Drawing on the firm’s international platform, A&O Shearman remains at the ‘top of the pack’ and a go-to choice for global financial institutions. The litigation team works in tandem with the firm’s transactional practices to represent clients in matters ranging from high-profile disputes to regulatory investigations. Arnondo Chakrabarti leads the team, representing major financial institutions not only in litigation, but also in regulatory, criminal, and internal investigations. Alex Chenery excels in multi-jurisdictional proceedings, from derivatives, syndicated lending, and structured finance disputes, to contentious insolvencies. An expert in fraud and mis-selling claims, as well as derivatives and structured finance litigation, Mahmood Lone is praised for his ‘great attention to detail and high analytical skills’. Michael Godden represents a diverse range of banks, funds dealers, and corporate trustees, often in parallel proceedings across multiple jurisdictions, as well as internal investigations, asset tracing and enforcement, and restructurings and insolvencies. Susanna Charlwood also demonstrates particular prowess in disputes involving distressed or insolvent companies. Experienced in mis-selling, misrepresentation, breach of contract, and negligence claims, Juliet de Pencier is another name to note. Andy McGregor left the firm in October 2023.

The ‘knowledgeable, energetic and ambitious’ banking litigation team at Clifford Chance LLP remains at the forefront of high-profile banking disputes in both the UK and global markets. It boasts specialist knowledge of complex financial products and contentious regulatory expertise, working in tandem with the corporate crime and financial regulatory teams to provide financial institutions with a full-service offering. Ian Moulding heads the banking litigation practice and is praised by clients as a ‘great strategist and team leader’, and Helen Carty leads the London litigation and dispute resolution team. Global head of litigation and dispute resolution Matthew Newick represents a diverse roster of financial sector clients in cross-border disputes and investigations. Kelwin Nicholls is a key contact for major banks and Christopher Yates and Lindsay Bickerton are also names to note. An expert in fintech disputes, Kate Scott’s clientele includes payment firms and crypto exchanges, as well as banks and financial services firms. Michael Gorrie is a go-to representative for investment banks, while Jason Epstein focuses his practice on group litigation, including shareholder claims. Guy Burkitt is an active member of the team.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP’s banking litigation practice is prominent in high-profile disputes, including large-scale securities class actions and group claims. The team boasts an impressive roster of clients, ranging from global financial institutions to regulatory bodies. Practice head Rupert Lewis is sought out by clients for his ‘legal analysis, strategy and client management’. Simon Clarke co-heads the firm’s global bank sector group and leads on litigation involving financial products and derivatives. Damien Byrne Hill plays a key role in high-profile litigation, acting for major financial institutions. Chris Bushell represents banks and private capital clients, boasting particular expertise in securities litigation, while Julian Copeman handles commercial litigation for banks. Representing both investment and corporate banks, John Corrie is active in multi-jurisdictional disputes. Emma Deas demonstrates particular prowess in breach of contract and fraud claims and derivatives disputes and has recently increased her focus on sanctions work. Ajay Malhotra is at the forefront of the cryptocurrency space, advising digital assets platforms, and has an active sanctions practice. Nic Patmore plays a key role in group litigation and Sarah Penfold specialises in securities class actions. Charlotte Benton focuses on cross-border disputes, while John Mathew is an expert in wealth management matters.

A first port of call for major financial institutions and banks across various jurisdictions, Latham & Watkins utilises its global network to advise on cross-border matters that often involve elements of foreign law. The team of ‘excellent commercial litigators’ excels in sections 90 and 90a FSMA collective claims and has also noted a recent increase in disputes in the crypto space. ‘Talented, clever and strategic lawyer’ Andrea Monks leads, representing a stellar clientele of banks and financial institutions and playing a key role in disputes from class actions to litigation at the Supreme Court level. Also an expert in collective and class actions, Martin Davies excels in shareholder and other multi-party disputes. Following her promotion to partner in January 2023, Nell Perks has increased her focus on ESG, advising financial institutions on the related litigation risks. Oliver Middleton boasts experience on both the claimant and defendant side and is well-placed to advise on significant financial class actions. Alex Cox is another name to note.

