The firm launched its Global Regulatory Response service last week, in response to a surge in investigations and enforcement actions around the world. Clients will be assigned designated legal experts around HFW's global network, who they can contact at any time for advice on an emergency regulatory issue.
Many of HFW’s clients are in the shipping, commodities, insurance, aerospace, construction, energy and other key sectors. Potential scenarios include the sudden introduction of sanctions amid geopolitical conflicts, dawn raids connected to competition and antitrust matters, investigations by government authorities or market regulators, and accusations of bribery, money-laundering, fraud or some other economic crime.
Adam Topping, partner and global head of regulatory at HFW, said: ‘Many of our clients operate in highly regulated areas and are often required to meet urgent deadlines as a result of unexpected circumstances arising.
‘In a regulatory landscape where we're seeing an increase in enforcement action, investigations of individual firms and markets, alongside the swift implementation of sanctions, we've launched this service to ensure that clients feel supported and able to respond to sudden developments and inquiries.’
The Global Regulatory Response service will complement HFW’s pre-existing emergency response service for cyber-related crisis incidents, marine and offshore emergencies, and major incidents in hostile environments arising from casualties, war, terrorism, political risks and kidnappings.
