With our wealth of experience Argent Law is perfectly equipt to advise individuals and firms involved in enquiries by the Financial Services Authority's (FSA) enforcement division, including cross-border cases involving mutual assistance between regulators.
As with any independent regulator, the FSA has huge powers to investigate and sanction companies and individuals. In circumstances where breaches have occurred they are able to punish by way of fines, censure or even rescind their authorised status altogether – all of which can be catastrophic for those concerned.
However, it doesn’t always stop there. In the event of a breach the FSA, in certain situations, can commence civil litigation and/or criminal proceedings against the companies and individuals involved.
This is where Argent Law excels, with our unique nexus between criminal, civil and regulatory expertise. We have in depth knowledge of the FSA’s enforcement regime and investigative processes.
We can assist clients at any stage of proceedings. This includes providing practical advice to assist clients pre audit, thus ensuring that their businesses remain compliant with the appropriate requirements, and avoid unnecessary investigation.
We assist clients under investigation in demonstrating the legitimacy of their businesses, and are experts in providing representation in front of the Regulatory Decisions Committee (RDC).
For clients who become the subject of enforcement action, we can assist with mitigating the damage and/or appealing the decision to the Financial Services and Markets Tribunal.
In the event of clients facing civil litigation and/or criminal proceedings, Argent Law is able to bring together a team of the highest quality specialist counsel, solicitors and multi-disciplinary experts (including accountants, tax advisors and investigators) to provide first class representation focused on protecting our clients’ legitimate business and financial interests.
