Fraud and Financial Regulation

An allegation of fraud, financial misconduct, or anti-competitive practices can lead to investigation by the police, by the Serious Fraud Office, by the Financial Conduct Authority, by HM Revenue and Customs, or by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. An investigation can result in a criminal prosecution, in regulatory action, in civil proceedings, or in a combination of the three. In some circumstances, failure to prevent fraud or corruption by others will be sufficient to trigger an investigation and legal proceedings.

Members of Foundry Chambers advise and represent businesses and individuals at all stages of this, often complex, process. We assist businesses in developing anti-corruption policies, and in conducting internal investigations. We advise individuals and businesses who are under investigation. And we represent corporate and individual defendants in criminal prosecutions and in all other forums dealing with financial regulation. We have particular expertise in handling the restraint, confiscation and asset recovery aspect of cases centring on financial misconduct. Some members of chambers are able to act on a direct access basis in appropriate cases.

Many of our members have long-standing experience acting for the government departments and agencies charged with countering fraud and financial misconduct. We have barristers on the SFO counsel list at all levels, as well as members who are regularly instructed by the FCA, BIS and HMRC. We also have experience in acting for corporations seeking to combat corruption, protect intellectual property rights, or inhibit anti-competitive practices by bringing their own criminal or civil proceedings.