Department profile
2BR

Financial Crime

UK Bar Guide 2026 : London (Bar)


2BR

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Financial Crime - London (Bar)

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For

2BR is a highly regarded set in the financial crime market, noted for its expertise in high-value bribery, corruption and money laundering cases. The set is regularly instructed by leading criminal law firms, as well as the regulating authorities, and is noted for its adroit handling of complex cross-border investigations. Members have experience acting for both major corporations and high net worth individuals based in the UK and further afield. One interviewee describes 2BR as "a strong team of barristers with real expertise in the financial crime market." Another states that it has "absolute experts in all complex and sophisticated matters." Recent work for the set has included Operation Bayjack, relating to an international money laundering arrangement concerning USD170 million laundered through cryptocurrency trades across the globe.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The clerks are really nice, quick and commercial.

    Financial Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Lee Bartlett and Paul Rodgers have brilliant clerking skills and are always trying to help you out with whatever you need.

    Financial Crime respondentUK Bar
  • The clerking team is responsive, professional and proactive. They will accommodate solicitors to the best of their ability.

    Financial Crime respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Jim Sturman
    Band 1Jim Sturman

    Jim Sturman

    Jim Sturman KC advises corporate entities as well as individuals, including company executives and professional staff. He is an experienced adviser in jurisdictions outside the UK, including the Turks & Caicos Islands. He has deep expertise in substantial fraud and corruption trials. Sturman handles a number of high-profile Serious Fraud Office investigations into matters such as bribery and market manipulation.

    • He is excellent.

      Financial Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Jim is one of the leaders in financial crime.

      Financial Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Without doubt one of the best advocates we have instructed.

      Financial Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Brian Altman
    Band 1Brian Altman

    Brian Altman

    Brian Altman KC is an experienced barrister widely recognised for his ability to handle both complex and novel issues of law. He is involved in some of the most high-profile cases regarding financial crime and fraud.

    • Brian has great gravitas and opponents really respect him.

      Financial Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Brian is very detail-oriented and very focused. A very good advocate to have on your side.

      Financial Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Sean Hammond
    Band 2Sean Hammond

    Sean Hammond

    Sean Hammond is noted for his interpersonal skills in and out of court. He regularly handles high-value matters such as boiler room fraud and money laundering investigations, while his areas of expertise also include mortgage and tax fraud. He is adept at handling cases involving related civil proceedings.

    • Sean has always proven himself to be an incredibly persuasive advocate. He stands out to me for his ability to bring calmness to intensely stressful situations.

      Financial Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Simon Baker
    Band 2Simon Baker

    Simon Baker

    An accomplished barrister with experience of regulatory and financial crime work, Simon Baker KC is proficient in the full spectrum of fraud cases. He is acclaimed for his impressive skill in mastering the facts of document-heavy cases. Baker acts on highly complex matters for financial services clients, with his cases often including both civil and criminal elements. He offers particular expertise in cases concerning money laundering and bribery.

    • Simon is my go-to silk for financial crime and private prosecutions. He is excellent with clients and explains very difficult situations very well.

      Financial Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Simon's intelligence is second to none.

      Financial Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Thomas Daniel
    Band 2Thomas Daniel

    Thomas Daniel

    Thomas Daniel is an experienced barrister who is regularly instructed in a range of complex cases. He acts for both the defence and the prosecution, including such entities as the Serious Fraud Office, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Financial Conduct Authority. He is noted for his expertise in multi-jurisdictional bribery and corruption matters.

    • Tom is incredibly hard-working, insightful and well-informed.

      Financial Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Tom is fantastic. He is quick on his feet.

      Financial Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Tom is meticulous and well-prepared.

      Financial Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Alastair Smith
    Band 3Alastair Smith

    Alastair Smith

    Alastair Smith is noted for his strategic approach when acting both for the prosecution and defence in financial crime cases. He is particularly experienced in large-scale fraud and money laundering offences linked to serious organised crime.

    • He is one of the best at the bar, an outstanding advocate and tactician. Leaves no stone unturned.

      Financial Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Alastair has always conducted cases well above his call, and does so very skilfully.

      Financial Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Stan Reiz
    Band 3Stan Reiz

    Stan Reiz

    Stan Reiz KC possesses notable expertise in cases concerning allegations of money laundering and fraud. He earns praise both for his ability to handle highly detailed cases and for his calm manner in court.

    • Stan is very calm and composed. He has very sound judgement and is highly respected across the field.

      Financial Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Stan grabs your attention in the courtroom. His voice and persuasiveness together are what sets him apart.

      Financial Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4Ashley Hendron
    Band 4Ashley Hendron

    Ashley Hendron

    Ashley Hendron is praised for his technical skills and case preparation on financial crime matters. He provides strong defence in cases concerning money laundering and fraud.

    • He can work his way through evidence and immediately identify what the key issues are.

      Financial Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Ashley's preparation is unbelievable. He leaves no stone unturned, is very confident and provides robust advice.

      Financial Crime respondentUK Bar
    • An excellent junior. A star of the future with an unparalleled work ethic.

      Financial Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Up and ComingMolly Dyas
    Up and ComingMolly Dyas

    Molly Dyas

    Molly Dyas is a go-to junior barrister for both defence and prosecution matters. She has experience representing clients in the Crown, Magistrates' and Youth Courts.

    • Molly is brave and prepared to take difficult points in her cross-examination. She is very impressive and very pleasant to deal with.

      Financial Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Molly will be a star of the future. She is really developing an excellent fraud practice and has a real nose for strategy in a case. She is also brilliant with the clients on a personal level.

      Financial Crime respondentUK Bar
  • New SilksCharles Langley
    New SilksCharles Langley

    Charles Langley

    Charles Langley KC is an experienced fraud barrister. He has experience in both serious and financial crime matters.

    • Charles is always available, thorough and a fantastic advocate. He is really good with clients and being realistic and optimistic.

      Financial Crime respondentUK Bar
    • It is no surprise Charles has taken silk. He is an excellent advocate and always on top of his papers.

      Financial Crime respondentUK Bar

Ranked Barristers at 2BR (11)

London (Bar)

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