Drawing upon its ‘deep sector knowledge, practical commerciality, and solutions-focused approach’, Travers Smith LLP provides ’first-rate technical regulatory expertise’ to a range of financial services clients, from corporates and senior executives to large financial institutions, frequently handling highly sensitive and high-profile internal corporate investigations, FCA enforcement cases, disciplinary proceedings, and regulatory investigations. The team is led by Heather Gagen. Rob Fell, a seasoned litigator, has built significant relationships with major investment and clearing banks, specialising in high-stakes disputes before the Commercial Court and Chancery Division. A respected litigator, Caroline Edwards' workload spans various industry sectors. Toby Robinson, co-heads the investigations side of the practice, boasting extensive experience representing banks and financial institutions in FCA enforcement actions, including cases involving LIBOR and market abuse. Stephanie Lee represents a wide range of commercial clients in multi-jurisdictional cases.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The regulatory team along with the dispute resolution team at Travers Smith stands out for its deep sector knowledge, practical commerciality, and solutions-focused approach. They offer first-rate technical regulatory expertise and dispute resolution strategies which, combined with knowledge of us as a client and our business needs, is a rarely found combination which has exceptional business value.'
- 'The leadership clearly places strong emphasis on developing the team from within, with a high level of mentoring and guidance for junior lawyers. This commitment not only fosters technical excellence but also reflects a genuine sense of humanity and team spirit—qualities that are increasingly rare and greatly valued. At the same time, it does not affect the delivery to us as a client.’
‘Danny Riding and Phil Bartram are excellent lawyers who bring depth of expertise in financial regulatory matters. Caroline Edwards provides extremely well thought-through and commercial advice.'
- 'What sets this team at Travers Smith apart is their combination of technical precision and commercial awareness.'
‘Very strong client values, focus on doing the right thing in the most efficient way, also respects the knowledge and expertise of the client, and works with the client’s judgment. Clearly pushing themselves and standing out in payments law. Strong female leads are good to see and a vibrant, energetic culture.’
‘Rachel Wilson was the lead on our case. Generated a great rapport, was diplomatic, tactical, and retained a tight grip on the process. Very quick to absorb new subject matter quickly and folded that into the litigation work with very good effect. Cost conscious and pragmatic, while maintaining high standards across all work products.’
Key clients
- Nomura International plc
Work highlights
Advising Nomura on its application to the EU General Court for annulment of the European Commission's Decision finding of anti-competitive behaviour in the primary and secondary European Government Bond ("EGB") markets.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Stephanie Lee
Practice head
Heather Gagen
Other key lawyers
Danny Riding; Rob Fell; Caroline Edwards; Toby Robinson; Stephanie Lee