Debevoise & Plimpton LLP remains a go-to firm for complex international regulatory investigations and corporate crime matters, with experience in attaining successful outcomes for a wide range of clients in highly regulated industries, including energy, minerals, defence, and financial services. The firm leverages its US and global footprint in cross-border proceedings, and has seen success in negotiating DPAs alongside securing acquittals for clients facing regulatory and criminal enforcement action by the likes of the SFO, FCA, and US DOJ, including ongoing work for key clients Rolls Royce and Royal Dutch Shell. The ‘pre-eminent‘ team is headed up by Peter Goldsmith KC, who remains active in international white collar proceedings and arbitrations, alongside Karolos Seeger, who continues to offer broad expertise across bribery, corruption, and AML proceedings on a global basis, regularly appearing successfully against enforcement bodies. Jane Shvets offers ‘outstanding, well rounded‘ advice to corporate clients on regulatory compliance audits and internal investigations, as well as regulatory actions, while Konstantin Bureiko is an international counsel with particular expertise in sanctions and international trade work. At associate level, ‘superstar‘ Thomas Jenkins advises clients on anti-corruption and fraud investigations, as well as on regulatory compliance, including compliance with DPAs, while Andrew Lee specialises in FCA proceedings, including litigation.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP continues to be a go-to practice for major global corporations facing both criminal prosecutions and regulatory investigations, with multijurisdictional expertise across bribery, corruption, sanctions, and market abuse proceedings. The firm enjoys productive relations with UK and international regulatory and agencies, as well as global law enforcement, and also has an active advisory practice, working particularly actively with energy and financial services clients on the impacts of Russian sanctions, as well as on internal compliance audits and emerging regulatory risks relating to ESG and internal culture. The ‘world class‘ team is led by Susannah Cogman, who has strong expertise across compliance and regulatory investigations mandates, particularly relating to cross-border money laundering cases, while Dan Hudson is a key name for corporate investigations into financial crime, both internal and external. ‘One of the best there is‘, Brian Spiro represents a broad corporate client base in major UK corporate crime investigations, as well as actions by global regulators. Rob Hunt returned from a secondment at the SFO in late 2021, and brings significant regulatory expertise as well as notable capabilities in cross-border work from his time working in Hong Kong, while Kate Meakin is noted for adroitly balancing corporate investigations with parallel litigation and civil proceedings. Counsel Elizabeth Head is a key name for financial crime, senior associate Kathryn Boyd has a particular specialism in anti-bribery and corruption proceedings, and Jessica Chappatte, also a senior associate, works closely with UK regulatory bodies and law enforcement in defending high-profile prosecutions.

Simmons & Simmons remains highly active on behalf of major UK and international corporates facing major regulatory investigations across the spectrum of financial crime issues, encompassing corruption, fraud, money laundering, and trade sanctions. The firm’s clients include major names in financial services, energy, natural resources, and technology, and the team is able to offer industry-specific expertise, as well as complementary capabilities in civil fraud, regulatory issues, data, and corporate governance, regularly handling internal investigations on behalf of companies facing potential charges or seeking to review compliance policies. The practice is led by the vastly experienced duo of Nick Benwell  and Stephen Gentle, both of whom have successful records in acting for corporate clients in regulatory investigations, including multijurisdictional proceedings by the likes of the FCO, SFA, and international enforcement bodies. Camilla De Silva was previously a senior official at the SFO and brings strong prosecutor-side experience, as well as knowledge of regulatory agency developments and strategy, acting for a number of key global businesses. Counsel Cherie Spinks has significant criminal law expertise, regularly representing companies facing regulatory and criminal prosecutions, while managing associate Emily Agnoli continues to bolster her growing reputation in high-profile internal and external investigations on a global basis. Fellow managing associate Alexandra Webster co-ordinates parallel civil, criminal, and regulatory proceedings, playing a key role in complex international mandates.

The ‘highly regarded expert team‘ at Slaughter and May plays a leading role in major ongoing SFO cases, including representing the likes of British American Tobacco and John Wood Group in high-profile proceedings. The firm offers strong criminal and regulatory expertise, with a focus on complex investigations, often involving multijurisdictional elements, relating to bribery, corruption, market abuse, and sanctions issues, as well as providing compliance advice on international trade and AML policies. The practice is led by the ‘superb‘ Richard Swallow , Jonathan Cotton , and Ewan Brown , each of whom offer extensive expertise in complex SFO and international regulatory investigations and prosecutions, while Holly Ware is noted for her global investigations work, largely acting against the FCA and SFO. James Stacey  has a strong record in work for listed companies and financial services entities, while Gayathri Kamalanathan has in-house financial services expertise and specialises in regulatory investigations and litigation within the industry. Senior counsel Ella Williams continues to play a key role in complex regulatory prosecutions as well as providing compliance advice.

Addleshaw Goddard continues to expand its footprint in high-profile, complex white-collar criminal investigations, representing a diverse range of businesses facing allegations of money laundering, fraud, bribery and corruption, as well as handling unique issues relating to blackmail, crypto assets, and sanctions, alongside representing companies in actions against former directors and employees. Alongside regular work for domestic clients against the SFO, NCA, and FCA, among others, the firm is also increasing its share of cross-border investigations, including those led by the US DOJ and other global agencies. The team is led by the ‘tenacious‘ Nichola Peters, a key name for global investigations and white collar defence proceedings, with Michelle De Kluyver praised for her ‘thorough and strategic‘ work in complex, cross-border financial crime cases, including international government investigations. Polly Sprenger has in-house SFO expertise and notable capabilities in asset recovery and fraud proceedings. Sarah Thomas represents asset managers, insurers, and other financial services companies in investigations relating to lending, governance and culture, and management accountability.

