Allen & Overy LLP ‘provides the premier banking litigation service’, with the team recommended for their exceptional industry knowledge. The considerable bench strength of the team provides it with a wealth of experience advising many international leading banks and financial institutions on high-profile disputes and regulatory investigations. Arnondo Chakrabarti ‘runs an impressive team’ alongside Calum Burnett, that has ‘outstanding talent from the most junior associates to the most senior partners’. Noted practitioners within the team include Andrew Denny, who has a ‘first-class legal mind’, Mahmood Lone, described as a ‘great litigator’ by one client, and Michael Godden, who has a wealth of experience in cross-border litigation, ranging from derivatives and debt capital markets to Islamic finance disputes and syndicated lending. The team continues to expand, with Michael Godden and Andy McGregor both having joined the team in 2022 from Norton Rose Fulbright and RPC, respectively.

The practice at Clifford Chance LLP is ‘intellectual, outstanding, organisationally superb, and utterly client focused’, with expertise in complex financial products and cross-border matters. The practice consists of a specialist contentious regulatory team, as well as a dedicated in-house forensic accounting team. Many leading banks rely on the expertise of the team, including HSBC, Standard Chartered, and Morgan Stanley. Head of the team Ian Moulding is ‘hugely experienced’ and commended for commanding ‘the trust of senior decision makers in major institutions’. ‘Phenomenal hard worker’ Helen Carty leads the wider litigation practice at the firm, with experience in defending mis-selling claims and advising on derivatives transactions. Noted practitioners include ‘exceptionally capable’ Chris Yates, with experience litigating in both the London and Hong Kong market, along with ‘stand-out partners’ Kelwin Nicholls and Lindsay Bickerton. Matthew Newick acts as the global head of litigation, with vast experience in high-value disputes for the firm’s financial sector clients. At associate level, Ben Jasper, Philip Cox, Michael Gorrie, and Melissa Oppenheim are noted.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is the ‘leader of the pack in commercial litigation’ with wide ranging experience defending securities class actions and related group claims, advising leading domestic and international banks. Rupert Lewis is ‘strategically aware and client-friendly‘, and sits at the helm of the team, with a practice regularly acting for banks and financial institutions in high-profile, complex disputes. Damien Byrne Hill, global co-head of dispute resolution at the firm, also regularly acts for major financial institutions, alongside ‘excellent litigator’ Chris Bushell and Simon Clarke who has a ‘encyclopedic knowledge of banking law‘. Nic Patmore is another name to note.

Hogan Lovells International LLP has almost ‘unparalleled experience in working for banks’, acting for global UK banks and financial institutions across the entire spectrum of the financial services sector. The practice works across sectors, with extensive experience in mass claims and group litigation. ‘Fantastic leader’ Louise Lamb is ‘truly exceptional in the field in which she operates’, handling a wide range of contentious matters linked to all types of financial products and services, with extensive retail banking and consumer litigation practice. ‘Stand-out partners’ Whiston Bristow, Philip Parish, and Jennifer Dickey are all described as a ‘pleasure to work with’. At senior associate level, the ‘extremely reliable, hard-working and always up on the detail’ Andrew Holland is singled out. Also recommended is associate Alex Riposi, commended for his ‘amazing eye for detail and great legal creativity’.

Linklaters LLP fields a ‘first-class’ practice that acts for leading banks on high-profile domestic and cross-border disputes, including issues that engage regulatory scrutiny. The ‘detail-oriented’ practice is able to draw on expertise within the financial regulatory, banking, capital markets, and structured finance practices at the firm, and assists clients on cutting-edge litigation. Forming the leadership of the team are Alison Wilson, a specialist in FCA enforcement investigations, s166 reviews, and internal investigations, and Christa Band, with a practice focusing on crisis management, regulatory investigations, and enforcement proceedings. Integral to the team, is Susana Cao Miranda, ‘one of the profession’s unrivalled stars’. Patrick Robinson has a broad practice with expertise in structure products, capital markets, and derivative disputes. At associate level, ‘first-rate’ Marc Lenzo and ‘partner in the making’ Rachel Metcalf are recommended.

