3 Verulam Buildings are the ‘go-to set for banking litigation‘ with a ‘clear, demonstrable strength in depth‘ in their bench. Members of the set engage on some of the area’s defining cases involving major international banks and prominent individuals. One such example this year is the case of Re an application for directions by Golden Belt 1 Sukuk Company BSC in which Richard Salter KC led Sarah Tulip acted for the claimant bond trustee and its delegate on their application for a declaration that the limitations imposed by the declaration of trust and agency on the power of certificate holders to pass resolutions. Barristers from the set have also been regularly instructed on international and cross-border cases, such as Jonathan Davies-Jones KC and David Simpson representing Siam Commercial Bank in Suppipat v Narongdei, a large civil fraud claim concerning an alleged attempt to wrest control of a wind energy company. Alongside this, the set covers disputes covering all parts of the globe, with significant instructions received from global events such as the Covid-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Juniors Ravi Jackson and Ryan Ferro are names to watch from the set, with both instructed on high-value, complex banking and finance disputes.
Banking and finance (including consumer credit) in
London Bar
3 Verulam Buildings
Testimonials
‘3VB have an excellent clerking team. Richard Ansell is a standout and is always accommodating and on point with his recommendations. He and his team always ensure that service levels are high and response times and delivery are as expected.’
‘3VB’s clerks are responsive and easy to work with.’
‘3VB are the go to set for banking litigation. They have a clear, demonstrable strength in depth and I have instructed barrister from all ranges of the call spectrum. Their training sessions are always excellent.’
‘A friendly set, with real strengths in the banking arena.’
‘Good for financial services litigation.’
‘3VB have a high calibre of advocates and are often one of the first chambers I look to instruct in relation to complex banking and finance litigation.’
‘Strong chambers at all levels.’
Work highlights
Fountain Court Chambers
Being ‘packed full of some brilliant and incredibly intelligent lawyers,’ Fountain Court Chambers has been at the forefront of some of the recent substantial banking and finance litigation, both domestically and internationally. The set specialises in managing disputes that have a significant impact on the financial sector, with one such example being cases related to the Quincecare duty when banks suspect fraud: these include Federal Republic of Nigeria v JP Morgan Chase NA which saw Rosalind Phelps KC, David Murray and Aaron Taylor instructed in a successful defence of a $1.5bn claim against the bank. Alongside this, Patricia Robertson KC and Christopher Langley were instructed to act for HSBC in defence of a claim in relation to an alleged breach of the Quincecare duty, brought by the liquidators of Allen Stanford's Ponzi scheme (Stanford International Bank Ltd (in liquidation) v HSBC Plc). Richard Coleman KC has a diverse practice, including acting in a number of cases involving judicial review in the banking space, while Nico Leslie is a standout junior for his work on high-profile banking disputes.
Testimonials
‘Luke Diebelius in the clerks room is very experienced and very responsive.’
‘The clerks room is very efficient. Its a pleasure to work with Sian Huckett and Luke Diebelius.’
‘The Fountain Court clerks are always pleasant, responsive, and easy to work with. Alfie Harper in particular stands out for his responsiveness and willingness to assist.’
‘The clerks are excellent. Particular commendation for Katie Szewczyk, Deputy Senior Clerk who is very switched on and responsive, and knows exactly what we need. The service we get is commercial and consistent.’
‘Fountain Court is packed full of some brilliant and incredibly intelligent lawyers and is becoming my go-to set.’
‘Fountain Court is one of the very best sets for complex banking and financial disputes. It has strength in depth, from its top QCs to its baby juniors.’
‘They are the leading banking and finance set and generally our go to for that sort of work.’
‘Fountain Court is of course well known as a leading banking and commercial set.’
