Mastering UK SDR Compliance

Cleveland & Co offers unmatched support in helping firms meet the UK’s Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) and the FCA’s new investment labels regime. We transform complex regulatory landscapes into clear, actionable strategies that ensure your firm remains compliant and competitive in an evolving marketplace.

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Facing the UK SDR Deadline? We’ve Got You Covered

Is your firm prepared for the looming SDR compliance deadlines? Many FCA-regulated firms are struggling to interpret new rules, allocate resources effectively, and implement changes in time. Cleveland & Co is your trusted partner to simplify these challenges. Whether you need guidance on anti-greenwashing rules or assistance with product labelling, our expert team ensures you meet the SDR requirements seamlessly.

Time Is Running Out

With SDR deadlines approaching, firms are racing to align their ESG strategies with the latest regulations. Don’t get left behind. Cleveland & Co’s specialized legal services help you stay ahead, providing personalized guidance and a tailored roadmap to compliance.

31 May 2024

Anti-greenwashing rule and guidance come into force.

31 July 2024

Firms can begin to use labels with accompanying disclosures.

2 December 2024

Naming and marketing rules come into force with accompanying disclosures.

2 December 2025

Ongoing product and entity-level disclosures for firms with assets under management of over £50 billion come into force.

2 December 2026

Entity-level disclosure rules are etended to firms with AUM of over £5 billion.

How We Can Help

Our specialist lawyers possess a deep understanding of the asset management industry, working closely with various participants including asset managers, investors, and trade associations. We can provide expert advice on the evolving regulatory landscape, sharing best practices and addressing common challenges. With a broad perspective on the application of SDR from different angles, we support clients on a range of topics, from preparing for the implementation of the UK Green Taxonomy to navigating the intricacies of the upcoming sustainability disclosure requirements. Whether you need guidance on entity-level disclosures, product-specific sustainability reporting, or the integration of ISSB standards, we are here to help.

Turn SDR Compliance into Opportunity

Engaging Cleveland & Co means gaining access to a team of industry specialists who deliver more than just compliance. We offer strategic insights that align SDR regulations with your commercial objectives. Our tailored legal support not only ensures your firm meets its regulatory obligations but also enhances your market position and credibility in sustainable finance.

A trusted partner in the investment management industry

The scope of our client relationships within the investment management industry reflects our ability to deliver high quality advice, and make it accessible to all industry participants. Our clients include leading funds, investment managers, and banks.

Wealth Manager/Family Office

Team Size: 35 employees globally.In-house legal team: 0

Client Requirement

Outsource the review, negotiation and management of all legal documents; client mandates, engagement letters, and distribution agreements for review, negotiation and finalisation with minimal oversight.
Ability to outsource all commercial agreements and platform agreements for review, negotiation and finalisation with minimal oversight.
Implement regulatory projects; MiFID II, GDPR and SFDR.
Participation in weekly strategic/business development calls.

Benefits Delivered

Proactive management of key legal tasks across all areas of required law.
Provided a true full service in-house legal team support for the business.
Driving legal project delivery and managing all relevant stakeholders.

Global Sustainability Association

Team Size: 200+ employees globally.In-house legal team: 1

Client Requirement

Supporting the Global General Counsel across regions with on tap additional expertise and capacity.
Input across policy areas, reports/guidance and principals for responsible investment.
Support with general commercial contracts: e.g. terms with signatories, partnership arrangements etc.
Guidance on governance: advising on corporate appointments, meeting packs, terms of reference for working groups, competition law advice, updates to constitutional documentation, appointment/termination of directors, fiduciary duties of asset owners.

Benefits Delivered

Provided a true extension of the legal team – working together as one cohesive unit.
Ownership and driving of legal projects and managing all relevant counterparties and stakeholders.
Legal project management and delivery, keeping delivery on time and on budget.
Multiple jurisdictions covered under one retainer.

Sustainable Investment Manager

Team Size: 5,000+ employees globally.In-house legal team: 100+ globally

Client Requirement

On tap overflow support when the team is focusing on strategic projects, or addition of specialist in-house investment management expertise lacking in the team low on resource due to turnover, maternity leave, sabbatical or holidays.
Covering: implementation of regulation e.g. SFDR, institutional investment and advisory mandates, overseas marketing, distribution and platform agreements, commercial contracts, data protection, employee share schemes.

Benefits Delivered

Knowledge sharing to upskill in-house team, supporting long term internal team development and reduction of external legal costs.
Consistency and high quality in the negotiation of documents on key legal terms.
IP retention to ensure that knowledge, tools and know-how developed for the client remains with the client.
Seamless continuity of legal support during peaks and troughs.
Access to our global team to support their global needs.

200+ clients representing a combined £9 trillion of Assets Under Management

Cleveland & Co stands apart from traditional law firms

Cleveland & Co stands apart from other law firms because we specialize in asset management. Our specialist approach means we gain insights across industry topics such as SDR compliance. Our team of senior lawyers works directly with you, delivering high-quality, strategic advice with speed and precision. We offer a unique blend of legal expertise and commercial insight, helping you navigate SDR challenges without slowing your business down.

