Following the merger of Allen & Overy LLP with Shearman & Sterling LLP in May 2024, A&O Shearman has solidified its position as a market-leading financial services advisory and regulatory practice, housing a team of ‘seasoned professionals with extensive experience’ across the full gamut of mandates. Counting global banks, asset managers, market infrastructure providers and other financial institutions among his key roster of clients, Bob Penn jointly leads the team alongside Barney Reynolds, who maintains a strong track record advising on mandates concerning UK and EU regulation. Ben Regnard-Weinrabe has ‘unrivalled knowledge’ of fintech, payments, cryptoassets, retail banking and consumer finance, and Damian Carolan is an expert in derivatives and securities regulation, while Kate Sumpter advises on regulatory-driven structural change projects for international banks. Other key contacts in the group include ‘exceptional’ Nick Bradbury, who is noted for his expertise in digital and cryptoassets regulation, Thomas Donegan, fintech regulatory specialist Nikki Johnstone and Nadia Pascal.

Clifford Chance LLP showcases stellar expertise across a broad range of financial services regulatory matters, including post-Brexit mandates, regulation surrounding digital assets, policy work and the regulatory aspects of high-profile M&A transactions. Practice leader Caroline Meinertz provides ‘commercially focused, pragmatic and solution-orientated’ advice to global financial institutions on Brexit-related matters, while the ‘practical and knowledgeable’ Simon Crown specialises in funds and asset management. Caroline Dawson counts asset managers, banks, disruptor blockchain providers and crypto services providers among her key roster of clients, while Paul Ellison focuses on the regulation of private equity funds, fund structuring and the regulatory aspects of corporate transactions. Monica Sah has ‘extensive experience’ in Brexit structuring issues and mandates concerning fintech, cryptoassets and cryptocustody. Diego Ballon Ossio and Stephanie Peacock are key contacts in the group.

The ‘top-class’ team at Linklaters LLP demonstrates ‘incredible breadth and depth’ of expertise in high-risk and cross-border mandates, concerning MiFID II, CSDR, ESG, payment services and fintech, among others. Michael Kent acts for banks and investment groups on their implementation of Senior Managers and Certification regimes in the UK, in addition to MiFID II and Brexit-related matters. Peter Bevan advises investment managers, private banks, hedge funds and private equity funds on regulatory issues, while Harry Eddis handles perimeter issues, including authorisation requirements, market abuse and market conduct requirements. Raza Naeem is praised for his ‘exceptional knowledge of the UK financial services regulatory landscape’, often advising global asset managers and private banks on ESG mandates. Other key contacts in the group include Alastair Holt and team leader Martyn Hopper.

Commended as ‘the best in town’, Ashurst offers ‘unrivalled expertise in financial services regulatory matters’, from digital assets and ESG regulatory compliance to retail brokerage platforms, wholesale market regulation and financial market infrastructure. Jake Green is a ‘trusted adviser’ when it comes to retail investment platforms, while Etay Katz is a ‘master of digital assets’. Commended as an ‘exceptional financial services lawyer’, Tim Cant is noted for his experience advising on MiFID II and the ‘pragmatic’ Bradley Rice acts for funds and asset managers, with additional expertise in fintech and digital finance. Other key contacts in the group include Lorraine Johnston, who is a ‘seasoned adviser on matters of ESG’, and Sidika Ulker.

Praised for its ‘breadth and depth of knowledge and experience’, Latham & Watkins handles the financial services regulatory aspects of high-value transactions, in addition to advising on matters concerning ESG, market infrastructure and consumer credit. Rob Moulton focuses on European regulatory developments, including MiFID and MAR, and jointly leads the team alongside Nicola Higgs, who co-chairs the firm’s global financial institutions industry group. Higgs acts for global investment enterprises on the sale of derivative products to professional and retail investors. Becky Critchley advises on consumer protection and lending, MiFID compliance and benchmark regulation, while Anne Mainwaring has ‘impressive knowledge’ of ESG regulatory developments.

The ‘knowledgeable and experienced team’ at Norton Rose Fulbright stands out for its expertise in the wholesale markets sector, advising on matters concerning retail and wealth management, with a strong capability in handling cross-border mandates. ‘Top-notch’ Hannah Meakin focuses on market infrastructure, commodities derivatives, fintech and crypto regulation work; clients ‘would be lost without her’. Meakin leads the practice alongside Jonathan Herbst, who has ‘enormous experience’ in bank structuring and advisory matters, and Katie Stephen. Albert Weatherill leads the firm’s global payments practice and Matthew Gregory counts domestic and overseas banks, investment firms and wealth managers among his key roster of clients.