Work highlights
One Essex Court
One Essex Court is known for its ‘consistently high performing barristers‘ who have cemented their position as a preeminent set in banking and finance, with regular instructions received from all the major bank panel law firms. Some of the set’s recent highlights includes Philipp v Barclays, which dealt with the possible extension of Quincecare duties owed by banks to corporate clients to retail customers, which saw members such as Sonia Tolaney KC and James Ruddell acting for UK Finance in a Supreme Court appeal. Laurence Rabinowitz KC is regularly instructed in relation to commercial litigation and high profile disputes in overseas courts, while Lord David Wolfson KC has acted for a number of high profile banks like PrivatBank over the past year. Henry Forbes Smith KC and Marcos Dracos KC were both appointed as silk in 2023. Nathaniel Bird joined the team in October 2023.
Testimonials
‘One Essex Court have an excellent senior clerking team in Darren Burrows and Rob Smith. Both are excellent.’
‘Darren Burrows is a legend.’
‘Jackie Ginty is No.1 in any set of Chambers I have worked with for responsiveness and sheer devotion to the role.’
‘Brilliant; in particular Rob Smith. Great with clients and gets client demands.’
‘The clerks are responsive and helpful. We have had good experiences with Rob Smith and Jade Cassell.’
‘Consistently high performing barristers and extremely responsive clerks.’
‘It is a brilliant set. The set breads a type of barrister that is technically extremely good.’
‘Top set for banking and commercial work, real strength in depth.’
Work highlights
Brick Court Chambers
Members of Brick Court Chambers continue to be instructed in significant banking and finance cases, concerning a broad spectrum of national and international lending. Tim Lord KC is sought after by both investors and banks in high profile banking and finance litigation – he is instructed for the claimants in Loreley Financing v Credit Suisse, a case concerning the allegedly negligent sale and structuring by Credit Suisse of residential mortgage-backed securities. James McClelland KC is an established silk who has taken the lead in leading commercial disputes, having been involved in test cases for PPI mis-selling – he also handles cases involving heavyweight public law issues. Ben Woolgar is noted for his practice handling both commercial banking, including complex bond and note transactions, and retail banking.
Testimonials
‘Paul Dennison is responsive, professional and keen to please.’
‘Tony Burgess is very commercial and responsive.’
‘Paul Dennison is excellent, as is Tony Burgess.’
‘The clerks are professional and pleasant.’
‘Clerks are incredibly user-friendly and commercial.’
‘An eminent set.’
‘A stellar set.’
‘Strength in depth.’
Essex Court Chambers
Essex Court Chambers' members high-profile and high-value international banking and finance litigation, with members receiving instructions from a number of magic circle and US firms. Louise Hutton KC, who is ‘calm and clear under pressure,’ has been involved in leading banking cases this year, including Stanford International Bank v HSBC, a case involving the Quincecare duty with its factual origins in Allen Stanford's Ponzi scheme. Joe Smouha KC is a notable name in this space, while Stephen Houseman KC has developed a strong cross-border practice, in areas including Singapore, Dubai and the Cayman Islands. Ciaran Keller is noted for his cross-border work on high-profile cases acting for and against banks, hedge funds and private equity. Angeline Welsh KC, Siddharth Dhar KC and Ruth Den Besten KC were all appointed silk in 2023.
Testimonials
‘Essex Court are at the top of most people’s list: packed with talent.’
‘Good.’
‘The clerks have always been responsive and any issues have typically been resolved well and commercially.’
‘Clerks are excellent.’
‘Very responsive and informed.’
Work highlights
South Square
The ‘go-to set for all restructuring and insolvency mandates,‘ South Square has established an international presence in banking and financial litigation, having appeared in high-profile disputes including cases which give rise to issues of significant market importance, generally crossing over with the set's pre-eminence in the insolvency space. One such example is the case of Galapagos Bidco SARL v Kebekus; Barings (UK) Ltd v Galapagos which saw Tom Smith KC, Daniel Bayfield KC, David Alexander KC, Henry Phillips and Ryan Perkins appear in a dispute arising out of a €1bn multi-jurisdictional finance restructuring, raising novel issues in relation to enforcement powers under intercreditor agreements, after a German court had wound up the company which was subject to an English administration petition. Richard Fisher KC has a good practice advising banks, hedge funds and trade parties in relation to structured finance issues and derivatives contacts, while Georgina Peters is noted for her work in high-profile banking disputes involving securisations, capital markets issuances and derivatives using ISDA contracts.