Slaughter and May’s practice is, for one client, ‘responsive, creative, and collaborates well with other counsel to deliver extraordinary results’, and acts on many of the complex high-value inquiries, and major regulatory investigations. The team notably represents Credit Suisse in multi-billion-dollar claims and JP Morgan Chase Bank in high court litigation linked to global forex investigations. Richard Swallow is ‘preeminent with good reason’, and leads the team. ‘Very experienced, calm, measured, and strategic advisor’ Ewan Brown has a broad-based banking litigation and investigations practice, and is key to the team alongside ‘exceptional advisor’ Gayathri Kamalanathan. Also at partner level, Camilla Sanger and Richard Jeens both have expansive banking and financial services litigation practices, along with Jonathan Clark and Peter Wickham. At associate level, Edward Coles is singled out for his ‘ mastery of complex matters and attention to strategy‘.

Addleshaw Goddard acts for fintechs, digital asset businesses, hedge funds, and securitisation services on a wide range of banking-related disputes, with the litigation practice closely aligned with the firm’s regulatory, financial crime, and fintech practices. Richard Clayton leads the financial disputes practice, often instructed by clients on high-value complex investment, asset management, and fraud-related disputes, usually on matters with an international element. Clayton is recognised for ‘leading the team with wisdom and achieving excellent results’. James Herring is a ‘clever, practical lawyer, and genuinely lovely man’, who has expertise in mis-selling and fraud claims, as well as derivatives and structured products. Noted also at partner level is Sivan Daniels, who is ‘great at helping clients navigate difficult issues’ and brings expertise in complex finance, fintech, and financial crime-related litigation. Legal director Alex Unger, a ‘star in the making’, is also recommended.

Financial services work is at the heart of Ashurst, with clients benefitting from the team’s ‘exceptional experience in the banking disputes sector’. The international capabilities of the firm allow the team to adopt an integrated approach, working seamlessly with counterparts in other jurisdictions. ‘Stand out partner’ Lynn Dunne leads a unit that ‘has a wealth of talent’, acting as head of the EMEA contentious financial services group and co-managing partner of the London office. Practitioners to note include James Levy, Ruby Hamid, and Tom Connor. At associate level, the ‘extremely capable’ Anna Varga is singled out as a ‘great associate who has a bright future ahead of her’. Also at associate level, Sophie Law is a name to note, with broad experience in banking, finance, and regulatory disputes. The group continues to grow with the addition of Adam Jamieson from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner in June 2022.

At Latham & Watkins, the banking litigation practice frequently defends leading financial institutions in shareholder class actions and collective claims under s90 and s90 FSMA, as well as claims related to fraud and misrepresentation. The group, led by Andrea Monks, represents clients in complex, cross-jurisdictional disputes, as well as a range of domestic matters in the Supreme Court. Global vice chair of the practice Martin Davies is a key partner in the team, acting for claimants and defendants in collective actions work in the country. Nell Perks has a practice advising clients across the spectrum of financial services litigation, including complex and structured products disputes. Oliver Middleton is also recommended at partner level. At associate level, Alex Cox frequently represents banks in large-scale investigations.

The practice at Mayer Brown International LLP has a ‘really bespoke and personal approach’ to banking litigation, paired with the ‘resources and excellence of big international firm’. The team is instructed by major banks, corporates, investors, and corporate trustees on disputes related to complex financial products, sanctions, fraud, and ESG. Head of the team Ian McDonald  has a ‘commercially oriented approach’ and acts on high-value disputes linked to loan structures, structured finance, and derivatives. Chris Chapman advises on litigation and contentious regulatory issues, and ‘combines good judgement with a real understanding of the business’. The ‘very smart and commercial’ Stephen Moi is also noted, along with the ‘impressive’ Airlie Goodman, and Alistair Graham who has experience in fraud investigations, white-collar work, and asset tracing.