Working in tandem with the firm’s contentious regulatory and non-contentious teams, Linklaters LLP’s ‘market-leading’ banking litigation practice represents financial institutions in multi-jurisdictional and cross-practice disputes. The group’s broad banking experience ranges from investor and swap counter-parties disputes and fraud and tax claims, to cartel litigation. It also advises its clientele of banks, trustees, and notes holders on multi-party and group claims, such as those arising out of breach of contract allegations. Christa Band boasts a wealth of experience managing parallel proceedings in litigation and leads the team alongside Alison Wilson, who focuses on contentious regulatory work. Patrick Robinson is regularly called upon to advise on securitisation, structured products, capital markets and derivatives disputes. Andrew Poulton is praised by clients as ‘technically excellent, extremely commercial and highly responsive’ and was promoted to partner in May 2023. Rebecca Burton is another name to note, along with Michael Munk.

Pre-eminent in high-value and high-profile disputes, Slaughter and May represents clients across the financial services sector, on both a national and international level. The ‘well respected and experienced‘ team demonstrates prowess in disputes related to financial products and derivatives, as well as fraud and benchmark manipulation claims. It works in tandem with the firm’s global investigations group to advise its clientele of global investment banks, fund administrators, and investment companies on regulatory investigations. The ‘highly experienced’ Richard Swallow heads the team, and Ewan Brown boasts a wealth of experience representing financial institutions, both in the High Court and the CAT. Operating on an international basis, Jonathan Clark’s litigation practice spans from derivatives disputes and manipulation claims to regulatory investigations. Camilla Sanger and Richard Jeens are also key contacts in the team and Gayathri Kamalanathan brings to the group extensive in-house experience, being adept at handling disputes and investigations across jurisdictions. Megan Sandler is another name to note, along with Ross Francis-Pike and Melissa McFarlane.

With a robust cross-border offering, Addleshaw Goddard excels in financial disputes with foreign law elements and parties based in different jurisdictions. The team of ‘knowledgeable and capable lawyers’ continues to grow and diversify its clientele, noting a recent influx of fintech and cryptocurrency disputes. Boasting extensive experience in the financial services market, ‘hugely experienced and knowledgeable’ practice head Richard Clayton represents a diverse mix of financial institutions from banks to asset managers and hedge funds. James Herring excels in fraud, mis-selling and derivatives claims and leads the fintech disputes team, spearheading the firm’s work for payment institutions and digital asset organisations. Also playing a key role in the firm’s digital assets work, Sivan Daniels specialises in fintech and financial crime litigation, while David Wigg advises on card payment scheme disputes. Promoted to partner in May 2024, Alex Unger is a ‘star’, focusing his international practice on fraud and financial crime, commercial lending and restructuring and insolvency cases.

Composed of ‘outstanding litigators’, Ashurst’s broad financial services disputes practice spans derivatives disputes, contractual and mis-selling claims, breach of confidence, and banking disputes. It is also active in consumer class actions and regularly handles litigation on a multi-jurisdictional basis. Nathan Willmott heads the contentious financial services group, while Tom Connor co-leads the disputes team, playing a key role in wealth management disputes. Lynn Dunne enjoys a successful track record representing financial institutions in litigation and Philip Linton brings to the team particular expertise in global markets close-outs since he joined in May 2023. James Levy leads on Quincecare and fraud claims, and Ruby Hamid is another name to note. Sophie Law boasts an active financial crime practice and Louise Youngman is experienced in unfair prejudice claims, as well as contentious restructuring and insolvency matters.

Regularly called upon by international banks, Mayer Brown International LLP fields extensive expertise in financial regulation and sanctions. ESG matters are also a key aspect of the ‘strong and developed’ team’s caseload. Ian McDonald leads, with a wealth of experience advising on loan structure, structured finance, and derivatives disputes. Chris Chapman and Mark Stefanini are other key contacts for financial institutions and large corporates. Airlie Goodman brings to the team cross-border expertise in cases such as breach of contract claims, and the addition of Sarah Garvey from A&O Shearman in October 2023 strengthened the team’s multi-jurisdictional offering. Finance disputes specialist Stephen Moi represents financial institutions in the full range of litigation, from fraud and mis-selling claims to contentious restructurings. Chris Roberts focuses his practice on financial crime, while Lauren Theodoulou is an expert in financial products disputes.

