In an effort to restore trust after the financial crisis, the financial services sector continues to see new regulations, market authorities have far-reaching supervisory powers, and public opinion calls for increasing scrutiny and judicial review.

The challenge for many parties in the market is to anticipate and manage potential risks, effectively deal with non-compliance issues, and overcome difficult conversations with regulators and other parties. How do you avoid litigation and if that is not possible how do you fight for success.

bureau Brandeis handles complex financial services litigation and other contentious regulatory matters. The team represents financial services companies and individual directors in investigations and enforcement measures of regulators such as DNB and AFM. We act in disputes between financial market participants, and we advise on risk management and compliance.

We have the broad range of dispute resolution skills required for effective advocacy in the courtroom and in enforcement proceedings before the regulator. Our attorneys are known for their extensive trial experience in complex financial disputes, where strategic, procedural and reputational aspects are as important as sector knowledge.

Matters we handle include:

• Administrative proceedings before and against regulators on fines, instructions and other enforcement measures
• Individual liability of financial sector directors for de facto managing a violation of the company
• Information requests from regulators and other (internal) investigations prompted by regulatory requirements
• Civil proceedings on investor claims for mis-selling and breach of duty of care towards customers and third parties
• Integrity and suitability (‘fit and proper’) screening of directors and other policy makers
• Managing money laundering and international sanctions risk, anti-bribery and corruption compliance
• Financial reporting and disclosure obligations, insider dealing and market manipulation
• Liability of financial regulators and other government agencies
• Disputes regarding license applications, declarations of no objection and approval of offering memoranda and prospectuses

Our clients include financial services companies such as fintechs, banks, investment management companies, alternative investors and trust offices, other corporates dealing with the financial regulators, and directors and senior managers of financial undertakings. As a broad litigation firm without a finance transactions practice we are able to assist clients in complex financial services litigation in all independence and confidentiality. We have an extensive network of banking lawyers and other specialists we like working with and who frequently ask us to act as (co-)counsel. In this challenging, ever-changing environment of the financial services we strive to take care of our clients’ reputation-sensitive and business critical matters. So that our clients feel confident about the contentious regulatory aspects of their business and can focus on successfully growing and improving that business.

Testimonials:

Legal 500 (2025):

‘Highly motivated team with above average attention to the client. Skills and knowledge of the financial world, especially the administrative side and the pitfalls. High degree of involvement and attention to the human side of things.’

‘Simone Peek and Casper Rooijakkers are experts in their field. They offer a personal approach and attention.’

‘With both a legal and communication background, Simone Peek has an eye for both the commercial and reputation aspects of a case. She turns complicated regulations into practical advice, keeps her eye on the big picture and does not give up until a solution is reached, if necessary by creating new case law.’

‘The one thing that to me always stands out with bB, is the personal connection. It is always a pleasure to talk to the people at their offices, and you get to talk to the member of bB who actually does the work.’

‘Interpersonal contacts, very knowledgeable and without exception, pleasant to work with.’

‘The team has extensive experience in litigation around financial service regulation and is extremely client-focused in its approach. They anticipate questions, adopt a pragmatic approach and communicate clearly and frequently, ensuring they are at all times aligned with the interests of the client.’

‘Casper Rooijakkers is an excellent operator and able to work independently while keeping in close communication with the client. His strong domain knowledge in financial regulation and excellent litigation skills are an immensely valuable combination. Simone Peek is excellent communicator who works efficiently and is able to easily distil complex facts into clear and convincing arguments.’

‘Their up-to-date knowledge in a fast changing regulatory environment is very valuable. The way how they help you to ensure that you will be compliant is very practical.’