English Law Local Counsel
\n\n\n\nEnglish law telecoms, data and payments advice for international law firms
\nEnglish law local counsel for international law firms on transactions and regulatory matters governed by English law. English law is the governing law of choice for telecoms, infrastructure and financial services transactions across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and beyond. Whether the deal involves a UK-regulated target, an English-law governed contract between parties outside the UK, or a cross-border transaction with an English law regulatory component, you need a qualified English solicitor with deep telecoms, data protection and payments expertise who can deliver local-law advice that integrates with your cross-border workstream.
\n\n\n\nWho this is for
\n\n\n\nYour firm is advising on a transaction or regulatory matter governed by English law and needs specialist input on telecoms, data protection or payments regulation? This may be a UK-regulated target, an English-law governed infrastructure deal in a third country, or a multi-jurisdictional programme with an English law component. Local counsel services provide that input from a UK-qualified specialist, delivered in the format your client and your firm require.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n| Instruction type | Scope of English law advice | Typical instructing jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|
| Cross-border telecoms acquisition | UK regulatory clearances, Ofcom change-of-control, licence transfer, spectrum rights | US, EU, Asia-Pacific |
| English-law governed infrastructure deal | Telecoms regulatory framework, Code rights, spectrum licensing, wayleave analysis under English law contracts | Africa, MENA, Asia-Pacific |
| Multi-jurisdictional payments transaction | FCA/PSR authorisation requirements, safeguarding obligations, UK payments regulatory perimeter | US, EU, Singapore |
| Data protection compliance for global deal | UK GDPR compliance assessment, international transfer mechanisms, processor mapping | US, EU, Australia |
| Infrastructure investment (fibre, towers, subsea) | Electronic Communications Code, planning consents, wayleave review | US, EU, Middle East |
| English-law governed telecoms concession or licence | Regulatory provisions in concession agreements, operator obligations, interconnection terms | Africa, MENA, Asia |
| Regulatory due diligence for PE sponsor | Licence validity, compliance history, regulatory risk assessment across telecoms, data and payments | US, EU, Asia-Pacific |
| JV or consortium regulatory input | Regulatory approvals, SHA reserved matters for regulated activities, competition clearance | Multi-jurisdictional |
Typical triggers
\n\n\n\n- \n
- A cross-border M&A transaction involves a UK-regulated telecoms or payments target and the lead counsel needs English law regulatory advice on the target\’s Ofcom status, FCA authorisation or regulatory conditions \n\n\n\n
- An English-law governed telecoms concession, infrastructure deal or network sharing agreement in Africa, MENA or Asia requires specialist telecoms regulatory input from an English-qualified lawyer \n\n\n\n
- An overseas operator is launching services in the UK and needs advice on regulatory perimeter and General Conditions compliance under the Communications Act 2003 \n\n\n\n
- A multinational group needs a UK GDPR compliance assessment for a subsidiary processing personal data in the UK, including controller/processor analysis and ICO registration \n\n\n\n
- An international fintech is entering the UK payments market and needs advice on FCA authorisation, safeguarding requirements and PSR scheme access \n\n\n\n
- Lead counsel on a multi-jurisdictional restructuring needs a concise English law regulatory position paper that integrates with the advice from other jurisdictions \n\n\n\n
- A PE sponsor acquiring a regulated business outside the UK needs English law advice on the regulatory provisions in the English-law governed transaction documents \n\n\n\n
- An overseas acquirer needs English law advice on UK regulatory approvals required for a change of control in a regulated business \n
What we deliver
\n\n\n\n- \n
- English law regulatory advice: advice on UK regulatory status, obligations and risks under the Communications Act 2003, UK GDPR, PSRs 2017 or Electronic Money Regulations 2011, delivered in the format the lead firm and client require \n\n\n\n
- Transaction support: drafting or reviewing the regulatory sections of English-law governed transaction documents, including warranties, conditions precedent and regulatory schedules, whether the transaction involves a UK target or assets in another jurisdiction \n\n\n\n
- UK market entry roadmap: advice for overseas operators and fintechs on the regulatory steps required for lawful UK operations, covering General Conditions compliance, FCA authorisation pathways, ICO registration and the practical sequence from initial assessment to market launch \n\n\n\n
- Regulatory due diligence: English law due diligence on regulatory permissions, compliance history and pending obligations, delivered as a standalone report or as input into the lead firm\’s DD exercise \n\n\n\n
- English-law governed concession and licence review: specialist telecoms regulatory input on English-law governed infrastructure concessions, operator licences and network agreements used in Africa, MENA and Asia-Pacific markets \n\n\n\n
- Regulator liaison: managing communications with Ofcom, the FCA, the PSR or the ICO on the client\’s behalf from the English law side, including drafting submissions and coordinating with the lead firm\’s timetable \n\n\n\n
- Jurisdiction-specific briefing note: a concise written note on the English law regulatory position, formatted for integration into a multi-jurisdictional advice package and suitable for sharing with the client\’s board or investors \n
International firms instruct Bratby Law as English law local counsel on telecoms, data protection and payments regulation matters. Rob Bratby brings experience from Oftel, Ofcom, operator-side General Counsel roles and international telecoms work across Asia and the Middle East. Bratby Law is ranked in Chambers UK (Band 2) for telecoms and as a Legal 500 Leading Partner.