Experienced in cross-border and transatlantic banking litigation, Pallas Partners LLP is well positioned to represent a growing roster of international clients, including financial institutions and alternative capital providers. Natasha Harrison leads, representing a range of financial institutions, from hedge funds and investment banks to money managers. ‘Strong banking litigator‘ Fiona Huntriss leads on cross-border disputes, from distressed debt investments, sovereign debt, and bank wind-downs, to securitisations and complex financial arrangements. Tracey Dovaston boasts ‘specialist knowledge and hands-on experience’, with an active fraud and financial crime practice, and she often represents financial services clients in investigations. Neil Pigott demonstrates particular prowess in contentious restructuring and insolvency matters, along with Nick Turvey. Rekha Rogers plays an active role in the team. Susana Cao Miranda joined the firm in June 2024.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP remains a go-to firm on the claimant side, active in the full range of banking and finance litigation, including financial products disputes, lender-liability actions, suits by loan participants, and fraud and mis-selling claims. Multi-jurisdictional matters are another area of expertise, as well as group litigation, such as bondholder disputes. ‘Outstanding litigator‘ Richard East leads the team and he is ably supported by Matthew Bunting, who acts for a diverse range of financial institutions, corporates, and high-net-worth individuals, demonstrating particular expertise in disputes with both UK and US aspects. Khaled Khatoun is experienced in acting against banks and brings to the team particular expertise in fraud claims. Yasseen Gailani plays a leading role in litigation, from financial products disputes and sanctions cases to investor-state disputes. Leo Kitchen has experience on both the claimant and defendant side and has a particular focus on civil fraud and derivatives disputes. Karabeth Ovenden is another name to note.

As a prominent conflict-free firm, RPC represents a diverse clientele of sovereign states, foreign regional banks, asset managers, and high-net-worth individuals. Its broad disputes practice spans debt and equity markets, funds, and structured products, as well as sanctions, crypto, and fraud cases. Contentious restructuring and insolvency matters are another focal point for the ‘top-notch’ group. Tom Hibbert is the firm’s global head of commercial disputes, while Simon Hart leads the banking and financial services disputes team, with particular expertise in contentious restructurings and fraud and asset tracing litigation. Jonathan Cary excels in disputes against large financial institutions and has developed a specialism in crypto disputes. Alan Williams and Chris Ross play key roles in financial disputes with cross-border elements. Jake Hardy is active in disputes related to financial products, fund investments, and trade and asset finance.

Cross-border disputes and investigations constitute a core part of Simmons & Simmons’ specialised financial markets disputes practice. Its ‘comprehensive expertise’ also spans emerging issues in the market, such as ESG and digital assets disputes. Practice head Caroline Hunter-Yeats is an ‘excellent strategic thinker’, bringing her expertise in bet-the-bank and private banking disputes to the team. Robert Turner heads the firm’s asset management and investment funds practice and contentious asset management team. Robert Allen represents high-street, private, and global banks in disputes from breach of confidence claims to PPI and Quincecare litigation. Alexander Thavenot specialises in contentious insolvency matters, as well as asset recovery and enforcement, and ‘star partner’ Adam Brown is active in civil fraud and market misconduct claims and derivatives and commodities litigation. Ed Crosse focuses his practice on corruption and civil fraud, while Elizabeth Davison boasts an active contentious risk advisory practice. Richard Bunce has now retired.

Representing financial institutions, companies, multi-national corporations, and high-net-worth individuals, Stewarts Law LLP’s ‘dynamic’ banking litigation team advises on disputes related to financial instruments and structures. In addition to its strength in claimant work, the group is also seeing an increase in defence instructions, particularly acting for foreign banks. Lucy Ward and Mo Bhaskaran took over from Clive Zietman, who retired in May 2024, as practice co-heads in April 2023. Keith Thomas is an expert in securities litigation and experienced in advising on shareholder claims. Alex Jay leads the firm’s insolvency and asset recovery team and Elaina Bailes is active, including in offshore jurisdictions, fraud and asset recovery, and financial services and securities litigation. Laura Jenkins’ clientele ranges from individuals to corporations, while Sophie Lalor-Harbord has experience acting both for and against banks.

Composed of ‘top-notch litigators’, White & Case LLP’s banking litigation team boasts a strong track record acting for financial institutions, including large investment banks. Its multi-disciplinary approach sees the practice advise on disputes stemming from the financial crime and capital markets, as well as the financial restructuring and insolvency and project finance spaces. Practice head Charles Balmain is active in banking disputes both in the UK and offshore jurisdictions, as well as contentious sovereign and corporate debt restructuring and insolvency. Established litigator Lawson Caisley represents financial institutions, insurers, and corporates, while John Rogerson handles disputes arising from company turnaround, insolvency, and fraud and asset recovery. Swati Tripathi boasts an active cross-border litigation practice, with particular expertise in aviation disputes. With a background acting for financial institutions, Raif Hassan was promoted to partner in January 2024.

