Compliance Consultants - Thistle Initiatives

As a team of 70+ financial industry specialists, compliance consultants, ex-regulators, and lawyers, we speak compliance so you don’t have to.

We believe in doing, not delegating. Covering risk is one thing, but a commercial mindset is everything.

We will keep your organisation moving forward with transparent advice and hands-on support. To guide you through the journey of compliance, from beginning to end and beyond.

For press or public relations please contact marketing@thistleinitiatives.co.uk

Thistle Initiatives has a long-standing heritage in regulatory compliance. Today, we support financial services firms with far more than compliance and financial crime. We support them in navigating change, driving transformation, and building businesses ready for the future.

Our focus is on outcomes. We help our clients grow and deliver long-term value, backed by a team of specialists who understand both the regulatory landscape and the commercial realities firms face every day.

As part of the Thistle Group, we combine deep regulatory expertise with wider operational and transformation capability. This gives our clients clear advice, practical support and a trusted partner who understands the rules and how to apply them in the real world.

Scott Friedrichs
Group CEO

We Are Part of Thistle Group

Thistle Group brings together two specialist consultancies with one shared aim: use our market-leading expertise to help innovative financial services firms deliver effective change, stay compliant and drive sustainable growth.

Firms today face increasing regulatory pressure, operational complexity and fast‑changing customer expectations. Thistle Initiatives and TORI Global offer clients bespoke support and partnership through it all.

From applications, supervision and enforcement, to compliance transformation, operation excellence and digital transformation programmes, Thistle Group helps firms deliver growth with confidence.

Thistle Initiatives is ISO 9001:2015 certified

We're delighted that our commitment to quality and continuous improvement has been formally recognised through ISO 9001:2015 certification. It reinforces the strength of our management systems and the way we govern and improve our work, giving clients confidence in how their projects are managed and delivered.

Our systems have been independently audited and certified by Alcumus ISOQAR against internationally recognised quality standards, and ongoing reviews ensure our processes remain controlled, effective, and aligned with best practice in the evolution of our business.

Association of Professional Compliance Consultants (APCC)

We are one of the largest members of the Association of Professional Compliance Consultants (APCC).

The APCC is the body that represents compliance consultancies advising FCA regulated firms in the UK, promoting high professional standards and setting best practice guidance for members to follow.

We often work with the APCC to pilot or test new initiatives and provide feedback on a range of topics. This relationship increases our access to the FCA, greatly benefiting our clients.

Partners We Work Alongside

We partner with trusted organisations that can support your growing business

Accountancy Firms

Be sure that your financial transactions, from tax to payroll, are accurate, legal and efficient.

EMI/PSP Principles

Looking for a fast track route to issuing e-money for your customers? Talk to one of our trusted principal firms to consider if the agent route is right for you.

Incubators and Accelerators

For startups looking for support and funding to get your idea off the ground and into the market.

IT Consultancies

Design and install the most appropriate IT systems that fit your business needs and commercial goals.

RegTech Providers

Accelerate your regulatory processes, including customer onboarding compliance, monitoring and reporting.

Law Firms

Stay on the right side of the law, as well as the regulator, with support from our trusted law firm partners.

Safeguarding Providers

Protect your customers funds and strengthen your firm’s prudential risk management in accordance with UK regulation.

Trade and Settlement Platforms

Ensure compliance and market obligations for trade settlement, clearing and reporting are met efficiently and accurately.

Recruitment Consultants

Hire right first time, with support from recruiters who understand the financial services industry.

As well as referring clients to our partners, we also accept client referrals from complementary businesses. Do you have a client who needs our help? We are happy to chat.

Charity Work

We regularly raise money for causes that are close to our heart. We love working alongside our clients and colleagues, to bring awareness and much-needed financial support to charities all over the UK.