Charles Rogers

Charles is a financial services regulation specialist who advises financial institutions, fintech businesses and service providers on regulated and unregulated financial services. Qualified as a solicitor in Scotland in 2014, he brings experience from private practice, in-house roles and as a legal adviser at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), with particular expertise in consumer credit, payments, e-money, retail financial services and consumer protection.

He supports clients with commercial agreements, regulatory applications and engagement, legal opinions, acquisitions of regulated firms and the design of compliant prize draws and competitions. Charles combines practical commercial advice with a clear understanding of how the FCA is likely to approach an issue.

Work highlights include:

• Drafted consumer credit agreements and supporting documentation for one of Europe’s largest car dealership groups, helping it offer finance products on a compliant basis.
• Provided ongoing advice during the authorisation process, including reviewing and expanding terms and conditions, drafting regulated consumer credit documentation and drafting responses to FCA concerns with the business model.
• As the lead lawyer for SME lending and finance at the FCA, drafted Handbook rules and guidance and advised teams across Authorisations, Innovate, Supervision, Policy, Resolutions and Interventions.
• Advised buyers and sellers on transactions involving FCA-regulated firms, including regulatory due diligence, transaction documents and complex change-in-control applications.
• Supported numerous financial services and technology businesses on the regulatory perimeter, payment services and e-money requirements, and practical engagement with the FCA.

“I enjoy taking the time to understand how a client’s business works and what it is trying to achieve, then providing clear, practical advice that helps move the project forward.”

Charles trained and practised at one of Scotland’s leading commercial law firms and undertook secondments at Lloyds Banking Group and Scottish Power. He remains closely connected to Edinburgh’s fintech and gaming communities, reflecting his particular interest in the intersection of technology and financial services. Charles is a keen martial arts and yoga practitioner, as well as a proud dog-dad.