Drawing on its global reach, Baker McKenzie represents financial institutions from various jurisdictions in high-profile litigation. It also advises its international clientele on regulatory investigations. Hugh Lyons and Jonathan Peddie lead the ‘commercially savvy’ team. Marc Florent demonstrates prowess in multi-party litigation, particularly in relation to structured products and financial derivatives, while Marc Thorley specialises in financial services litigation. Praised by clients for his ‘excellent regulatory insights’ and ‘great judgement‘, Philip Annett boasts an active cross-border disputes practice. Mark Banks is an active member of the team., and Pete Chapman left the firm in July 2024.

Working in tandem with the firm’s white-collar, antitrust, and regulatory practices, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner provides financial institutions with a full-service offering. Multi-party claims are a key focal point for the ‘excellent banking team’, along with litigation related to financial services, capital markets, and regulatory issues. ‘Fantastic partner’ Oran Gelb leads the practice, boasting a wealth of experience representing financial institutions in both litigation and investigations. Market abuse and manipulation are particular areas of expertise for Andrew Tuson, who represents retail and investment banks, trading houses, and corporate clients. Promoted to partner in January 2024, Rhys Corbett excels in multi-party litigation. Joseph Ninan is another key member of the team, along with Joanna Munro.

UK and international banks make up a core part of CMS‘ clientele, and the ‘efficient and timely’ finance disputes team also represents financial institutions and companies in the financial services sector in a range of disputes, often on a cross-border basis. Tom Dane leads the practice, advising a diverse roster of both domestic and international banks and financial institutions. Kushal Gandhi and Vanessa Whitman spearhead the team’s work in the fintech and crypto space. Gandhi also brings to the group experience in arbitration in finance, while Whitman specialises in contentious insolvency matters. Adam Ferris is another active member of the team.

Conflict-free boutique Cooke, Young & Keidan LLP excels in litigation against banks and financial institutions. The firm has also noticed a recent influx of mandates from overseas banks. Specialising in commercial disputes within the finance sector, Sinead O’Callaghan advises a diverse roster of clients, from high-net-worth individuals to UK FTSE 100 companies to international corporates. Stephen Elam is an expert in financial services litigation, bringing in-house experience to the team, and ‘exceptional tactician’ Jon Felce is regularly called upon by clients from Russia and the CIS region. Lydia Danon and Sam Roberts are other names to note, and Rosie Wild was promoted to the partnership in April 2023. Kajal Patel also boasts a broad banking disputes practice.

Dentons‘ team of ‘hugely experienced and trusted’ specialist banking litigators provides clients with both litigation and regulatory support. The group’s broad expertise spans derivatives and ISDA interpretation disputes, agency and trustee issues, and securities litigation. Felicity Ewing is head of the financial markets litigation team and enjoys a growing reputation in the group litigation space. Thomas Leyland is a key contact, specialising in financial services disputes. Active in fintech disputes, Craig Neilson is adept at handling disputes involving payments and cryptocurrencies. Tom Hanson represents a range of financial institutions and acts for defendants in group litigation.

Class actions have been a recent focal area for DLA Piper and the team is adept at representing financial institutions in these claims. The practice has also seen an influx of fintech clients, as well as an uptick in hedge fund and private equity disputes. Adam Ibrahim leads the team alongside ‘savvy and conscientious litigator’ Sohail Ali, who boasts an impressive roster of investment, commercial and retail banks, funds, and fintechs, and Jeremy Sher, who co-heads the firm’s class actions practice and advises financial services clients on mass claims. Jamie Curle is another name to note, along with Chris Harvey and Tom Laidler. Jeremy Andrews excels in cross-border disputes, from banking and funds litigation to fraud claims, contentious trusts, and asset tracing matters. Dan Jewell is praised as ‘experienced, meticulous, effective’ and Leontia McArdle is an active member of the team.

Acting for and against banks, both retail and investment, and financial institutions, Enyo Law LLP is well-established as a conflict-free firm. Often on a cross-border basis, the team of ‘exceptionally high-quality lawyers’ also represents sovereign wealth, hedge, and private equity funds. As well as banks, practice co-head Edward Allen advises sovereign states, state institutions, corporations, and high-net-worth individuals. He leads the team alongside ‘strong technical lawyer‘ Nick Jones. Jamie Leader focuses on contentious restructuring and insolvency matters, and ‘star' Andy McGregor joined the firm from A&O Shearman in October 2023 to bolster the team’s expertise in fraud, professional negligence, and mis-selling claims. Deborah Tillett is active in cross-border disputes involving banks and financial institutions.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP‘s ‘outstanding’ banking litigation practice spans the range of financial services disputes, from mis-selling and Quincecare claims to asset recovery and insolvency matters, to derivatives and structured products disputes. Chris Busby leads the firm’s UK practice, while David Flack heads the banking litigation team in London, representing financial institutions in wholesale and financial instrument disputes. James Southworth represents investment, corporate, and retail banks in the London team, while also leading the financial services litigation, investigations, and contentious regulatory team in the North of England. Martin Ward leads the West Midlands practice, Sarah Langham the East Midlands team, and Gareth Vowles the Cardiff group. Kari McCormick is regularly called on by accountancy firms, while Mark Cooper boasts extensive experience advising private banks and wealth managers.

