Consumer Credit - getting ready for the new regulator

The government has taken the decision that, in principle, responsibility for the regulation of consumer credit and second charge mortgages should be transferred from the Office of Fair Trading into the same regulatory regime as other retail financial services under the Financial Conduct Authority.

Private equity update

The economic landscape has changed, and continues to do so. The private equity industry will be affected by these changes, but the effects need not all be negative. With careful navigation, the industry can see many of the changes as opportunities for growth.

The buck stops with CF10s?

Greater restrictions around the promotion and selling of  UCIS to retail customers are now under consultation in the FSA paper, CP12/19: Restrictions on the Retail Distribution of UCIS and Close Substitutes (released 22 August 2012).

The FSA's views on crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is a relatively new concept and one that has generated a good deal of interest and debate. There has been even more interest and debate following the publication earlier this month of the Financial Services Authority's (FSA) views on crowdfunding.

How are you measuring up to the FSA's guidance on assessing suitability of investments?

In setting out new guidance on assessing suitability in investment choices the FSA made clear it would be taking an "intrusive" and "intensive" supervisory approach. But as firms begin to look at what the report's findings mean to them, are the action points clear?

Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive: the key provisions

On 11 November 2010 the European Parliament finally approved the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive. Here, we provide a summary of the key provisions of the Directive.

Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive - after a long battle it is finally agreed

The European Parliament resolved to approve the final version of the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive yesterday. This represents the final stage of a process that began more than 18 months ago when, on 29 April 2009, the first draft of the directive was issued.

Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive - the latest developments

On 29 April 2009 the European Commission issued its draft proposal for a Directive on Alternative Investment Fund Managers.

Wragge & Co advises Oakfield Capital Partners on launch of new Enterprise Investment Scheme fund

Wragge & Co's funds and tax specialists have advised private equity company Oakfield Capital Partners on the formation of a new Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) fund.

Wragge & Co advises HSBC Bank plc and Regency Assets Limited on £300 million securitisation programme

Wragge & Co's Banking and Finance team has advised HSBC Bank plc and Regency Assets Limited, a special purpose financing conduit, on a £300 million securitisation facility for newly incorporated Beckindale No. 1 Limited.

Wragge & Co enhances financial services practice with new director

Wragge & Co has promoted a new director in its full-service Financial Services team. Penny Sanders will play a key role in the development of the firm's sector-focused financial services practice.

Wragge & Co appoints seven directors

Wragge & Co has appointed seven new directors, boosting its core and key growth practice areas. According to senior partner Quentin Poole, the promotions underline Wragge & Co's commitment to providing clients with high-calibre experts dedicated to outstanding client service.