Noted for FCA intervention work, Fieldfisher has an established regulatory team with expertise in market abuse, market manipulation, and litigation. Building on a client base of retail asset managers and city broker dealers, the ‘steady and reliable’ team now also advises price comparison websites, peer-to-peer lenders, among other clients. A key contact for a host of financial institutions, including retail banks and asset managers, Simon Lafferty heads the practice. Duncan Black specialises in contentious regulatory, financial regulatory, and banking litigation matters, offering standout experience in his current roles in the Upper Tribunal and Tax and Chancery Chamber. Sam Clyndes offers enhanced FCA experience and technical knowledge.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘What makes this team stand out is the level of calm and clear advice they offer in situations that can be genuinely stressful. They are not just technically sound, although they certainly are, but they also bring a sense of strategic judgement that clients value.'

  • 'Sam Clyndes and Duncan Black, in particular, excel at reading the room, whether that involves the regulator or internal considerations, and they tailor their advice accordingly. You don't feel like you're getting the same recycled answer each time. It is thoughtful, measured and, most importantly, practical.’

  • ‘Sam Clyndes and Duncan Black are both excellent to work with. What sets them apart is the way they combine deep regulatory expertise with a very grounded and measured approach. They do not just tell you what the rules say. They help you understand how the regulator is likely to view a situation, what the risks really are, and how to handle things in a way that is both robust and realistic.'

  • 'Sam Clynes is particularly strong when it comes to strategy. He has a very good sense of when to push and when to hold back, and he explains things clearly without ever overcomplicating them. Duncan Black is calm, thoughtful and very easy to deal with. He is the kind of person you want involved when things are delicate or potentially contentious.'
  • 'What I have always valued in both of them is their honesty, responsiveness and good judgement. They do not try to impress for the sake of it. They focus on getting the best outcome for the client, and they do it in a way that feels steady and reliable. Compared to others in the space, they are less theatrical and more focused on what actually matters.’

Practice head

Simon Lafferty

Other key lawyers

Duncan Black; Sam Clyndes