Best Audit & Compliance Consulting Services in the UK

United Kingdom Audit & Compliance Consultants

Looking for standout audit and compliance consultants across the UK? Whether you're gearing up for an FCA review, ensuring SOX or ISO alignment, or preparing for acquisition diligence, the right consulting partner can save you time and safeguard your reputation. This guide spotlights trusted providers who offer outsourced, fractional, and virtual compliance and audit support, especially for fast-growth firms navigating regulatory complexity.

At Digital Reference, we believe in radical authenticity and transparency. That means highlighting consultancies whose impact is visible, whose founders are active in the field, and whose services go beyond boilerplate advice. These are teams that deliver results, not just frameworks, with a sharp focus on measurable outcomes.

📌 Our Methodology

To compile this guide, we used the following criteria:

• Research-driven: Verified services, thought leadership, and public deliverables like white papers, methodologies, or case studies.
• Client-reviewed: Favoring firms with reviews, testimonials, long-term relationships, or sector-specific recognition.
• Location-based: All providers operate in or from the UK—giving clients real-time support, compliance relevance, and time-zone compatibility.
• We also looked for alignment with Digital Reference’s editorial values: clarity, accessibility, and service-first leadership.

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Otter Audit & Consultancy Services Ltd

🔗 Website: https://otteraudit.co.uk/

What they do:
Otter delivers delegated authority audits and compliance consulting for insurers, coverholders, and intermediaries, offering a clear, practical route to regulatory adherence.

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Who they serve:
Lloyd’s insurers, MGAs, TPAs, and small-scale insurance intermediaries navigating evolving compliance demands.

How they work:
They deploy a “Compliance Officer off the shelf” model, provide Audit Shield programs, and offer training and consultancy tailored to the insurance ecosystem. Their approach emphasizes clarity, flexibility, and actionable audit findings

💡 Why they stand out:

• Deep niche expertise in delegated authority models
• Trusted by 60+ insurers across 500+ firms
• Practical, audit-driven recommendations from a specialized compliance lens

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Alex Jones, Director, Otter Audit & Consultancy Services Ltd

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-jones-otter

Bruce brings decades of experience in financial services recruitment, with a specialty in compliance, internal audit, and operations. He's well known for his deep connections across UK/EU regulatory roles. Bruce's style is quietly direct; he values responsiveness and personal integrity in every placement. He frequently collaborates with compliance officers directly to refine hiring strategies based on risk posture and governance goals.

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Stanbrook Consulting

🔗 Website: https://stanbrookconsulting.com/ 

What they do: 

Stanbrook Consulting offers GRC advisory, internal audit, and regulatory compliance services particularly focused on financial services and insurance. Their approach combines regulatory awareness with a focus on creating business-aligned risk frameworks.

Who they work with: 

Insurance, banking, asset management, and fintechs.

Operating model: 

Project-based or interim resource placement with deep sector specialization.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Focused on UK and EU regulatory shifts.
• Known for strong interim placements and targeted advisory.
• Respected for responsive and technically sound engagement with boards and compliance teams.

Leon Manco, Founder, Stanbrook Consulting

🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/leon-manco-a264baa

Leon brings over 20 years of compliance and audit experience across the UK financial services sector. He’s known for his practical understanding of regulatory frameworks and his hands-on leadership style. Clients trust him for his ability to simplify complex governance issues and align risk goals with commercial strategy.

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Lighthouse Consultants

🔗 Website: https://lighthc.london/ 

What they do: 

Lighthouse Consultants provides tailored compliance, risk management, and regulatory consulting, with an emphasis on clarity, independence, and sector-specific insight. They’re known for delivering senior-level support to businesses navigating complex audit environments.

Who they work with: 

Financial institutions, fintech startups, and firms navigating regulatory change.

Operating model: 

Boutique advisory model, offering both retained and project-based engagements.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Delivers senior-led, pragmatic consulting rooted in hands-on sector knowledge.
• Renowned for helping clients implement robust governance frameworks ahead of FCA scrutiny.
• Builds compliance strategies that align directly with business objectives.

Kingsley Bye, Founder, Lighthouse Consultants

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kingsley-bye/

Kingsley brings over 25 years of experience across financial services regulation, internal audit, and compliance. Formerly with the Financial Services Authority and global consultancies, he now helps clients strengthen their governance posture through nuanced, risk-aligned strategies. Kingsley is known for his clear, confident approach and has become a trusted voice in UK compliance advisory circles.

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Inventum Group

🔗 Website: http://www.inventum-group.com 

What they do: 

Inventum Group provides staffing and consulting services across legal, audit, risk, and compliance. Their work includes delivering fractional compliance officers and diversity-led hiring strategies.

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Who they work with: 

Legal teams, fintechs, media firms, and purpose-driven brands.

Operating model: 

Search and project delivery, often with an inclusion-led philosophy.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Strong emphasis on ethical hiring and governance transformation.
• Known for fast response to audit remediation needs.
• Regularly partners with in-house teams to boost audit and compliance maturity.

Adam Tobias, Co-Founder, Inventum Group

🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/adam-tobias-a15788a

Adam leads with a vision of inclusive change in the compliance and legal workforce. His background in recruitment and consulting helps Inventum craft services that go beyond hiring into transformation. He’s a vocal advocate for leadership equity and measurable diversity impact.

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Zenith Audit Ltd

🔗 Website: https://zenithaudit.co.uk/

What they do: Zenith Audit delivers high-quality audit, assurance, and accountancy services with a focus on transparency, efficiency, and proactive client communication.

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Who they serve: UK-based SMEs, non-profits, and businesses seeking audit partners who can also offer strategic financial insight.