Litigation boutique Pallas Partners LLP acts on a portfolio of market-leading cases in the banking litigation sphere, acting for leading institutions internationally. The ‘informed, knowledgeable, and collaborative’ department focuses on restructuring and bankruptcy disputes, with the cross-border capabilities bolstered by the opening of a New York office of the firm in November 2022. ‘Absolute star’ Natasha Harrison leads the team, acting on behalf of financial institutions on high-end disputes. ‘Fantastic banking partner’ Fiona Huntriss has an extensive practice, often acting for creditors in complex insolvency litigation, with experience in distressed debt investments, securitisations, complex financial arrangements, and sovereign debt. Tracey Dovaston, Neil Pigott and Matt Getz are described as ‘top notch litigators offering the best quality advice’.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP has an ‘outstanding litigation practice that fights hard for its clients and succeeds’, with experience across lender-liability actions, fraud, mis-selling, and complex financial products. Clients relying on the team include banks, insurers, hedge funds, and other major financial institutions.  The ‘unbelievably commercially astute’ Richard East leads the team, and is described as ‘brilliant at both generating and winning big cases’. Solicitor advocate Matthew Bunting has a varied practice, regularly representing clients involved in investigations and regulatory disputes. Yasseen Gailani  is commended for his ‘outstanding intellect’ and achieving ‘excellent results for his clients’. Also at partner level, Marina Boterashvili specialises in complex financial litigation, with experience managing bondholder and creditor disputes. At associate level, Cordelia Rayner is recognised for having a ‘work ethic second to none’.

RPC’s banking litigation practice has ‘strengths across all levels of seniority’, with expertise in contentious insolvency and restructuring situations. The firm is able to act for sovereign states, European regional banks, pension funds, hedge funds, and high-net-worth individuals, on disputes linked to loan facilities, cryptocurrencies, and fraud. ‘Top-class banking litigator’ Simon Hart is head of the team, with vast experience in multi-jurisdictional litigation linked to complex fraud and asset tracing. Tom Hibbert, global head of commercial disputes, has ’real insight and strategic flair‘, and specialises in investment banking litigation. At associate level, ‘great talent’ Emma West is noted, alongside Christopher Wheatley and Alexandra Shearer.

The banking litigation practice at Simmons & Simmons is ‘exceptionally strong’, according to one client, who commends the team’s ‘deep sector knowledge combined with impeccable knowledge of the law’. The practice has expertise in litigation, investigations, contentious regulatory and financial crime, acting for investment and retail banks, as well as hedge funds and institutional funds. Patrick Boylan and Caroline Hunter-Yeats jointly lead the team that includes Adam Brown,  who brings ‘impeccable commercial judgement’. Richard Bunce has a practice that encompasses banking, international debt capital market, and financial services disputes. Robert Turner has extensive experience in asset management and the investment funds sector. At associate level, James Voos is ‘a real pleasure to deal with’, and Craig Gilchrist is ‘superb, hugely diligent and highly intelligent’.

Stewarts Law LLP fields ‘one of the top litigation teams in London’ and one that acts frequently for some of the largest international financial institutions, multi-national corporations, and high-net-worth individuals. The team has carved out a niche specialism in securities litigation, having represented shareholders in high-profile proceedings brought against Tesco, and similarly acting for institutional investors in relation to Glencore. Clive Zietman is a ‘superstar who has driven the team to success’ and leads the department, bringing 30 years of experience in large-scale litigation. ‘Tenacious, driven, and analytical’ Marc Jones, ‘smart, indefatigable and creative’ Fiona Gillett, and ‘impressive litigator’ Keith Thomas are key names to note at partner level, alongside Sean Upson and Lucy Ward.

White & Case LLP has a broad banking litigation practice that acts on high-profile mandates that are often hugely complex. Charles Balmain leads the department, with extensive experience across banking disputes and contentious sovereign and corporate debt restructuring and insolvency. Balmain notably leads on the Republic of Mozambique’s response to the ‘tuna bond’ scandal: a high-profile matter that continues to attract media attention. Lawson Caisley, head of the commercial litigation practice at the firm, has been involved in a large number of high-profile disputes, acting for financial institutions, insurers, and blue-chip corporates. Swati Tripathi is a ‘star at junior partner level’, and routinely advises international banks on complex contractual disputes.

