UK
Ireland
S&W strengthens financial services and payments capabilities with appointment of Chris Hemsley to the economic advisory practice
S&W, the fast-growing professional services group, has strengthened its financial services and payments offering with the appointment of Chris Hemsley, a highly experienced economic regulator and policy expert whose career includes leadership roles at the Payment Systems Regulator, UK Regulators Network and other major UK regulatory bodies.
Chris joins S&W from specialist regulatory consultancy Fingleton and brings more than 20 years' experience in economic regulation, competition policy and consumer protection. He previously led the Payment Systems Regulator as its executive director and board member and served as chief executive of the UK Regulators Network. He has also held senior roles at the Office of Rail and Road, the Civil Aviation Authority and within government.
Chris's appointment builds on the launch of S&W's economic advisory practice in May 2026, led by partners Schellion Horn and Jonathan Gillham. The practice provides economic advisory and independent expert services across competition, regulation, disputes and public policy matters, working closely with the firm's consulting, forensics and restructuring teams.
Chris will play a key role in the continued growth of the practice, particularly within the financial services and payments space where S&W already has considerable experience, working alongside Schellion and Jonathan to support clients facing increasingly complex economic and regulatory challenges.
Schellion Horn, Partner, economic advisory, S&W, said: "Chris brings a rare combination of senior regulatory, policy and economic expertise, gained from some of the UK's most influential regulatory bodies. His experience advising on complex competition, regulatory and consumer issues with a strong focus in financial services and regulated sectors will be invaluable as we continue to grow our economic advisory practice.”
Guy Swarbreck, Head of Financial Services at S&W, added: "Chris’s appointment strengthens S&W’s already strong financial services credentials and reflects our commitment to building a market-leading advisory offering for dynamic institutions, banks, fintechs and payment firms.
I’m looking forward to Chris working with colleagues across our economic advisory, regulatory consulting, assurance, data and technology and advisory teams to bring his deep payments and regulatory expertise to bear in helping clients navigate the opportunities and challenges facing the sector."
Chris Hemsley, Director, economic advisory, S&W, added: "I am delighted to be joining S&W at such an exciting stage in the development of its economic advisory practice. The combination of deep technical expertise, an ambitious growth strategy and a genuinely multidisciplinary advisory model creates a compelling platform for clients and colleagues alike.
"Organisations are operating in an environment shaped by rapid technological change, evolving regulation and increasing scrutiny from policymakers and regulators. I look forward to working with Schellion, Jonathan and colleagues across the firm to help clients understand these challenges, seize opportunities and make confident, well-informed decisions."