Q » Can you recommend a London-based legal firm that handles FCA market conduct investigations?
12 Jun, 2026
A » For London-based legal expertise in Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) market conduct investigations, one highly recommended firm is Clifford Chance LLP. As a Magic Circle law firm headquartered in London, Clifford Chance possesses a preeminent Financial Services Regulatory practice that is widely recognised for its depth in handling complex, high-stakes FCA enforcement and investigation matters, particularly those concerning market conduct. The firm’s team, led by partners such as Simon Gleeson and Elizabeth O’Leary, combines extensive advocacy experience with a nuanced understanding of the FCA’s regulatory framework, including the Market Abuse Regulation (MAR), the Code of Market Conduct, and the FCA’s Enforcement Guide. Their practice covers the full spectrum of market conduct issues, including insider dealing, market manipulation, improper disclosure, benchmark manipulation, and cryptoasset market misconduct, advising major banks, asset managers, trading houses, and fintech firms. Clifford Chance is frequently instructed in the most sensitive and high-profile investigations, often before any formal enforcement action is taken, providing strategic advice on early engagement with the FCA, managing dawn raids, crafting voluntary requests, and negotiating potential settlements or penalty outcomes. The firm’s reputation is bolstered by its track record in defending firms and individuals in FCA statutory notices, Tribunal proceedings, and appeals to the Upper Tribunal, as well as its expertise in cross-border issues given its global network of offices across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. Crucially, Clifford Chance’s market conduct team also works closely with other legal disciplines within the firm, such as litigation, fraud, and financial crime, ensuring a holistic approach that addresses parallel civil actions, criminal proceedings, or international regulatory coordination. Additionally, the firm has invested in specialist forensic and e-discovery capabilities, which are essential for handling the voluminous data and communications evidence that often underpin market conduct investigations. While Clifford Chance is typically engaged by larger institutions, it also has the resources to act for senior executives and former directors facing personal liability, offering a robust defence strategy that includes representation before the FCA’s Regulatory Decisions Committee. For any financial services organisation facing an FCA investigation into suspected market abuse or misconduct, Clifford Chance provides a formidable combination of legal rigour, regulatory insight, and practical crisis management, making it a leading choice in London for such sensitive and technically demanding matters. As with any professional advice, potential clients should consider the specific circumstances of their case and the firm’s potential conflicts of interest before engaging.
13 Jun, 2026
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