Baker McKenzie has a strong track record representing prestigious financial institutions on a wide range of banking related disputes, including on intricate regulatory investigations. The team are ‘particularly excellent in cross-border cases’ drawing on the wide international network of the firm. The ‘thoughtful, energetic, and incisive’ Hugh Lyons  and Jonathan Peddie form the leadership of a team that includes Marc Thorley, commended for his ‘exceptionally good tactical sense’, and Marc Florent, who has a ‘natural authority’. At associate level, Joanne Redmond is ‘very impressive’ and is noted for having a ‘wonderful grasp of detail’.

The banking litigation practice at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner works closely with the financial regulatory, antitrust, and white-collar practices, advising high-profile clients on complex mandates as well as related regulatory or criminal consequences. Graham Shear and Oran Gelb lead the team, with Andrew Tuson and associate Rhys Corbett both prominent figures within the team. The team continues to grow, with the arrival of Ravi Nayer from Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP in August 2022.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton ’s banking litigation practice warrants ‘deserved recognition in the highest profile and most complex investment banking litigation’, with expertise ranging from commodity and financial product issues to freezing injunctions and insolvency disputes. The team’s representation of HSBC in intricate litigation related to FX trading demonstrates both the strength of the team and the partners leading on the matter – ‘master tactician’ Sunil Gadhia, and the ‘brilliantly intelligent’ James Brady-Banzet. At the helm of the department is the esteemed Jonathan Kelly, leveraging expertise in fraud, misrepresentation, market price issues, and derivative banking products among many other issues.

Banking litigators at CMS work with clients spanning the full financial sector, attracting instructions from UK and international banks, insolvency practitioners, crypto companies, and fintechs. The practice regularly handle complex and high-value disputes, and draws on its international network to provide multi-jurisdictional support. For one client, the ‘vast amounts of experience and great focus on commerciality and strategy’ differentiates the team from other teams.  The 'thoughtful and commercial litigator’ Tom Dane leads the team in London, acting for international clients on high-value finance disputes and contentious insolvency matters. ‘Absolutely first-class’ Vanessa Whitman is a key name in the team, with expertise in fintech and crypto-related disputes.

Boutique Cooke, Young & Keidan LLP has an established financial dispute resolution team, acting against a wide range of major banks and financial institutions. Crypto-related disputes are a mainstay of the practice, with the team recently representing Bitfinex in a major crypto case. Mis-selling, fraud, and breach of contract claims all serve as further strengths of the practice. Sinead O’Callaghan has particular expertise in financial sector linked litigation, frequently advising retail and investment banks as well as leading domestic and international institutions. Stephen Elam has broad experience in global derivatives, allowing him to act on vastly complex financial disputes. Jon Felce, Lydia Danon, and Natalie Todd are highly active in this space.

At Dentons, the banking litigation practice is viewed as ‘adept at handling large and sensitive banking and finance claims’, working with non-contentious banking colleagues at the team to provide clients support on regulatory investigations, derivatives disputes, ISA interpretation disputes, and securitisation litigation. The team often acts on multi-jurisdictional mandates, evidenced through recent advice given to a leading cloud-based software provider on potential regulatory risks. Felicity Ewing leads the team and has expertise in both group litigation defence and ESG-related financial services claims. Thomas Leyland is a key figure in the practice, notably acting for NatWest in its LIBOR swaps claims defence. Tom Hanson, ‘clever and responsive’, acts for financial institutions in litigation and contentious regulatory matters.

DLA Piper’s banking litigation practice has ‘huge experience, expertise, and strength in depth’. In addition to mainstream banking litigation work, the team has seen significant growth in the fintech space, notably acting for a number of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange platforms. Covid-19-related lending disputes, class actions, and hedge fund and private equity-related litigation have all been prominent in the practice in the last year. ‘Standout star’ Jamie Curle leads the team, and ‘combines brilliant client-handling with incisive strategy’. Jean-Pierre Douglas-Henry acts as the co-head of sustainability and ESG at the firm, and has extensive experience in banking litigation, with over 25 years of relevant experience. Other key figures in the team include ‘rolls royce performer’ Jeremy Andrews and the ’very thorough’ Dan Jewell.

