Cass 7 Audit Companies in Bristol: A Practical Guide to the Market

For firms operating under the FCA’s Client Assets Sourcebook (CASS), choosing the right audit provider is about more than meeting regulatory obligations. A well-executed CASS 7 audit can provide greater confidence in client money arrangements, strengthen governance processes and support ongoing compliance in an increasingly scrutinised environment.

Bristol is home to a range of professional services providers supporting regulated businesses across financial services, investment management and related sectors. While approaches and areas of expertise may differ, many organisations seek advisors who combine technical knowledge with a clear understanding of operational risk and regulatory expectations.

This guide highlights a selection of Cass 7 audit companies operating in Bristol. Rather than ranking providers, the aim is to offer practical context, outlining who these organisations are, the types of clients they typically support, and the areas where their expertise is most relevant.

Acumon

Acumon is a UK firm of chartered accountants and registered auditors providing CASS 7 audit services to firms and organisations across Bristol and the wider UK market.

The firm supports regulated businesses ranging from investment firms and wealth managers through to larger financial services groups operating within FCA-regulated environments. CASS 7 audit engagements are designed to provide assurance over client asset arrangements, support regulatory compliance and strengthen governance frameworks.

Acumon provides CASS 7 audit support across a range of regulatory and reporting requirements, including client asset reviews, control testing, compliance assessments and reporting under the FCA Client Assets Sourcebook (CASS). Services are delivered using a structured risk-based methodology tailored to the size, complexity and regulatory profile of each organisation.

Acumon holds a Public Interest Entity (PIE) audit licence, enabling the firm to support organisations subject to enhanced regulatory oversight in the United Kingdom. In addition to its UK statutory audit registration, the firm also maintains audit licences in the Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands (BVI), Jersey and Isle of Man, supporting organisations operating across international structures and reporting environments.

Businesses responsible for safeguarding client assets often operate within evolving regulatory frameworks that require robust controls, effective governance and ongoing oversight. Acumon works with compliance teams, boards and management to support FCA requirements while helping organisations strengthen reporting processes, governance arrangements and internal controls.

CASS 7 Audit Capabilities

Acumon provides CASS 7 audit services across a wide range of regulated entities and operational environments.

These include:

• investment firms and wealth managers
• FCA-regulated firms safeguarding client assets
• organisations subject to CASS 7 requirements
• multi-entity and group structures
• businesses with cross-border operations
• regulated entities with complex control frameworks

Engagements are typically led by senior professionals with direct involvement throughout the engagement.

Regulatory Licences and Registrations

Acumon maintains several audit registrations that enable it to support organisations operating across multiple jurisdictions.

These include:

• UK statutory audit registration
• Public Interest Entity (PIE) audit licence
• Jersey audit licence
• Isle of Man audit licence
• Cayman Islands audit licence
• British Virgin Islands audit licence

These registrations allow the firm to support organisations operating across both the UK and key international financial centres.

Core Services

In addition to CASS 7 audit services, Acumon provides a range of services that support governance, reporting and regulatory compliance.

These include:

• statutory external audit
• group and subsidiary audits
• CASS 7 audits and client asset reviews
• regulatory compliance assessments
• Public Interest Entity (PIE) audits
• charity and not-for-profit audit
• internal audit and governance reviews
• risk management and compliance support

CASS 7 audit work is often delivered alongside discussions with management and compliance teams regarding client asset arrangements, governance frameworks and regulatory obligations.

Many regulated firms encounter increasingly complex compliance requirements as they grow, expand regulated activities or operate across multiple jurisdictions.

Acumon works with businesses that are:

• operating within corporate group structures
• managing client asset obligations
• preparing for FCA oversight
• strengthening governance and control frameworks
• expanding regulated activities

Early engagement can help ensure that control environments, documentation and compliance procedures are aligned with CASS 7 requirements.

Contact Information

• Website: acumon.com
• Email: mail@acumon.com
• Address: 1-2 Craven Road, Ealing, London, W5 2UA, UK
• Phone: 020 8567 3451

Gravita

Gravita operates across the financial services sector, supporting regulated firms that need audit, compliance and regulatory reporting services. Their experience covers banks, brokers, fund managers, e-money providers and other FCA-regulated businesses, including firms with permissions under the Client Assets Sourcebook. CASS 7 audits form part of this work, helping organisations assess how client money arrangements align with FCA requirements.

Financial services regulation often involves overlapping obligations, particularly where governance, safeguarding and reporting processes intersect. Alongside CASS audits, the firm carries out statutory audits and supports businesses navigating FCA and PRA expectations. Their work extends to firms with multi-jurisdictional operations and those managing complex control environments where oversight of client assets remains a key area of focus.

