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 a number of members acting in Farol Holdings v Clydesdale Bank and National Australia Bank. A source states: "The barristers have demonstrated an ability to deal promptly and completely with complex and sophisticated matters." Another adds: "3VB covers the full gamut of commercial banking and fraud work."

Fountain Court Chambers is a market-leading set with a huge offering of expert barristers covering diverse banking matters. Members of chambers "handle the most complex matters with ease", and regularly act for global financial institutions, including investment and retail banks, in wide-ranging disputes. Praised for "cutting through to the heart of matters", 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 acted in SKAT litigation, as well as in Palladian Partners & others v Argentina.

One Essex Court is a leading banking set, praised as "the premier set with talent who inspire complete confidence in all they do". 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 the Whistletree litigation for TSB relating to "mortgage prisoners".

Brick Court Chambers is a prominent banking set, capable of drawing on the expertise of an impressive range of barristers. One source praises Brick Court for its "deep bench of extreme talent". 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 appeared in Law Debenture Trust v Ukraine in the Supreme Court.

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. Commentators praise the "top-drawer" barristers at the set, who 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. Another source notes that the set "can field an excellent team for even the most complex matters".

David Goddard is senior clerk.

Blackstone Chambers is particularly known for its work on the regulatory side of banking matters. The "stunning" barristers have experience of acting in high-profile and high-value matters in a range of roles, including acting for banks as well as regulators. One source praises the set as "the go-to for matters involving financial regulatory issues".

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. The "universally exceptional" 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 and appearing in FDIC v Barclays Bank.

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. Commentators report that the "top-notch" set has a "strong bench of varied experience".

Dylan Playfoot is the senior clerk.

Twenty Essex is a well-regarded set in the banking and finance space. Members at the set have experience in handling fraud and asset recovery work in particular. Recent work highlights include acting for the Bank of Baroda against NMC. Commentators praise the "concise and practical advice" provided by the set.