The ‘highly focused and effective litigation outfit’ Enyo Law LLP has a wealth of experience acting both for and against major banks, with a client roster spanning sovereign wealth funds, hedge funds, private equity funds, and high net-worth individuals. The group has recently acted for Gennadiy Bogolyubov in the extremely high-profile Privat Bank dispute, as well as against Credit Suisse in the widely publicised ‘tuna bonds’ case. Nick Jones and Edward Allen lead the team, with the latter commended for demonstrating ‘masterly analysis’ in his cases. ‘Very good technical lawyer’ Jamie Leader has expertise in contentious insolvency and financial services restructuring, with Jonathan Pagan also demonstrating broad expertise and described as ‘all over the detail on tuna bonds’. At associate level, the ‘very bright and incisive’ Deborah Tillett is singled out.

The London banking litigation team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, which is led by David Flack, acts for an impressive roster of clients including Barclays, Julius Baer, Santander and Citigroup, as well as challenger banks such as Tesco Bank, the Co-operative Bank and Metro. Flack is able to draw on his previous experience as in-house litigation counsel at UBS, while fellow partner Gregory Brandman is a former manager in the FCA's enforcement and financial crime division.

Hausfeld & Co LLP  ‘attracts really interesting cases and turns out magic circle quality work‘, acting on high-profile commercial and financial service disputes, with extensive experience particularly in the competition sphere. John McElroy acts as the head of commercial disputes, with significant experience in fraud and energy linked banking disputes. Noted practitioners within the team include Anthony Maton, the ‘brilliant‘ Lianne Craig, and the ‘seriously impressive’ Lucy Pert.

The financial services and markets dispute resolution team at Macfarlanes LLP advises on complex regulatory disputes, enforcement actions, and investigations, acting in cross-border litigation. Barry Donnelly is one of the heads of the team, with vast experience in banking litigation, and involvement in Libor matters. Also at leadership level, is the ‘extremely reliable and commercial‘ Matt McCahearty and Dan Lavender who is talented in multi-jurisdictional litigation. Other key figures include Laura Bridgewater, and the ‘precise and scrupulous’ Lauren Roberts.

Milbank boasts a team that 'leverages its unique abilities and insights' to lead on high-profile and complex competition law disputes and investigations, with particular expertise in loan and bond-related transactional disputes. Julian Stait leads the team, notably representing Visa and Rabobank in relation to interchange litigation and Libor manipulation matters. ‘Superb banking specialist’ Mona Vaswani is integral to the team, and is a ‘formidable and determined opponent’. Also highly active in the practice are Tom Canning, who provides ‘excellent, practical advice’ for clients, and Peter Edworthy.

Norton Rose Fulbright has a ‘highly experienced financial services regulatory team combined with astute commercial litigators’, acting for major banks on contentious regulatory matters, corporate crime investigations, and a range of high-profile banking mandates. Patrick Bourke is the head of the team that consists of Harriet Jones-Fenleigh, who is ‘highly recommended for her legal skills and commercial approach’, ‘model litigator’ Radford Goodman, and the ‘understated and very effective’ James Lockwood. At associate level the ‘particularly impressive’ Aditya Badami is recognised, along with the ‘insightful’ Samson Spanier.

Signature Litigation LLP boasts a high-quality banking litigation practice, with one client describing members of the team as ‘litigation heavyweights in small firm clothing’. Mandates exceeding  $1bn are frequently undertaken, with complex and business critical cases a mainstay of the department’s work. Graham Huntley leads a team that has a ‘great balance of assertiveness and tact’ and includes the ‘highly regarded’ Abdulali Jiwaji, the ‘extremely experienced litigator’ Josh Wong, and Becca Hogan, who is a ‘calm, composed and confidence-inspiring presence in a team.’