Key Highlights

• Experience supporting FCA-regulated firms
• CASS audit coverage including CASS 5, CASS 6, CASS 7 and CASS 15
• Audit work involving banks, brokers and fund managers
• Support for e-money businesses and safeguarding requirements
• Knowledge of FCA and PRA regulatory frameworks
• International reach through an accounting network

Services

• CASS 7 audits
• CASS assurance engagements
• Statutory audits
• Safeguarding audits for e-money firms
• Regulatory reporting support
• Risk-based audit reviews
• Tax advisory
• Compliance support
• Bookkeeping and accounting assistance
• Business advisory

Contact Information

• Website: www.gravita.com
• Email: hellobristol@gravita.com
• Twitter: x.com/TeamGravita
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/gravita-uk
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/gravita_uk
• Address: 2nd Floor, South, One Castle Park, Tower Hill, Bristol BS2 0JA
• Phone: 0117 9742569

Bishop Fleming

Bishop Fleming advises businesses operating in regulated financial services environments, with experience across FCA compliance, audit and assurance requirements. Their work includes supporting firms that fall within the scope of the Client Assets Sourcebook, including those requiring CASS reviews and related assurance engagements. This makes them relevant for organisations seeking support with CASS 7 obligations and the handling of client money.

The regulatory landscape for financial services continues to evolve, particularly around governance, Consumer Duty and operational resilience. Within this environment, the firm provides audit and advisory services to investment firms, wealth managers, insurance brokers and other regulated entities. Their approach spans both assurance and wider regulatory considerations that can affect CASS compliance over time.

Key Highlights

• Experience with FCA-regulated businesses
• Knowledge of CASS assurance requirements
• Work with investment and wealth management firms
• Understanding of regulatory capital frameworks
• Support across audit, tax and advisory areas
• Presence in Bristol and across the South West

Services

• CASS assurance reviews
• Statutory audits
• FCA compliance support
• Internal audit and risk assurance
• Regulatory reporting
• Corporate finance advisory
• Tax compliance
• Business advisory

Contact Information

• Website: www.bishopfleming.co.uk
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/100093464198343
• Twitter: x.com/BishopFlemingUK
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/bishop-fleming-chartered-accountants
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/bishopfleminguk
• Address: 10 Temple Back, Bristol, BS1 6FL
• Phone: 0117 9100250

Saffery

Saffery supports financial services firms navigating FCA requirements relating to client money and assets. Their published guidance covers the application of CASS rules, including the distinction between reasonable and limited assurance engagements. For firms subject to CASS 7, this area is particularly important because it focuses on how client money is safeguarded and monitored throughout the reporting period.

CASS compliance often extends beyond annual reporting and requires robust systems, controls and governance arrangements. The firm works with regulated businesses seeking clarity on audit obligations, reporting deadlines and evolving FCA expectations. Their work reflects the close relationship between compliance frameworks and the protection of client assets.

Key Highlights

• Focus on FCA regulatory requirements
• Experience with CASS assurance engagements
• Understanding of reasonable and limited assurance
• Support for regulated financial services firms
• Knowledge of reporting deadlines and compliance obligations
• Member of an international accounting network

Services

• CASS audits
• Assurance engagements
• Regulatory compliance support
• Statutory audits
• Financial services advisory
• Governance reviews
• Audit planning
• Risk assessments

Contact Information

• Website: www.saffery.com
• Email: info@saffery.com
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/saffery
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/saffery_uk
• Address: St Catherine’s Court, Berkeley Place, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1BQ, UK
• Phone: +44 (0)117 915 1617

Forvis Mazars

Forvis Mazars provides audit, assurance and consulting services across a wide range of regulated sectors, including financial services. Their CASS and safeguarding work covers firms handling client money and assets under FCA rules, making them relevant for organisations subject to CASS 7 requirements. The firm supports businesses operating in areas such as banking, asset management and payment services.

Client asset protection remains a significant area of regulatory attention, particularly where systems and controls rely on complex technologies. The firm places emphasis on governance, oversight and the interaction between operational processes and regulatory expectations. Their teams include specialists in both financial regulation and technology-related assurance.

