The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is utilising its criminal powers against those suspected of using inside information to manipulate the market for financial gain.

Insider dealing is a serious criminal offence. The FCA has stepped up enforcement of individuals suspected of financial misconduct. Those found guilty face multi-million-pound fines, up to seven years imprisonment and irreparable damage to their reputation.

The FCA has also increased its civil enforcement, with penalties including substantial fines, bans from working in the financial sector and public censor. Expert knowledge on the FCA’s approach to enforcement and strategic dialogue can achieve excellent outcomes.

How we can help

Our FCA investigations lawyers have a wealth of experience of defending individuals accused of insider dealing in what are often some of the most complex financial investigations involving regulators. We utilise our expertise in defending some of the most high-profile frauds and regulatory cases.

Insider dealing investigations are complex and require in-depth knowledge of how the FCA approaches regulatory enforcement. We robustly challenge enforcement proceedings, and our strategic approach has enabled us to achieve excellent results with criminal cases being dropped at investigation stage, and penalties for regulatory breaches minimised.

We work closely with experts including forensic accountants to provide clear advice at every stage of the investigation, from compulsory requests for information and representing individuals interviewed under caution to defending clients at trial.