The practice at Stephenson Harwood is ‘excellent in assisting with complex and contentious situations‘ for clients that include global banks, investment companies, sovereign wealth funds, and hedge funds. The team is able to draw on the knowledge of the financial services and regulation practice of the firm, providing clients with comprehensive advice. Edward Davis leads the team alongside the ‘force of nature’ Sue Millar, both acting on highly complex mandates undertaken by the team. Key to the practice is the ‘absolute star’ Genevieve Quierin and the ‘extremely clever and astute’ Stephen Ashley, along with Richard Garcia, who has a ‘tremendous grasp of complex financial arrangements’.

Travers Smith LLP possesses a ‘top quality team for banking work‘ acting on high-profile disputes involving banks, brokers, and fund managers.  The practice has impressive cross-border capabilities, frequently acting on litigation with an international element. ‘Market leader’ Rob Fell sits at the helm of the team, leading many highly complex investigations for clients, with particular expertise in financial services-related disputes. Integral to the team are Caroline Edwards and Toby Robinson, both with experience across a wide range of contentious work across fraud and shareholder disputes, along with Jan-Jaap Baer and Stephanie Lee.

‘First rate litigator’ Neill Shrimpton leads a team at Brown Rudnick LLP that acts on complex, high-value disputes against financial institutions and sovereigns. S90 and S90A FSMA claims are a key strength of the practice that is ‘utterly committed to its clients’. Jane Colston is ‘one of the very best litigators in the market‘, with specific experience in company, shareholders, and partnership disputes. Other noted practitioners include Jessica Lee and at associate level, Razzaq Ahmed.

Dechert LLP boasts an ‘excellent litigation practice’, acting on market-leading multi-jurisdictional banking disputes. Dorothy Cory-Wright leads a team that ‘retains a number of absolutely first-rate disputes lawyers‘, including Adam Silver and ‘stand-out litigator‘ Stephen Surgeoner. At associate level, Ricci Potts and Lisa Borthwick are both ‘responsive and hard-working‘.

Fieldfisher has a ‘very knowledgeable and dedicated team‘ specialising in banking litigation, acting on complex insolvency and contentious regulatory issues. Structured finance transactions are a key strength of the team. Andrew Lafferty is the head of the team, notably acting in the high-profile PrivatBank case. Noted practitioners in the team include Duncan Black, Kit Jarvis, and the ‘knowledgeable but pragmatic‘ Donna Goldsworthy. Priyanka Kapoor - a dual qualified (England & Wales; India) commercial litigator who acts for a number of major banks - joined the team in July 2022.

‘Top tier firm’ Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher boasts a banking litigation practice acting for leading financial institutions across the UK and internationally, with expertise in foreign exchange and Libor-related issues. Clients commend the ‘profound know-how’ of the practice, as well as the ‘way the partners of the law firm are globally connected in a way that provides a significant value-add for clients’. Philip Rocher leads the team. He has extensive experience in the financial services sectors, and regulatory and internal investigations. Lord Charles Falconer KC  ‘remains one of the absolute leading litigators and barristers in London’ and is highly active in the practice.

The banking practice at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is a ‘force to be reckoned with’, with vast experience acting both for and against banks. The team has expertise in high-profile swaps litigation, and is recognised for its digital asset litigation capabilities. ‘Dynamic partner‘ Alex Fox acts as head of business and finance disputes, and leads the ‘dedicated and hard-working team‘ alongside Clare Arthurs and David Niven. The team continues to expand, with the arrival of John Adams from Browne Jacobson LLP in August 2022. Charlotte Hill is another key contact at the firm.

The practice at Reed Smith LLP is ‘very strong on banking and financial services and nice to work with’. It has expertise across regulatory issues, retail banking disputes, and complex structured products. The team has impressive international reach, acting for leading banks and financial institutions on cross-border matters. Tom Webley is the head of a team that includes ‘outstanding litigator‘ Oliver Rawkins, who is ‘excellent at marshalling clear and definitive advice‘. Nick Brocklesby departed from the practice to join Alston & Bird LLP in February 2023.

