Financial Crime | UK Bar

2 Hare Court offers expertise spanning the full gamut of financial crime matters. Members receive regular instructions both from individual and corporate clients across the financial services sector, and are adept at handling cases involving allegations of insider dealing, money laundering, corruption, bribery and fraud. One interviewee reports that their barristers "handle their client's case with meticulous care and skill." Another adds that the set has "great working knowledge of complex areas of business crime." Recently, members represented Mohammed Zina in the FCA investigation and trial concerning insider trading.

3 Raymond Buildings is noted by sources as having "the most consistently high quality counsel across business crime," with barristers who "know the financial market inside-out." It boasts an excellent reputation for its expertise spanning the full range of financial crime matters. Members act for both the prosecution and the defence in complex cases and large-scale investigations brought by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and the Financial Conduct Authority, and offer representation both to major corporations and individual directors. Areas of strength for the team include cases involving allegations of fraud, money laundering, insider dealing and corruption, and the set is regularly instructed both in domestic and international disputes. Recent work handled by the tenants includes advising on the Deferred Prosecution Agreement between the SFO and Guralp Systems.

Eddie Holland is the senior clerk.

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.

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.

25 Bedford Row is a highly regarded set with "a range of silks and juniors who are all instructed in the most complex of cases", noted for its defence of individuals and corporations in a wide range of financial crime cases. Members are routinely instructed in prosecutions brought by the Serious Fraud Office and HMRC, and are experienced in the handling of cases involving allegations of fraud, bribery, money laundering and insider trading. The team is also frequently called upon to advise a range of clients on bribery prevention and AML procedures. Case highlights include acting for the FCA in R v Bayes & Swann, an eight-week prosecution of insider dealing relating to an international manufacturing company around the announcement of a corporate acquisition.

2BR is a highly regarded set in the financial crime market, noted for its expertise in high-value bribery, corruption and money laundering cases. The set is regularly instructed by leading criminal law firms, as well as the regulating authorities, and is noted for its adroit handling of complex cross-border investigations. Members have experience acting for both major corporations and high net worth individuals based in the UK and further afield. One interviewee describes 2BR as "a strong team of barristers with real expertise in the financial crime market." Another states that it has "absolute experts in all complex and sophisticated matters." Recent work for the set has included Operation Bayjack, relating to an international money laundering arrangement concerning USD170 million laundered through cryptocurrency trades across the globe.

The barristers at 33 Chancery Lane offer expertise spanning the full range of financial crime matters. The set is regularly instructed to act both for the prosecution and defence in complex bribery and money laundering cases, and members are also well versed in the handling of HMRC investigations. Asset recovery matters are a key area of strength for the team, owing to the set's recognised prowess in POCA (Proceeds of Crime Act) proceedings. The set's enviable client list includes leading corporations and individuals. Instructing solicitors describe counsel at the set as having a "wealth of expertise, a wide range of experience, strong advocacy skills, excellent legal knowledge and a thorough understanding of the law." Recent work for the set has included advising in the FCA prosecution of the former CEO and CFO of a mobile technology company, listed on AIM, for market abuse.

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.

Red Lion Chambers has an excellent reputation for financial crime work and houses a strong bench of senior and junior barristers who have experience of acting in complex and high-profile cases. Members act for both the prosecution and the defence and are regularly instructed in international investigations. Cases involving serious allegations of bribery, fraud and corruption are a key area of strength for the set. Additionally, practitioners at the set are adept at handling private prosecutions. Recent work has included defence of a solicitor in a Magic Circle firm, against FCA allegations of insider trading and fraud.

23 Essex Street Chambers is an impressive set, noted for its expertise in both the prosecution and defence of a wide range of financial crime cases. Members are regularly instructed in complex and high-value cases involving allegations of bribery, fraud and corruption, and are well regarded for their representation of clients in Serious Fraud Office and HMRC investigations. 23ES is recognised for producing "some of the best financial crime silks in the country." The set's members have recently been instructed to defend in an eight-handed pension fraud.

5 Paper Buildings is a well-regarded criminal set housing a strong bench of barristers who are regularly called upon to prosecute complex financial crime cases. Its bench is described as "a strong cadre of financial crime practitioners with a depth of experience in the Crown Court" by an interviewee. Areas of expertise for the team include international bribery and corruption conspiracies, tax avoidance schemes, and matters involving allegations of collusion in the financial sector. The set's members also have experience acting for the defence. Recent work has included representing the CEO of Afren Plc on charges of fraud and abuse of position.

