Including ACCA, ICAEW Disciplinary Hearings and more.
For any accountant in practice to be informed that a complaint has been made to their professional body, such as ACCA and that the complaint is to be investigated, will, inevitably, be an extremely worrying matter. You will not know the likely outcome to the investigation. It may be referred to an Investigation Committee. But, equally, it may end up before a Disciplinary Committee.
It is therefore absolutely essential that the practising accountant obtains expert advice at the earliest possible stage and that’s where we come in. Chris Cope has over 40 years’ experience dealing with accountant complaint and disciplinary cases including ICAEW and ACCA disciplinary hearings. We provide specialist advice and representation for accountants.
“We’re delighted to officially welcome Chris and ANCS Ltd into our growing network of strategic partners. Chris has built a strong reputation in regulatory defence and brings a wealth of specialist insight that will directly benefit our clients. His experience is a perfect match for our expanding professional services portfolio,” said James Holloway, Senior Partner.
“Joining forces with this team opens up new possibilities. Our shared commitment to protecting and advising accountancy professionals ensures that clients continue to receive the highest level of support, especially during challenging times,” added Chris Cope, Managing Partner at ANCS Ltd.
If you're already a client of ANCS Ltd, your ongoing matters will now be fully supported through our integrated service model. There will be no changes to your fees or points of contact, and the team you know will continue to handle your case — now with access to expanded legal, regulatory, and advisory resources.
We’ve ensured a smooth transition, with all active cases continuing under the same trusted standards and confidentiality. You should have received a welcome letter with further details. For any questions, contact:
This collaboration between our firm and ANCS Ltd reflects our shared mission: to deliver dependable, high-level defence and advisory services to accounting professionals and regulated firms across the UK. By aligning our resources and expertise, we’re able to respond faster, advise more thoroughly, and represent clients with even greater strength.
This strategic partnership was formalised in early 2025, and we are committed to maintaining open communication and transparency throughout every stage of the integration process.
We will give priority to your problem and advise you as to what you should do. We will also assist in drafting your response to the professional body. Whether it’s ACCA, ICAEW or another body. We will guide you throughout the investigation and if – which we hope will not happen – you are referred to the Disciplinary Committee, Chris Cope will represent you or ensure that you are represented by experienced counsel. We will, though, need to charge you a fee for our services. However, we consider that our hourly rates are reasonable. We also offer no-obligation free initial advice (by telephone or email) about your case and your requirements.
We are here to assist the accountancy profession and offer a unique and reliable service in the UK for helping you deal with ACCA/ICAEW disciplinaries and much more.
We give accountants access to a specialist lawyer and advice concerning complaints, regulatory and disciplinary cases. We also advise on professional matters, ethics, difficult clients and provide guidance on how to apply for readmission to membership. But, primarily, we are here to represent accountants before disciplinary hearings, appeal and regulatory committees.
ANCS commenced trading on 1st November 2013. The company was set up by Chris Cope, solicitor (1976) and David Young FCA who worked in the ICAEW’s Professional Standards Office from 1992 to 2003. Chris Cope dealt with complaints/discipline at the ICAEW from 1976-1983. Since 1984, he has specialised in advising hundreds of accountants before accountancy hearings and tribunals – ICAEW/ ACCA/ ICAS/ CIMA/ CIPFA/ Taxation Disciplinary Board (CIOT)/ APA.
We can assist clients in the UK facing a complaint, disciplinary proceedings, a regulatory problem or a difficult practice issue and by providing advice generally. In other words, we exist to help you solve your practice problems.
Chris Cope is a solicitor, having considerable experience of dealing with accountant complaints, disciplinary hearings and practice problems.