The banking litigation practice at Sidley Austin LLP is ‘hugely experienced and technically brilliant‘, with the international capabilities of the team allowing it to undertake high-profile, multi-jurisdictional matters. Matthew Shankland leads the unit, notably representing major insurance firm Genworth in a high-value PPI mis-selling claim. Andrew Fox is a further key contact, with extensive experience in complex financial derivative products. Also of note are Alastair Hopwood and the ‘very hard-working and reliable senior associate‘ Sarah Lainchbury.

TLT has a ‘really smart, savvy, commercially astute team‘ with a focus on retail, commercial, and wholesale banking litigation. Mis-selling claims, professional negligence disputes, and investigations are also core strengths. The practice’s client roster includes clearing banks and an increasing amount of international and challenger banks. Clare Stothard oversees matters. She has extensive experience in investment and retail banking litigation. The ‘fantastic strategist’ Paul Gair is a further key contact along with Steven Mills.

Akin has ‘exceptional breadth and the ability to work across practice areas’, excelling at disputes in the financial services sector. Investment disputes are a mainstay of the practice, with particular expertise relating to the distressed debt space, sovereign debt disputes, and intra-creditor disputes. Richard Hornshaw ‘leads an effective and responsive team‘. He is well versed in securities law matters, insolvency, and restructuring.

The banking and financial disputes practice at Collyer Bristow LLP acts on a range of complex business disputes, ranging from high-value contract disputes and professional negligence claims, to contentious insolvency and trusts work. Fintech and crypto are key strengths of the team, as is competition. The team is ‘extremely good with clients’ and has ‘good domain knowledge’. Robin Henry, who specialises in complex FX derivative contracts and mis-selling claims mandates, chairs the practice.

Gowling WLG’s banking litigation expertise extends to regulatory, structure finance, restructuring, and fraud, acting on many high-profile regulatory matters linked to Libor and FX. The team notably acts for JP Morgan on many of its banking disputes. James Sidwell is the head of the practice. He has experience across all aspects of corporate and financial services litigation, including fraud and asset tracing.  Further noted practitioners include Catherine Naylor and Sean Adams.

The ‘hardworking, tenacious, and immediately responsive’ department at Greenberg Traurig, LLP boasts a diverse breadth of experience in finance and banking disputes, advising private equity houses, hedge funds, asset managers, and banks.  Corporate acquisition finance disputes and trade finance disputes are strengths of the firm. Masoud Zabeti is a ‘master of strategy’ and leads a team that includes Mohammed Khamisa KC, a practitioner with experience in multi-jurisdictional cases with a fraud element.

Despite its boutique status, the team at Humphries Kerstetter LLP ‘provides the expertise and service levels of a magic circle firm’, acting for high-value corporates, banks, and individuals. Cross-border work is a mainstay of the firm that handles large-scale interchange litigation and professional negligence work. Joanna Pearson has over two decades of experience in complex financial services litigation and regulatory investigations and is head of the department. Also of note is managing partner of the firm James Russell, who is ‘excellent and hands-on’. Managing associate Chris Louth joined the team from Rosenblatt in January 2023.

Mishcon de Reya LLP‘s banking litigation practice ‘fights hard for its clients, and is commercially savvy’, with longstanding experience of representing clients in banking, corporate finance, and private equity-related disputes. Derval Walsh acts as head of the team. He sports expertise in complex finance and investment disputes. The ‘standout’ Samantha Kakati is integral to the team, acting for multi-billion-dollar financial services clients alongside Edwin Chik and managing associate Jonathan Barnett.

For one client, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP boasts ‘one of the best banking litigation teams in the City’, describing it as ‘dynamic, highly effective, and committed’. The team is particularly strong in the securities litigation sphere, with team head Chris Warren-Smith notably skilled in this area. Also leading the team is Melanie Ryan, who is a ‘great litigator with a very good following’. Ryan represents banks and financial services firms in relation to cross-border regulatory investigations. Peter Sharp yields a ‘fantastic intellect’, and has experience in insolvency and restructuring situations. ‘Brilliant partner’ Paul Mesquitta is another name to note.