\n\n\n\nNeed English law regulatory advice for a cross-border matter?
\n\n\n\nIf your firm needs qualified English law advice on UK telecoms, data protection or payments regulation as part of a cross-border transaction or advisory matter, we can provide the local counsel input you need. We work to your timelines and deliverable format. Schedule an initial call to discuss how we can support your instruction.
\n\n\nReady to discuss your matter?
Related specialist co-counsel pages
\n\n\n\nSee also our other specialist co-counsel pages:
\n\n\n\n- \n
- Transactions Co-counsel \n\n\n\n
- Consultant Support \n\n\n\n
- Specialist Co-counsel (overview) \n
Representative experience
\n\n\n\nRecent and representative matters include:
\n\n\n\n- Provided English-law regulatory advice on UK telecoms licensing requirements for an international firm advising a global satellite operator on UK market entry.
- Acted as English-law counsel on UK data protection aspects of a multi-jurisdictional data governance framework, advising on the practical consequences of UK/EU GDPR divergence for the client’s compliance programme.
- Provided UK payments regulatory advice for an international firm advising on the UK launch of an EU-authorised payment institution, covering the temporary permissions regime and full authorisation pathway.
- Delivered English-law advice on Electronic Communications Code rights for an international firm advising on UK digital infrastructure investment, producing the regulatory analysis within the investor’s DD timeline.
- Provided regulatory advice on UK interconnection obligations for an international arbitration, delivered as a formal English law advice letter for use in the proceedings.
Frequently asked questions about English law local counsel
\n\n\n\nHow do you coordinate with our team across time zones?
\n\n\n\nWe regularly work with firms in the US, Europe and Asia-Pacific. We structure calls and deadlines around your time zone, provide written updates that your team can review asynchronously, and join calls outside UK business hours when the transaction requires it.
\n\n\n\nDo you advise on English-law governed deals outside the UK?
\n\n\n\nYes. English law is the governing law for a significant proportion of telecoms infrastructure, concession and network agreements in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. We provide specialist telecoms and payments regulatory input on these agreements, drawing on direct experience of international telecoms transactions. This sits alongside our UK regulatory advisory work.
\n\n\n\nHow is this different from instructing a City firm?
\n\n\n\nA City firm will assign the telecoms, data protection or payments component to a junior associate or refer it to a generalist TMT team. We deliver the work directly at partner level, with 30+ years of specialist regulatory experience. You get deeper expertise, faster turnaround and a lower cost base than a full-service firm.
\n\n\n\nCan you act on matters that also involve UK litigation?
\n\n\n\nOur practice is advisory and transactional, not contentious. If a matter involves UK litigation or Ofcom dispute resolution, we can provide the regulatory advisory input while you or another firm handles the contentious component.
\n\n\n\nWhat jurisdictions do your international clients typically come from?
\n\n\n\nWe act as English law local counsel for firms across the US, EU, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific. We have particular experience working with firms in New York, Brussels, Frankfurt, Dubai, Singapore, Sydney and Johannesburg on matters with an English law regulatory dimension, whether the underlying transaction involves UK assets or assets in other jurisdictions governed by English law.
\n\n\nWhat clients say about Bratby Law:
\n\nIndependent directory rankings
Our specialist expertise is recognised in major independent legal directories:
- Chambers & Partners: Rob Bratby is ranked as a band 2 lawyer in the UK Guide 2026 in the “Telecommunications” category: Chambers
- The Legal 500: Rob Bratby is listed as a “Leading Partner – Telecoms” in London (TMT – IT & Telecoms): The Legal 500
- Lexology: Rob Bratby is featured on Lexology’s expert profiles as a Global Elite Thought Leader for data: Lexology
English Law Local Counsel
\n\n\n\nEnglish law telecoms, data and payments advice for international law firms
\nEnglish law local counsel for international law firms on transactions and regulatory matters governed by English law. English law is the governing law of choice for telecoms, infrastructure and financial services transactions across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and beyond. Whether the deal involves a UK-regulated target, an English-law governed contract between parties outside the UK, or a cross-border transaction with an English law regulatory component, you need a qualified English solicitor with deep telecoms, data protection and payments expertise who can deliver local-law advice that integrates with your cross-border workstream.
