Financial services

Financial services cases are notoriously complex. But an in-depth knowledge of the legislation and case law is increasingly vital in a range of work. Members of Wilberforce Chambers, at both QC and junior level, regularly advise and act on financial services matters.

For example, typical work includes:

• Advice on the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (and, where relevant, the Financial Services Act 1986) and the underlying rules, regulations and guidance
• FSA enforcement and disciplinary proceedings
• Advice on unit trusts, OEICs and other collective investment schemes
• With profits
• Claims for poor investment advice or "mis-selling"
• Financial Ombudsman Service cases
• Professional negligence claims in the financial services field
• Cases resulting from the insolvency of investment firms

‘With profits' is a particular area of expertise. Among other things, our members were involved in virtually every aspect of the Equitable Life saga. This includes the initial House of Lords decision regarding GARs, the advice given to non-GAR policyholders, the damages claims and professional disciplinary proceedings against Equitable Life's directors, as well as numerous mis-selling claims and FOS referrals.

Our familiarity with all aspects of financial services work also reinforces our strength in other areas of practice. For example, many commercial cases require an understanding of the financial regulatory system and there is a significant overlap with aspects of non-occupational pensions work.

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