Jessica Caws

Legal Director and Co-Head of Financial Services London Office

+44 208 137 9864 +44 7977 723826 [email protected]

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Jessica Caws

Jessica Caws is a Legal Director in the corporate team and is Co-Head of the firm’s financial services sector.

She is a specialist in UK financial services regulation, advising on UK financial services legislation as well as the rules and guidance of the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Jessica acts for both UK‑based firms and international groups seeking to access the UK market, including advising on cross‑border structuring, regulatory perimeter considerations and post‑Brexit access routes. Jessica advises clients across a wide range of sectors, with particular experience advising investment management firms, private banks, building societies, insurance distribution firms and brokerage firms.

Her practice covers the full spectrum of regulatory issues. She regularly assists non‑regulated clients in assessing whether the UK regulatory regime applies to their activities and in identifying available exclusions and exemptions. Where authorisation is required, she guides clients through the most appropriate route and supports them throughout the authorisation process.

For regulated firms, Jessica advises on day‑to‑day compliance obligations, including the Senior Managers and Certification Regime, remuneration and the Consumer Duty, and supports firms in implementing regulatory change projects. She also assists with the preparation and review of regulatory and customer‑facing documentation, such as terms of business, and helps firms manage regulatory enquiries. As part of the Corporate Team, Jessica also advises on the regulatory aspects of corporate transactions, including regulatory due diligence, structuring considerations and obtaining required regulatory approvals.

Jessica frequently speaks on topics relevant to the financial services industry, with a recent focus on the FCA’s proposed cryptoassets regime. Jessica’s book “A Practical Guide to Perimeter Guidance on Regulated Activities (PERG)” was published in December 2025.

Recent work highlights

International brokerage firm

Jessica is advising on the UK elements of a cross-border reorganisation for an international brokerage firm, including managing changes in control and relevant notifications to the FCA. The matter involved working with cross-border counsel and working together with in-house legal at the firm to co-ordinate timings across jurisdictions and delays caused by the conflict in Iran.

Building Society

Jessica provides ongoing regulatory support to a UK building society across core PRA and FCA obligations, including SMCR, Consumer Duty, product governance and complaints management. Recent work includes advising on bespoke regulatory aspects of a complex financing transaction in collaboration with the Birketts banking team.

International brokerage firm

Jessica is a long‑standing regulatory adviser to an international brokerage firm supporting its legal and compliance teams on day‑to‑day legal and compliance matters. Jessica advises the firm on all elements surrounding its day to day operations such as contractual documentation, conduct of business, governance and SMCR.

Managing General Agent

Jessica has supported a new to the market MGA with its UK establishment and regulatory development, including perimeter analysis, governance structuring and the frameworks required to operate as an MGA. Our advice covers regulatory readiness, operational design and ongoing compliance support.