The FCA has recruited two experienced lawyers who worked at City law firm Freshfields for senior roles following the exit of its general counsel Sean Martin.

David Anthony Scott has been appointed as interim general counsel following the recent departure of general counsel Mr Martin. 

Mr Scott has substantial experience of the regulatory sector and of the enforcement process having handled cases through all aspects of the process, the FCA said. 

He was most recently a litigation partner at Freshfields before retiring from the firm in October 2020. 

At Freshfields he specialised in High Court litigation and regulatory investigations and proceedings. His clients included investment banks, retail banks, life and general insurance companies and asset managers. 

He also also spent 18 months in an earlier part of his career on secondment to the FSA and has advised both the Bank of England and FSA on legal matters.

Daniel Thornton, currently director of enforcement legal, has also been appointed as deputy general counsel and will support Mr Scott.

The FCA is also planning to appoint Raj Parker as part-time senior legal adviser. He is an associate member at Matrix Chambers and a part-time judge and arbitrator. 

Prior to joining Matrix he was a Partner at Freshfields for 23 years where he specialised in international commercial and financial services dispute resolution.

Mr Parker conducted the independent review of Connaught Income Fund Series 1 and the FCA accepted all the recommendations.