Financial Crime: Corporates | UK Bar

A "first class, top-tier option for complex corporate crime", 6KBW College Hill is recognised for possessing "strength in depth of counsel that is second to none." Members are regularly instructed to act for both the prosecution and the defence in complex Serious Fraud Office investigations, and count several leading corporations and individual directors among their enviable client base. The set is routinely involved in high-profile matters, and recent work undertaken by its tenants includes defending Marwan Chedid, one of the former Petrofac senior executives charged with bribery concerning USD3 billion's worth of contracts.

Richard Summerscales is the senior clerk.

Instructing solicitors describe Cloth Fair Chambers as a set among the "best practicing in complex financial crime." Members are "always able to analyse criminal issues with an eye on even the most complicated, commercial perspectives." It houses a deep bench of experienced barristers who are well versed in the representation of leading corporations and individuals in complex market manipulation, insider dealing and international corruption cases. Members are regularly instructed to represent their clients in high-profile investigations and offer considerable expertise in the handling of international matters. Recent mandates have included representing the former managing director of G4S on charges of fraud brought by the Serious Fraud Office.

Dean Brown is Director of Clerking.

Fountain Court Chambers houses a strong bench of barristers who are experienced in the handling of a wide range of financial crime cases. The set is a top choice for both domestic and international banks seeking advice or representation, and its members are also routinely instructed by individual clients and prosecutors such as the Serious Fraud Office and the Financial Conduct Authority. It also provides considerable expertise for corporate clients facing investigations and prosecution. Areas of expertise for the team include high-value cases involving allegations of money laundering, bribery and fraud. Professional clients describe them as "incredibly intellectually capable and able to grasp complex and conflicting issues with ease." Another interviewee considers them "experts in their fields." Recent work highlights include representing Jho Low in defence of allegations of money laundering and the misappropriation of hundreds of millions of dollars from 1MDB.

Matrix Chambers is well regarded for its handling of complex financial crime cases and is routinely instructed to act on behalf both of major corporations and individual clients, including several bankers, directors, politicians and high net worth individuals. Members are noted for their expertise in international cases and are active across multiple jurisdictions such as Hong Kong and ones in the Middle East and the Caribbean. Areas of significant strength for the team include Serious Fraud Office, Financial Conduct Authority and Department of Justice investigations, as well as advisory work concerning politically motivated charges and bribery compliance regimes. Clients recognise the set for providing "high-quality advice and representation in financial crime cases" and as a "go-to chambers for dealing with complex and sophisticated matters." Recent work from the set has included the successful defence of Howard Grossman in the first prosecution brought under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 concerning donations to the Conservative Party.

QEB Hollis Whiteman retains its reputation as a leading chambers in the financial crime market, housing an impressive bench of leading silks and juniors experienced in both the prosecution and defence of complex and high-value cases. Members are regularly called upon to represent their clients in investigations into allegations of bribery, corruption and fraud, and are noted for their expert handling of cases involving international elements. Private prosecutions continue to be a key area of strength for the team. The members are described by professional clients as "highly experienced barristers with excellent work ethic." Recent instructions undertaken by the set's barristers include acting for former trader Tom Hayes in the CCRC (Criminal Cases Review Commission) review of his fraud convictions for LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) rigging.