Department profile
Simons Muirhead Burton

Financial Crime: Individuals

UK Guide 2026 : London (Firms)


Simons Muirhead Burton

Rankings

About

Provided by Simons Muirhead Burton

The Financial Crime team have particular expertise in defending both companies and individuals in complex and high value fraud investigations. They have acted in innumerable investigations and prosecutions brought by the Financial Conduct Authority and Serious Fraud Office and have secured numerous acquittals over the years.  They act for individuals who receive a Section 2 notice under the Criminal Justice Act 1987 (CJA).

The team are known for our efficient preparation of fraud cases and are a first choice for financial professionals facing allegations of market abuse, fraud by abuse of position, tax fraud, insider dealing, and various forms of bribery and corruption. They were notably instructed in relation to both the LIBOR and EURIBOR rate-rigging scandals.

They are solicitors of choice for individuals involved in internal investigations and are regularly instructed by City firms to act as independent counsel and oversee internal investigations. They often advise on matters relating to financial and corporate irregularities, money laundering, confiscation proceedings and the potential financial outcomes following criminal cases.

They regularly act in cases involving cutting edge financial crime including emerging trends in cyber-dependent and cyber-enabled financial crime, automatic and algorithmic trading, and artificial intelligence.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Financial Crime: Individuals - London (Firms)

Band 4

Band 4


What the Team is Known For

Simons Muirhead Burton offers a respected team noted for its handling of international investigations into market manipulation, money laundering and fraud. The team is also active in cases brought by the SFO, HMRC, the NCA and the FCA, including those alleging bribery and insider trading.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They demonstrate an excellent grasp of complicated international matters.

    Financial Crime: Individuals respondentUK
  • Simons Muirhead Burton are always on top of the game.

    Financial Crime: Individuals respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Senior StatespeopleAnthony Burton
    Senior StatespeopleAnthony Burton

    Anthony Burton

    Anthony Burton frequently handles investigations into fraud and corruption allegations, including those with cross-border aspects. He also assists clients facing investigation by HMRC for tax fraud.
    • Anthony Burton provided excellent advice and support. There is no one else I would recommend more to navigate complex legal matters.

      Financial Crime: Individuals respondentUK
  • Band 4Phil Smith
    Band 4Phil Smith

    Phil Smith

    Phil Smith acts on complex investigations by the SFO, HMRC and the DOJ, regularly representing senior executives. He is particularly active on matters relating to tax fraud and money laundering.

    • Phil Smith is the best person to undertake the work that I was involved in.

      Financial Crime: Individuals respondentUK
    • Phil Smith is one of the best criminal lawyers in the country.

      Financial Crime: Individuals respondentUK
    • He is the best criminal lawyer in London.

      Financial Crime: Individuals respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Simons Muirhead Burton (2)

London (Firms)

Members

Provided by Simons Muirhead Burton

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership