Stewarts is a leading claimant securities litigation practice, acting for some of the world’s largest institutional investors to recover losses arising from misleading market statements, governance failures and wider securities misconduct.

We are pioneers of UK shareholder litigation and have played a central role in the development of claimant-side securities claims under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA). Our lawyers act for pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, asset managers and other institutional investors seeking to recover losses through complex, high-value litigation.

Acting for the world’s leading institutional investors

Our practice is built around the needs of institutional investors.

We advise some of the world’s largest investment organisations on claims against UK-listed companies arising from false or misleading market disclosures and other forms of securities misconduct.

We understand the commercial, regulatory and operational pressures faced by investment and legal teams and provide clear, strategic advice focused on maximising recoveries while managing risk.

Market-leading expertise in FSMA group actions

We are recognised as one of the leading claimant firms in the UK for group claims brought under sections 90 and 90A FSMA.

Our team has extensive experience advising institutional investors on claims arising from inaccurate or misleading information published by public companies. We guide clients through every stage of the process, from initial case assessment and loss analysis through to litigation, settlement and resolution.

We have played a central role in shaping the development of UK securities litigation. Our experience includes acting in the RBS Rights Issue Litigation, the first successful claim under section 90 FSMA, and the Tesco Litigation, the first claim under section 90A FSMA. These landmark cases established key principles that continue to influence securities litigation today.

Our focus on securities litigation enables us to manage large and complex investor claims efficiently and strategically, with a clear understanding of the legal and commercial issues that drive outcomes.

Pioneering the development of UK securities litigation

Few firms have played a greater role in shaping modern UK securities litigation.

We acted in the RBS Rights Issue Litigation, the first successful claim under section 90 FSMA, helping establish important precedent and market practice in shareholder litigation.

We also acted in the Tesco Litigation, the first claim under section 90A FSMA, which established key principles relating to reliance and standing that continue to influence securities claims today.

Our involvement in these landmark cases reflects our long-standing position at the forefront of claimant-side investor litigation.

Securities and financial disputes beyond FSMA

As securities and banking litigation specialists, we advise on a broad range of disputes beyond the FSMA framework.

Our experience includes derivative actions, bondholder disputes and other complex securities-related claims affecting institutional investors and market participants.

This broader dispute capability allows us to support clients across the full spectrum of securities litigation risks and opportunities.

Quantum expertise that shapes strategy

Our in-house quantum expertise is a significant differentiator.

We undertake detailed loss analysis from the outset of a matter, helping clients assess the viability and value of potential claims at an early stage. This analysis informs litigation strategy, settlement discussions and overall case management throughout the life of a claim.

By integrating legal and quantum expertise, we help clients make informed decisions at every stage of the process.

Innovative funding solutions

We have extensive experience structuring funding arrangements for complex securities litigation.

We regularly combine third-party litigation funding, after-the-event insurance and tailored fee arrangements to enable clients to pursue claims in a risk-managed and cost-effective manner.

Our expertise allows institutional investors to participate in complex litigation while maintaining appropriate control over cost and financial exposure.

Minimising operational burden

We understand that litigation must not distract investment and legal teams from their core responsibilities.

Our approach is designed to minimise operational disruption while ensuring clients meet their governance and oversight obligations. We provide clear reporting, efficient case management and practical support throughout the litigation process.

This allows clients to pursue significant claims without diverting disproportionate internal resources.