How they work: They combine technical excellence with a responsive, client-first approach, ensuring audits run smoothly and deliver actionable outcomes.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Emphasis on building long-term, trust-based client relationships.
• Skilled at identifying efficiency improvements beyond compliance.
• Agile firm structure allows for rapid turnaround and tailored solutions.

Filip Lyapov, Director, Zenith Audit

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/filiplyapov

Filip Lyapov is a qualified auditor with a background spanning both practice and industry roles. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and client-focused service, he founded Zenith Audit to bridge the gap between technical compliance and practical business guidance. His leadership emphasizes adaptability, open communication, and fostering client confidence throughout the audit process. Filip also brings experience working with diverse sectors, enabling him to provide sector-specific insights alongside regulatory compliance.

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Endor Consultants LLC

🔗 Website: https://www.endorconsultants.com/ 

What they do: 

Endor Consultants delivers targeted audit and compliance advisory for UK-regulated businesses, with services ranging from internal audit execution to compliance program development. They are especially focused on helping firms evolve with UK and EU regulatory expectations.

Who they work with: 

Asset managers, hedge funds, financial institutions, and private investment firms.

Operating model: 

Lean, expert-led advisory model with flexible service packages, often via retained or fractional relationships.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Widely respected for regulatory interpretation and translating it into operational strategies.
• Helps firms streamline and mature internal audit processes quickly.
• Maintains a practical, low-jargon tone that resonates with finance and operations teams.

Peter Harrison, Founder, Endor Consultants LLC

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-harrison-0b985926

Peter brings more than two decades of audit and compliance experience, having worked with top-tier financial institutions and regulatory bodies. He is recognized for his pragmatic leadership style and ability to help firms balance commercial objectives with evolving compliance mandates. Peter’s work is known for being technically sound, yet incredibly actionable

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RSM UK

🔗 Website: https://www.rsmuk.com/

What they do: RSM UK is a leading audit, tax, and consulting firm delivering a full suite of professional services to mid-market businesses and public sector organizations.

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Who they serve: Mid-market companies, government bodies, and non-profits across the UK and internationally.

How they work: They leverage deep sector expertise, advanced audit technology, and a collaborative approach to provide assurance, mitigate risk, and support strategic growth.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Part of the RSM global network, offering international reach with local expertise.
• Integrates advanced digital tools for efficient and transparent audits.
• Strong reputation for mid-market advisory and sector-specific solutions.

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Rob Donaldson, CEO, RSM UK

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-donaldson-rsm/

Rob Donaldson leads RSM UK with over 30 years’ experience in corporate finance, audit, and business advisory. Under his leadership, RSM UK has strengthened its position as a trusted adviser to mid-market firms, combining strategic insight with technical excellence. He is known for his commitment to client relationships, innovation, and supporting sustainable business growth.

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Finitas

🔗 Website: http://www.finitas.co.uk/ 

What they do: 

Governance, risk, compliance, and transformation recruitment and auditing. Finitas serves financial services firms looking for agile support in regulatory and change programs.

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Who they work with: 

Banks, fintechs, insurers, PE-backed entities.

Operating model: 

Search, project-based, and fractional placement.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Rapid scaling of risk and audit functions for new licensees.
• Deep understanding of SMCR and UK regulations.
• Integrates cultural fit into every governance placement.

Neil Willis-Stovold, Director, Finitas

🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/neilwillisstovold

Neil is a strategic recruiter known for working closely with Chief Risk and Compliance Officers. His approach is methodical and tailored ensuring placements align with both team maturity and future-state regulation plans.

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Lutine Bell

🔗 Website: http://www.lutinebell.com 

What they do: 

Audit and compliance recruitment, with a strong offering in interim and permanent roles. Their reach spans financial services and insurance sectors.

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Who they work with: 

Wealth managers, fintechs, underwriters, and consultants.

Operating model: 

Advisory-led recruitment with sector-trained delivery consultants.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Longstanding brand in UK compliance talent.
• Known for integrity in search and candidate care.
• Strong bench of repeat clients and internal audit leaders.

Simon Crabb, Director, Lutine Bell

🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sicrabb

Simon brings decades of audit and compliance placement experience. His leadership is grounded in building trust and capability in regulatory teams. Simon has seen the evolution of governance recruitment from a back-office role to a strategic partner.

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Rev & Regs

🔗 Website: http://www.revandregs.com 

What they do: 

Niche recruitment for audit, compliance, legal, and risk professionals across the UK and EMEA. Rev & Regs is known for technical accuracy and rapid placements.

Who they work with: 

Boutique firms, challenger banks, and global FS groups.
Operating model: 

Fast-turn, contingency-based search with deep candidate qualification.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Trusted for specialist, urgent audit hires.
• Founder-led attention on every role.
• Expands access to diverse and qualified compliance professionals.

Dominic Hull, Founder, Rev & Regs

🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/dominic-hull-08a96391

Dominic leads Rev & Regs with precision and passion for technical placements. He’s known for being direct, reliable, and unusually fast in matching candidates to brief. His background in law and compliance allows him to spot strong fits quickly and confidently.

Closing & Digital Reference Pitch

At Digital Reference, we build lists that cut through the noise. These UK audit and compliance consultants aren’t just good on paper; they're actively delivering results. Whether you need support navigating FCA regulations, embedding ISO frameworks, or building your internal audit function from scratch, these providers bring clarity and commitment.

If you're looking for guidance choosing the right firm or want to share your experience with one we’ve missed, reach out to Digital Reference. We’re constantly updating our library with verified, reviewed, and radically transparent service providers.

Stay tuned for more UK coverage across data, legal, risk, and strategy.

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