SNR Denton is set to lose former financial markets and regulation head Robert Finney to the City arm of Dewey & LeBoeuf.

Finney will take on a similar position when he joins the US law firm's London office later this month. He will head up the financial markets regulatory practice in the office, where he will be the first City partner with a specialist practice in the field.

Finney has around 25 years' experience in funds and derivatives work, and has advised on financial services regulation issues since the UK's Financial Services Act was passed in 1986. His practice focuses on securities, derivatives, commodities, asset management and financial regulation in the areas of banking, investment services and insurance.

At Dewey, Finney will sit within the firm's banking team, which is led globally by London finance partner Bruce Johnston. Johnston said the hire came on the back of growth in the City banking practice and an increased need for regulatory expertise.

He said: "We have hired Robert based on his extensive experience and the fact that he is a well-known lawyer in the industry. These days a banking practice needs regulatory expertise in order to grow and thrive."

Finney stood unsuccessfully for the chief executive role at legacy Denton Wilde Sapte in 2004, but lost out to current leader Howard Morris in the election.

Dentons merged with Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal to create transatlantic firm SNR Denton in September this year.