Allen & Overy LLP has a global footprint in regulatory and criminal investigations into corporate crime, with a particularly strong record in acting for multinationals in key sectors such as financial services, healthcare, tech, and energy in complex proceedings brought by the SFO, FCA, and international enforcement bodies including the DOJ and SEC. The firm offers strong contentious expertise, allowing it to represent clients through to the prosecution and enforcement stage, and also advises clients throughout internal investigations, both into regulatory compliance issues relating to money laundering, bribery, corruption, and antitrust issues, as well as handling emerging issues such as ESG, workplace harassment, and culture. Arnondo Chakrabarti leads the team alongside the ‘incredibly experienced‘ Eve Giles, with both acting for a strong range of FTSE-listed companies, multinationals, and financial institutions across complex proceedings, while Calum Burnett and Jonathan Hitchin are key names for financial services and cartel investigations respectively. Sarah Hitchins and Brandon O’Neil are also highly accomplished financial crime practitioners, and senior associates Robin Marshall and Hayley Humphries both offer high-level expertise in corporate investigations, including cross-border proceedings across a variety of industries.

Baker McKenzie combines global regulatory compliance, risk management, and criminal defence expertise, allowing the firm to act for a wide range of multinationals and major listed companies in the UK and internationally throughout high-stakes regulatory investigations and prosecutions brought by enforcement bodies such as the SFO, HMRC, US DOJ, and SEC, as well as advising companies on internal investigations and compliance issues, both in anticipation of and response to regulatory investigations.  The firm offers regulatory expertise, with a number of team members having previously worked at key regulators, and has in-depth knowledge of key legislation such as the Bribery Act and Criminal Finance Act, as well as strong capabilities in handling AML, asset forfeiture, and market manipulation cases, as well as proceedings in emerging areas such as modern slavery. The ‘uniquely broad‘ team is overseen by Joanna Ludlam , who takes the lead on global compliance and investigations work, with an international and high-profile client base, business crime head Charles Thomson , who has represented clients throughout multi-jurisdictional criminal proceedings, financial institutions chair Jonathan Peddie , who combines advocacy expertise with ‘many years of senior banking experience‘, and Sunny Mann, who co-heads the compliance and investigation practice, as well as leading on the firm’s London-based international trade work.

Clifford Chance LLP has played a key role in a number of high-profile FCA and SFO investigations on behalf of major domestic and international corporates and financial institutions, alongside global investigations by tax authorities and regulatory enforcement agencies. The team regularly handles major follow-on cases, including the application of DPAs, and also has strong expertise in Emerging Market Jurisdiction investigations and sector-wide investigations, including the ongoing Ofgem investigation into the energy sector. ‘Outstanding leader and lawyer’ Luke Tolaini, leads the team, offering strong experience across internal investigations and board-level responses to multijurisdictional investigations including significant reputational risk to clients. Michael Lyons focuses on financial crime investigations, advising several major financial institutions on issues such as money laundering, sanctions, and corruption, while Christopher David handles cross-border corporate and internal investigations for multinationals. Associate Matthew Lee has an emerging reputation for complex financial crime investigations, and fellow associate Ellen Lake specialises in internal and external investigations, compliance, and risk management issues.

Dechert LLP recruited leading white-collar practitioner Judith Seddon as a co-head of its team from Ropes & Gray LLP in March 2022, adding significant expertise in multijurisdictional investigations into corporate fraud, money laundering, corruption, and regulatory violations brought by the SFO and FCA, as well as global prosecuting authorities. Seddon joins a team focused on international corporate representations against regulatory prosecutions and investigations, as well as internal investigations into both financial and regulatory malfeasance, co-led by dual US-qualified Roger Burlingame, who is noted for his role in high-profile complex regulatory and internal investigations on behalf of a range of global businesses and financial institutions. Other key members of the team include Matthew Banham, who specialises in financial crime investigations and ESG-related matters, and Dorothy Cory-Wright, who played a key high-profile role advising the former Court of Appeal judge leading the investigation into the Financial Conduct Authority’s regulation of London Capital & Finance. Evan Flowers and Daniel Natoff were promoted to partnership in January 2022, while Simon Fawell and Matthew Cowie departed the firm in November 2021 and June 2022 respectively. Since publication, Caroline Black  left the firm in February 2023.

Greenberg Traurig, LLP‘s team was joined by Hannah Blom-Cooper from Mishcon de Reya LLP in October 2021, and continues to act for major international corporates in a combination of high-stakes regulatory and criminal investigations, as well as internal compliance audits relating to issues such as money laundering, modern slavery, and greenwashing, among others. The practice was further bolstered by Rebecca Meads‘ arrival from Peters & Peters Solicitors LLP in April 2022, and offers specialist criminal defence expertise, alongside international regularly capabilities, and is able to represent clients before the SFO, FCA, and US DOJ, among other global enforcement agencies. Since publication, Jo Rickards left the practice.

The 'brilliant' team at Hogan Lovells International LLP specialises in complex regulatory and internal investigations, acting for a combination of major FTSE-listed and multinational clients throughout SFO and FCA proceedings, including prosecutions, as well as working on global investigations relating to emerging issues such as modern slavery, ESG compliance, and internal policies. The firm combines its investigations expertise with strong in-house criminal and trade capabilities, allowing it to represent clients facing UK and international regulatory enforcement actions as well as emerging sanctions issues, both pertaining to the UK, EU, and US sanctions regimes. Claire Lipworth is a key name for financial services regulatory issues, including FCA investigations, on behalf of major banks and financial institutions. Liam Naidoo  co-ordinates government-led and internal investigations into corruption, and has experience of regulatory regimes in a variety of jurisdictions, while counsel Alex Hohl combines investigations and white-collar litigation expertise.