Hausfeld & Co LLP has a strong background acting against large banks and financial institutions, including in group actions. The ‘fearless’ team is also adept at handling disputes related to loan financing, derivatives transactions and banking misconduct claims. Lucy Pert plays a lead role in key disputes, including a high-profile LIBOR manipulation claim along with Simon Bishop, who also brings in-house expertise in derivatives and structured products. Clients praise David Lawne for his ‘exceptional legal prowess, strategic acumen, and steadfast dedication’. Ned Beale also boasts a strong track record in banking disputes, including in the retail banking sphere. Former practice head John McElroy left to join Fieldfisher in July 2024.

The ‘exceptional’ team at Macfarlanes LLP boasts expertise across the banking and financial services sector, as well as providing an established contentious regulatory offering. Cross-border litigation is a cornerstone of the practice, which often acts for international banks, and it handles global litigation, investigations, regulatory disputes, and prosecutions. Matt McCahearty leads the team and plays a key role in sector-significant disputes, including LIBOR litigation, foreign exchange cases, and money laundering claims. Barry Donnelly excels in international financial litigation, often on a cross-border or even transatlantic basis. Financial services litigator Dan Lavender demonstrates prowess in multi-jurisdictional disputes. Helen Carter focuses her practice on contentious regulatory matters and investigations, along with Laura Bridgewater.

As well as global investment and retail banks, Norton Rose Fulbright represents fintech clients and wealth and asset management companies in banking disputes, investigations, enforcement, asset tracing, and recovery actions. ‘All round star’ Harriet Jones-Fenleigh advises a diverse list of financial institutions, from funds to corporate trustees, and has developed particular expertise representing banks in fintech and cyber security disputes. James Lockwood excels in the defence of financial institutions in group action litigation and Samson Spanier receives high praise from clients for his ‘excellent and responsive service’. Oliver Jamieson represents financial institutions in commercial litigation and investigations, while Aditya Badami focuses on insolvency disputes. Alison Kellett joined the team from BNP Paribas in August 2023, bringing in-house expertise in banking disputes and investigations. Radford Goodman left the firm in January 2024.

With a balanced claimant and defendant practice in the banking and finance sector, Signature Litigation LLP is regularly called upon to act in high-profile and high-value litigation. Graham Huntley leads, acting both for and against financial institutions in M&A, JV, shareholder, and regulatory disputes, in addition to public and private investigations. Also bringing extensive experience to the team, ‘excellent litigator’ Abdulali Jiwaji’s broad banking practice spans financial products and mis-selling disputes, complaints and compliance issues, and internal investigations. Becca Hogan and Rory Spillman are key contacts in the team and Alasdair Glass receives high praise from clients.

Its pre-eminence in multi-jurisdictional transactions sees Stephenson Harwood advise an international clientele on mis-selling and professional negligence claims, as well as regulatory investigations and restructurings and insolvencies. An expert in financial sanctions, Sue Millar leads the ‘well-respected’ team. Richard Garcia is called upon by a diverse roster of clients, from banks and asset managers, to investors and stakeholders, to sovereign states. Donna Newman boasts an active cross-border litigation practice, advising on disputes involving various financial markets and products. Genevieve Quierin focuses on private equity and payments disputes and Ben Sigler handles fraud and insolvency claims. Alina Neal and Chris Pettett are names to note. Former co-lead Edward Davis has moved to Jenner & Block LLP.

Drawing on extensive international experience, Brown Rudnick LLP is regularly called upon to act against major financial institutions, multinationals and sovereigns, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Securities claims under section 90 and 90a of FSMA are another area of expertise for the ‘talented and dedicated’ team. Jane Colston co-heads the group, boasting an established fraud practice, alongside Neill Shrimpton, who brings extensive offshore litigation experience to the team. The practice was strengthened with the addition in November 2023 of ‘bright, pragmatic and direct’ Derval Walsh, an expert in investment and retail banking disputes. Jessica Lee and Robin Pickworth, who joined in October 2023, are other key contacts in the team.

Dechert LLP’s ‘immensely hard-working and dedicated’ cross-border litigation practice represents clients in disputes involving jurisdictional issues and foreign law claims. Led by Dorothy Cory-Wright, the team advises banks and other financial institutions on high-stakes litigation involving various jurisdictions. Adam Silver plays a lead role in cross-border disputes, acting for foreign regional banks and international banks, and John Bedford has experience coordinating multi-jurisdictional proceedings. Stephen Surgeoner and Ricci Potts are other names of note, along with ‘standout partner’ Daniel Natoff. Lisa Borthwick is another active member of the team.

An established choice for foreign banking clients, Fieldfisher represents an extensive list of banks headquartered in India and across Central Asia and the Middle East. Andrew Lafferty leads the ‘cooperative, intelligent, helpful and adaptable’ team. Dual qualified in both England and Wales and India, Priyanka Kapoor regularly represents banks and financial institutions in cross-border disputes. Donna Goldsworthy is praised as ‘proactive, measured, personable and knowledgeable’, and is active in international and offshore disputes. Kit Jarvis’ broad disputes practice spans derivatives litigation and enforcement issues. Carly Schiff is a name to note. The highly experienced banking and finance litigator John McElroy joined the firm from Hausfeld & Co LLP in July 2024. Hannah Piper departed in July 2024.

Its transatlantic capabilities see Milbank advise on banking litigation and investigations in both the UK and the US. The team advises banks and lenders on competition and fraud claims, criminal investigations and enforcement actions. Practice head Julian Stait is at the forefront of high-profile litigation in the sector, as well as regulatory disputes and investigations. Mona Vaswani boasts a ‘legendary’ contentious financial services practice, representing international banks, financial institutions and private lenders. Tom Canning is another name to note, along with William Charles. Rosy Villar advises on disputes related to distressed loan and bond transactions. Mark Padley and Emma Hogwood are also active members of the team.

Active in claimant and defendant litigation, the ‘powerhouse of a firm‘ Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP has experience acting for and against banks, with a recent focus on digital asset litigation. Kamran Rehman took over from Clare Arthurs as head of commercial dispute resolution in April 2024. Michael Brown represents groups of shareholder and investor claimants and Phillip D’Costa strengthens the team’s international capabilities, as co-head of the firm’s India group. Promoted to the partnership in April 2023, the ‘excellent lawyer’ Charlotte Hill has experience in civil fraud, asset tracing, and cyber disputes.

Its roster of global clients sees Reed Smith LLP advise on cross-border litigation spanning the US, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and other jurisdictions. In addition to its litigation expertise, the team also excels in contentious regulatory matters and investigations. Practice head Tom Webley is regularly called upon by central, investment, and retail banks, particularly for representation in cross-border disputes; his broad litigation practice spans trade, structured and commodities finance matters. George Hoare is also a name to note, advising some of the team’s key banking clients, along with Oliver Rawkins, who was promoted to partner in January 2023.

Drawing on the firm’s international network, Sidley Austin LLP’s ‘outstanding banking litigation service’ excels in multi-jurisdictional banking litigation. Boasting ‘broad and deep experience combined with technical expertise’, Matthew Shankland leads the team. Alastair Hopwood demonstrates prowess in cross-border disputes, with litigation experience at all levels of English courts and in offshore jurisdictions. Promoted to partner in January 2024, Sarah Lainchbury’s broad financial services and banking litigation practice ranges from structured and leveraged finance, derivatives, and security enforcement disputes, to contentious restructurings and insolvencies.

From mis-selling and mistreatment claims to fraud and negligence litigation, TLT continues to expand its broad financial services practice. It ‘punches above its weight’, also boasting experience in crypto claims. Practice head and ‘standout partner’ Clare Stothard brings to the team experience in derivatives litigation, as well as a more recent focus on APP fraud and Quincecare claims. Paul Gair strengthens the team’s international offering, as co-head of the firm’s India desk, and Steven Mills handles disputes related to investment, corporate, and retail banking products. Nick Curling focuses on recovery actions, as well as negligence claims along with Claire Kershaw. In addition to banks, Karen Furniss’ clientele includes cryptocurrency platforms, challenger banks, and payment service providers. Rupal Nathwani is praised by clients as ‘incredibly diligent’ and ‘hardworking’.

