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 they "can trust each and every advocate at 2 Hare Court to meticulously go through complex evidence in a case from the offset." Another adds that "for business and financial crime, this is the set to instruct." Recently, members represented Andrew Pilley during his prosecution for fraud arising out of the mis-selling of energy businesses.

3 Raymond Buildings is noted by sources as "part of the premier league of criminal sets", with "counsel who are able to handle the most complex matters with impressive skill and excellent client care." 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 prosecuting, on behalf of the SFO, allegations of bribery of Saudi royal and senior officials by a UK company and individuals in the defence industry.

Eddie Holland is the senior clerk.

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.

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.

25 Bedford Row is a highly regarded set with "specialist legal knowledge and excellence in trial advocacy", 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 in R v Chenery Woods and others in connection with an alleged GBP10 million fraud concerning the re-sale of thousands of tickets for gigs and events.

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 chambers that provides the highest-quality service at all levels." Another states that it has "excellent counsel. The barristers are at the top of their game; prepared, organised and they consistently get good results across the board." Recent work for the set has included defending on a large Royal Mail prosecution concerning self-billing fraud.

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 third-party defendants in the Serious Fraud Office's investigation into the collapse of Patisserie Valerie.

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.

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 the private prosecution of Girish Patel for fraud within the context of a large family-owned company, as well as bribery prosecutions against individuals involved in Nigeria's banking and oil and gas sectors.

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 Serious Fraud Office and HMRC investigations. A "terrific chambers," 23ES is recognised by peers for producing "excellent and strong advice." The set's members have recently been instructed to defend David MacIntosh, a former MP charged with election donation 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 "advocates of the highest quality and always thoroughly prepared" with "excellent case strategy" by interviewees. 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 Serious Fraud Office in its Unaoil investigation into bribery in the Iraqi oil industry.

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. A "brilliant" set, the chambers is noted for having "expertise and experience across the board." Members from the team at Doughty Street recently defended in R v Hazell and others, a multimillion-pound tax fraud case.

5 King's Bench Walk is recognised for the quality of its offering, having "really great barristers and really strong junior juniors" in financial crime. Sources describe the set's members as "specialists, whose diligent preparation is exemplary." 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. A recent example of such work includes members acting on behalf of the SFO as lead counsel investigating and prosecuting GPT in relation to corruption arising from military equipment contracts agreed with the National Guard of Saudi Arabia.

5 St Andrew's Hill is a set with a "broad spectrum of talented and conscientious members." 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, as part of Operation Afterburner, barristers at the set have been instructed by HMRC to lead a prosecution relating to the illegal supply of heavy weaponry to several countries around the world.

7BR's financial crime bench runs the full gamut of economic criminal offences. Sources highlight the set for its "fantastic range of advocates," who they describe as being "extremely skilled at streamlining dense and complex matters to extract the key 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 acting for the SFO in the Court of Appeal responding to an appeal against conviction for involvement in a multi-jurisdictional Caribbean investment fraud, with total losses of around GBP400 million.

Paul Eeles and Steven Wright are the senior clerks.

Deka Chambers is a set with "invaluable strength in depth" and "exceptionally talented barristers," according to their clients. 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 Operation Volcanic, a GBP50 million-plus benefits fraud trial involving the trafficking of Eastern European nationals into the UK.

Michael Goodridge is the Director of Clerking and Business Development.

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 "impeccable intellectual and technical as well as personal skills" while barrister peers state that "complex cases are always very well prepared and well presented to juries." Recent work handled by the set's members includes prosecuting Glencore Energy UK for bribery.

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.

Hailed as a "modern, innovative chambers," 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. 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 for its "vastly knowledgeable, qualified and experienced individuals" 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 defendant in FCA v Peter Currie, a false representation case concerning over GBP16 million worth of collateral on investor loans.