Testimonials
‘Excellent – Marco Malatesta in particular.’
‘All of the clerks have been amazing. Particular shout out to Dylan Playfoot and Luke Clark.’
‘The go-to set, still, for all restructuring and insolvency mandates.’
‘South Square is unquestionably the top Chambers for restructuring and insolvency, with a strong banking and finance practice, including incredible strength in depth.’
‘Remains by far the pre-eminent set for corporate insolvency work.’
‘Very strong set.’
‘South Square are an excellent set of Chambers. They have lost one or two of their most prominent leaders to the bench, but there are some truly excellent juniors coming up through the ranks and still several Silks at the top of their game. They would always be my first choice on any matter touching on Insolvency and increasingly my go to set for commercial or finance litigation too.’
Work highlights
4 Stone Buildings
Banking and finance remains a key area for members of 4 Stone Buildings, who handle disputes which arise in connection with the raising of loan or share capital, and in situations of insolvency or weak markets. Members have been involved in domestic and international high profile and high value cases such as Republic of Mozambique v Credit Suisse, which saw Richard Hill KC, Sharif Shivji KC and Tom Gentleman involved in a high-value multi-party casein relation to a collapsed banking facility connected to the “tuna bond” scandal.
Testimonials
‘4 Stone Buildings are my go-to set for commercial and commercial chancery work. They have a great bench, both at KC and junior level and the clerking team are user-friendly.’
‘One of a long line of exceptionally talented barristers at 4 Stone Buildings – something of a lesser known gem, and very good value for money.’
‘4 Stone Buildings work well together as a team.’
‘Clerks are responsive and helpful.’
Work highlights
Gough Square Chambers
‘Strong in advising on regulatory law,’ Gough Square Chambers has a particular focus on this space on retail products, acting for most of the UK’s major banks, alongside receiving instructions from government bodies including HM Treasury and the FCA. Iain MacDonald has a broad banking and financial services practice, with a focus on retail banking, while Simon Popplewell has dealt with numerous cases before the FCA Regulatory Decisions Committee and other major, including Various SAM Borrowers v Bank of Scotland, with Simon acting for the bank in respect of a challenge to shared appreciation mortgages, where the amount to repay is linked to the price of the property at the time of redemption. The challenges were made on the basis of the unfair relationship provisions in the Consumer Credit Act 1974. Anna Medvinskaia is a notable junior in the team.
Testimonials
‘The clerking team is outstanding and go above and beyond to assist, particularly with the availability of counsel. Jack Bradshaw and Richard Bryant, have always come back to me extremely quickly with options for counsel and fee quotes whenever I have needed them and are always very personable and cheery on the phone!’
‘The set is strong in advising on regulatory law, with multiple counsel at different levels of seniority, meaning that there is usually someone available to assist urgently.’
‘Gough Square have an excellent team of financial services counsel, who are always willing and eager to assist with any instructions sent their way.’
‘Gough Square Chambers are my ‘go to’ for all things Consumer Credit.’
‘Very good set with lots of options for this type of work.’
Work highlights
Henderson Chambers
Henderson Chambers is described by one client as ‘one of – if not the – leading set of consumer finance‘ and is focused on advising on consumer credit and consumer protection, with members acting predominantly for banks. Some of the set’s highlights include advising and acting for the UK’s five largest retail banks on a range of matters, including financing of FSMA regulated mortgage contract businesses. Toby Riley-Smith KC has experience in litigation involving consumer credit and hire agreements, alongside William Hibbert being a leading junior in consumer credit and consumer-facing financial services, including regulated credit and secured borrowing. Julia Smith is a specialist in banking and financial services, regularly receiving instructions advising banks and other businesses as to issues arising under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.
Testimonials
‘Jason Housden has done a fantastic job in attempting to fill the large shoes left following the retirement of John White during the pandemic. Jason is good at marketing new members and the broad clerks. Joe Sutton is also very well thought of. Joe is creative and tenacious in doing his best to respond to requests.’
