Regulatory economics and policy

In rapidly changing policy environments facing intense political and public scrutiny, we empower organisations to understand, evaluate, navigate and influence regulatory frameworks and policy decisions. Our independent economic advice expertise helps regulators and governments develop robust policy measures and enables businesses to confidently comply with requirements.

S&W’s experts have worked with all the UK’s main economic regulators, including Ofwat, Ofgem, FCA, PSR, Ofcom, CAA and NHSEI on investigations, policy design and remedies. We bring rigorous economic analysis and experience across regulated sectors, including financial services, payments, infrastructure, telecoms, digital and healthcare to support strategy, compliance and regulatory engagement.

We work with economic regulators, central and devolved governments, regulated entities and their legal advisers to provide evidence-based insight into regulatory and policy challenges.

S&W professionals have deep expertise in business case analysis, including Green Book, Aqua Book and Magenta Book methodologies. Whether advising on regulatory reform, policy consultations, incentive frameworks, or sector-specific compliance, we help clients manage risk, make informed decisions and achieve effective, defensible outcomes.

Our team advises on market investigations, policy appraisals, remedy design, cost benefit analysis and regulatory compliance. Our economists have advised on the most critical interventions in recent times, including supporting Ofwat on PR24, broadband companies on Ofcom’s market access review, the FCA on motor finance and financial services firms on consumer duty compliance.  

S&W experts have also supported government departments and devolved governments evaluating and structuring interventions and investments and stood behind this analysis in reviews by the CMA and the CAT.