The financial services sector is fast-moving, highly regulated, and full of opportunities. At Howard Kennedy, we help clients to navigate this complex landscape, seize growth, and stay ahead of change. Combining deep sector knowledge and commercial pragmatism, we deliver solutions that drive business outcomes.
We support businesses across the financial services ecosystem – from banks, fintechs, funds and insurers, to investment platforms, payment service providers, pension schemes and consumer credit firms. Whether you're launching a new platform, scaling a fund, securing investment, responding to regulatory scrutiny or dealing with a dispute, we deliver coordinated, cross-disciplinary advice that supports your business through every stage of its lifecycle.
Wirecard-related fraud claim: Defending a global banking group in a £45m misrepresentation and fraud claim arising from the onward sale of shares allegedly linked to the Wirecard scandal.
VCT fund IPO: Advising a leading venture capital trust on its IPO and fund structuring, drawing on our in-house FCA-authorised sponsor capability.
Fintech regulatory support: Supporting a high-growth fintech on cross-border data transfers, perimeter analysis and product development strategy.
Cryptocurrency platform dispute: Acting for a cryptocurrency trader in a contractual dispute with a UK-based crypto exchange.
Challenger bank enforcement and claims: Representing a UK challenger bank in enforcement proceedings and defending customer claims stemming from third-party fraud.
Investment fund fraud: Conducting an internal investigation on behalf of an alternative investment fund manager regarding a substantial fraud by previous management, including associated reporting to the FCA, insurers, and auditors.
SIPP operator FOS claims: Representing a SIPP operator in the context of 100+ FOS complaints arising from the failure of investment portfolios, including associated reporting to the FCA and pre-pack sale of the client's business.
Listed platform employment issues: Advising a publicly listed investment platform on executive exits, whistleblowing disclosures and regulatory implications.
African bank arbitration: Acting for one of Africa’s largest banks in LCIA arbitration proceedings relating to a US$56m claim against a multinational energy company.
Securities enforcement defence: Supporting a financial institution and its directors in responding to securities enforcement action and shareholder claims.
AML systems advisory: Advising a banking group on AML systems and controls for a property-backed lending business, including use of third-party agents and HMRC compliance.
Employment advice for asset manager: Providing ongoing HR support to an investment management firm, including contracts, senior hires and exits, restructuring and disputes.
Ashoka WhiteOak IPO: Advising on the £30.5m IPO of Ashoka WhiteOak Investment Trust on the London Stock Exchange—the first listed equities-focused trust launched since 2018.
Performance fee dispute: Acting for an asset management company in a dispute concerning entitlement to performance fees, fee exemptions, and interpretation of a shareholders’ agreement relating to a £100m commercial property venture.
JV structuring for real estate fund: Advising a European real estate fund on joint ventures and asset management mandates across sectors, supporting a portfolio with £5bn AUM.
Polski Bank Komorek Macierzystych (PBKM): Advising Polish-listed PBKM on its acquisition of Smart Cells, the UK’s first private stem cell storage business.
Our Team
Working closely with you, we'll find the best way to get you quickly and easily from where you are to where you want to be.
Our cross-practice team expertly navigates the complex ESG landscape, helping clients address their unique environmental, social and governance challenges. Visit our ESG Hub to discover insights and practical resources and learn more about how we can help.
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