Brokers & Trading Firms

Practical regulatory expertise for wholesale brokers, interdealer brokers, and proprietary trading firms.

We provide specialist compliance support for brokers and trading firms operating in fast-moving markets. Our consultants understand the unique pressures of broking and trading environments, where commercial imperatives and regulatory obligations must be balanced in real time.

With ongoing regulatory focus on market conduct, transaction reporting, and surveillance, we help firms build proportionate frameworks that satisfy FCA expectations without impeding business.

Sector Overview

Brokers and trading firms face intense regulatory scrutiny of their market conduct, surveillance arrangements, and client relationships. In the UK, the FCA maintains particular focus on best execution, conflicts of interest, and market abuse controls in this sector.

Whether you operate as an interdealer broker, agency broker, or proprietary trading firm, the regulatory expectations are demanding. Our compliance support for brokers draws on practical experience across different trading models and asset classes.

Sector-Specific Challenges

Wholesale brokers and trading firms we work with, commonly face pressures such as:

  • Building effective market abuse surveillance across voice, electronic, and hybrid execution
  • Meeting MiFID II best execution and order handling requirements
  • Managing transaction and trade reporting obligations accurately
  • Implementing robust conflicts of interest frameworks
  • Satisfying inducements and research payment requirements
  • Maintaining appropriate client categorisation and professional client assessments
  • Responding to FCA thematic reviews and data requests

We help firms tackle these sector challenges proactively. Reducing risk and improving operational confidence.

RESOURCES

Recent insights and articles for wholesale brokers and trading firms

FCA Standing Data: Your Annual Compliance Reminder and What Happens If You Miss It

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Discover the importance of updating your standing data for FCA compliance. Understand your regulatory obligations and implications.

Understanding FCA and PRA Fee Blocks

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Understand Fee Blocks and their role in the FCA and PRA's funding allocation for authorised firms in the UK.

2026 Regulatory Priorities

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Stay ahead of 2026 regulatory priorities. Discover practical guidance from Leaman Crellin to manage 2026 compliance challenges for your firm.

ESMA 2026 Work Programme: What Regulated Firms Need to Know

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Explore the ESMA 2026 work programme and its "landmark" reforms. Essential insights from Leaman Crellin for your firm's compliance plans.

Top Tips for Strengthening Your Market Abuse Risk Assessment 

MAR Top Tips Brokers & Trading Firms
Explore top tips for strengthening your market abuse risk assessment and ensure compliance with regulatory expectations.

Pre–Hedging and The IOSCO Paper: What dealers and clients need to know

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Pre-Hedging and The IOSCO Paper: What dealers and clients need to know about guidance, compliance, and market impact."

Ready to Get Started?

Let’s discuss how we can support your business.