Business

Financial services

Helping businesses and individuals in the financial sector respond rapidly to market changes.

The financial sector has maintained its position as a key, consistent driver of the UK economy. However, it is undoubtedly undergoing a period of significant transformation, influenced by changing consumer behaviour, accelerating technological developments and an increasingly complex regulatory framework. Now more than ever, your business needs to work with a legal team with a deep understanding of the changing financial markets which can provide you with practical, incisive guidance.

Almost ten years on from the financial crisis, financial services organisations remain under an intense regulatory and media spotlight. The perceptible shift in focus towards transparency and personal accountability has correlated with a growing number of investigations by regulators and claims from customers on the grounds of financial mis-selling. Although financial services organisations face substantial challenges when it comes to staying ahead of the evolving landscape, this rigorous regulatory environment also provides an opportunity for businesses to engender trust with their clients and achieve a competitive advantage.

Our multi-disciplinary team provides a seamless service to businesses and individuals operating in the financial sector, whether that is financial services firms, private equity investors, family offices or owner managed businesses. Our work ranges from corporate finance, lending, and restructuring, to funding, regulation, and the pursuit of high value and complex claims against financial institutions.

We devise innovative strategies to support you in responding rapidly to market changes and driving your business forward. With a complete awareness of the workings of your business and an excellent insight into the intricacies of financial markets, we are committed to providing you with proactive, tailored and fundamentally commercial solutions.

Fintech explainer guide #1

What is E-Money?

Financial Technology has disrupted traditional banking and the pace of change is great. Keeping up with new developments is not an easy task. This guide explains what is meant by ‘E-Money’, who issues it and how it is used.

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Fintech explainer guide #2

Bank or Electronic Money Institution (EMI)?

This guide explains the differences between a bank and an Electronic Money Institution (EMI), and the methods used to safeguard funds with the Electronic Money Regulations (EMR).

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A Collyer Bristow webinar

Covid-19 and the regulators: A financial services update

We discuss the impact of the Pandemic on SMCR; the latest guidance to lenders from the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA); and recent FCA activity including regarding LIBOR transition, the response to the Covid-19 crisis and recent guidance on the framework for assessing adequate financial resources.

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<div class=wprt-container><p><strong>Important update:</strong> In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the FCA has decided to extend its deadline for ceasing to issue new loans based on LIBOR until the end of Q1 2021.</p></div>

Important update: In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the FCA has decided to extend its deadline for ceasing to issue new loans based on LIBOR until the end of Q1 2021.

LIBOR transition & loans: what borrowers need to know

The FCA is phasing out LIBOR by 2021. This is a significant change for borrowers; understanding and planning for the impact on your business is key to avoiding costly disputes. Our guide provides an overview of the changes and what borrowers should be doing now.

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