\n\n\n\nWho this is for
\n\n\n\nYour firm is advising on a transaction or regulatory matter governed by English law and needs specialist input on telecoms, data protection or payments regulation? This may be a UK-regulated target, an English-law governed infrastructure deal in a third country, or a multi-jurisdictional programme with an English law component. Local counsel services provide that input from a UK-qualified specialist, delivered in the format your client and your firm require.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n| Instruction type | Scope of English law advice | Typical instructing jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|
| Cross-border telecoms acquisition | UK regulatory clearances, Ofcom change-of-control, licence transfer, spectrum rights | US, EU, Asia-Pacific |
| English-law governed infrastructure deal | Telecoms regulatory framework, Code rights, spectrum licensing, wayleave analysis under English law contracts | Africa, MENA, Asia-Pacific |
| Multi-jurisdictional payments transaction | FCA/PSR authorisation requirements, safeguarding obligations, UK payments regulatory perimeter | US, EU, Singapore |
| Data protection compliance for global deal | UK GDPR compliance assessment, international transfer mechanisms, processor mapping | US, EU, Australia |
| Infrastructure investment (fibre, towers, subsea) | Electronic Communications Code, planning consents, wayleave review | US, EU, Middle East |
| English-law governed telecoms concession or licence | Regulatory provisions in concession agreements, operator obligations, interconnection terms | Africa, MENA, Asia |
| Regulatory due diligence for PE sponsor | Licence validity, compliance history, regulatory risk assessment across telecoms, data and payments | US, EU, Asia-Pacific |
| JV or consortium regulatory input | Regulatory approvals, SHA reserved matters for regulated activities, competition clearance | Multi-jurisdictional |
Typical triggers
\n\n\n\n- \n
- A cross-border M&A transaction involves a UK-regulated telecoms or payments target and the lead counsel needs English law regulatory advice on the target’s Ofcom status, FCA authorisation or regulatory conditions \n\n\n\n
- An English-law governed telecoms concession, infrastructure deal or network sharing agreement in Africa, MENA or Asia requires specialist telecoms regulatory input from an English-qualified lawyer \n\n\n\n
- An overseas operator is launching services in the UK and needs advice on regulatory perimeter and General Conditions compliance under the Communications Act 2003 \n\n\n\n
- A multinational group needs a UK GDPR compliance assessment for a subsidiary processing personal data in the UK, including controller/processor analysis and ICO registration \n\n\n\n
- An international fintech is entering the UK payments market and needs advice on FCA authorisation, safeguarding requirements and PSR scheme access \n\n\n\n
- Lead counsel on a multi-jurisdictional restructuring needs a concise English law regulatory position paper that integrates with the advice from other jurisdictions \n\n\n\n
- A PE sponsor acquiring a regulated business outside the UK needs English law advice on the regulatory provisions in the English-law governed transaction documents \n\n\n\n
- An overseas acquirer needs English law advice on UK regulatory approvals required for a change of control in a regulated business \n
What we deliver
\n\n\n\n- \n
- English law regulatory advice: advice on UK regulatory status, obligations and risks under the Communications Act 2003, UK GDPR, PSRs 2017 or Electronic Money Regulations 2011, delivered in the format the lead firm and client require \n\n\n\n
- Transaction support: drafting or reviewing the regulatory sections of English-law governed transaction documents, including warranties, conditions precedent and regulatory schedules, whether the transaction involves a UK target or assets in another jurisdiction \n\n\n\n
- UK market entry roadmap: advice for overseas operators and fintechs on the regulatory steps required for lawful UK operations, covering General Conditions compliance, FCA authorisation pathways, ICO registration and the practical sequence from initial assessment to market launch \n\n\n\n
- Regulatory due diligence: English law due diligence on regulatory permissions, compliance history and pending obligations, delivered as a standalone report or as input into the lead firm’s DD exercise \n\n\n\n
- English-law governed concession and licence review: specialist telecoms regulatory input on English-law governed infrastructure concessions, operator licences and network agreements used in Africa, MENA and Asia-Pacific markets \n\n\n\n
- Regulator liaison: managing communications with Ofcom, the FCA, the PSR or the ICO on the client’s behalf from the English law side, including drafting submissions and coordinating with the lead firm’s timetable \n\n\n\n
- Jurisdiction-specific briefing note: a concise written note on the English law regulatory position, formatted for integration into a multi-jurisdictional advice package and suitable for sharing with the client’s board or investors \n
International firms instruct Bratby Law as English law local counsel on telecoms, data protection and payments regulation matters. Rob Bratby brings experience from Oftel, Ofcom, operator-side General Counsel roles and international telecoms work across Asia and the Middle East. Bratby Law is ranked in Chambers UK (Band 2) for telecoms and as a Legal 500 Leading Partner.
\n\n\n\nNeed English law regulatory advice for a cross-border matter?
\n\n\n\nIf your firm needs qualified English law advice on UK telecoms, data protection or payments regulation as part of a cross-border transaction or advisory matter, we can provide the local counsel input you need. We work to your timelines and deliverable format. Schedule an initial call to discuss how we can support your instruction.
\n\n\nReady to discuss your matter?
\n\n\n\n\nRelated specialist co-counsel pages
\n\n\n\nSee also our other specialist co-counsel pages:
\n\n\n\n- \n
- Transactions Co-counsel \n\n\n\n
- Consultant Support \n\n\n\n
- Specialist Co-counsel (overview) \n
Representative experience
\n\n\n\nRecent and representative matters include:
\n\n\n\n- Provided English-law regulatory advice on UK telecoms licensing requirements for an international firm advising a global satellite operator on UK market entry.
- Acted as English-law counsel on UK data protection aspects of a multi-jurisdictional data governance framework, advising on the practical consequences of UK/EU GDPR divergence for the client’s compliance programme.
- Provided UK payments regulatory advice for an international firm advising on the UK launch of an EU-authorised payment institution, covering the temporary permissions regime and full authorisation pathway.
- Delivered English-law advice on Electronic Communications Code rights for an international firm advising on UK digital infrastructure investment, producing the regulatory analysis within the investor’s DD timeline.
- Provided regulatory advice on UK interconnection obligations for an international arbitration, delivered as a formal English law advice letter for use in the proceedings.
Frequently asked questions about English law local counsel
\n\n\n\nHow do you coordinate with our team across time zones?
\n\n\n\nWe regularly work with firms in the US, Europe and Asia-Pacific. We structure calls and deadlines around your time zone, provide written updates that your team can review asynchronously, and join calls outside UK business hours when the transaction requires it.
\n\n\n\nDo you advise on English-law governed deals outside the UK?
\n\n\n\nYes. English law is the governing law for a significant proportion of telecoms infrastructure, concession and network agreements in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. We provide specialist telecoms and payments regulatory input on these agreements, drawing on direct experience of international telecoms transactions. This sits alongside our UK regulatory advisory work.
\n\n\n\nHow is this different from instructing a City firm?
\n\n\n\nA City firm will assign the telecoms, data protection or payments component to a junior associate or refer it to a generalist TMT team. We deliver the work directly at partner level, with 30+ years of specialist regulatory experience. You get deeper expertise, faster turnaround and a lower cost base than a full-service firm.
\n\n\n\nCan you act on matters that also involve UK litigation?
\n\n\n\nOur practice is advisory and transactional, not contentious. If a matter involves UK litigation or Ofcom dispute resolution, we can provide the regulatory advisory input while you or another firm handles the contentious component.
\n\n\n\nWhat jurisdictions do your international clients typically come from?
\n\n\n\nWe act as English law local counsel for firms across the US, EU, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific. We have particular experience working with firms in New York, Brussels, Frankfurt, Dubai, Singapore, Sydney and Johannesburg on matters with an English law regulatory dimension, whether the underlying transaction involves UK assets or assets in other jurisdictions governed by English law.
\n\n\n\nWhat clients say about Bratby Law:
\n\n\n\n\n\nIndependent directory rankings
\n\n\n\nOur specialist expertise is recognised in major independent legal directories:
\n\n\n\n- \n
- Chambers & Partners: Rob Bratby is ranked as a band 2 lawyer in the UK Guide 2026 in the “Telecommunications” category: Chambers \n\n\n\n
- The Legal 500: Rob Bratby is listed as a “Leading Partner – Telecoms” in London (TMT – IT & Telecoms): The Legal 500 \n\n\n\n
- Lexology: Rob Bratby is featured on Lexology’s expert profiles as a Global Elite Thought Leader for data: Lexology \n