QEB Hollis Whiteman‘s barristers are sought after by companies and executives to advise on SFO investigations and prosecutions concerning allegations of cross-border bribery and fraud. Ben FitzGerald KC has a strong track record in defending companies in SFO prosecutions relating allegations of bribery. Adrian Darbishire KC is 'at the very top of the financial crime Bar', 'a great advocate who commands the attention of judge and jury alike'. Among the juniors, Mark Aldred continues to act for a former Glencore executive in ongoing proceedings concerning the SFO's investigation into alleged bribery offences involving officials in five different West African countries. Allison Clare KC joined the team in February 2025.
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Profile
Position
Corporate and Financial Crime
Ben represents professional and corporate clients facing high-profile allegations of corporate and financial crime, including: bribery and corruption; fraud; rate manipulation; tax evasion; and corporate health and safety breaches. He is instructed by City firms who demand impeccable tactical planning and precise advocacy. He has been instructed in many of the SFO’s most significant cases of recent years, such as Barclays, Airbus, Serco and, now, Glencore. He is ranked by Chambers & Partners as a leading Silk in Financial Crime, Financial Crime (Corporates) and Financial Crime (High Net Worth Individuals), having been ranked in Band 1 in each area as a Junior.
Crime
Ben prosecutes and defends serious general crime cases, notably prosecuting homicide and organised crime for specialised units of the CPS at the Central Criminal Court and elsewhere in cases of extreme sensitivity and media interest. He is forensically astute, dealing with the most complex evidence and he is adept at dealing with difficult legal issues. Ben is well placed to defend professionals as investigations by regulating agencies move into the criminal sphere. He also has substantial experience of successfully defending private prosecutions. Ben is regarded as one of the foremost advocates in his field. He is ranked by Chambers & Partners as a leading Silk in Crime, having been ranked in Band 1 as a Junior.
Career
Called Lincolns Inn 2000. Publications of note: Deaths in police custody: The role of the custody officer – past, present and future. (13/6/07).
Languages
French, Russian.
Memberships
CBA, ARDL.
Education
Ipswich School; Trinity College, Cambridge University (1997 BA (Hons) History, First Class). Subsequently awarded MA. Senior Scholar, Trinity College. City University (1999 Postgraduate Diploma in Law). Inns of Court School of Law (2000 Bar Vocational Course).
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