Offering significant cross-border investigations expertise, the team at Kirkland & Ellis International LLP works with a global client base spanning multiple key sectors on a combination of internal investigations and regulatory compliance advisory matters, alongside high-stakes interactions with regulatory agencies relating to allegations of money laundering, fraud, and corruption. The firm has experience in dealing with key UK agencies such as the SFO, NCA, FCA, and FRC, as well as US and European enforcement bodies, and has notable strengths in three-cornered sanctions cases where clients face sanctions in all three key jurisdictions, as well as advice to private equity funds and portfolio companies. Satnam Tumani, whose expertise encompasses internal and external corporate investigations and regulatory compliance advice on a global basis, leads the team alongside Marcus Thompson, a specialist in financial crime who has been particularly active on complex global sanctions mandates. Andrew Butel  is a key name within the team for multinational investigations, acting for a combination of listed companies and international businesses, while managing associate Patrick Navein continues to bolster his reputation for investigations and corporate compliance work in the fields of economic sanctions, AML, and corruption.

Linklaters LLP acts for a broad client base, including several FTSE-listed companies, encompassing industries such as TMT, financial services, and energy, handling the full spectrum of financial crime proceedings, including bribery, money laundering, and tax evasion. Alongside SFO and FCA investigations into financial crime, the firm also represents clients facing broader corporate criminal allegations, such as Environment Agency investigations, as well as supporting teams internally through investigations, compliance matters, and board-level risk and reputation management issues. Practice head Alison Wilson leads the firm’s global disputes practice, and specialising in contentious financial regulatory cases, regularly representing clients against the FCA. Martyn Hopper  focuses on regulatory advice to financial institutions, and Satindar Dogra  is a vastly experienced corporate crime practitioner, and has advised clients on investigations and compliance issues relating to corruption, money laundering, and sanctions violations, among others. Former DPP Alison Saunders co-heads the firm’s business crime team, and brings deep expertise in criminal defence proceedings, with counsel Elly Proudlock also a key name for high-stakes SFO investigations into allegations of financial crime.

‘Tough defenders but sensible and approachable’, the team at Macfarlanes LLP advises an international corporate client base on bribery, corruption, and other financial crime issues, encompassing regulatory and criminal investigations brought by international enforcement agencies, as well as internal compliance audits. The firm has a particularly strong record in AML advice, and has also seen an uptick in sanctions work, both with regard to enforcement and compliance. The vastly experienced ‘genuine star‘ Neill Blundell heads up the team, and combines deep regulatory and criminal defence expertise, acting across the full range of financial crime matters for a diverse client base. Barry Donnelly  handles multijurisdictional investigations by the likes of the SFO and US DOJ, while senior solicitor Helen Harvey plays an increasingly key role in criminal tax investigations and sanctions work.

Norton Rose Fulbright brings to bear its multijurisdictional regulatory investigations, international trade, and white-collar criminal defence expertise in acting for an array of major global corporates and financial institutions throughout high-profile and complex proceedings, including SFO and FCA investigations, prosecutions by UK and US enforcement agencies, and internal compliance reviews relating to financial services regulations, ESG, and other emerging issues. The practice, led by the experienced duo of Patrick Bourke and Neil O’May, offers a broad range of experience, with key names including Ruth Cowley, who combines litigation and investigations expertise, David Harris, who handles regulatory compliance and cross-border investigations relating to financial crime, and Andrew Reeves, a go-to for cross border compliance work who is increasingly active on the sanctions front. Counsel Stuart Neely focuses on internal compliance investigations relating to bribery and corruption, money-laundering, fraud and ESG issues, while senior associate Claudia Culley handles high-profile mandates for financial institutions and corporates relating to regulatory breaches. Lista Cannon has moved into a senior consultant role.

The ‘incredibly strong‘ team at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP focuses on complex cross-border, multi-agency regulatory investigations and criminal enforcement actions, utilising its global footprint to act for a combination of major UK, European, and US public companies facing major SFO, US DOJ, FCA, and other regulatory agency investigations, as well as internal compliance audits relating to sanctions regimes, AML, ESG, and internal culture. ‘Skilled advisor‘ Ryan Junck heads up the European white-collar team, representing corporations in multinational regulatory investigations, with particular strength in dealing with US agencies, while ‘inspiring team leader‘ Elizabeth Robertson is also a go-to for multijurisdictional business crime and regulatory matters, as well as major UK-domiciled proceedings. Andrew Good contributes notable US agency expertise, co-ordinating DOJ, SEC, and CFTC investigations, while European counsel Vanessa McGoldrick continues to further her strong record in cross-border corruption, financial crime, and corporate fraud cases, including parallel civil and criminal investigations.

Stephenson Harwood offers deep regulatory and criminal investigations expertise, including in-house trial experience alongside integrated capabilities in commercial litigation and corporate governance. The ‘detailed and meticulous‘ team acts for a wide variety of international corporates facing UK and US regulatory enforcement actions, handling interviews and responses to enforcement actions, as well as internal investigations into culture and regulatory compliance, and has a particularly notable record in acting before The Pensions Regulator alongside the SFO, FCA, and US DOJ, among other global regulators and agencies. Practice head Sean Jeffrey has a successful record in high-stakes investigations relating to financial crime, sanctions, and has represented global corporates and financial institutions before UK and EU authorities, while Justin McClelland is highly praised for his ‘impeccably thorough‘ work across internal investigations and cross-border investigations into issues such as bribery, corruption, and market abuse. Alan Ward was promoted to partner in May 2022, and leads on regulatory investigations for a number of major clients, while senior associate Ellen Gallagher is an increasingly key member of the team, most notably playing a leading role in advising the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission on a statutory investigation into the collapse of Enterprise Insurance Company. Tony Woodcock retired from partnership, and has taken on a senior consultant role.

Praised as ‘at the top of their field when dealing with high value, complex matters‘, the team at Willkie Farr & Gallagher (UK) LLP represents major domestic and international corporates facing financial crime allegations, and is able to handle internal and regulatory investigations, compliance issues, and prosecutions, as well as parallel civil fraud proceedings. The practice, led by the ‘different class‘ Peter Burrell , benefits from significant cross-border expertise, particularly relating to the US, and is able to handle multijurisdictional bribery and corruption, money laundering, and fraud investigations, with dual US/UK-qualified Rita Mitchell  a key name for global investigations by the likes of the SFO, FCPA, and US DOJ. Simon Osborn-King has defended multinationals in diverse industries before UK regulators, and also contributes to the firm’s civil fraud capabilities, alongside providing significant regulatory expertise, while senior associate Michael Thorne is noted for his expertise in international financial and trade sanctions and modern slavery work.