‘Joe Sutton always finds the required Consumer Credit Act expertise.’
‘Henderson are a go-to set. Excellent clerking team.’
‘Henderson Chambers must be one of – if not the – leading set of consumer finance regulatory barristers. Henderson appears to have evolved with the times and expanded its consumer finance expertise to cover general banking and financial technology expertise.’
‘The service provided by Chambers is impeccable.’
Work highlights
Quadrant Chambers
Quadrant Chambers are ‘well-regarded and respected for banking litigation‘, in work both related and unrelated to the set’s well-known expertise in international trade and shipping. Paul Downes KC and Nicola Allsop acting for Liberty Steel entities in various proceedings against lenders in Anns Middle East FZE v LIQS PTE Ltd. Turlough Stone advises and acts for a wide range of domestic and international institutions and individuals, while Emily Saunderson is noted for her work in a range of financial markets claims relating to breach of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 and broker’s duties to their clients.
Testimonials
‘Led by the superb Simon Slattery, he delivers the best level of service and knows his barristers (and us) inside out.’
‘The clerks are all very good but the stand out is Daniel Westerman who is always helpful and a pleasure to deal with.’
‘Well regarded and respected for banking litigation.’
‘Quadrant are excellent all round.’
‘Overall an excellent set with some real stars amongst its ranks.’
‘Excellent strength-in-depth and innovative training.’
‘I have always been impressed by the strength in depth at Quadrant and their willingness to go above an beyond.’
Serle Court
Serle Court continues to be instructed on high-profile and complex banking and finance cases, both in the domestic courts and international courts. One such example was the case of Eternity Sky Investments Limited v Zhang, in which Philip Marshall KC and James Mather were instructed in relation to a claim brought by Huarong Banking Group, which raised issues on public policy and illegality regarding enforcement of guarantees and Hong Kong arbitration awards. David Blayney KC has been involved in large banking cases including the RBS Rights Issue Litigation arising out of the insolvency of Lehman Brothers, while Rupert Reed KC is noted for his cross-border banking practice in the Middle East and London, with significant experience of cases involving Islamic finance. Zoe O’Sullivan KC has a broad commercial and Chancery practice and is a recognised practitioner in the DIFC courts.
Testimonials
‘Dan Wheeler and Paul Ballard are exceptionally user-friendly and helpful. It is always a pleasure to work with them.’
‘Serle Court is a very strong set when it comes to DIFC litigation, and one of the Chambers we look to first when considering counsel options.’
‘Serle court is now ubiquitous in the Middle East, in part due to Rupert’s influence, and Gregor Horgan is a junior to watch.’
Work highlights
Twenty Essex
Twenty Essex represents financial services providers and their clients in a range of fora across a full spectrum of banking, financial services, and asset management disputes. Members of the set are often instructed to obtain, or seek the discharge of, freezing injunctions and other interim relief in relation to banking and investment disputes, which include instructions both for and against major financial institutions. Andrew Fulton KC is noted as ‘intellectually very able, and extremely knowledgeable‘ on banking law, while Luke Pearce KC has appeared in a number of high-profile banking cases in recent years. Paul Lowenstein KC has an extensive practice encompassing fraud into the context of banking and finance cases involving major banks.
Testimonials
‘They are very responsive and helpful, particularly Arron Zitver and Robert Wheeler.’
‘Excellent clerks – very responsive, especially Chris Theobald.’
‘Twenty Essex offers a range of senior and junior counsel who are capable and a delight to work with. A go-to set for difficult commercial claims.’
XXIV Old Buildings
XXIV Old Buildings has a substantial banking and financial practice developed over three core areas, including hedge fund and structured investment vehicle work, international insolvencies involving banks and financial institutions, and claims against financial institutions relating to financial mismanagement. Stephen Moverley Smith KC has a practice spanning international litigation, especially those involving the BVI and Bermuda - he represented the defendant in Ivanishvilli v CS Life, a claim arising from a rogue trader fraud at a Swiss bank, with proceedings brought against its Bermudian subsidiary alleging a failure to discover the fraud – the claimant being former Georgian prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. Francis Tregear KC is noted for his ‘very good advocacy‘, and Sarah Bayliss has extensive experience of acting in mis-selling and negligence claims against financial institutions.