Simmons & Simmons acts for a range of clients, from asset management companies, hedge funds and global investment banks to payment and consumer credit enterprises, cryptocurrency and digital token businesses, commodity traders and insurance companies, among others. Penny Miller leads the team and advises on the implementation of and ongoing compliance relating to the SMCR, in addition to associated governance, conduct risk and Consumer Duty. Darren Fox specialises in hedge fund manager regulation, exchange traded derivatives and banking regulation, while Charlotte Stalin remains the first port of call for global investment firms and banks. James Wallace, who is noted for his expertise in alternative asset management, is another key contact in the group.

Counting international banks, insurers, investment groups, market infrastructure operators and asset managers among its key roster of clients, Slaughter and May handles a broad range of advisory, transactional and strategic regulatory mandates. Jan Putnis, who maintains a strong track record in handling financial services regulatory matters and cross-border transactions, jointly leads the practice alongside Nick Bonsall, who is praised as ‘a truly outstanding figure in the market’. Bonsall continues to showcase an interest in EU/UK regulatory regimes for solvency/own funds and governance, while ‘standout partner’ David Shone acts for a range of financial institutions, financial technology enterprises and challenger banks. Other key contacts in the group include Sabine Dittrich and Kristina Locmele.

The ‘thoughtful, responsive and practical’ team at Travers Smith LLP counts asset managers and private equity houses, as well as investment banks, hedge and credit funds, payment and e-money institutions among its key roster of clients. Tim Lewis leads the practice, with other key contacts including Phil Bartram, Michael Raymond and Natalie Lewis. Mark Evans is a key name for financial market infrastructure issues.

Praised for its ‘unmatched depth and quality of advice’, Addleshaw Goddard stands out for its expertise in consumer finance and payments, advising a range of clients including banks and building societies, insurers, fund managers, asset managers and investment platform providers. Rosanna Bryant leads the team and has acted on multiple Consumer Duty implementation projects for banks and building societies, while Steven Francis assists clients in their dealings with regulators and compliance with regulatory requirements. Lorna Finlayson focuses on matters concerning retail investment and James Greig is noted for his expertise in the wholesale financial services sector. ‘Commercial and seasoned regulatory lawyer’ Lisa Lee Lewis joined the team from Norton Rose Fulbright in August 2023, and Tess Kelly joined from the Bank of England in February 2024.

CMS provides ‘commercial technical advice’ to its client base of wholesale and retail banks, general and life insurers and reinsurers, investment managers, platforms and exchanges, payment service providers and consumer finance. Ash Saluja leads the team and is noted for his expertise in banking and investment business regulation, while ‘excellent’ Angela Greenough handles matters concerning regulated financial services outsourcing. Sam Robinson stands out for his experience in the fintech arena and Pippa Tasker advises on a range of UK and EU regulatory and commercial issues affecting financial services providers. The ‘brilliant’ Joy Davey joined the team from Macfarlanes LLP in June 2023 and Tom Callaby counts US and European investment banks and technology and market data providers among his key roster of clients. Paul Edmondson remains a key contact in the group.

Praised for its ‘breadth and depth of knowledge’, DLA Piper acts for a range of banks, insurers and other financial institutions on domestic and cross-border matters, from financial services regulatory investigations to transactional work and banking group restructurings. Global co-chair of the firm’s financial services sector practice, Tony Katz leads the team and maintains strong client relationships with global banks and fintech enterprises. Commended as ‘knowledgeable, personable and diligent’, Karen Butler assists clients with regulatory implementation projects involving post-Brexit, MiFID II, EMIR and AIFMD issues, while ‘extremely talented’ Stuart Murdoch acts for clients across the banking, pensions, asset management, general insurance, fintech, private equity and professional services sectors. Michael McKee spearheads the firm’s European financial services regulatory practice, and Puesan Lam is another key contact in the group.

Showcasing demonstrable expertise in investment banking, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP’s ‘highly knowledgeable’ practice handles matters concerning the emerging regulation of digital assets, artificial intelligence, fintech and sustainability in financial services. ‘An asset to the firm’, Marina Reason leads the team and works extensively with investment banks, broker-dealers, private and retail banks and asset managers. Clive Cunningham’s workload includes banking, securities and asset management matters, in addition to advising on the financial services aspects of M&A transactions. Kelesi Blundell, whose ‘attention to detail and service delivery is outstanding’, advises on mandates concerning Brexit, MiFID II and market infrastructure regulation, and is another key contact in the group.