PCB Byrne is ‘an excellent firm for banking disputes’ with experience defending claims brought by leading banks. Asset recovery is a strength of the team, as are banking transaction-related cases, and shareholder liability claims. The head of the team Anthony Riem  is a ‘dynamic force’, having acted for major financial institutions for thirty years. Trevor Mascarenhas is a ‘go-to for highly complex banking litigation’ and is integral to the team, as is Nick Ractliff, who has ‘great ability and experience’.

Pinsent Masons LLP‘s practice routinely undertakes high-value banking litigation work for major clients in London, with experience in complex, cross-jurisdictional cases. Derivatives work is a mainstay of the practice, with partner Mike Hawthorne highly active in this area. Hawthorne leads the team alongside partner Stuart McNeill and legal director Jennifer Craven.

Seladore Legal is, for one client, ‘probably the best boutique practice to litigate for investors in massive cases’, with the team focusing on fraud and asset tracing as well as enforcement disputes. The nature of the firm allows the team to routinely act on the claimant side against multinational and state-owend institutions. Head of the team and highly commended Simon Bushell brings a ‘career’s worth of experience’ to a practice that also counts Gary Milner-Moore, Gareth Keillor, and Kevin Kilgour as key contacts.

Squire Patton Boggs offers a banking litigation practice that is ‘friendly, professional,  and time efficient’, with vast experience in financial services, investment mis-selling litigation, complex finance litigation, and private equity disputes. The ‘very experienced professional’ Chris Webber leads the team. He has two decades of experience in financial service litigation. Further key contacts include Stephen Sampson, the national head of litigation, as well as Christian Toms and Hannah Laming.

The banking litigation practice at Taylor Wessing LLP acts on a wide variety of matters, with expertise in hedge fund and financial institution litigation, cryptocurrency disputes, and insolvency-related disputes. The team is able to rely on the experience of the fraud department of the firm, both domestically and internationally. Andrew Howell and Laurence Lieberman lead the practice, the latter with specific expertise in life sciences and financial services. Richard Viegas and Nick Storrs are also noted.

Burges Salmon LLP‘s banking litigation practice consists of ‘very capable litigators‘, acting for clients across the full spectrum of disputes related to financial institutions, including derivatives, securitisations, and acquisition finance. Mis-selling cases, and providing advice to financial service providers who are under investigation by the FCA are also strengths of the unit. Team leader Andrew Burnette has a practice focusing on company and shareholder litigation, with in-depth knowledge of the banking sector. Further key contacts include David Hall and Matthew Walker.

Foot Anstey‘s banking and finance litigation practice has widespread expertise across fraud, regulatory and compliance, and payment disputes. SME disputes and recoveries, enforcements, and receivership work are further areas of strength for the practice. Mark Rhys-Jones, James Gliddon, and Steven Richards make up the leadership team.

‘Up-and-coming boutique firm‘ Keidan Harrison acts for domestic and international businesses, private equity funds, and high-net-worth individuals on a range of banking litigation-related matters. Disputes related to loan repayments, crypto, and enforcement actions brought by banks are areas of activity for the team. The ‘enormously driven, hugely innovative, charismatic and energetic‘ Marc Keidan leads the team alongside Luke Tucker Harrison.

The banking litigation practice at Wallace LLP consists of ‘exceptional thinkers who are detailed, thoughtful, and pragmatic with a focus on their clients’. The team regularly acts on complex, multi-jurisdictional banking and financial service disputes, and has impressive group litigation capabilities.  The ‘tactically astute’ Alexander Weinberg leads the team, and is commended for his ‘excellent knowledge of procedure, including of litigation funding’. Also of note are Oli Goldman, and at associate level, Philip Blyghton, who is ‘extremely efficient and industrious’. 

Boutique firm Zaiwalla & Co has ‘excellent experience in complex international banking disputes‘, acting regularly for and against major state banks. Team head Sarosh Zaiwalla has over 40 years of experience in multi-jurisdictional banking litigation, with particular expertise in international sanctions-related matters. ‘Expert lawyer’ Leigh Crestohl and ‘standout partner‘ Kartik Mittal are also noted.