Noted for its technical ability to conduct investigations and audits, and managing reputational risks, Brodies LLP is well-equipped to handle a broad array of financial crime matters. The firm has expertise in advising major players in the food and drink, and oil and gas sectors as well as public sector organisations on bribery, tax evasion and corruption issues. The practice is led by Paul Marshall, who has extensive expertise in reputation management work, while Clare Bone is active on investigations involving whistleblowing allegations of bribery and corruption. Finlay MacKenzie‘s diverse workload consists of mandates involving allegations of bribery and fraud, as well as advice on international financial regulatory frameworks.

At the forefront of both advisory and contentious financial crime matters, Pinsent Masons LLP has an extensive roster of high-profile clients from both the public and private sectors. The practice is led by Tom Stocker, who has extensive expertise across financial crime, regularly leading compliance and investigatory matters, while Stacy Keen is noted for handling cross-border investigations. Alistair Wood is routinely called upon for his proficiency in whistleblowing investigations and knowledge of the ECCTA. Rachel Trease stands out for her advice on sanctions and export controls.

The core pillars of Addleshaw Goddard‘s financial crime offering concern risk mitigation, and the management of internal and government investigations. Representative work from the team spans bribery issues, money laundering work and tax fraud allegations. Lisa McNeill, who is well acquainted with the intricacies of mitigating the risks of fraud, leads the Scottish team, receiving instructions on both private and public sector matters, while Lynsey Walker is regularly tasked with investigatory matters due to her extensive litigation experience.

BTO Solicitors LLP has assembled a robust financial crime offering, guiding international businesses through anti-fraud compliance measures, and investigations into money-laundering, tax evasion and bribery. Practice head Vikki Watt’s reputation advocating at all stages of the criminal litigation process is highlighted through her work with high-profile professionals in the public and private spheres. Co-head Alasdair Gillies is the go-to for private individuals facing fraud-related investigations. Lindsay MacNeill is lauded for her advice on complex regulatory frameworks including in relation to money laundering, while the recruitment of Ramsay Hall from Brodies LLP in September 2024 has amplified the firm’s offering in contentious and advisory matters.

Burness Paull LLP’s financial crime practice is particularly active in advisory work, advising on both contentious and non-contentious matters. The team has amassed considerable experience in the energy sector, gaining instructions on both domestic and cross-border matters. Lynne Gray presides over the practice and is called upon for her knowledge of Scottish compliance systems and investigation experience in the energy sector. Lynne Moss is relied upon for her anti-bribery and corruption knowledge, while Eilidh McSherry is noted for her regulatory knowledge.

CMS houses a team well-versed in financial crime matters, conducting internal investigations into bribery, embezzlement and fraud, as well as insolvency-related fraud. This expertise has brought in an array of domestic and international corporates including banks, tech and oil and gas companies. Colin Hutton heads up the team and has taken instructions from an assortment of tech companies, while Graeme MacLeod is noted for handling large-scale disputes. Will Anderson is a go-to for matters involving fraudulent invoices and financial misfeasance, with regular support from Andrew Park. The team expanded its bribery and corruption expertise through the addition of Sally Clark in May 2024.

Levy & McRae has an established practice defending high-net-worth individuals who are the focus of high-profile investigations or criminal proceedings. The firm has experience representing clients that are the subject of cases pertaining to the misappropriation of public funds, embezzlement, and Ponzi schemes. The team is led by Neil Hay, whose expertise in complex financial matters and reputation management issues has led to an array of new instructions from prominent businesspeople. The team is also led by litigation specialist David McKie and solicitor-advocate Callum Anderson. Andrew Seggie is noted for his defence work concerning allegations of misappropriation of public funds.