Working closely with the firm's white collar crime department, Withers LLP's contentious practice spans senior executives, non-executive individuals and owner-manager businesses facing exits, disciplinary action and international investigations by the FCA, with an increasing specialism in crypto disputes and regulation. Practice head Harvey Knight is a key contact for senior managers seeking counsel on legal and reputational issues. Knight regularly handles complex regulatory permissions, supervision, enforcement, and internal investigations, often involving agencies such as the FCA, PRA, SFO, and overseas regulators, where his work spans crisis management, financial crime prevention, and navigating multi-agency scrutiny.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Harvey Knight has an attention to detail, vast relevant experience, and a calm and reassuring approach, although he is friendly and helpful at all times. Honest and forthright appraisal of the case.’
‘Harvey Knight is the doyen of the FS Contentious world. He has an unparalleled record of acting for senior individuals and has achieved some fantastic results for his clients.'
‘The team is led by a lawyer who has worked for a UK regulator at a senior level, and is, therefore, very well-connected and can give meaningful advice on how to handle meetings with regulators. The advice is very practical without unnecessary legal jargon, and I got the impression that the firm really cared about the outcome for me.’
‘Harvey Knight is a stand-out lawyer in his field. He gives practical, measured, and timely advice and is very good at coaching clients on how to handle difficult regulatory meetings to achieve the best outcome.’
Key clients
- State Bank of India (UK) Limited
- Cardaq Limited
- Mr Nailesh Teraiya
- De Vere Group
Work highlights
Advised State Bank of India (UK) Limited, following the collapse of the law firm, Axiom Ince into administration in the summer of 2023 with some £64 million missing and the Solicitors Regulatory Authority and Serious Fraud Office's investigation of Axiom Ince' principals and related parties. SBI is co-operating with these ongoing investigations as it was one of Axiom Ince's banks.
Advised, Cardaq Limited, providing regulatory advice in relation to such regulatory issues as its implementation of Consumer Duty and anti-money laundering systems and controls.
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Practice head
Harvey Knight