Working in tandem with the firm’s finance, financial services and markets, and derivatives and structured products teams, Travers Smith LLP‘s banking and financial markets disputes practice advises an array of financial institutions, including banks, brokers, and fund managers. Rob Fell focuses on disputes within the financial services sector, representing investment and clearing banks and other finance clients. Alice Childs is experienced in multi-jurisdictional disputes, acting for foreign financial institutions and participating in cross-border litigation. Stephanie Lee is another key member of the team and John Lee is praised by clients for his ‘very high level of technical rigour’.

With a diverse clientele of banks, investment funds, creditors, and private equity investors, Akin focuses on investment disputes. The team has a proven track record representing hedge funds and investment funds, with particular expertise in distressed debt and sovereign and quasi-sovereign debt disputes. Practice head Richard Hornshaw focuses his cross-border litigation practice on finance and securities disputes, and contentious insolvency and restructuring proceedings. Mouna Moussaoui, an active member of the team and ‘litigation star’, was promoted to counsel in January 2024.

Composed of ‘very experienced and expert partners’, the team at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher represents financial institutions in disputes in various jurisdictions, including offshore. Osma Hudda and Doug Watson jointly lead the team. Boasting extensive experience in the financial services sector, Philip Rocher specialises in litigation, as well as regulatory and internal investigations. Charles Falconer KC is name to note, and Allan Neil represents financial institutions in multi-jurisdictional disputes and investigations. Susy Bullock is an active member of the team, along with Daniel Warner.

Representing international investment banks, Gowling WLG handles structured finance, restructuring, and fraud disputes. Contentious regulatory matters are another area of expertise, and the team regularly advises on regulatory investigations. Experienced in financial services litigation, practice head James Sidwell also advises on fraud and asset tracing, contentious trusts, and regulatory investigations. ‘Dynamic and sought-after partner‘ Catherine Naylor boasts an established cross-border disputes practice, while Sean Adams represents financial institutions, private equity clients and technology companies in commercial litigation and asset recovery actions. Verity Barker and Sophia Khan are other names to note.

Fraud is a key area of expertise for the banking and financial services litigation team at Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Its expertise ranges from acquisition finance and trade finance disputes to contentious financial services regulation and compliance matters, asset recovery, and insolvency litigation. ‘Exceptional litigator’ Masoud Zabeti heads the firm’s global litigation practice and is involved in banking disputes on an international scale. With extensive regulatory expertise, Matt Hancock advises both regulated financial services firms and individuals. Katharine Bond is an ‘extremely able lawyer’ and boasts a balanced claimant and defendant banking litigation practice, while Mehmet Karagoz focuses on fraud, internal investigations, and crisis management.

A go-to firm for group litigation in the banking and finance sector, Humphries Kerstetter LLP has a strong track record representing groups of bondholders and shareholders. Acting both for and against banks and financial institutions, the team is also experienced in derivatives disputes, fund mismanagement, and impropriety claims and structured product litigation. Joanna Pearson took over from ‘master tactician’ James Russell as managing partner in January 2024, specialising in disputes around partnership and director duties. Russell focuses on derivative and financial product litigation.

Experienced in acting for borrowers and lenders, Mishcon de Reya LLP has an impressive roster of clients, from corporates and ultra-high-net-worth individuals to hedge funds, asset managers and prime brokers. Its diverse clientele sees the ‘efficient, effective and highly professional‘ team advise on banking, corporate finance, and private equity disputes. Practice head Mark Whelan represents an impressive list of brokers, banks, and hedge funds, often on a multi-jurisdictional basis. Edwin Chik is active in disputes in the payment systems and consumer credit sectors, while Jonathan Barnett handles contentious regulatory investigations. Samantha Kakati, currently on secondment, brings experience in high-value financial disputes to the team. Derval Walsh left the firm in October 2023.

The ‘efficient and effective’ team at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP operates on a multi-jurisdictional basis, representing shareholders, banks, fund managers, and other financial institutions in cross-border litigation and both internal and external investigations. Chris Warren-Smith leads the group, boasting a stellar clientele that ranges from financial institutions, asset and wealth managers, and stockbrokers, to senior executives and employees in the banking sector. Peter Sharp enjoys a strong track record in class and collective actions and group litigation, while Paul Mesquitta handles insurance disputes. Melanie Ryan left the team in October 2023.

Active in multi-jurisdictional disputes, ‘premier boutique litigation firm’ PCB Byrne represents banking clients across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The team boasts a proven track record in asset recovery, as well as an increasingly active sanctions practice. Anthony Riem is ‘vastly experienced’ in the representation of financial institutions and leads the team. Nick Ractliff acts both for and against banks in multi-jurisdictional disputes, while Ben Davies is a civil fraud expert.