Utilising its global footprint in white-collar crime, regulatory investigations, and prosecutions, the team at Arnold & Porter represents multinational corporates across a diverse range of sectors in internal and external investigations into issues such as bribery and corruption, regulatory compliance, and tax evasion issues, with strong US-UK and cross-border capabilities more broadly. Practice head Kathleen Harris has long-standing expertise in board-level advice, working with high-profile public companies and their leadership teams on complex investigations, often with significant reputational risk attached. She is supported by specialist litigator Sean Curran, who represents clients in fields including finance and tech in regulatory and criminal trials, opposing the likes of the SFO, FCA, and US DOJ. Senior associate Melissa Dames plays a key role in multijurisdictional economic crime cases, encompassing investigations and prosecutions, and has complementary experience in related civil litigation.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner combines criminal defence expertise, regularly representing businesses and senior executives in SFO and FCA investigations into bribery, corporate malfeasance, and money laundering, with a global investigations capability, handling internal and regulatory investigations for a global client base and regularly collaborating with the firm’s European and US offices. The practice is led by Sarah Klein, an experienced investigations practitioner who acts for an array of multinationals and financial institutions on internal and external investigations, both relating to regulatory compliance as well as white-collar criminal issues. Polly James is particularly strong in criminal defence work, acting for a combination of corporate and individual clients, while Mukul Chawla, an experienced barrister, remains active as a consultant. Senior associate Naomi Miles is noted for her standout financial services regulatory expertise, including in-house experience, and leading role in a number of key client relationships.

Leveraging the firm’s strong US connections and connections to the financial services space, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP represents international businesses and financial institutions in SFO, FCA, and HMRC investigations into corporate crime, market abuse, and fraud, as well as coordinating cross-border defence proceedings involving global law enforcement and regulatory bodies. The team, led by the highly experienced duo of Mark Beardsworth and Kevin Roberts , also advises clients on internal investigations into issues such as the Senior Managers Regime, money laundering, and broad regulatory compliance concerns. Also of note is the firm’s litigation expertise, both within London and in conjunction with US offices, allowing it to represent clients from pre-charge through to criminal prosecutions. Senior counsel Duncan Grieve is also a key team member, advising and representing a wide range of clients, including multinationals, both on internal corporate investigations and in investigation and prosecution by regulatory bodies.

With key involvements in high-profile bribery and corruption investigations within professional and financial services, the team at Clyde & Co remains a strong choice for sensitive fraud and white-collar proceedings in the UK and internationally, with additional key expertise in areas such as UK, EU, and US sanctions and dawn raid response. The firm regularly engages with the SFO, FCA, NCA, and international enforcement bodies, working in collaboration with its international offices on multi-jurisdictional investigations. The team is led by John Whittaker, who specialises in international trading issues, alongside Fergal Cathie, who has standout expertise in professional services fraud and malpractice investigations, representing a number of high-profile lawyers. The ‘tenacious‘ Charles Kuhn focuses on the financial services space, primarily handling market abuse, insider dealing, and money laundering proceedings.

CMS offers a multidisciplinary team with expertise in financial services regulation and enforcement, competition law, employment issues, risk, and data protection, among other issues, and is able to advise a diverse range of international corporates on regulatory investigations and internal compliance issues, alongside representing in enforcement proceedings and legal challenges. The firm has notable expertise in acting for clients subject to Account Freezing Orders, as well as representing clients throughout CMA investigations, as well as challenging fines and other sanctions resulting from said proceedings. The ‘very well integrated‘ and ‘cohesive‘ practice works regularly with teams elsewhere in the firm’s global offices, and is led from London by Eoin O’Shea, who regularly represents clients in high-stakes fraud proceedings, and Omar Qureshi, who is praised for his ‘strong judgement‘ in antibribery, financial crime, and criminal risk matters. Alison McHaffie specialises in financial services regulatory investigations and enforcement proceedings, while Brian Sher takes the lead on the firm’s CMA enforcement work, with a strong focus on the life sciences sector. Senior associate Amy Wilkinson has a growing reputation in the market for internal investigations and financial crime compliance issues.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher represents an international corporate client base throughout UK and global white-collar crime cases, ranging from criminal defence proceedings through to regulatory investigations, with clients in fields such as financial services, media, entertainment, and professional services. The team leverages the firm’s global platform for complex cross-border proceedings, including those brought by the SFO, FCA, US DOJ, and SEC, among other agencies and enforcement bodies, with financial services fraud, corruption, and market manipulation cases a particular strength. Senior disputes partner Philip Rocher oversees the team, which also includes standout practitioners Sacha Harber-Kelly, who remains a key name for complex financial crime prosecutions, criminal and regulatory investigations specialist Patrick Doris, and Allan Neil, whose expertise includes internal and regulatory investigations, particularly cross-border tax crossing cases.

The well-established duo of Barry Vitou and Anne-Marie Ottaway joined HFW from Greenberg Traurig, LLP in October 2021, bringing with them their successful investigations practice, which includes a number of international corporate and financial services clients. The two lead the new practice at the firm, which provides criminal and civil support throughout regulatory investigations, and has strong cross-border capabilities, with sector focuses including financial services, aviation, energy, and resources. The team combines a strong record in SFO, FCA, and international regulatory and enforcement actions with integrated corporate, transactional, and employment support, also carrying out internal compliance audits for clients, as well as dealing with reputational damage issues. Vitou continues to represent KBR in its successful case against the SFO in the Supreme Court, in a standout ongoing mandate. Another key member of the team is Daniel Martin, who has broad expertise in cross-border economic and trade sanctions, particularly as they relate to the shipping and aviation industries.

