Profile
Matt Hancock is a member of the Litigation Practice in Greenberg Traurig's London Office. He is focused on contentious regulation with a particular concentration on clients’ interactions with the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Prudential Regulatory Authority (PRA). He has considerable experience defending individuals and corporates against regulatory Enforcement action and in helping regulated corporates and individuals pre-empt and manage other forms of regulatory scrutiny. He is also very experienced in the interaction between UK regulation and employment law, with a strong background in the UK Senior Managers and Certification Regime.
Matt is recognised by Legal 500 2024 in the Financial Services: Contentious section, where he is described by sources as “one of the most savvy, charismatic and strategically effective practitioners around.” Commentators also say: “For contentious regulation, enforcement and supervision matters, Matt Hancock is the go-to individual. He is exceptionally bright and commercial, with a charming and calm manner,” and other sources add that “Matt is always engaged, has excellent judgment and strikes the perfect tone with the regulator. And he is a delight to work with.”
Concentrations
- FCA and PRA enforcement
- FCA supervision
- SMCR
- Regulatory advisory work
- Internal investigations
Capabilities
Experience
- On-going. Representing a desk head in respect of an FCA investigation into civil and (originally also) criminal market abuse.
- On-going. Representing a bank Senior Manager in respect of an FCA conduct related investigation.
- On-going. Representing a NED of a branched foreign bank in respect of an FCA investigation regarding bribery and corruption.
- On-going. A wide range of advisory work relating to SMCR related matters for firms and individuals, regulatory notifications, areas concerning the overlap between employment and regulatory and perimeter guidance.
- Represented a payment services firm in respect of FCA matters.°
- Represented a consumer credit firm in Supervision.°
- Represented a regulated broker in Supervision. Matter concluded.°
- Served as co-lead on representation of a fund manager under FCA investigation.°
- Represented a CFO of an AIM listed corporate in respect of FCA insider dealing investigation. Investigation discontinued.°
- Separately represented two corporate clients in respect of dealings with FCA Supervision in the Consumer Credit sector.°
- Represented a CEO in respect of a PML review by the Gambling Commission. Settled.°
- Represented a main board director of a global banking concern in respect of an FCA investigation relating to expenses. Investigation discontinued.°
- Acted for the CIMA in respect of its potential investigation of a senior accountant within an NHS Trust.°
- Represented an FCA authorised corporate in respect of the FCA investigation regarding foreign exchange promotions. Investigation discontinued.°
- Represented a director in respect of regulatory enforcement action, relating to insurance, taken by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission.°
- Lead an internal investigation for a listed corporate client in respect of compliance with consumer credit regulations.°
- Represented a corporate client in respect of its dealings (as a witness and potential investigation subject), with the Pensions Regulator.°
- (Separately) represented two corporate clients in respect of potential enforcement action regarding Listings Rules breaches.°
- Represented a regulated director in respect of an FCA investigation relating to financial promotions, from the start of the investigation to the conclusion of the matter before the Upper Tribunal.°
- Represented a senior compliance officer in respect of an FSA investigation relating to market abuse and market abuse detection, from the start of the investigation to the conclusion of the matter before the FSA's Regulatory Decisions Committee (RDC) .°
- Represented an AIM listed firm during an FSA investigation into alleged insider dealing and market abuse.°
- 2010: Represented the corporate applicant/respondent in the High Court and Court of Appeal in the precedent setting judicial review of the FSA in (on the application of Amro International SA) v Financial Services Authority.°
°The above representations were handled by Mr. Hancock prior to his joining Greenberg Traurig, LLP.
Recognition & Leadership
- Listed, The Legal 500 United Kingdom, 2023-2024
- "Financial Services: Contentious," 2023-2024
- "Banking Litigation: Investment and Retail," 2024
- Member, Financial Services Lawyers Association (FSLA)
Credentials
- LL.B. (Hons), Edinburgh University
- LL.M., Harvard Law School
- UK Supreme Court, 2007
- England and Wales
- New York