Pinsent Masons LLP‘s banking and finance litigation team is composed of ‘highly expert lawyers’. Stuart McNeill leads the team in high-profile disputes, including fraud and misrepresentation claims. Banking and financial services specialist Mike Hawthorne co-leads, demonstrating particular prowess in derivatives disputes. Jennifer Craven is a specialist in fraud and cryptocurrency matters and Michael Reading also focuses his practice on fraud litigation.

Specialist disputes firm Seladore Legal acts both for and against major banks and financial institutions, with expertise in large-scale fraud claims, investment disputes, and enforcement disputes. With strong international capabilities, the team of ‘class performers’ is experienced in disputes arising out of Russia, Ukraine, and the CIS region, as well as offshore jurisdictions. Practice head Simon Bushell represents a wide range of financial institutions, from banks to private equity houses, in investment banking and alternative investment disputes. Co-founder Gareth Keillor also boasts an active banking litigation practice.

Squire Patton Boggs is regularly involved in investment disputes and excels in issues related to financial services regulation. The ‘responsive’ team has developed particular prowess in crypto and blockchain litigation, from trading, shareholder, and director disputes, to blockchain tracing and fraud recovery matters. Disputes related to private equity funds and payment services are other areas of expertise. Chris Webber heads the practice and is experienced in high-value financial services disputes. Christian Toms strengthens the team’s multi-jurisdictional capabilities, advising on cross-border financial arrangements and investments disputes and fraud claims.

Burges Salmon LLP boasts an impressive clientele of financial institutions, from retail and investment banks and lending institutions, to private debt funds and regulated funds. The team is experienced in mis-selling claims, as well as disputes related to derivatives and hedging, securitisations, and investment. Practice head Andrew Burnette represents banking clients in fraud and professional negligence claims, while Matthew Kaltsas-Walker spearheads the firm’s insurance litigation work, representing policyholders against insurers and brokers. Caroline Brown advises financial institutions on multi-claim litigation and Hannah Miller is experienced in multi-party disputes.

Collyer Bristow LLP advises a roster of international clients on contractual disputes, tort and trust claims, fraud, and professional negligence. The team also excels in contentious insolvency matters. Practice head and ‘litigation powerhouse’ Robin Henry specialises in financial mis-selling claims and contentious insolvency matters, with particular expertise in the distressed debt space. With an increasingly international practice, Stephen Rosen has experience acting both for and against banks. Also experienced in cross-border disputes, Jean-Martin Louw boasts particular expertise in financial benchmark manipulation claims.

Established in the recoveries and enforcement space, Foot Anstey has a strong track record acting for receivers. Praised for its ‘strength in depth’, the team also represents banks and lenders in fraud cases, backed by the firm’s cross-sector fraud practice. ‘Exceptional and knowledgeable’ James Gliddon acts for lenders and financial services institutions, with particular expertise in fraud, bribery, and corruption matters. He leads the team alongside Steven Richards, who focuses on contentious insolvency matters, including claims brought by insolvency officeholders against directors and other third parties. Chantale Hooper is experienced in asset recovery proceedings and business finance disputes.

Specialist disputes firm Keidan Harrison boasts ‘genuine experience in the landmark cases in this sector’. Practice head Marc Keidan boasts an active multi-jurisdictional disputes practice that spans not only Europe, but also the US, India, and the Middle East. Luke Tucker Harrison enjoys a successful track record acting against financial institutions, particularly in fraud, negligence, and mis-selling claims. Qualified in New York, India, and England and Wales, Srishti Jain excels in disputes related to financial products. Kit Smith is experienced in breach of mandate and Quincecare claims.

Wallace LLP is experienced in litigation against major banks and financial institutions. With a balanced claimant and defendant practice, ‘highly intelligent and capable partner’ Alexander Weinberg leads the team and has a strong track record acting both for and against financial institutions and hedge funds. Oli Goldman is experienced in fraud litigation within the banking sector and disputes around financial and interest rate hedging products. Philip Blyghton acts against financial institutions in group litigation, representing investors and retailers, and for them in misrepresentation and breach of contract claims.

With an active cross-border practice, the ‘truly unique firm’ Zaiwalla & Co has developed particular expertise in the impact of international sanctions regimes on banking activities. The team is regularly called upon by international banks for representation against other major banking institutions and governments. ‘Amazing lawyer’ Leigh Crestohl brings extensive banking litigation experience to the team. Kartik Mittal is ‘extremely responsive and committed’ and experienced in the representation of international banks in UK litigation, as well as in disputes against Indian banks. Stephanie Limaco is another name to note.