Jenner & Block LLP represents international businesses in sensitive regulatory investigations and government enforcement actions, as well as advising on compliance and strategic risk management issues. The firm has a strong record in cross-border work, particularly as pertains to the US, and acts for clients in a wide range of industries, including financial services, real estate, energy, and pharma, with strong capabilities in issues such as sanctions violations, corruption, and corporate fraud, alongside associated expertise in areas such as ESG and human rights. Practice head Christine Braamskamp has great experience in advising multinationals on complex investigatory matters, as well as representing them in criminal and enforcement proceedings, while Paul Feldberg is active in SFO and FCA investigations, offering in-house regulatory expertise from his time at the SFO. Rob Dalling is another key team member with trial experience, and represents key clients in major internal and external investigations relating to financial crime and other issues. Lucy Blake regularly handles cross-border investigations into areas including business crime, business ethics, and internal culture.

With a major global client base encompassing corporates and financial institutions, the team at Latham & Watkins specialises in multi-jurisdictional investigations into issues such as money laundering violations, anti-bribery and corruption issues, and anti-competitive behaviour, co-ordinating cross-border internal investigations alongside responding to UK and US regulatory proceedings, from initial notification through to enforcement action. The firm has been particularly active in sanctions work during 2022, advising its clients on UK, EU, and US sanctions regimes towards Russia, as well as advising global clients on responding to Russian-imposed sanctions. The practice is led by Nathan Seltzer, a US-qualified lawyer practicing from London, and offering broad expertise in internal investigations and government criminal and regulatory actions, alongside former SFO Fraud Division head and 'exceptional contentious advisor' Stuart Alford KC, a financial crime and regulatory specialist with notable capabilities in corruption, money-laundering, and fraud cases.

Mishcon de Reya LLP strengthened its team in February 2022, recruiting global investigations specialist Alison Geary from WilmerHale and Kizzy Augustin, who offers bespoke expertise in corporate manslaughter and health and safety issues, from Russell-Cooke LLP. The new arrivals join a practice that acts for a wide range of corporate clients, including domestic and international businesses, throughout UK and global regulatory investigations and criminal proceedings, offering contentious expertise across the full range of fraud and corruption issues. The firm also has a strong capability in internal investigations, particularly relating to emerging issues such as ESG, modern slavery, and workplace harassment as they relate to potential prosecutions. Practice head Johanna Walsh has experience in high-stakes regulatory proceedings as well as internal investigations, with particular expertise in Proceeds of Crime Act issues, while Matthew Ewens regularly handles cross-border bribery and corruption cases brought by the SFO and other agencies. Senior associate Min Weaving contributes strongly to financial services and banking sector proceedings, with in-house financial services regulatory experience. Jo Rickards joined Greenberg Traurig, LLP.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP offers strong expertise in criminal and regulatory investigations into financial crime, handling allegations of market abuse and insider trading, corruption, and tax issues in proceedings brought by UK, US, and other international regulators and enforcement agencies. Clients include a number of international financial institutions, alongside high-profile corporates and charities. As well as enjoying productive relationships with its US and global offices in cross-border mandates, the firm also works closely with its London-based employment, corporate governance, and commercial litigation teams, allowing it to act in a broad range of complex cases, including contentious proceedings as well as internal investigations into culture and broad regulatory compliance. The team is co-led by Melanie Ryan , who heads up the firm’s financial crime disputes and investigations team, offering experience of the Financial Services & Markets Act, and has represented clients before the SFO, FCA, and US DOJ, among others. Co-head Chris Warren-Smith is deputy chair of the firm’s global investigations practice, and handles the full range of regulatory proceedings, including pre and post-investigation advice on compliance and strategy, alongside representing clients through accompanying litigation and enforcement actions.

The London-based team at 'worldwide investigations powerhouse' Paul Hastings LLP continues to be active across a number of high-profile and complex corporate investigations and prosecutions, including cases led by both the SFO and US DOJ, regularly involving cross-border allegations of bribery and corruption, market abuse, money laundering, and executive malfeasance. The team represents multinationals in a variety of industries, led by the 'formidable' Jonathan Pickworth, who offers vast experience across corporate regulatory investigations and criminal defence work. Joanna Dimmock is another specialist criminal defence practitioner who regularly contributes to high-stakes proceedings, and is praised by clients as 'outstandingly able'.

Peters & Peters Solicitors LLP stands out for its  contentious and litigation capabilities, regularly representing corporate clients in high-stakes criminal investigations and prosecutions relating to corporate crime and regulatory breaches, defending clients in court in cases relating to fraud, corruption, cartel activity, and sanctions violations brought by domestic and international regulatory bodies. The firm also co-ordinates multijurisdictional investigations, both internal and external, and has a notable capability in bringing and defending private prosecutions. Nick Vamos leads the team, and utilises his law enforcement expertise to guide corporate clients through sensitive cross-border investigations relating to issues such as money laundering and terrorist financing, while senior partner Michael O’Kane  is also active in high-profile international cases, including cartel, bribery, and sanctions proceedings, as well as cases with significant extradition elements. Jasvinder Nakhwal  has represented clients before UK and international prosecution authorities, and has a notable specialism in working with businesses facing politically motivated actions by foreign governments. Anna Bradshaw  is a go-to for SFO investigations and prosecutions, into fraud and money laundering allegations. Hannah Laming left the firm in July 2022.

