Ranking tables

Financial Crime | UK Bar

London (Bar)

This section encompasses criminal investigations and prosecutions brought by public agencies, such as the SFO, the FCA, the CMA, HMRC and the Specialist Fraud Division of the CPS, against individuals, corporations and financial institutions. It also covers internal investigations, disciplinary proceedings and private prosecutions brought by corporations and financial institutions against current and former employees. Charges relate to a range of offences, including (but not limited to) fraud, the manipulation of interest rates such as Libor and Euribor, bribery, tax evasion, insider trading, money laundering, sanctions breaches, cartel conduct, forgery, embezzlement, cybercrime and material misstatement. In addition to post-charge representation at trial this section also covers pre-charge advice.

There are separate sub-tables for counsel specialising in private prosecutions and with significant experience advising corporate clients.

Rankings overview for Sets

All Sets profiles

1
Band 1
  1. 3 Raymond Buildings
    1
    3 Raymond Buildings
    Financial Crime
    2024 | Band 1 | 10 Years Ranked
    3 Raymond Buildings is noted by sources as a "fantastic set" that "really adds value" to its cases. 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 SFO and the FCA, and offer representation to both 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 in both domestic and international disputes. Recent work handled by the tenants includes acting for the prosecution in connection with corruption and bribery allegations against doctors and pharmacists in relation to manipulation of the NHS system for deciding which medicines should be prescribed.
  2. 6KBW College Hill
    1
    6KBW College Hill
    Financial Crime
    2024 | Band 1 | 10 Years Ranked
    An "enormously well-regarded set," 6KBW College Hill is recognised by peers and clients alike as "leaders in financial crime." Members are regularly instructed to act for both the prosecution and the defence in complex SFO 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 Bernie Ecclestone in his high-profile prosecution for alleged multimillion-pound tax fraud.
  3. Cloth Fair Chambers
    1
    Cloth Fair Chambers
    Financial Crime
    2024 | Band 1 | 10 Years Ranked
    Instructing solicitors describe Cloth Fair Chambers as a set that "always has been and still is one of the best sets." 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 acting for Jeffrey Cook, former managing director of Airbus subsidiary GPT, against corruption charges.
  4. QEB Hollis Whiteman
    1
    QEB Hollis Whiteman
    Financial Crime
    2024 | Band 1 | 10 Years Ranked
    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. A market source says: "The set is truly second to none when it comes to handling complex financial crime matters for individuals." Recent instructions undertaken by the set's barristers include acting for former trader Tom Hayes in the CCRC review of his fraud convictions for LIBOR rigging.
2
Band 2
  1. 2 Bedford Row
    2
    2 Bedford Row
    Financial Crime
    2024 | Band 2 | 10 Years Ranked
    2 Bedford Row 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. "2 Bedford Row has some very impressive barristers and is very strong in financial crime," says one interviewee. Members work on some high-profile cases representing individuals and corporates.
  2. 2 Hare Court
    2
    2 Hare Court
    Financial Crime
    2024 | Band 2 | 10 Years Ranked
    2 Hare Court offers expertise spanning the full gamut of financial crime matters. Members receive regular instructions from both 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. Private prosecutions are also a key area of strength for the team. One interviewee describes its members as "market leaders in their area" and another adds that "they are as comfortable dealing with complex white-collar crime cases as with highly sensitive and serious general crime cases." Recently, members acted for the SFO in its prosecution of Glencore Energy UK for bribery in West Africa.
  3. 25 Bedford Row
    2
    25 Bedford Row
    Financial Crime
    2024 | Band 2 | 10 Years Ranked
    25 Bedford Row is a highly regarded set, noted for its defence of individuals and corporations in a wide range of financial crime cases. Market sources note that it has "individuals suited to all manner of cases." Members are routinely instructed in prosecutions brought by the SFO 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 anti-money laundering procedures. Case highlights include representing the defendant in R v Chenery Woods and Others, a Trading Standards test case into ticket touting.
