Banking & Finance | UK Bar

3 Verulam Buildings remains a pre-eminent set with an excellent reputation in the City, noted for its expert handling of banking and finance matters. The set houses an extensive range of market-leading practitioners, who are skilled at tackling diverse contentious and non-contentious financial matters. Barristers here are frequently instructed to act both for and against multinational banks in cases of the utmost complexity and market profile. Highlight work includes acting for Barclays Bank in claims brought by Leeds City Council and representing the Dubai Islamic Bank in the NMC Healthcare litigation. Members of the set are proficient at dealing with claims concerning civil fraud, professional negligence and the mis-selling of financial products. Sources note that "there are no weak links in 3VB - they have top-drawer silks, juniors who are more than a match for KCs at other sets, and responsive and commercial clerks." Another client praises them for being "responsive, incisive, tactically astute and pleasant to work with."

Fountain Court Chambers is a market-leading set with a huge offering of expert barristers covering diverse banking matters. Members of chambers regularly act for global financial institutions, including investment and retail banks, in wide-ranging disputes. Complex claims pertaining to both civil and criminal fraud, bribery and money laundering are frequently handled with great proficiency by the Fountain Court barristers. Members of the set have been acting in the SKAT litigation, as well as on behalf of Clydesdale Bank in a class action suit. Sources describe Fountain Court as "the leading chambers for complex and high-value financial services disputes, and my first port of call whenever I am instructed on any litigation matter by a bank," and add that "Fountain Court members are strong across the board, highly capable and quick to respond."

One Essex Court is described as having "deeply intelligent and passionate" barristers and is distinguished by its many accomplishments in the banking sector. Its barristers routinely act on behalf of international financial institutions in high-profile disputes concerning fraud, professional negligence and bribery. Members of the set are particularly experienced with regard to claims of LIBOR misrepresentation. Recent work highlights include acting for the Palladium Hotel Group in a foreign exchange dispute with Deutsche Bank and for UK Finance in the very high-profile Supreme Court case Philipp v Barclays Bank PLC.

Brick Court Chambers is a prominent banking set, capable of drawing on the expertise of an impressive range of barristers. Members of the set are seasoned in handling a wide array of financial matters, including asset recovery, damages claims and contentious regulatory issues. Barristers here are instructed by a broad client base, which includes investment managers, funds and international banks. Members of the set appear in FDIC v Barclays Bank and Others. Sources describe the set as a "top-notch chambers, with very bright and responsive barristers," and praise them for having "some of the best barristers in commercial law."

4 Stone Buildings is a highly capable set with a strong reputation for banking and finance work. Its barristers regularly tackle complex cases arising in the context of fraud and insolvency, as well as regulatory breaches. Its extensive client base includes multinational banks, financial corporations and institutional investors. Barristers at the set are regularly instructed in high-profile cases, such as acting in the Supreme Court appeal Byers v Saudi National Bank. Members of chambers are experienced at acting in offshore disputes and offer particular expertise in handling allegations of LIBOR manipulation. The set is capable of drawing on broader expertise in a range of chancery matters, company law and commercial arbitration. Market sources say they are "really commercial" and therefore "a delight to work with."

Blackstone Chambers is known for its work particularly on the regulatory side of banking matters. Members have experience acting in high-profile and high-value matters in a range of roles including acting for banks as well as regulators. The set has appeared for the claimants AXA in a mis-selling claim brought against Santander, and acted for the FCA in an appeal against Carillion. It is praised by market sources for having "a range of barristers and skill sets to ensure they can provide the services needed," and by another for being "really responsive".

Essex Court Chambers is an excellent choice for banking law matters and enjoys a strong reputation for its deft handling of high-profile international litigation. Barristers at the set are routinely instructed to act on behalf of a variety of clients, ranging from global banks and funds to investment managers and sovereign governments. Frequent complex matters tackled by the set include claims of LIBOR manipulation and swaps mis-selling, as well as fraud and bribery trials. Notable recent work includes acting for the Republic of Mozambique in the dispute with Credit Suisse. Sources describe praise Essex Court Chambers for having "so much strength and depth" with another noting their banking team is complemented by a "broad and deep practice."

South Square remains a popular choice for clients seeking assistance with a broad spectrum of financial matters. The set is noted for its prowess in insolvency-related disputes, with barristers regularly bringing their expertise to bear in major domestic and international litigation. Members of chambers are also highly proficient at advising on claims of fraud, bribery and debt recovery. Recent high-profile work includes acting for SoftBank in its dispute with Credit Suisse. Commentators report that the set has "an exceptionally experienced and deep bench."

Twenty Essex is a well-regarded set in the banking and finance space. Members at the set have experience handling fraud and asset recovery work in particular. Recent work highlights include acting for Privinvest in its dispute with the Republic of Mozambique. Market sources praise the set, noting its barristers are "very good at distilling complex matters into key issues and providing concrete advice."