Emma Cleveland – CEO, Global General Counsel

Secure Your SDR Compliance Today.

Cleveland & Co – Leading Your SDR Initiative

Anti-Greenwashing Rule

We help ensure your sustainability claims are accurate and compliant with regulations, reducing the risk of greenwashing by reviewing and advising on your ESG policies, statements, and marketing materials.

Sustainability Investment Labels

Our team can guide you through the process of selecting and applying the appropriate sustainability labels for your investment products, ensuring alignment with SDR requirements and investor expectations.

Naming and Marketing Rules

We advise on the naming and promotion of sustainable investment products, ensuring that your marketing strategies comply with SDR rules and avoid misleading representations.

Disclosures

We support you in meeting disclosure requirements by developing clear, comprehensive, and compliant reporting frameworks for sustainability-related risks, impacts, and opportunities in line with SDR.

Rules Applicable to Distributors

We assist distributors in understanding and adhering to the specific SDR rules that apply to the promotion and sale of sustainable products, ensuring regulatory compliance and enhancing transparency.

Pricing

We offer flexible pricing models tailored to your specific needs. Whether it’s a one-time consultation or ongoing support, our pricing structure is transparent and aligned with the scope of services required. Our goal is to provide exceptional value without unforeseen costs.

Choose Your Plan

Fixed Fee Projects

Clear, one-time cost
Transparent and predictable budgeting
No ongoing commitment after project completion
Best suited for specific, well-defined projects

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Monthly Retainer

Access to a dedicated team of experts
Continuous, on-demand support
Flexible, tailored assistance as needs evolve
Builds a long-term relationship for strategic support

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A panel of specialists through one account

The Cleveland & Co business model offers you the hard to access combination of a team of specialists offering high quality advice in the format of a single lawyer hire available as a round the clock service.

Specialists typically perform: 15%; better than generalists

Compared to a single hire,: 7x; more PQE access

Across time zones: 100%; team availability

Your ESG Compliance Legal Team

The ESG team at Cleveland & Co are happy to answer any questions you may have and have a depth of experience to assist with implementing advice.

Caroline Donald

Deputy General Counsel – Governance, Regulation and Trading

Expertise: Investment Management, Financial Services Regulation, Funds, Alternative Funds, Separately Managed Accounts, Corporate, Commercial, Privacy, IP, HR & Employment strategic

Experience: 25 years

Get in touch with Caroline

Trevor Goodman

Director

Expertise: Investment Management, Financial Services Regulation, Funds, Structuring and Restructuring, Corporate Governance, Commercial, Fintech

Experience: 30 years

Get in touch with Trevor

Fiona Richardson

Head of Regulation

Expertise: Investment Management, Financial Services Regulation, Funds, Alternative Funds, Securities, Trading & Investments, Securities Lending, Distribution, ESG and Corporate Governance

Experience: 30+ years

Get in touch with Fiona

Access to 200+ years team PQE experience for less than the cost of a General Counsel.

Recent Awards

Our ability to provide value to clients in the financial services sector is winning awards across a range of categories.

2026 Modern Law Awards Winner, Law Firm – Small

2026 Women & Diversity in Law Awards Finalist, Law Firm of the Year

2026 Women & Diversity in Law Awards Highly Commended, Law Firm Leader of the Year (Boutique)

2026 Modern Law Awards Highly Commended, Best Use of Technology

2026 Modern Law Awards Shortlisted, Innovation Award

2023 Strategic Legal Operations Team of the Year

2022 Corporate Counsel Awards finalist, Financial Services Lawyer of the Year

2022 Modern Law Awards Diversity and Inclusion Award

2021 Women in Finance UK Legal Adviser of the Year

FAQ

Our FAQ section covers a range of topics about the institutional work work we do.

: We are specialits within the asset management sector and are able to provide specialized advice that larger firms often cannot offer. We have clients on both sides of negotiating table, and support industry associations, which allows us to provide pragmatic practical advice.

Top Tier Investment Management Testimonials

“Cleveland & Co played an instrumental role in our recent M&A operation, turning a complex process into a smooth transition. Their strategic expertise and professional approach gave is confidence, ensuring our success. We highly recommend their services for any business seeking a reliable partner for significant growth.” — UK & European IT Company

“Cleveland & Co have been supporting us on our journey to a $1bn plus asset under management for a few years. They have filled a need for us – having on hand a general counsel with multiple skill sets without having to employ a whole general counsel team. It is hard to do – but they have made it work – and work very well.” — Investment Manager

“We were introduced to Cleveland & Co a few years ago and the relationship has proven to be very beneficial to us. The combination of expertise within the field, accessibility, speed and flexibility has been just what we needed. We look forward to carrying on the relationship, and it’s refreshing to deal with a pragmatic, professional, down to earth group of people.” — Investment Manager

Conveniently located in London Bridge

Chat with Cordelia, or leave a message.

Cordelia Hughes, Chief Growth Officer

chughes@cleveland-co.com +44 7983 800548 LinkedIn