Latham & Watkins 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
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.'
- 'What makes this practice unique is its ability to combine technical legal precision with commercial pragmatism. The team has been instrumental in helping us respond to ESG regulatory developments, particularly in the U.S., where the landscape is increasingly fragmented and politically charged.'
‘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.'
- 'What makes them different is not just their subject-matter expertise, but their ability to translate complex and fast-moving regulatory developments into practical, actionable guidance. Nicola Higgs has been particularly impressive in this regard; her ability to distil macro ESG trends into tangible takeaways for deal teams and portfolio companies has made her a go-to advisor. She is responsive, thoughtful, and always attuned to the nuances of our business needs, including tailoring content for APAC, EMEA, and US audiences.'
- 'Jaime Martin has been instrumental in delivering high-quality fund documentation, training, and materials, particularly around CSRD and ESG marketing principles. Jaime’s attention to detail, responsiveness to feedback, and ability to present complex material in a digestible format have made a real difference in our internal ESG education efforts.'
- 'What we’ve valued most in all three is their collaborative approach. They work seamlessly with each other and with our internal teams, often anticipating our needs before we articulate them. Their materials are consistently well-prepared, visually clear, and compliance-ready, and they are always open to feedback and iteration.'
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