Praised for its ‘great breadth and depth of industry knowledge and experience’, Hogan Lovells International LLP acts for a broad range of clients, from international banks, asset managers and financial market infrastructure providers to fintech start-ups and payment service providers. Michael Thomas handles mandates concerning UK and EU regulatory perimeter issues, the establishment of new, regulated businesses and market infrastructure, while team leader Jonathan Chertkow ‘provides practical and commercial guidance’ to banks, consumer finance enterprises, payment service providers and fintech clients. Roger Tym is an ‘industry expert in payment services’ and James Black has experience in consumer credit and payments regulation. An ‘industry leader in financial services’, Rachel Kent remains a key contact in the group.

Housing an ‘unrivalled bench of leading partners’, Kirkland & Ellis International LLP counts private equity firms, alternative investment funds, fund managers and investment advisers among its key roster of clients. Practice leader Lisa Cawley’s wide-ranging experience includes handling the financial services regulatory aspects of high-end transactions, while Julia Dixon advises clients on a range of regulatory mandates and compliance with UK and EU regulation.  Adam Skinner focuses on regulatory issues arising within the private investment fund sector. Deirdre Haugh is another key contact in the group.

Praised as ‘approachable, knowledgeable and practical’, Reed Smith LLP counts investment banks, retail financial service providers, fund platforms, asset managers and payment service providers among its key roster of clients, with demonstrable capability in handling multi-jurisdictional mandates. David Calligan handles a broad range of compliance matters including the regulatory aspects of financial services M&A transactions, while Chris Borg advises on commodity trading, futures and options mandates. Borg jointly leads the team alongside Claude Brown, who focuses on work concerning ESG and fintech. Romin Dabir, who assists both sell-side and buy-side clients with a range of financial services regulatory issues, is another key contact in the group.

Noted for its expertise in the fintech arena, Baker McKenzie handles M&A involving financial institutions, in addition to mandates concerning derivatives, ESG and post-Brexit, and is well-placed to leverage the firm’s global footprint on cross-border matters. Mark Simpson leads the team and acts for payment and e-money institutions, asset and wealth managers, cryptoasset enterprises, consumer lenders, banks and insurers, with considerable experience in handling fintech mandates. Caitlin McErlane advises on regulatory implementation projects, day-to-day compliance issues, and the financial services regulatory aspects of transactions.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner showcases ‘impressive expertise’ in the retail and wholesale sectors, counting banks, asset managers, insurance and reinsurance companies, payment services and currency exchange platforms among its key roster of clients. Praised for his ‘thorough and detailed knowledge’, Matthew Baker handles investment management mandates, in addition to the financial services regulatory aspects of M&A transactions. Providing ‘rigour and depth in her technical legal advice’, practice leader Polly James is another key contact in the team, alongside Joanna Munro.

Led by Gus Black, the ‘organised, approachable and knowledgeable team’ at Dechert LLP acts for leading asset managers on buy-side regulatory mandates, with additional expertise in matters concerning FCA regulation and ESG. Karen Anderberg acts for asset managers and investment funds across Europe, Asia and the US on a range of financial services regulatory issues, while Katie Carter advises clients on compliance with AIFMD, MiFID II and the impact of Brexit, among others. Praised as ‘excellent in their respective fields’, Karen Stretch and Mikhaelle Schiappacasse are also key contacts in the group.

Well-placed to leverage the firm’s global footprint on multi-jurisdictional mandates, the regulation and investigations team at Dentons counts global banks and the banking arms of major retailers among its key roster of clients. Greg McEneny focuses on matters concerning regulatory permissions and cross-border licensing requirements, in addition to the implementation, compliance and governance of regulations including MiFID and the Consumer Duty. McEneny jointly leads the team alongside Katharine Harle, and other key contacts include Adrian Yeo and Jessica Cooke.

The ‘highly responsive’ team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP handles a broad range of mandates concerning UCITS, AIFMD, MiFID and SFDR, in addition to advising on the application of the FCA’s Consumer Duty. Michaela Walker leads the practice and counts asset managers, securities services providers and banks among her key roster of clients, while ‘excellent partner’ Phil Spyropoulos advises on regulatory projects involving the implementation of the EU’s SFDR, CSRD and early adopters of SDR. Based in Edinburgh, Sarah Burnside focuses on ESG, AIFMD and MiFID II, and Tim Fosh joined the team from Slaughter and May in March 2024, boosting the firm’s expertise in fintech, and the regulation of crypto and digital assets.