With a strong focus on high-value, complex global investigations, both internal and external, RPC is a strong choice for international clients facing regulatory scrutiny and criminal prosecutions, able to offer expertise across corporate crime and regulatory issues relating to bribery, corruption, trade and export controls, and sanctions, among others. The team is led by ‘savvy operator‘ Sam Tate, who has handled cases brought by the SFO, US DOJ, and FCA, including negotiating two major DPAs, and is able to draw upon the firm’s tax and corporate governance expertise across a variety of sectors. A former HMRC official, Adam Craggs specialises in criminal tax investigations, and Michelle Sloane is a key name for financial crime litigation. At senior associate level, the ‘hardworking‘ Lucy Kerr regularly represents major corporates in financial crime and regulatory investigations, including playing a leading role in DPA negotiations, while Kate Langley has worked as an independent reviewer of DPA compliance alongside advising a number of high-profile clients on regulatory audits, and Alice Kemp, a qualified barrister also admitted in New Zealand, has prosecuted and defended financial crime cases brought by the SFO, as well as handling asset seizure and account freezing orders.

White & Case LLP has a strong record in corporate financial crime work, most notably that of its UK and EU international sanctions team. The practice co-ordinates defence for clients facing investigations by the FCA, SFO, HM Revenue and Customs, and other enforcement agencies, and also conducts internal investigations for clients facing allegations of money laundering, tax evasion, trade-based malfeasance, and fraud. Alongside its European expertise, the firm also benefits from its global platform, allowing it to handle cross-border investigations for both domestic and international clients. The practice is led by the up-and-coming pair of Jonah Anderson and Anneka Randhawa, both specialist financial crime lawyers with strong records in cross-border proceedings.

Ashurst advises a diverse and international client base, including financial services institutions alongside energy and infrastructure companies, on regulatory investigations and prosecutions brought by international regulators and enforcement agencies, as well as advising clients on internal compliance issues and risk management matters. The team is engaged in ongoing SFO investigations, and is able to handle multi-jurisdictional proceedings relating to fraud, money laundering, sanctions, and market abuse, leveraging the firm’s international platform. Ruby Hamid leads the practice, and has great experience both prosecuting and defending the full range of corporate malfeasance and financial crime cases, while Ross Denton takes the lead on international sanctions and trade matters.

The ‘excellent team‘ at BCL Solicitors LLP is increasingly active on behalf of corporate clients facing financial crime investigations and charges, with areas of focus including money laundering, account freezing orders, and Unexplained Wealth Orders. The firm acts for a diverse client base, including high-profile names in professional services as well as trustees and charities, and also has a strong record in complex compliance advice alongside its criminal representations. Senior partner Ian Burton oversees the team alongside John Binns , a key name for Proceeds of Crime Act work and cross-border investigations, as well as compliance advice on complex issues such as cannabis. Richard Reichman  has notable expertise in health and safety issues and internal investigations, while senior associate Anoushka Warlow is noted for her work on challenging search warrants and unlawful retention of evidence during complex corruption proceedings.

Cohen & Gresser (UK) LLP deepened its corporate crime and investigations expertise with the February 2022 arrivals of former SFO Director David Green KC from Slaughter and May  and Andrew Mitchell KC, an expert in asset seizure and the Proceeds of Crime Act, from 33 Chancery Lane. They join a team with capabilities across corporate crime, particularly financial crime, regulatory investigations, and criminal defence proceedings, with a team of experienced advocates also able to draw on the firm’s international expertise in acting for international clients and in cross-border cases. The practice is led by former senior SFO official John Gibson, a specialist in bribery and corruption cases, alongside Richard Kovalevsky KC, who has a successful record in criminal defence proceedings, and is involved in a standout high-profile financial crime case on behalf of KBR, involving both the SFO and the US DOJ.

DLA Piper works with an international corporate and financial services client base across the full range of criminal and regulatory matters, with notable strength in financial crime work, including regulatory and internal investigations, compliance advice, and support throughout criminal proceedings. The firm has novel areas of expertise in cyber crime, including criminal data breaches and cyber risk advice, reflected in the work of legal director David Cook. The practice is overseen by experience corporate crime advisers Tony Katz, who co-ordinates cross-border investigations, particularly in the financial services space, and Sam Millar, who has a strong focus on litigation in financial crime cases. Laura Ford  is also a key member of the team.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP acts for a combination of high-profile corporates, including several FTSE-listed businesses, as well as leading financial institutions, across financial crime investigations, internal compliance matters, and throughout enforcement proceedings, and is particularly noted for its position on the FCA Skilled Person panel, reflecting its strength in advising regulated financial services firms on compliance issues. The nationwide practice is headed by Manchester-based Zia Ullah , who has an international practice encompassing anti-bribery and corruption work and money laundering advice, and strong international sanctions capabilities, and is a regular advisor to major financial institutions. In London, Emma Gordon  is a key name for cross-border corporate investigations, regularly interacting with UK and US regulatory bodies and enforcement agencies.

Fieldfisher has developed its corporate crime offering with the arrival of practice head Quinton Newcomb and Shiv Haria-Shah from Fulcrum Chambers Ltd in December 2021 and January 2022 respectively, both qualified barristers with extensive corporate crime expertise, both in co-ordinating responses to regulatory investigations and representing clients throughout criminal prosecutions and enforcement proceedings. The team handles investigations by the likes of the SFO and FCA, as well as cross-border proceedings, with a strong focus on regulator-led financial crime proceedings. Clients include international businesses, public sector organisations, and governments. Other key team members include Tony Lewis, a specialist in Bribery Act and multijurisdictional corruption proceedings, and senior associate Elliott Kenton, whose focuses include internal investigations and representing corporate victims of economic crime. ‘Outstanding‘ senior associate William Glover joined in January 2022 from 3TG Barristers, bringing experience from the Bar in fraud prosecutions, as well as supporting the team in corporate investigations.

Jones Day works closely with its global disputes and investigations teams on cross-border regulatory investigations and criminal proceedings, representing international businesses in cases relating to money laundering, bribery, and fraud, with cross-border asset tracing, enforcement, and recovery particularly notable capabilities for the firm. Also of note is the firm’s work on investigations emerging from high-profile retail collapses and cross-border insolvencies, in many cases where allegations of wrongdoing emerged some time after the collapse of the business. The practice is led by global disputes head Sion Richards , who is heavily involved in multi-jurisdictional fraud and corruption investigations, alongside former senior SFO official Glyn Powell, a key name for complex economic crime proceedings. Adam Brown  is also active in representing corporates and financial institutions throughout cross-border investigations by the SFO, SEC, and other international enforcement agencies.