Key Highlights

• Experience across financial services sectors
• Focus on CASS and safeguarding requirements
• Support for banks, asset managers and payment firms
• Knowledge of governance and control frameworks
• Technology and IT assurance capabilities
• Presence in Bristol and other UK locations

Services

• CASS 7 audits
• Safeguarding reviews
• Risk and control assessments
• IT assurance
• Regulatory compliance reviews
• Audit and assurance services
• Risk consulting
• Financial advisory

Contact Information

• Website: www.forvismazars.com
• Twitter: x.com/ForvisMazarsUK
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/forvis-mazars-in-the-uk
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/forvismazarsuk
• Address: 8th Floor, Assembly C, Cheese Lane, Bristol, BS2 0JJ, United Kingdom
• Phone: +44 (0) 117 928 1700

BDO

BDO maintains a dedicated financial services team focused on client assets regulation and assurance. Their CASS specialists have experience supporting regulated firms with audit, advisory and oversight matters linked to FCA requirements. CASS 7 audits form part of this broader regulatory landscape, particularly for businesses responsible for safeguarding client money.

The firm’s experience includes work connected to forensic reviews, regulatory engagements and interactions with supervisory bodies. This perspective can be relevant for organisations seeking assurance over control frameworks and compliance processes in areas where client assets are involved.

Key Highlights

• Dedicated client assets specialists
• Experience with FCA-regulated firms
• Background in CASS oversight and assurance
• Knowledge of regulatory reviews
• Financial services audit capabilities
• Support across complex compliance environments

Services

• CASS audits
• Regulatory assurance
• Financial services audit
• Forensic reviews
• Compliance assessments
• Risk advisory
• Governance support
• Regulatory investigations

Contact Information

• Website: www.bdo.co.uk
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/bdo-llp
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/bdo_uk
• Address: Bridgewater House, Finzels Reach, Counterslip, Bristol, BS1 6BX, United Kingdom
• Phone: 0117 930 1500

RSM

RSM supports financial services firms dealing with the practical application of client money and asset regulations. Their work covers CASS arrangements, annual audits and reviews of operational processes designed to protect client assets. These areas are directly relevant to firms subject to CASS 7 requirements under FCA rules.

Managing client money involves more than meeting reporting obligations, as regulators continue to focus on segregation, controls and governance. The firm assists organisations in reviewing internal reporting, maintaining resolution packs and strengthening compliance frameworks that support ongoing regulatory expectations.

Key Highlights

• Focus on client money and asset regulations
• Support for FCA reporting requirements
• Experience with CASS compliance reviews
• Risk and governance capabilities
• Knowledge of CMAR reporting
• Financial services regulatory expertise

Services

• CASS 7 audits
• Compliance reviews
• Annual assurance engagements
• Forensic analysis
• Resolution pack reviews
• Risk assurance
• Internal reporting reviews
• Control framework assessments

Contact Information

• Website: www.rsmuk.com
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/rsm-uk
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/rsm.uk
• Address: 2nd Floor, 1 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6DG
• Phone: +44 (0)117 945 2000

Deloitte

Deloitte advises regulated financial institutions on the application of CASS rules and the development of control environments linked to client assets. Their CASS Risk Advisory team supports firms operating under FCA requirements, including those managing client money under CASS 7. The focus extends beyond compliance to include governance, oversight and remediation of identified gaps.

As regulatory expectations continue to evolve, firms often need to review how controls operate in practice and whether they remain fit for purpose. Deloitte provides support across areas such as regulatory change, audit findings and CASS oversight responsibilities, reflecting the ongoing importance of effective governance in regulated businesses.

Key Highlights

• Dedicated CASS advisory capabilities
• Experience supporting regulated financial institutions
• Focus on governance and control frameworks
• Assistance with remediation activities
• Support for regulatory change programmes
• Knowledge of FCA expectations

Services

• CASS 7 advisory
• Control environment assessments
• Regulatory reviews
• Audit remediation support
• CASS oversight assistance
• Risk management
• Compliance training
• Governance advisory

Contact Information:

• Website: www.deloitte.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/deloitteuk
• Twitter: x.com/deloitteuk
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/deloitte
• Address: HALO, Counterslip, Redcliffe, Bristol, BS1 6AJ, United Kingdom
• Phone: +44 (0)117 921 1622

Conclusion

Selecting a CASS 7 audit provider is about more than meeting an annual regulatory requirement. The audit process plays an important role in helping firms demonstrate that client money arrangements are operating effectively, governance structures remain robust and controls continue to align with FCA expectations.

The companies featured in this guide represent a range of approaches to CASS assurance and financial services regulation in Bristol. Some focus primarily on audit and assurance, while others combine CASS work with broader risk, technology and advisory capabilities. When assessing potential providers, firms often consider sector experience, familiarity with complex regulatory frameworks and an understanding of how controls operate in practice. Ultimately, the right choice will depend on the nature of a firm’s activities, client asset profile and wider governance requirements.