The ‘approachable, responsive and commercial’ team at Fox Williams LLP counts banks, asset managers, insurers and reinsurers, investment firms, cryptocurrency exchanges, payment businesses and electronic money issuers among its key roster of clients. Praised as ‘professional and thorough, yet practical and commercial’, practice leader Chris Finney handles the full range of regulatory mandates, with a particular focus on fintech work. ‘Invaluable adviser’ Peter Finch specialises in matters concerning payment services, consumer credit and mortgages, while Mardi MacGregor, who is commended as ‘efficient, courteous, clear and highly proficient’, is another key contact in the group.

Counting institutional asset managers and hedge funds among its key roster of clients, Macfarlanes LLP handles a range of mandates, from advice concerning Consumer Duty and regulatory restructurings to the drafting and implementation of outsourcing projects, in addition to the financial services regulatory aspects of transactions. Alexandra Green stands out for her expertise in the retail wealth management arena, and jointly leads the practice alongside Michael Sholem, who focuses on matters involving alternative investment managers. Rachael Preston is another key contact in the group.

Praised for its ‘breadth of financial services knowledge’, Mayer Brown International LLP acts for global banks, insurance and reinsurance companies, and fintech enterprises on a range of domestic and cross-border regulatory matters. Key contacts in the group include practice leader Chris Chapman, who handles mandates concerning regulatory and law enforcement authorities, and Musonda Kapotwe, who advises on the impact of UK financial services regulation on banking, capital markets and derivative transactions.

The team at Paul Hastings LLP handles a broad range of matters, from SFDR, AIFMD, Taxonomy Regulation and MiFID II compliance to ESG affairs and the financial services regulatory aspects of multi-jurisdictional M&A transactions. Practice leader Arun Srivastava showcases demonstrable experience in fintech arena, in addition to advising clients on cross-border product and services offerings across the EU. Other key contacts in the group include Nina Moffatt and Konstantin Burkov, who acts for EU and US clients on new EU sustainability initiatives, including the SFDR and Taxonomy Regulation, MiFID II and AIFMD.

‘A solid team with impressive industry experience’, Pinsent Masons LLP’s multi-disciplinary practice acts for a range of clients, including high-street banks, investment firms, asset managers, insurance companies and wealth managers, among others. Elizabeth Budd maintains a strong focus in the investment management sector, advising asset managers, fund managers, fund distributors including platforms, wealth managers and insurance companies on UK and EU regulatory mandates. Other key contacts in the group include Andrew Barber, who leads the firm’s consumer finance and payments practice, team head Colin Read and David Heffron.

Praised for its ‘encyclopedic knowledge’, Sidley Austin LLP regularly advises on a range of mandates concerning UK/EU securitisation regulation, investment funds, payment services, consumer credit and mortgage regulation, in addition to anti-money laundering and financial sanctions compliance. ‘Highly personable and respected across the industry’, Leonard Ng leads the team and advises global financial institutions on Brexit, crypto-assets, sustainable finance and ESG regulation. Max Savoie delivers ‘highly commercial, pragmatic and tailored’ advice on matters concerning UK and EU payment services regulation.

Counting global banks, investment firms, asset managers, technology companies and payment services providers among its key roster of clients, White & Case LLP’s workload encompasses banking regulatory mandates, FCA and PRA supervision cases, funds regulation and structuring, in addition matters concerning payment services and investment platforms. Jonathan Rogers leads the practice and focuses on banking regulation, large-scale technology transaction projects, fund structuring issues and fintech matters. Kristen DiLemmo advises on MiFID II, AIFMD, EMIR and payment services regulation, and Laura Kitchen is another key contact in the group.

Praised for its ‘excellent expertise and responsiveness’, Akin acts for leading investment managers on a broad range of mandates concerning MiFID II, AIFMD, the Market Abuse Regulation and EMIR, in addition to SFDR and the Taxonomy Regulation. ‘An expert in the field’, Ezra Zahabi leads the team and advises on regulatory compliance, fund structuring, market abuse and market conduct matters. Suley Siddiqui is another key contact in the group.

