The UK financial services regulatory landscape is one of the most demanding in the world. Whether you are seeking FCA authorisation, managing an ongoing supervisory relationship, responding to an enforcement investigation or advising on SM&CR obligations, Steelyn Legal provides the specialist regulatory expertise your firm needs — combining deep technical knowledge with a pragmatic, commercially minded approach.
Obtaining FCA or PRA authorisation is a complex and demanding process. A poorly prepared application wastes months and risks refusal. We guide firms through every stage — from initial scoping and threshold conditions assessment through to submission, FCA engagement and approval.
We act for a wide range of firms seeking authorisation, including investment managers, payment institutions, e-money firms, consumer credit providers, insurance intermediaries and crypto asset businesses.
Financial Conduct Authority — conduct regulation for all authorised firms
Prudential Regulation Authority — prudential oversight of banks & insurers
Payment Systems Regulator — oversight of payment systems & participants
Information Commissioner's Office — data protection & privacy regulation
The SM&CR places significant personal obligations on senior managers and certified individuals across the financial services sector. Failures in individual accountability can result in prohibition, financial penalties and reputational damage that extends beyond any firm.
Personal liability under SM&CR is real and growing. Steelyn Legal advises senior managers on their individual obligations — and defends them when the FCA comes calling.
An FCA enforcement investigation is one of the most serious challenges a regulated firm or individual can face. The FCA's enforcement division has significantly expanded its capacity and appetite for action — and the consequences of a finding against you can be career-ending.
We represent firms and individuals at every stage of FCA enforcement proceedings — from the initial information request through to the Decision Procedure and Penalties Manual (DEPP) process, Regulatory Decisions Committee (RDC) hearings and appeals to the Upper Tribunal.
Beyond enforcement, we advise regulated firms on their day-to-day compliance obligations — helping them stay ahead of regulatory change, manage their FCA relationship and embed a culture of compliance that reduces the risk of regulatory action in the first place.
For firms operating across multiple jurisdictions, regulatory compliance becomes exponentially more complex. We advise on the UK regulatory implications of cross-border activities, passporting arrangements, branch and subsidiary structures and the recognition of overseas regulatory approvals.
We work closely with regulatory counsel in the EU, US and key financial centres to provide joined-up advice for internationally active firms ensuring that your global regulatory strategy is coherent and defensible in every jurisdiction.