Insights
Insight • Financial Services
Regulatory watchlist for 2026 - practical starting point for navigating the year ahead
Insight • Financial Services
With the UK regulatory landscape evolving rapidly, investment firms are facing one of the most intensive periods of change in recent memory. In this article we explore the key open regulatory themes expected to shape the operating environment for most investment firms throughout 2026 and into the future.
Insight • Financial Services
A stronger, simpler capital regime: understanding the FCA’s reforms to own funds
Insight • Financial Services
The FCA’s Policy Statement PS25/14 (published on 15 October 2025) marks a decisive evolution in the prudential landscape for FCA regulated MIFIDPRU investment firms. The reforms introduce a rebuilt capital definition section that sits entirely inside MIFIDPRU 3, replacing the historically fragmented and cross-referenced system that tied investment firms to an outdated version of the UK Capital Requirements Regulation (UK CRR).
Insight • Financial Services
Culture, conduct, and accountability - FCA’s SM&CR reforms
Insight • Financial Services
The FCA has been consulting on major changes to the Senior Managers & Certification Regime (SM&CR) to make it more efficient and proportionate, while preserving its core principles of accountability and conduct. These proposals aim to reduce administrative burdens, speed up processes, and support the UK’s competitiveness as a global financial centre.
Insight • Financial Services
The FCA’s vision for UK crypto regulation: From experiment to infrastructure
Insight • Financial Services
The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has taken a decisive step towards regulating cryptoassets, publishing three major consultation papers—CP25/40, CP25/41 and CP25/42—that together will form the backbone of the future UK crypto regulatory framework.
Deal • Real Estate and Construction
Buzzacott advises Foxtons on its acquisition of Birmingham-based FleetMilne
Deal • Real Estate and Construction
We are delighted to announce that Foxtons have acquired FleetMilne (Birmingham) Limited (FleetMilne).
Insight • Financial Services
Navigating liquidity requirements: Practical steps for CPMI firms
Insight • Financial Services
The introduction of the Investment Firms Prudential Regime (IFPR) marked a significant shift for investment firms, establishing a minimum quantitative liquidity requirement for all MiFID investment firms. Since then, the FCA has maintained a strong focus on ensuring firms accurately calculate and monitor their liquidity positions in line with prudential standards.
Insight
Friction in M&A transactions: Three things that trip deals up
Insight
After working on hundreds of transactions with entrepreneurs, Matthew Katz has seen the same pattern repeat itself: Deals rarely fail for one dramatic reason, instead, they wear down under pressure. In this conversation, Matt explains the three most common sources of friction he encounters, (below forecast trading, poor information, and founder pressure), and what sellers can do to keep control when it matters most.
Insight
Planning for an exit - what drives strong outcomes for search funds?
Insight
While acquisitions create the opportunity for value, it is ultimately the exit that determines whether it is realised. In our experience, many searchers spend years focused on growth without a clear plan of how they will realise the value they have worked so hard to create.
Case study • Insight
Essex Services Group Limited: R&D in Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing
Case study • Insight
Essex Services Group Limited (ESG) is a mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) services contractor based in Essex and Central London. The company covers commercial, retail, residential, public, education and technology sectors, providing full MEP service from design to installation.
Insight
First steps after receiving an HMRC enquiry
Insight
Receiving a letter or notice of enquiry from HMRC may feel overwhelming for some. Many individuals and businesses react instinctively, often making decisions that can worsen their position. Understanding the first steps to take when receiving a letter or notice of enquiry from HMRC is crucial, and seeking specialist advice early can significantly improve outcomes.