Testimonials
‘Paul Horsfield is doing a great job since taking over. He is very responsive and commercial.’
‘A very strong set which has a number of very strong individuals.’
‘Good set.’
Work highlights
3 Verulam Buildings
Testimonials
‘3VB have an excellent clerking team. Richard Ansell is a standout and is always accommodating and on point with his recommendations. He and his team always ensure that service levels are high and response times and delivery are as expected.’
‘3VB’s clerks are responsive and easy to work with.’
‘3VB are the go to set for banking litigation. They have a clear, demonstrable strength in depth and I have instructed barrister from all ranges of the call spectrum. Their training sessions are always excellent.’
‘A friendly set, with real strengths in the banking arena.’
‘Good for financial services litigation.’
‘3VB have a high calibre of advocates and are often one of the first chambers I look to instruct in relation to complex banking and finance litigation.’
‘Strong chambers at all levels.’
Work highlights
Fountain Court Chambers
Being ‘packed full of some brilliant and incredibly intelligent lawyers,’ Fountain Court Chambers has been at the forefront of some of the recent substantial banking and finance litigation, both domestically and internationally. The set specialises in managing disputes that have a significant impact on the financial sector, with one such example being cases related to the Quincecare duty when banks suspect fraud: these include Federal Republic of Nigeria v JP Morgan Chase NA which saw Rosalind Phelps KC, David Murray and Aaron Taylor instructed in a successful defence of a $1.5bn claim against the bank. Alongside this, Patricia Robertson KC and Christopher Langley were instructed to act for HSBC in defence of a claim in relation to an alleged breach of the Quincecare duty, brought by the liquidators of Allen Stanford's Ponzi scheme (Stanford International Bank Ltd (in liquidation) v HSBC Plc). Richard Coleman KC has a diverse practice, including acting in a number of cases involving judicial review in the banking space, while Nico Leslie is a standout junior for his work on high-profile banking disputes.
Testimonials
‘Luke Diebelius in the clerks room is very experienced and very responsive.’
‘The clerks room is very efficient. Its a pleasure to work with Sian Huckett and Luke Diebelius.’
‘The Fountain Court clerks are always pleasant, responsive, and easy to work with. Alfie Harper in particular stands out for his responsiveness and willingness to assist.’
‘The clerks are excellent. Particular commendation for Katie Szewczyk, Deputy Senior Clerk who is very switched on and responsive, and knows exactly what we need. The service we get is commercial and consistent.’
‘Fountain Court is packed full of some brilliant and incredibly intelligent lawyers and is becoming my go-to set.’
‘Fountain Court is one of the very best sets for complex banking and financial disputes. It has strength in depth, from its top QCs to its baby juniors.’
‘They are the leading banking and finance set and generally our go to for that sort of work.’
‘Fountain Court is of course well known as a leading banking and commercial set.’
Work highlights
One Essex Court
One Essex Court is known for its ‘consistently high performing barristers‘ who have cemented their position as a preeminent set in banking and finance, with regular instructions received from all the major bank panel law firms. Some of the set’s recent highlights includes Philipp v Barclays, which dealt with the possible extension of Quincecare duties owed by banks to corporate clients to retail customers, which saw members such as Sonia Tolaney KC and James Ruddell acting for UK Finance in a Supreme Court appeal. Laurence Rabinowitz KC is regularly instructed in relation to commercial litigation and high profile disputes in overseas courts, while Lord David Wolfson KC has acted for a number of high profile banks like PrivatBank over the past year. Henry Forbes Smith KC and Marcos Dracos KC were both appointed as silk in 2023. Nathaniel Bird joined the team in October 2023.
