January 2025.

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FSLA Christmas Party 2024

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Christmas Drinks Party, Tuesday 10th December, 6.30pm-9pm

The Board and ExCo of FSLA invite all members to our annual Christmas Drinks Party, which this year is taking place on the Piazza Terrace, 5th Floor, Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London, WC2E 9DD.

The Piazza Terrace of the Royal Opera House is a roof top location overlooking Covent Garden. The occasion presents an opportunity to socialise with fellow FSLA members and enjoy a generous raffle. The winners of the 2024 FSLA Essay Competition will also be announced.

Nearest tube stations: Covent Garden (3 mins), Holborn (10 mins) Leicester Square (10 mins), Temple (10 mins). For a map see https://www.rbo.org.uk/eat-and-drink/piazza

If you are able to attend the drinks, please register below.

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What can ED&I deliver for financial services?

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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

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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Financial services: How can it deliver on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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A FSLA panel discussion at Norton Rose Fulbright on Wednesday 3 May 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 the role of, and challenges faced by, financial services firms and practitioners in the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion space.

The event panel will include:

  • Elise Sabran (Chair) (UK Head of Governance and Culture & Conduct, Societe Generale)
  • Sharon Blackman OBE (Managing Director & General Counsel, EMEA Head of FX & Local Markets Legal, Citi)
  • Peter Curtis-Valino (Manager, Governance and Cross-Cutting Standards team, FCA)
  • Anna Jernova (Senior Policy Manager Governance, Remuneration & Controls team, PRA)
  • Daniel Winterfeldt MBE KC (Managing Director and General Counsel for EMEA and Asia, Jefferies)
  • Khasruz Zaman (former Global Head of M&A Legal, Barclays Bank and partner of Simmons & Simmons, now Secondary School Maths teacher)

The discussion will be followed by networking drinks and is open to any lawyers with an interest in financial services and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion within financial services (including students, private practice lawyers and in-house lawyers).

The event will be hosted at Norton Rose Fulbright in their Terrace Suite, 3 More London Pl, London SE1 2AQ.

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

We look forward to seeing you on 3 May 2023.

FSLA – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Sub-Committee

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Financial Crime Regulation and Enforcement: from cash to crypto

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A FSLA and Dentons panel discussion on Tuesday 1 November from 5.45pm at Dentons

On behalf of the Financial Services Lawyers Association (FSLA) and Dentons, we invite our members to attend a panel event exploring recent financial crime risks and enforcement action as well as thoughts on future regulation in a world where crypto-assets are becoming increasingly mainstream. The panel will be chaired by Dentons. 
 
We are delighted to welcome our panel: 

  • Carly Nuzbach Lowery, Chief Legal Officer, Copper.Co
  • Victoria McLoughlin, Interim Head of Digital Assets, FCA
  • Matthew Nyman, Counsel, CMS 
  • Katharine Harle, Partner, Dentons
  • Chris Brennan, Partner, Dentons

Following the panel discussion, we hope you will join us and the panellists for a drinks reception.

The event will take place at Dentons’ offices (1 Fleet Pl, London EC4M 7RA) on Tuesday 1 November. Registration will be open from 5.45pm and the panel discussion will start at 6pm, followed by drinks at 7pm. This will be an in-person event only.

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

Members can register for the event at the link below.

We look forward to seeing you on 1 November.

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Enforcement trends: an international perspective – a FSLA and XXIV Old Buildings panel discussion

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A FSLA and XXIV Old Buildings online panel event on Friday 29 July from 1pm to 2.30pm

On behalf of the Financial Services Lawyers Association (FSLA) and XXIV Old Buildings, we invite our members to attend a panel event discussing enforcement trends from an international perspective.

We are delighted to welcome our panel:

  • Mark Steward, Executive Director of Enforcement and Market Oversight, Financial Conduct Authority
  • Fiona Paddon, Associate Director, Dubai Financial Services Authority
  • Aki Corsoni-Husain, Partner, Harneys, London
  • David Brownbill QC, XXIV Old Buildings
  • Oliver Assersohn, XXIV Old Buildings

The event will take place online on Friday 29 July starting at 1pm. If you wish to attend, please register via the link below.

We look forward to welcoming you on 29 July.

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