  4. 33 Chancery Lane
    2
    33 Chancery Lane
    Financial Crime
    2024 | Band 2 | 10 Years Ranked
    The barristers at 33 Chancery Lane offer expertise spanning the full range of financial crime matters. The set is regularly instructed to act for both 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 proceedings. The set's enviable client list includes both leading corporations and individuals. Recent work highlights include acting for the SFO in R v Skeene and Bowers (Global Forestry Investments) relating to investment schemes in a sustainable and ethical teak forest.
  5. Matrix Chambers
    2
    Matrix Chambers
    Financial Crime
    2024 | Band 2 | 10 Years Ranked
    Matrix Chambers is well regarded for its handling of complex financial crime cases, and is routinely instructed to act on behalf of both 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, among others. Areas of significant strength for the team include SFO, FCA and DOJ investigations, and advisory work concerning both politically motivated charges and bribery compliance regimes. Members recently acted for Glencore Energy UK in the SFO's investigation into corruption and fraud in Africa.
  6. Red Lion Chambers
    2
    Red Lion Chambers
    Financial Crime
    2024 | Band 2 | 10 Years Ranked
    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. Recently, members were instructed to represent Sudanese businessman 'Al-Cardinal' in connection with alleged corruption and in the context of the corruption sanctions regime.
3
Band 3
  1. 23ES (23 Essex Street Chambers)
    3
    23ES (23 Essex Street Chambers)
    Financial Crime
    2024 | Band 3 | 10 Years Ranked
    23ES (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 SFO and HMRC investigations. The team is also well versed in international matters, and the set's members have recently been instructed to defend a lawyer accused of false accounting and laundering money in AG Cayman Islands v Watson and Blake, arising out of the theft of money from CONCACAF.
  2. 5 Paper Buildings
    3
    5 Paper Buildings
    Financial Crime
    2024 | Band 3 | 10 Years Ranked
    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. 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 SFO in its Unaoil investigation into bribery in the Iraqi oil industry.
  3. Doughty Street Chambers
    3
    Doughty Street Chambers
    Financial Crime
    2024 | Band 3 | 8 Years Ranked
    The barristers at Doughty Street Chambers are regularly called upon to defend both 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. Recently, members represented James Stunt in a highly publicised £266 million money laundering case.
4
Band 4
  1. Foundry Chambers
    4
    Foundry Chambers
    Financial Crime
    2024 | Band 4 | 10 Years Ranked
    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 for both the prosecution and the defence, and maintain busy practices. Recent work handled by the set's members includes prosecuting Glencore Energy UK for bribery and acting for defendants in Operation Nightjar II, the money laundering trial resulting from Wales's largest drugs case.
  2. Fountain Court Chambers
    4
    Fountain Court Chambers
    Financial Crime
    2024 | Band 4 | 3 Years Ranked
    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 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 SFO and the FCA. Areas of expertise for the team include high-value cases involving allegations of money laundering, bribery and fraud. Recent work highlights include successfully defending Fraser Fisher, the former CEO of Redcentric, in a prosecution brought by the FCA for making false and misleading statements to the market.
  3. Libertas Chambers
    4
    Libertas Chambers
    Financial Crime
    2024 | Band 4 | 3 Years Ranked
    The barristers at Libertas Chambers are 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. 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. Tenants are involved in some large-scale cases such as the defence of an individual in a £26 million money laundering prosecution following high-profile celebrity burglaries.
  4. Mountford Chambers
    4
    Mountford Chambers
    Financial Crime
    2024 | Band 4 | 10 Years Ranked
    Mountford Chambers is well regarded for its expertise in 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 SFO, FCA and HMRC investigations, and count several bankers, accountants and brokers among their enviable client base. Recently, members acted for the defendant in FCA v Peter Currie, a false representation case concerning over £16 million worth of collateral on investor loans.