Our Financial Services sector approach

Financial Services spans a large variety of business, at Menzies we work with clients across the sector including mortgage and insurance brokers; investment businesses; consumer credit firms; platforms offering P2P lending and crowdfunding solutions; asset managers and alternative investment schemes.

Our team has decades of experience working with Financial Services firms which helps us to understand the challenges faced and tailor our service and advice. Whether this be our knowledge of carrying out CASS audits for both investment (CASS 6 & 7) and insurance (CASS 5) firms or meeting the tight deadlines for filing reports and accounts on Connect.

We endeavour to make ourselves available to clients when they need us and will ensure there is access to multiple members of the team so that help is always at hand.

Key challenges in the sector

In an ever-changing financial landscape, staying ahead of the curve is paramount. As a leading accounting firm specialising in the financial services sector, Menzies understands the unique challenges businesses face in today’s dynamic environment.

Financial services organisations are facing a number of industry challenges which require them to keep up with constant change, driven by technology and also regulatory compliance.

This is particularly evident regarding the handling of client funds, which require strict adherence to FCA protocols. There is also a mounting imperative to integrate sustainability principles into business operations and investment strategies and to align with evolving societal expectations.

The continued emergence of blockchain technology is creating opportunities and complexities, which also require adept navigation of regulatory landscapes. With the relentless pace of technological advancement, particularly in artificial intelligence this is leading to changes in service delivery models and creating new security risks, which need to be managed.

More than ever, Financial Services organisations are needing to embrace innovation, uphold regulatory compliance, and champion sustainable practices in order to succeed in this fast-paced environment.

READ MORE.

Our sector specialisms

Consumer investments

Investment Platforms that we work with often require statutory audits, CASS assurance and VAT advice. Wealth Managers and Financial Advisors value our assistance with their statutory accounts, corporation tax and RegData submissions. Whilst regulation has been generally consistent it should always be at the forefront of decision makers minds, the risks to FCA permissions must be under continual review to ensure that this risk, as the greatest threat to consumer investment firms, is minimised.

Payments, e-money & crypto

Regulation, regulation, regulation! A lot is changing for firms in these areas with new safeguarding rules (CASS 15) for payments and e-money firms bringing big changes. Crypto firms have something similar coming and the sooner the preparation starts the easier the adjustment will be. It is an exciting time for companies in these areas and we are working with clients to discuss their business plans and risk management to ensure they are investment ready.

Insurance brokers and MGAs

In addition to audit and tax services, we work closely with our MGA and insurance broking clients to assist with their management information. This is key to understanding how the business is developing and having the right information to make strategic decisions. Understanding the implications of important areas such as profit commissions is important in managing the associated liabilities such as corporation tax.

Fund management

Whether it’s traditional investment modules, debt servicing, or financing arrangements, we collaborate with Fund Management firms to deliver tailored Audit, CASS compliance, and tax services. Robust governance and compliance frameworks are essential for these firms to inspire confidence and secure future investors.

Beyond supporting the management firms themselves, we also audit a diverse portfolio of underlying funds and structures, including AIFs. Our audit expertise spans across various fund activities such as property investment, ventures in quoted and unquoted companies, debt financing, green energy, and commodity trading.

Get in touch

Head of Financial Services

Get in touch with our trusted advisors

Start your journey towards Brighter Thinking

Enquire now