UK
Ireland
Regulatory and competition finance
S&W’s economists and regulatory accounts experts help organisations and regulators to navigate competition and regulatory finance. We provide insight into profitability assessments, regulatory financial statements and cost modelling. Our team combines rigorous financial analysis with sector expertise to support informed decision-making and defensible outcomes.
Offering independent, evidence-based financial analysis and sector expertise, we work where economics, accounting and corporate strategy intersect. Our work is technically robust, commercially grounded and defensible before regulators, tribunals and courts. S&W experts have advised economic regulators, including Ofwat, Ofgem, PSR, FCA, Ofcom and the CAA, as well as leading businesses, including BT, Vodafone, National Grid, Heathrow Airport and the UK’s water companies.
Experienced advice for commercial realities
The economics team provides independent, evidence-based financial and economic analysis to support regulatory submissions, investigations, litigation and strategic decision-making.
We work with regulated companies, competition authorities, government departments and legal advisers, advising across regulatory accounting, the cost of capital, regulated asset base (RAB) modelling, profitability assessments and financial compliance. We support clients with price control settlements, assess excess profits allegations, respond to regulatory investigations and design cost allocation methodologies.
Our experts bring experience across the financial services, payments, transport, water, post, telecoms, digital and healthcare sectors. They help clients interpret regulatory requirements, design effective governance and control frameworks, prepare regulatory documentation, and respond to enforcement enquiries – all with a view to embedding sustainable compliance that supports business objectives.
S&W’s Regulatory and Competition Finance Services
Regulatory costing
We develop and review cost models under a variety of standards, including fully allocated costs (FAC), long-run incremental costs (LRIC), and marginal cost and in incorporates RAB estimation and cost of capital assessment to ensure regulatory outcomes are financially sustainable and transparent. Our work supports regulatory accounting, price controls, profitability assessments and financial reporting.
Price control & financial modelling
Development of price control models including independent analysis of revenue allowances, expenditure forecasts and price control proposals to support regulatory engagement, settlements and decision-making.
Financial regulatory reporting
Preparation, review and optimisation of regulatory financial reports to ensure accuracy, timeliness and compliance with obligations. Advising regulators on drafting regulatory accounting guidelines and methodologies to ensure clarity and consistency.
Cost of capital & financeability
Independent assessment of appropriate cost of capital and financeability under regulatory regimes to inform price decisions, RAB calculations and investment planning.
Efficiency analysis & benchmarking
Evaluating operational and financial efficiency using econometric, mathematical and statistical techniques to identify opportunities for improvement.
Governance, risk & control frameworks
Design and assessment of governance, risk management and internal control systems to meet regulatory expectations and reduce operational risk.
Regulatory change management
Helping clients interpret, plan for and implement changes arising from evolving regulatory landscapes to maintain compliance continuity.
Regulatory submissions & stakeholder engagement
Preparation of evidence-based submissions, responses to consultations and engagement with regulators on key financial and compliance issues.
Training & competence development
Tailored training and capability building to equip teams with the knowledge and tools to manage regulatory finance and compliance obligations.
Why choose S&W?
- Defensible analysis
- We provide credible analysis that will withstand scrutiny from regulators, competition authorities, tribunals, and courts. Our experienced practitioners will deliver evidence-based, independently verifiable financial and economic analysis.
- Strategic insight
- We don’t just assess financial and economic metrics; we translate that analysis into actionable insights for informed decisions across pricing strategy, regulatory submissions, competition investigations and policy engagement.
- End-to-end experience
- We’re experienced in drafting regulatory finance guidelines, developing cost models, calculating the cost of capital, producing regulatory financial statements, supporting investigations and working on regulatory audits.
- Integrated multi-disciplinary capability
- With the wider resources of a leading professional services firm, S&W’s teams bring together economics, accounting, finance and sector expertise for additional credibility in the regulatory finance arena.
Get in touch
Reach out to our experts today.
