Thomas Hepplewhite

I am an associate in the Banking and Finance team, advising clients within the financial services sector.

I work with a diverse range of clients from the financial services sector including consumer credit and mortgage firms, insurance brokers, payment service providers, electronic money issuers and investment firms.

I assist clients with a diverse range of queries, including advising as to whether clients fall within the scope of regulation, assisting with regulatory applications for authorisation or in relation to a change of control, conduct of business issues and the issuance of financial promotions.

Financial services legislation is notoriously complex and I enjoy providing clients with clear advice and developing practical solutions in relation to ever-evolving regulatory challenges.

I work with firms to ensure that they have the full range of documentation necessary in order to run a compliant business, including product terms and conditions, internal policies and disclosure documents. I have experience in assisting clients to negotiate a variety of commercial arrangements, especially those within the payments sector such as merchant acquiring agreements.

I am particularly interested in the use of emerging technologies within the financial services sector and the regulatory challenges that these new technologies pose. I have followed the open banking initiative, development of cryptocurrencies and use of AI within financial services with interest.