King & Spalding LLP is active in representing major corporates and financial institutions, including standout client Deutsche Bank, in a wide range of financial crime cases, including high-stakes foreign exchange and misappropriation cases before UK and US courts, facing charges brought by regulators in the US and UK, as well as advising clients on due diligence and internal compliance issues relating to global anti-bribery and AML regulations. The firm’s cross-border expertise is notable, both due to the team’s ability to leverage its global presence, as well as the international expertise of the team, with practice co-head Aaron Stephens dual UK and US-qualified, and regularly co-ordinating criminal defence proceedings for major clients on both sides of the Atlantic. Co-head Robert Dedman focuses on financial services sector compliance work, while Joanna Harris is a senior associate with standout expertise in fraud and white-collar criminal defence matters on behalf of corporate and financial services clients.

With a team of specialised and experienced criminal lawyers, Kingsley Napley LLP advises and represents corporate clients throughout high-stakes criminal and regulatory proceedings relating to issues such as serious fraud, financial crime, bribery, and emerging matters including modern slavery and ESG, with a strong focus on cradle-to-grave support from pre-investigation to charge, through to in-court representations. The firm is able to draw upon in-house corporate governance and data protection expertise for complex investigations, and also has cross-border connections, allowing it to play a key role in multijurisdictional cases. Practice head Louise Hodges  works with corporate clients across corporate crime, fraud, and bribery cases, handling both internal and external investigations, while Caroline Day specialises in investigations, heading up the firm’s offering in this space. Formerly General Counsel at the SFO, Alun Milford has particular knowledge of regulatory strategy and DPAs, and Jill Lorimer  heads up the firm’s financial services investigations and regulatory practice.

With a strong global platform, particularly within the US, Africa, and Asia-Pacific, Mayer Brown International LLP is well-placed to handle cross-border internal and regulatory investigations, compliance reviews, and criminal defence cases, regularly representing clients throughout SFO and US DOJ proceedings, as well as before regulators globally. The London-based team was strengthened in October 2021 with the transfer of counsel Liang Pu, who brings significant Chinese law expertise and experience in global bribery proceedings, from the firm’s Hong Kong office, and the recruitment of financial services ESG and risk specialist Musonda Kapotwe from an in-house position. They join a practice overseen by Alistair Graham, who has a strong record in defending global businesses in significant criminal proceedings, and also features Sam Eastwood, who focuses on compliance advice and has acted as an independent monitor to the SFO, World Bank, and African Development, and US-qualified Jason Hungerford, who advises clients facing sanctions-related investigations by global enforcement agencies.

Morrison Foerster offers strong expertise across international financial crime and white-collar cases, advising and representing clients through high-stakes SFO and FCA investigations into bribery, corruption, and money laundering, among others. The firm is further noted for its national security and sanctions offering, advising corporate clients on regulatory and enforcement issues relating to trade sanctions, lobbying, FDI, and cyber incidents, with expertise across UK, EU, and US law. The team is led by Gareth Rees, an experienced practitioner in business crime cases and a former prosecutor, former SFO official Hayley Ichilcik, who is praised for her ‘adept handling‘ of bribery, money laundering, and international sanctions cases, and global financial crime specialist Saqib Alam, whose areas of focus include antitrust violations, bribery, and sanctions violations.

Pinsent Masons LLP remains a standout for complex cross-border financial services investigations, working with a number of banks and financial institutions, as well as government authorities on tax fraud, corruption, and sanctions violations proceedings, working effectively with key teams in Europe, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific in multijurisdictional cases. The nationwide team is led by Edinburgh-based Tom Stocker, who has seen great success in representing clients against SFO investigations into the full range of financial crime issues, as well as advising on regulatory compliance, while Neil McInnes has notable Africa, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific expertise in both internal and external investigations. Formerly a senior HMRC official, Andrew Sackey specialises in contentious criminal tax fraud proceedings.

Reed Smith LLP focuses on complex multi-jurisdictional regulatory compliance and internal investigations mandates, with an international client base and particularly notable expertise in economic, financial, and trade sanctions. The practice is overseen by financial crime specialist Rosanne Kay and Charles Hewetson, while the ‘pragmatic and user-friendly‘ Leigh Hansson is US-qualified and leads on the firm’s standout sanctions capability, representing clients in sanctions enforcement cases before international agencies, with a strong focus on the shipping sector, as well as life sciences and manufacturing.

The ‘impressive‘ Sara George heads up the team at Sidley Austin LLP, acting for a number of major global businesses in regulatory investigations into fraud, bribery, corruption, market manipulation, and other financial crime issues. The team is also able to handle internal compliance audits relating to money laundering and sanctions violations, and collaborates closely with cross-border teams, particularly in the United States, in handling major multi-jurisdictional proceedings, up to and including multi-party criminal trials brought by the SFO, US DOJ, and other agencies.

WilmerHale advises and represents corporates throughout high-stakes regulatory investigations and criminal proceedings brought by enforcement agencies, most notably the SFO. The firm acts for a combination of major domestic and international businesses, and handles the full range of financial crime cases, with practice head Stephen Pollard enjoying a strong reputation for financial services fraud, competition and cartel allegations, and market abuse proceedings.

Bivonas Law LLP utilises its boutique structure to provide a partner-led service to corporates and public entities facing high-stakes corporate crime and regulatory proceedings, representing companies facing SFO and FCA investigations as well as handling cross-border and international cases before regulatory and enforcement agencies and carrying significantly reputational risk. The team offers key litigation expertise as well as knowledge of civil proceedings, allowing them to handle parallel proceedings, as well as working closely with counsel at the trial stage of criminal cases. The firm is headed by senior partner Antony Brown, the ‘exceptional’ Cindy Dorrington , who has strong expertise in corporate corruption cases, and Steve Sharp, who has advised clients on criminal and regulatory proceedings brought by all key UK regulators.