Commended for its ‘unparalleled knowledge’, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is noted for its expertise in the private banking, wealth management and private funds sectors, in addition to advising on the structuring, establishment and distribution of financial products and services provided by private wealth institutions. Practice leader William Garner, who ‘combines deep expertise with a strong commercial awareness’, focuses on the establishment, operation and regulation of brokerage firms, trading platforms and asset and investment managers. Richard Ellis rejoined the team from McDonnell Ellis LLP in February 2024.

Fieldfisher is noted for its expertise in wholesale markets regulation, particularly relating to derivative products, in addition to payment services and fintech, and equity financings, sales and purchases of regulated financial services. Praised for his ‘strong breadth of knowledgeable’, practice leader Simon Lafferty focuses on regulation concerning retail and wholesale banks, investment business, asset and investment managers, and e-money and payment services providers. Other key contacts include Steven Burrows, a ‘first-rate derivatives and securities lawyer’.

The ‘stellar team’ at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP advises international fund managers on European private funds regulation, in addition to the regulatory aspects of corporate transactions, financial promotions, senior manager arrangements and FCA authorisations. Gregg Beechey, who ‘stands out for his knowledge and practical advice’, leads the team and advises private funds on the full range of UK, EU and US regulatory issues. Zac Mellor-Clark was promoted to partner in March 2024 and is noted for his expertise in matters concerning AIFMD, while Nishkaam Paul assists asset managers with navigating European financial services regulation.

Counting investment banks, wealth managers, insurers, cryptoasset companies, payment services providers and fintech enterprises among its key roster of clients, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher handles the financial services regulatory aspects of M&A and private equity transactions, in addition to matters concerning funds regulation. Practice leader Michelle Kirschner acts for fintech ventures on perimeter issues, as well as market abuse mandates, conduct of business and regulatory change management, including MiFID II, MAR and SM&CR. Martin Coombes is another key contact in the group.

Praised for its ‘excellent technical knowledge of the UK and EU regulations’, the asset management and investment funds practice at K&L Gates LLP advises on matters concerning AIFMD, MiFID II, EMIR, Brexit and ESG, and is noted for its capability in handling pan-European and transatlantic mandates. Following the departure of former team leader Michelle Moran in May 2024, key contacts in the group include Philip Morgan, Andrew Massey and Kai Zhang.

The ‘remarkably business-minded‘ team at Katten Muchin Rosenman counts exchanges, clearing houses, broker-dealers, proprietary trading firms, investment funds and asset managers among its key roster of clients, and is well-placed to handle regulatory and cross-border transactional matters. Neil Robson jointly leads the team alongside ‘highly recommended’ Carolyn Jackson, who advises clients in the OTC derivatives, futures and securities markets on regulatory and compliance mandates, and Nathaniel Lalone, who offers cross-border advice to market infrastructures.

Praised for its ‘unwavering dedication, unparalleled expertise and a commitment to achieving exceptional results for their clients’, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP acts for domestic and global financial services organisations on a range of financial regulatory issues affecting their UK and global operations. Simon Currie, whose ‘financial services regulatory expertise is simply superb’, leads the team and advises on matters arising from the asset management sector, while ‘highly collaborative’ William Yonge counts mandates concerning ESG and sustainable finance regulation in his workload. Steven Lightstone, who ‘provides commercially focused advice’, is another key contact in the group.

The ‘extremely agile and highly reliable team’ at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP is noted for its robust transatlantic payments and fintech offering, with demonstrable experience in handling IPOs, asset and sale purchases involving regulated financial services clients. ‘Consistently helpful, engaged and solutions-orientated‘, fintech expert Dan Jones leads the practice and counts retail and investment banks, asset managers, e-money issuers and payments services providers, crypto-asset issuers, wallets and exchanges among his key roster of clients. Rebecca James and Guy Stevenson are also key contacts in the group.

RPC showcases ‘impressive expertise and knowledge’ of insurance regulatory mandates, with key clients including insurers, brokers and MGAs, in addition to retail banks, credit card issuers, short term lenders and asset finance providers. Matthew Griffith leads the team and focuses on insurance regulatory matters, as well as post-Brexit issues, while Whitney Simpson is noted for her expertise in the payment services and consumer credit sectors. Jonathan Charwat is another key contact in the group.

Taylor Wessing LLP ‘combines technical knowledge with commercial expertise’ to advise on financial services and fintech regulatory mandates, particularly matters concerning payment services, cryptoassets, consumer lending, wealth management and banking. The practice is also noted for its experience advising on the implementation of regulatory change and disruptive projects driven by technology. Charlotte Hill leads the team and Charlotte Witherington joined from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP in February 2024. Praised as a ‘consummate regulatory professional with an incredible eye for detail’, Mila Pencheva is another key contact in the group.