Testimonials
‘One Essex Court have an excellent senior clerking team in Darren Burrows and Rob Smith. Both are excellent.’
‘Darren Burrows is a legend.’
‘Jackie Ginty is No.1 in any set of Chambers I have worked with for responsiveness and sheer devotion to the role.’
‘Brilliant; in particular Rob Smith. Great with clients and gets client demands.’
‘The clerks are responsive and helpful. We have had good experiences with Rob Smith and Jade Cassell.’
‘Consistently high performing barristers and extremely responsive clerks.’
‘It is a brilliant set. The set breads a type of barrister that is technically extremely good.’
‘Top set for banking and commercial work, real strength in depth.’
Work highlights
Brick Court Chambers
Members of Brick Court Chambers continue to be instructed in significant banking and finance cases, concerning a broad spectrum of national and international lending. Tim Lord KC is sought after by both investors and banks in high profile banking and finance litigation – he is instructed for the claimants in Loreley Financing v Credit Suisse, a case concerning the allegedly negligent sale and structuring by Credit Suisse of residential mortgage-backed securities. James McClelland KC is an established silk who has taken the lead in leading commercial disputes, having been involved in test cases for PPI mis-selling – he also handles cases involving heavyweight public law issues. Ben Woolgar is noted for his practice handling both commercial banking, including complex bond and note transactions, and retail banking.
Testimonials
‘Paul Dennison is responsive, professional and keen to please.’
‘Tony Burgess is very commercial and responsive.’
‘Paul Dennison is excellent, as is Tony Burgess.’
‘The clerks are professional and pleasant.’
‘Clerks are incredibly user-friendly and commercial.’
‘An eminent set.’
‘A stellar set.’
‘Strength in depth.’
Essex Court Chambers
Essex Court Chambers' members high-profile and high-value international banking and finance litigation, with members receiving instructions from a number of magic circle and US firms. Louise Hutton KC, who is ‘calm and clear under pressure,’ has been involved in leading banking cases this year, including Stanford International Bank v HSBC, a case involving the Quincecare duty with its factual origins in Allen Stanford's Ponzi scheme. Joe Smouha KC is a notable name in this space, while Stephen Houseman KC has developed a strong cross-border practice, in areas including Singapore, Dubai and the Cayman Islands. Ciaran Keller is noted for his cross-border work on high-profile cases acting for and against banks, hedge funds and private equity. Angeline Welsh KC, Siddharth Dhar KC and Ruth Den Besten KC were all appointed silk in 2023.
Testimonials
‘Essex Court are at the top of most people’s list: packed with talent.’
‘Good.’
‘The clerks have always been responsive and any issues have typically been resolved well and commercially.’
‘Clerks are excellent.’
‘Very responsive and informed.’
Work highlights
South Square
The ‘go-to set for all restructuring and insolvency mandates,‘ South Square has established an international presence in banking and financial litigation, having appeared in high-profile disputes including cases which give rise to issues of significant market importance, generally crossing over with the set's pre-eminence in the insolvency space. One such example is the case of Galapagos Bidco SARL v Kebekus; Barings (UK) Ltd v Galapagos which saw Tom Smith KC, Daniel Bayfield KC, David Alexander KC, Henry Phillips and Ryan Perkins appear in a dispute arising out of a €1bn multi-jurisdictional finance restructuring, raising novel issues in relation to enforcement powers under intercreditor agreements, after a German court had wound up the company which was subject to an English administration petition. Richard Fisher KC has a good practice advising banks, hedge funds and trade parties in relation to structured finance issues and derivatives contacts, while Georgina Peters is noted for her work in high-profile banking disputes involving securisations, capital markets issuances and derivatives using ISDA contracts.
Testimonials
‘Excellent – Marco Malatesta in particular.’
‘All of the clerks have been amazing. Particular shout out to Dylan Playfoot and Luke Clark.’
‘The go-to set, still, for all restructuring and insolvency mandates.’
‘South Square is unquestionably the top Chambers for restructuring and insolvency, with a strong banking and finance practice, including incredible strength in depth.’
