Financial Crime: Corporates | UK Bar

6KBW College Hill is "absolutely trusted" in the financial crime market, recognised for its "incredible wealth of experience, with clear strategic thinking." 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 an individual in the SFO prosecution of Glencore individuals.

Richard Summerscales is the senior clerk.

Instructing solicitors describe Cloth Fair Chambers as a set with "very experienced trial lawyers." Members are "well-accustomed to the most complex matters." 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 former Managing Director of GPT, a subsidiary of Airbus, who was acquitted of corruption in relation to contracts awarded to GPT in respect of work carried out for the Saudi Arabian National Guard.

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 notes the set has "commercial acumen, technical expertise and a breadth of experience." Another interviewee considers that the chambers "excels in their financial crime offering." Recent work highlights includes acting for RBS in a high-profile claim arising from their role in allegedly facilitating an alleged USD98 million fraudulent scheme.

Alex Taylor is senior clerk.

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 "great legal analysis coupled with pragmatic commercial advice." Recent work from the set has included involvement in the SFO prosecution of Petrofac regarding a multi-million pound bribery.

Paul Venables is senior practice manager.

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 "the go-to set for all financial crime matters," who "provide advice which not only reflects the current legal position but is extremely commercial and anticipate the impact of recent judgments." Recent instructions undertaken by the set's barristers include acting for Glencore's ex-head of oil in SFO prosecution for conspiracy to bribe officials in West Africa to secure favourable deals.