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Welcome to Abbotstone Consultants

Expert guidance in governance, regulatory compliance, and financial services

In today’s regulatory environment, businesses operating in the legal, financial, and professional sectors face increasing pressure to maintain effective governance, demonstrate compliance, and manage risk proactively.

Regulatory scrutiny continues to intensify, and firms that fall short risk more than just fines, they risk reputational damage, operational disruption, and loss of client trust.

Abbotstone Consultants supports regulated UK businesses with clear, pragmatic guidance in governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance. With extensive experience across FCA-regulated firms, law practices, and complex financial institutions, Abbotstone offers tailored consultancy services designed to meet the specific needs of each client.

Areas of expertise include:

Governance

Supporting effective board structures, reporting mechanisms, corporate policies, and assurance frameworks that reflect best practice and regulatory expectations.

Financial Services Compliance

Assisting firms with the design, implementation, and review of compliance frameworks covering conduct risk, SM & CR, and key regulatory developments such as Consumer Duty and ESG.

SRA Regulatory Compliance & Audit

Helping legal practices meet their obligations under the SRA Standards and Regulations, manage COLP/COFA responsibilities, and prepare for audits and inspections.

FCA Authorisation & Oversight

Guiding businesses through the FCA application process and supporting ongoing compliance, from policies and procedures to governance structures and risk controls.

Founded by Valerie Dickson, a Fellow of the Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland (FCG) and a qualified Company Secretary, Abbotstone Consultants combines deep technical knowledge with real-world experience in regulatory implementation and internal audit. With a career spanning 20+ years in global financial services, Valerie has contributed to major regulatory programmes including MiFID II, GDPR, sanctions compliance, and operational resilience.

Whether supporting project-based implementation, conducting independent reviews, or providing retained advisory services, Abbotstone Consultants delivers trusted, high-quality support to help businesses operate with confidence and integrity.