AFB Masterclass: Impact of Recent Enforcement Cases and Supervisory Activity on Senior Managers Regime Compliance

Please note, due to the nature of this course, we will review the eligibility of applicants and individually confirm their place on the course before issuing an invoice.

Earlier this year, AFB conducted research to assess the current and future training needs of the membership. The results highlighted a strong demand for a course that would help individuals understand their personal responsibilities as an SMF and help with how to balance firm obligations versus regulatory obligations.

Based on this feedback, AFB in partnership with A&O Shearman have developed this new masterclass for existing established SMFs.

Now open for booking – to see the course content and the full brochure, please see here.

Why attend? 

The course will provide an update on the key developments to the operation of the regime in the previous 12 months and, in particular, outline how SMFs should seek to demonstrate reasonable steps.  The course will draw together themes and trends from enforcement cases, speeches, supervisory messaging in relation to thematic reviews and policy developments.

The session will include the following:

• content and updates delivered directly by A&O Shearman experts
• discussion and peer learning with fellow attendees and participants
• guided case studies/scenarios to explore relevant themes and illustrate key messages/lessons learned from the last 12 months

Who should attend?

This masterclass is specifically designed for existing established SMFs across all different SMF designations looking to develop their knowledge of important aspects of the Senior Managers Certification Regime (SM&CR).

This course is not suitable for new or prospective SMFs looking for an introduction to SMCR.

Course instructors

Sarah Hitchins, Partner – A&O Shearman

Sarah specialises in advising clients on regulatory and internal investigations involving the most high-profile and sensitive issues, which typically attract the highest levels of scrutiny from regulators, the media and politicians. Alongside her investigations practice, Sarah has advised over 200 clients in relation to the UK Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR). Her advice spans issues relating to both the implementation and post-implementation operation of the SMCR, in addition to assisting candidates with preparations for their Senior Manager authorisations interviews with the FCA and the PRA. Sarah has been selected by Global Investigations Review (GIR) as one of the top 100 women in investigations, and she has also been recognised by LegalWeek/Law.com as one of the UK’s “Rising Star” female lawyers in recognition of her leading financial services contentious regulatory expertise and experience.

Marc Teasdale, Managing Director – A&O Shearman

Marc is a highly experienced ex-regulator with over 20 years of experience at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Financial Services Authority (FSA), including 15 years at a senior leadership level. Marc also has an extensive UK Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR) and governance practice, providing SMCR training to senior management, preparation for Senior Manager’s regulatory application interviews (including Chair, CEO, CFO, COO and Branch Managers of the largest financial institutions), and advice on complex SMCR challenges. He has also undertaken fundamental reviews of firms’ implementation of the SMCR and their broader governance and oversight arrangements, providing practical recommendations in line with regulatory expectations. Marc is approved to act as a Skilled Person for Lots B (Governance, Accountability, Strategy and Culture) and C (Controls and Risk Management Frameworks) of the FCA and PRA Skilled Persons Panel.

Please note, due to the nature of this course, we will review the eligibility of applicants and individually confirm their place on the course before issuing an invoice. 

Logistics

Venue:       In-person at A&O Shearman, One Bishops Square, London, E1 6AD

Date:          Tuesday 21 October 2025

Time:         09:00 – 12:00 (Registration and light breakfast from 08:30) 

Fee:           £400 plus VAT

Places:       Maximum of 25 participants 

If you have any questions, please contact Ilza Javed at ilza.javed@foreignbanks.org.uk