Burges Salmon LLP showcases ‘real depth of knowledge and experience’ in matters concerning investment funds, wealth management, insurance regulation, unregulated funds and regulated lending, fintech and employment-related financial services regulation. Praised as a ‘valuable and trusted adviser’, Tom Dunn leads the team and Martin Cook spearheads the firm’s fintech practice. Anna Davis, who ‘has a talent for explaining intricate regulatory issues and translates them into actionable advice’, is another key contact in the group.

Commended for its ‘tremendous technical expertise coupled with unbeatable market knowledge’, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP advises on insurance regulatory matters, with additional experience in handling mandates concerning AIFMD, SFDR and MiFID. Clare Swirski advises multinational insurers on regulatory developments and transactions, and jointly leads the team alongside Patricia Volhard, who acts for private funds on matters including Brexit, AIFMD, MiFID and ESG. Volhard splits her time between the firm’s London, Paris and Frankfurt offices.

Praised for its ‘excellence in all areas of financial services’, Farrer & Co is noted for its expertise in the private banking and asset management arenas, advising on a range of matters concerning conduct of business, financial promotion, governance and ongoing compliance with regulatory developments. ‘The strongest and most empathetic of leaders’, Grania Baird advises on a myriad of regulatory mandates in the private banking and payments, wealth and asset management sectors, while Andy Peterkin focuses on the financial services regulatory aspects of corporate transactions. Jessica Reed is another key contact in the group.

Housing a team of ‘exceptional advisers who are accessible, responsive and collaborative’, Gowling WLG acts for a range of clients, from investment houses, asset managers and broker dealers to banks, building societies, insurers, pension trustees and fintech enterprises. Key contacts in the group include practice leader Kristian Rogers, Kam Dhillon and Sushil Kuner.

Praised for its ‘in-depth and highly responsive service’, specialist financial services firm McDonnell Ellis LLP acts for a range of clients, from banks and asset managers to fintechs, payment service and crypto firms. ‘Playing a pivotal role in advancing the firm’s mission and reputation’, Brian McDonnell leads the team and handles a broad range of mandates, from regulatory perimeter issues and funds structuring to payment services regulation and cryptoassets, among others. ‘Experienced’ David Ellis advises on matters concerning regulatory capital, client money and derivatives.

Counting private asset managers, including private funds, hedge funds and portfolio managers, among its key roster of clients, Proskauer Rose LLP handles a range of matters concerning AIFMD, ESG, the impact of securitisation regulation on sovereign wealth funds, post-Brexit and fintech. Practice leader and private funds expert John Verwey gives clients ‘every confidence that no problem is insurmountable’. Amar Unadkat, who ‘provides clear and succinct advice on complex regulatory matters’, is another key contact in the group.

Ropes & Gray LLP provides ‘sound, commercially savvy and well-balanced regulatory advice’ to its client roster of global asset managers on matters concerning fund formation, risk retention and transactional work, in addition to ESG and securitisation regulation. Eve Ellis frequently advises asset managers on ESG mandates, and jointly leads the practice alongside Anna Lawry, who handles derivatives matters and structured financings. ‘Engaged and hardworking’ Dorota Maj is another key contact in the group.

Noted for its established focus on private funds, Schulte Roth & Zabel International LLP has demonstrable experience in handling emerging regulatory mandates, from sustainability disclosures and digital assets regulation to the use of alternative data and sanctions policies. Key contacts in the team include practice leader Anna Maleva-Otto, who advises on the impact of EU directives and regulations, Polly O’Brien and Jim McNally.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP advises on the financial services regulatory aspects of M&A and capital raisings, with additional experience in handling matters concerning change of control and AIFMD, as well as SFDR. Owen Lysak assists private funds, asset managers and financial institutions on AIFMD, MiFID II and UCITS mandates, and jointly leads the practice alongside, Stephanie Biggs, who acts for sponsors on the European regulatory aspects of major fundraises.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP acts for funds and asset managers across the UK, Europe, North America and Australia on regulatory mandates concerning AIFMD, MiFID II, FCA authorisations, SFDR, securitisation regulation and post-Brexit. Praised as ‘highly responsive’, Marc Schubert leads the practice and advises on private funds regulatory matters.