Latham & Watkins (London) LLP leverages its global reach to advise on cross-border regulatory risk amid geopolitical upheaval, and is highlighted for its ‘ability to combine technical legal precision with commercial pragmatism’ through its comprehensive financial services offering, spanning ESG, M&A, capital markets, and consumer credit. The group is jointly spearheaded by Nicola Higgs and Rob Moulton, praised for their ’deep subject-matter expertise, global coordination, and responsiveness’. Higgs maintains a strong reputation for global investment banks, wealth managers, and market infrastructure providers on conduct of business, MiFID II, PRIIPs, and EU Benchmark Regulation, with particular strength in complex product distribution and contested enforcement. Moulton, meanwhile, brings deep expertise in MiFID, MAR, and conduct rules, regularly guiding investment banks, asset managers, and clearing houses through high-profile transactions, regulatory change, and enforcement proceedings. Mark Austin draws on his FCA advisory experience to support clients with UK capital markets reform and equity capital markets transactions. Noted for her work with financial institutions, fintechs, and fund managers, Becky Critchley is a specialist in consumer protection, benchmark regulation, conduct rules, consumer duty, and regulated lending. Anne Mainwaring leads the practice’s ESG offering, advising global financial institutions and asset managers on UK and EU ESG regulatory compliance. Jonathan Ritson-Candler is a key port of call for global banks, asset managers, insurers, broker-dealers, and market infrastructure.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team stands out for its deep subject-matter expertise, global coordination, and responsiveness—qualities that have made them a trusted partner as we navigate the evolving ESG regulatory landscape.'
- ‘Across multiple engagements, Nicola Higgs, Betty Huber, and Jaime Martin have consistently demonstrated a rare combination of technical excellence, commercial pragmatism, and collaborative spirit that sets them apart from competitors in the ESG regulatory space.'
- ‘I have worked with Rob Moulton for many years and have always found him to be approachable and understanding, immediately grasping an issue and calling on his extensive experience to guide and provide advice. His opinions and views of the world provide valuable background colour and context to a situation. A very professional individual who is easy to connect with.’
- ‘Jonathan Ritson-Candler, Medha Marathe and Darragh Hyland were excellent, both in terms of their expertise, deal management, and communication style as well as the manner in which they dealt with us as a client. Medha's memory is unbelievable, and she has the ability to recall minute details seemingly without effort. Darragh's eagerness to assist and help at all hours was extremely useful, and Darragh was also a font of knowledge about the corporate pattern of the joint venture. Jonathan's management of the regulatory matters was exceptional; he juggled multiple regulatory applications with multiple regulators and always knew the current position when asked.'
Key clients
- AllianceBernstein
- Ares Management
- Aztec Group Limited
- CarVal Investors
- Deutsche Bank
- Ebury Partners
- Evelyn Partners
- FXCM
- Marex Group plc
- MUFG
- RBC
- Robinhood UK
Work highlights
Advised CVC on the regulatory aspects of the £5.4bn take private of FCA-regulated Hargreaves Lansdown.
Acted for Standard & Poor’s Global Inc. on the launch of its Carbon Registry trading platform.
Acted for a major financial institution on an enforcement action brought by the SEC in relation to non-compliance with the US requirements.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Nicola Higgs; Rob Moulton
Other key lawyers
Mark Austin; Becky Critchley; Anne Mainwaring; Jonathan Ritson-Candler; Medha Marathe; Darragh Hyland; Jaime Martin