‘Remains by far the pre-eminent set for corporate insolvency work.’
‘Very strong set.’
‘South Square are an excellent set of Chambers. They have lost one or two of their most prominent leaders to the bench, but there are some truly excellent juniors coming up through the ranks and still several Silks at the top of their game. They would always be my first choice on any matter touching on Insolvency and increasingly my go to set for commercial or finance litigation too.’
Work highlights
4 Stone Buildings
Banking and finance remains a key area for members of 4 Stone Buildings, who handle disputes which arise in connection with the raising of loan or share capital, and in situations of insolvency or weak markets. Members have been involved in domestic and international high profile and high value cases such as Republic of Mozambique v Credit Suisse, which saw Richard Hill KC, Sharif Shivji KC and Tom Gentleman involved in a high-value multi-party casein relation to a collapsed banking facility connected to the “tuna bond” scandal.
Testimonials
‘4 Stone Buildings are my go-to set for commercial and commercial chancery work. They have a great bench, both at KC and junior level and the clerking team are user-friendly.’
‘One of a long line of exceptionally talented barristers at 4 Stone Buildings – something of a lesser known gem, and very good value for money.’
‘4 Stone Buildings work well together as a team.’
‘Clerks are responsive and helpful.’
Work highlights
Gough Square Chambers
‘Strong in advising on regulatory law,’ Gough Square Chambers has a particular focus on this space on retail products, acting for most of the UK’s major banks, alongside receiving instructions from government bodies including HM Treasury and the FCA. Iain MacDonald has a broad banking and financial services practice, with a focus on retail banking, while Simon Popplewell has dealt with numerous cases before the FCA Regulatory Decisions Committee and other major, including Various SAM Borrowers v Bank of Scotland, with Simon acting for the bank in respect of a challenge to shared appreciation mortgages, where the amount to repay is linked to the price of the property at the time of redemption. The challenges were made on the basis of the unfair relationship provisions in the Consumer Credit Act 1974. Anna Medvinskaia is a notable junior in the team.
Testimonials
‘The clerking team is outstanding and go above and beyond to assist, particularly with the availability of counsel. Jack Bradshaw and Richard Bryant, have always come back to me extremely quickly with options for counsel and fee quotes whenever I have needed them and are always very personable and cheery on the phone!’
‘The set is strong in advising on regulatory law, with multiple counsel at different levels of seniority, meaning that there is usually someone available to assist urgently.’
‘Gough Square have an excellent team of financial services counsel, who are always willing and eager to assist with any instructions sent their way.’
‘Gough Square Chambers are my ‘go to’ for all things Consumer Credit.’
‘Very good set with lots of options for this type of work.’
Work highlights
Henderson Chambers
Henderson Chambers is described by one client as ‘one of – if not the – leading set of consumer finance‘ and is focused on advising on consumer credit and consumer protection, with members acting predominantly for banks. Some of the set’s highlights include advising and acting for the UK’s five largest retail banks on a range of matters, including financing of FSMA regulated mortgage contract businesses. Toby Riley-Smith KC has experience in litigation involving consumer credit and hire agreements, alongside William Hibbert being a leading junior in consumer credit and consumer-facing financial services, including regulated credit and secured borrowing. Julia Smith is a specialist in banking and financial services, regularly receiving instructions advising banks and other businesses as to issues arising under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.
Testimonials
‘Jason Housden has done a fantastic job in attempting to fill the large shoes left following the retirement of John White during the pandemic. Jason is good at marketing new members and the broad clerks. Joe Sutton is also very well thought of. Joe is creative and tenacious in doing his best to respond to requests.’
‘Joe Sutton always finds the required Consumer Credit Act expertise.’
‘Henderson are a go-to set. Excellent clerking team.’
‘Henderson Chambers must be one of – if not the – leading set of consumer finance regulatory barristers. Henderson appears to have evolved with the times and expanded its consumer finance expertise to cover general banking and financial technology expertise.’
‘The service provided by Chambers is impeccable.’
