Expertise
Stephen is a Partner in our Financial Services Regulatory team, with deep expertise across the UK financial services regulatory landscape, combining private practice and senior regulator experience at the Bank of England. He advises banks, building societies and investment firms on prudential and conduct regulation, with particular strength in regulatory capital, resolution and structural issues, and an established focus on digital assets and wider wholesale financial market infrastructure.
He regularly advises on regulatory capital‑driven transactions and regulatory structuring in M&A involving financial services groups, and on the application of the UK’s capital, resolution, ring‑fencing and operational resilience regimes. Stephen also has significant experience advising on digital assets, including issues affecting financial market infrastructure, digitally native firms, and established financial institutions.
Before joining Addleshaw Goddard, Stephen spent several years at the Bank of England, most recently leading the team advising senior leadership on the Bank’s role as supervisor of financial market infrastructure, including systemic payment systems, clearing and securities settlement systems. His regulatory experience also spans the prudential regulation of banks and building societies, public sector rescue and resolution of distressed firms, digital assets (including the Bank of England’s digital pound work), operational resilience and international sanctions, alongside extensive engagement with other regulators and central government on financial services policy and regulatory reform.
Earlier in his career, Stephen trained and practised at a Magic Circle firm, including advising on complex finance and corporate transactions in London and Hong Kong.