Burges Salmon LLP advises corporates on regulatory investigations and compliance issues relating to operations in the UK and abroad, with experience in acting against the NCA, SFO, and police, both throughout investigations and in litigation. The firm’s multi-jurisdictional expertise is reflected in its work for clients in Saudi Arabia, France, the BVI, and Israel, among others, with other notable capabilities including financial services work, both private and public. David Hall leads the primarily Bristol-based team, which is also active in London, specialising in complex money laundering and corruption cases, alongside Guy Bastable, who heads up the corporate crime department and offers broad expertise across AML, corruption, insider trading, and business regulatory issues.

Dentons uses its international reach to act for clients on a global basis, with team members offering multi-jurisdictional expertise in business crime, regulatory law and investigations. The practice was bolstered by the November 2021 arrival of co-head Louisa Caswell from Addleshaw Goddard, an international disputes specialist with a strong record in SFO investigations, and the January 2022 arrival of Chris Brennan, who has deep experience in contentious financial services work. Additionally, counsel Dan Lund joined from Akin in December 2021, bringing significant international sanctions, trade, and AML experience. The team is co-led by Katharine Harle, who advises on financial markets and regulatory investigations, including acting for brokers in FCA proceedings.

K&L Gates LLP advises FTSE 100 and global multinational companies on regulatory risk and compliance, as well as representing clients throughout regulatory and criminal investigations, up to defending clients in court. The firm offers expertise in issues such as corruption, sanctions, insider trading, and FCA/FRC regulation, and can also call upon dual-qualified lawyers, particularly US-qualified practitioners, for cross-border matters. The team is led by experienced advocate Dylan Moses, who has formerly practiced as a barrister and specialises in money laundering and health and safety issues, while former FCA official Michael Ruck, is a key name for financial crime issues such as market abuse. Brian Saulnier divides his time between London and Washington DC, and has experience in matters in high-risk jurisdictions

Formed in February 2022 by former partners at Boies Schiller Flexner (UK) LLP, the team at Pallas Partners LLP has established itself as a strong choice for corporates facing complex, often multijurisdictional regulatory and criminal investigations into financial wrongdoing, corruption, and sanctions violations, with clients including a number of financial institutions and pharma companies. The practice is led by Tracey Dovaston, who brings significant financial services regulatory expertise from prior work in-house at financial institutions, and has represented a number of key clients throughout complex investigations, alongside Matthew Getz, who is dual UK and US-qualified and handles government and internal investigations for corporates, as well as representing in white collar defence proceedings. Senior associate Alessia de Quincey is a notable contributor to the practice, regularly supporting clients throughout financial crime investigations and associated litigation.

Squire Patton Boggs has expanded the London footprint of its global investigations and white-collar practice, adding new practice head Hannah Laming from Peters & Peters Solicitors LLP in July 2022, an expert in complex, high-profile regulatory and criminal proceedings, alongside director Ben Ticehurst, who has a strong record across UK agency investigations of all types, including fraud, bribery, and money laundering, who joined from Howard Kennedy LLP in March 2022. Sports sector specialist Wayne Barnes joined from Fulcrum Chambers Ltd in January 2022, further bolstering the team. The firm acts for a wide range of clients, and has notable expertise in high-profile investigations with significant reputational risk in industries such as sports, calling upon in-house financial services, employment, and health and safety expertise in complex cases. In cross-border work, the team is able to collaborate with its US and Middle East practices, as well as a growing presence in Europe. Jonathan Chibafa is a legal director with a combination of in-house corporate governance and advocacy expertise, and focuses on high-stakes investigations and internal compliance advice on financial crime and ESG issues.

With strong global expertise thanks to its global platform, the team at Steptoe and Johnson UK LLP advises an international client base on domestic and cross-border financial crime investigations, both regulatory and internal, as well as defending clients before enforcement bodies including the US DOJ, SEC, SFO, and FCA. Specialised expertise includes bribery, corruption, sanctions, and terrorist financing, with notable recent work in the cryptocurrency space as it relates to financial crime. Practice head John Rupp  focuses on FCPA and Bribery Act compliance advice and internal investigations, regularly interacting with global law enforcement bodies, while Zoe Osborne remains a key name for cross-border financial crime and contentious regulatory investigations, including some of the few ongoing SFO investigations into businesses. Leigh Mallon combines litigation expertise with work on special investigations and internal compliance policy audits, and has worked in both the UK and London.

Stewarts Law LLP advises domestic and international corporates on corporate investigations, both internal and initiated by regulatory agencies, with a notable focus on financial crime, including fraud, corruption, international sanctions, money laundering, and insider trading allegations. Clients come from a variety of industries such as data, energy, real estate, and telecoms, with the team leveraging internal asset recovery, tax litigation and employment expertise, allowing it to handle complex proceedings, including cross-border investigations. David Savage leads the team, and offers strong financial services regulatory expertise, advising on institutional internal investigations and issues such as international sanctions. Pia Mithani advises a wide range of clients, including international public institutions and hedge funds.

Taylor Wessing LLP advises clients in fields including financial services, accounting, life sciences, and technology, leveraging combined criminal defence, reputation management, and investigations expertise in its work on compliance issues, cross-border regulatory proceedings, and internal investigations. The firm has notable expertise in emerging cryptocurrency investigations relating to theft and hacking, and has strengthened its contentious capabilities with the arrival of Richard Viegas from Collyer Bristow LLP in January 2022. David De Ferrars leads the team, working with family businesses through to multinational corporations on corporate malfeasance and corruption investigations. Laurence Lieberman is a standout name for life sciences and financial services work, as well as regularly advising Indian businesses, with key areas of expertise including compliance investigations and breaches.