Work highlights
Quadrant Chambers
Quadrant Chambers are ‘well-regarded and respected for banking litigation‘, in work both related and unrelated to the set’s well-known expertise in international trade and shipping. Paul Downes KC and Nicola Allsop acting for Liberty Steel entities in various proceedings against lenders in Anns Middle East FZE v LIQS PTE Ltd. Turlough Stone advises and acts for a wide range of domestic and international institutions and individuals, while Emily Saunderson is noted for her work in a range of financial markets claims relating to breach of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 and broker’s duties to their clients.
Testimonials
‘Led by the superb Simon Slattery, he delivers the best level of service and knows his barristers (and us) inside out.’
‘The clerks are all very good but the stand out is Daniel Westerman who is always helpful and a pleasure to deal with.’
‘Well regarded and respected for banking litigation.’
‘Quadrant are excellent all round.’
‘Overall an excellent set with some real stars amongst its ranks.’
‘Excellent strength-in-depth and innovative training.’
‘I have always been impressed by the strength in depth at Quadrant and their willingness to go above an beyond.’
Serle Court
Serle Court continues to be instructed on high-profile and complex banking and finance cases, both in the domestic courts and international courts. One such example was the case of Eternity Sky Investments Limited v Zhang, in which Philip Marshall KC and James Mather were instructed in relation to a claim brought by Huarong Banking Group, which raised issues on public policy and illegality regarding enforcement of guarantees and Hong Kong arbitration awards. David Blayney KC has been involved in large banking cases including the RBS Rights Issue Litigation arising out of the insolvency of Lehman Brothers, while Rupert Reed KC is noted for his cross-border banking practice in the Middle East and London, with significant experience of cases involving Islamic finance. Zoe O’Sullivan KC has a broad commercial and Chancery practice and is a recognised practitioner in the DIFC courts.
Testimonials
‘Dan Wheeler and Paul Ballard are exceptionally user-friendly and helpful. It is always a pleasure to work with them.’
‘Serle Court is a very strong set when it comes to DIFC litigation, and one of the Chambers we look to first when considering counsel options.’
‘Serle court is now ubiquitous in the Middle East, in part due to Rupert’s influence, and Gregor Horgan is a junior to watch.’
Work highlights
Twenty Essex
Twenty Essex represents financial services providers and their clients in a range of fora across a full spectrum of banking, financial services, and asset management disputes. Members of the set are often instructed to obtain, or seek the discharge of, freezing injunctions and other interim relief in relation to banking and investment disputes, which include instructions both for and against major financial institutions. Andrew Fulton KC is noted as ‘intellectually very able, and extremely knowledgeable‘ on banking law, while Luke Pearce KC has appeared in a number of high-profile banking cases in recent years. Paul Lowenstein KC has an extensive practice encompassing fraud into the context of banking and finance cases involving major banks.
Testimonials
‘They are very responsive and helpful, particularly Arron Zitver and Robert Wheeler.’
‘Excellent clerks – very responsive, especially Chris Theobald.’
‘Twenty Essex offers a range of senior and junior counsel who are capable and a delight to work with. A go-to set for difficult commercial claims.’
XXIV Old Buildings
XXIV Old Buildings has a substantial banking and financial practice developed over three core areas, including hedge fund and structured investment vehicle work, international insolvencies involving banks and financial institutions, and claims against financial institutions relating to financial mismanagement. Stephen Moverley Smith KC has a practice spanning international litigation, especially those involving the BVI and Bermuda - he represented the defendant in Ivanishvilli v CS Life, a claim arising from a rogue trader fraud at a Swiss bank, with proceedings brought against its Bermudian subsidiary alleging a failure to discover the fraud – the claimant being former Georgian prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. Francis Tregear KC is noted for his ‘very good advocacy‘, and Sarah Bayliss has extensive experience of acting in mis-selling and negligence claims against financial institutions.
Testimonials
‘Paul Horsfield is doing a great job since taking over. He is very responsive and commercial.’
‘A very strong set which has a number of very strong individuals.’
‘Good set.’