Financial Services Authority (FSA)’s “trouble-shooter”, Harvey Knight, has left the regulator to head the financial services regulatory practice of leading national law firm, Bevan Brittan LLP.

He will complement Bevan Brittan’s existing financial services litigation practice, which acts for life companies, general insurers, banks, friendly societies and intermediaries.

As the FSA’s trouble-shooter, Harvey Knight advised the regulator of the UK’s financial services industry across the whole range of its authorisation, supervision and enforcement activities. He dealt with the Parliamentary Ombudsman Inquiries into Equitable Life and the litigation, judicial reviews, complaints and Freedom of Information requests that affected the FSA.

He was also the principal lawyer in relation to the FSA’s authorisation processes and policies, and the leading advocate of the regulator’s prospective refusals of authorisation and approval applications before its Regulatory Decisions Committee.  Based on this experience, he played a key role in the Strachan Review of the FSA's decision-making processes and the roll out of its conclusions.

Having trained and worked in major City law firms for ten years, Harvey Knight joined the regulator from Lovells in 2001 as part of the Legislation Team that implemented the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Subsequently he became a FSA Handbook expert.

Harvey Knight commented: “This is an exciting time to return to private practice. The FSA’s move towards more principles-based regulation, and in particular its ‘Treating Customers Fairly’ initiative, has greatly increased the scope for differing interpretations as to what constitutes good practice. I see my role as ensuring firms are treated fairly and consistently.”

Bevan Brittan Partner, Ben Daniels added: "This is the firm’s first appointment of a financial services regulatory specialist. We already have a significant client base in financial services and Harvey’s skills and knowledge will be invaluable in helping us enhance and develop our practice in this area of strategic importance to the firm.”

Harvey has close personal ties with the South West and the Midlands and plans to divide his time between Bevan Brittan’s London and Bristol offices.