Dale Jones is the senior clerk.

The barristers at Doughty Street Chambers are regularly called upon to defend major corporations and individual clients in cases involving allegations of bribery, insider dealing and money laundering. The set is also noted for its expertise in mortgage frauds, fraudulent trading schemes and cartel cases. The team offers representation to its clients through all stages of investigations, and members are frequently instructed to advise corporate clients on compliance matters. The chambers is noted for their "attention to detail and meticulous case preparation." Members from the team at Doughty Street recently acted on a matter relating to insider dealing by an employee of a high-profile financial institution.

The barristers at Foundry Chambers are experienced in the handling of a wide range of financial crime matters. Areas of strength for the team include investigations into allegations of insider trading, corruption and fraud. Members act both for the prosecution and the defence, and maintain busy practices. Instructing solicitors note them for their "exceptional depth of expertise in fraud work." and their "top rate barristers at every level of call." Recent work handled by the set's members includes prosecuting the former Nigerian Oil Minister in respect of allegations of bribery.

Angela May is senior clerk.

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.

5 King's Bench Walk is recognised for the quality of its offering, having "a diverse range of talent and various members who are top tier specialists in their fields." Sources describe the set's members as "standout individuals who provide astute advice, skilful representation and exceptional client care." Representing both prosecution and defence, the set is routinely instructed by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), the Crown Prosecution Service and the Financial Conduct Authority, as well as on behalf of individuals and corporations facing allegations of financial wrongdoing. Members cover the full range of financial offences from fraudulent trading to tax evasion and bribery and corruption, including large-scale and international mandates. Members of the set recently acted for the SFO in relation to a long running investigation and prosecution of corruption arising from contracts for the supply and maintenance of military equipment to Saudi Arabia.

5 St Andrew's Hill is a set with a "strength in depth with a number of high quality senior counsel who specialise in financial crime." Acting in a variety of financial crime mandates, the team regularly takes instruction on cases relating to criminal investigations by the Serious Fraud Office, the Financial Conduct Authority and other prosecuting agencies, as well as on high-value and complex fraud, money laundering, Deferred Prosecution Agreements and bribery and corruption charges. Recently, members of the chambers have defended a contracts manager accused of accepting bribes.

Dave Scothern is chambers director.

7BR's financial crime bench runs the full gamut of economic criminal offences. Sources highlight the members for their "excellent breadth of experience" and having "excellent grounding in the cross-practice issues." Its members routinely act for and against the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and the Financial Conduct Authority in complex investigations and prosecutions. They are experienced in handling various fraud, bribery and corruption, money laundering, insider trading and Deferred Prosecution Agreements, in addition to a growing specialism in matters relating to the theft of cryptocurrency. Adept at working on international mandates, 7BR regularly appears and advises on offshore and cross-border investigations. Recent work includes representing the ex-Money Laundering Reporting Officer of an International Trust and Corporate Service Provider in the Isle of Man’s first prosecution for failing to report suspicion of Terrorist Financing and Money Laundering.

Albie Barton, Harry Smith and James Crighton are the senior clerks.

Deka Chambers is known as "a leading set for financial crime." Acting largely for prosecuting agencies, such as the Serious Fraud Office, the Crown Prosecution Service Specialist Fraud Division and the Financial Conduct Authority, but also for individuals and companies in need of defence, the set's practice regularly sees its members involved in large-scale fraud trials and investigations. An example of recent work undertaken by counsel at Deka includes prosecuting in an industrial-scale fraud against the Universal Credit system.

Michael Goodridge is the director of clerking and business development.

Libertas Chambers is regularly called upon to represent major corporates, financial institutions and individual clients in complex cases involving allegations of bribery, corruption, money laundering and investment fraud. The set is "distinguished by the calibre of its barristers, who combine intellectual excellence with a pragmatic and client-focused approach" notes one instructing solicitor. Additional areas of expertise for the team include insider trading, pension mis-selling and tax evasion cases. The set's tenants also have considerable experience handling cases with an international element.

Mountford Chambers is well regarded as a "highly skilled set with a diverse practice area" who act on cases involving allegations of tax evasion, fraud and money laundering. Additional areas of strength for the team include insider dealing, corruption, investment fraud and market manipulation cases. Members are regularly instructed to represent their clients in Serious Fraud Office, Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and HMRC investigations, and count several bankers, accountants and brokers among their enviable client base. Recently, members acted for the principle defendant in R v Zhang, a multimillion-pound money laundering and modern slavery case.