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Financial services lawyers
Our lawyers have a wealth of experience navigating complex global financial markets, even through the most challenging periods of turbulence and restructuring. Whether you're protecting your finances or futureproofing your business, we can help.
Whether you are a financial institution or professional navigating global financial markets, the challenges you face have never been greater.
With extensive experience worldwide, applying both international and local knowledge, our global team gives practical advice regarding the complex financial services landscape. We can help you protect, secure, and future proof your financial position, business, career and reputation.Quality advice and experience
Our banking and finance experts have a wealth of experience advising borrowers, acting for successful individuals and families particularly in respect of real estate, art, aircraft and shipping finance. On the lending side, we work with many high-profile creditors, such as banks, suppliers and venture capitalists to assist with lending transactions globally. In Singapore, we represent a wide range of financial institutions in the state, including 80% of major insurance companies, all banks with a Singapore headquarter and over 70% of major regional and international banks who run their business in the bustling financial hub.With the rise of FinTech and crypto assets, you may require advice in relation to digital regulation. We frequently advise on government approaches to regulating cryptocurrency and the rapidly changing landscape. Wherever you are and whatever your situation, we give pragmatic advice on how to navigate state, country and international law in this area.
Resolving complex disputes
Businesses and professionals have many rules to adhere to when conducting their work. Whether you are involved in a mis-selling or breach of contract claim, misrepresentation or breach of regulatory rules, we are recognized for our ability to handle complex disputes for both individuals and businesses.Our team of regulatory, civil fraud and white collar defense and investigations lawyers work together to ensure that every angle is carefully considered and assessed. With a former senior market participant and in-house adviser to the Financial Services Authority (FSA) as part of the team, we are able to give unique industry insight into the operation and regulation of the banking sector.
Global reach
Operating across the US, Asia-Pacific and the UK, we combine knowledge of financial markets and worldwide regulations with a thorough understanding of business structures and extensive experience in financial services matters.We have acted alongside various worldwide authorities including the US Department of Justice (DOJ), the US Attorney’s Offices, US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the UK Serious Fraud Office (SFO), National Crime Agency (NCA), and the Money Authority of Singapore, among many others. This breadth of knowledge and experience allows us to advise you swiftly and effectively.
The Credit Suisse AT1 Bond crisis - 5 things investors need to know
How we can help
Going public is a pivotal moment, and one that will have been a long time in the planning. From tax advice to governance, we have assisted in the public offerings of many household-name companies.
Banking and financeOur banking and finance team is involved in landmark deals across the globe, offering bespoke advice to individuals, entrepreneurs and companies looking to arrange all types of finance.
Financial services disputesOur firm is unusual in acting more often for individuals than institutions. Our highly knowledgeable team has regulatory and market experience and is known for getting results.
White collar defense and investigationsFacing investigation, regulatory or enforcement action can be an exceptionally challenging time for any individual or organization. Our seasoned white collar crime lawyers are here to support you, offering tactical advice and creative solutions to minimize the long-term impact.
If you are facing potential disciplinary or legal action, we offer swift and effective support to both individuals and organizations. Whether you're involved in an investigation or proceedings, or conducting inquiries into suspected wrongdoing - we can help.
Mergers and acquisitionsOur team has acted in the full range of transactions, getting the deal done quickly, within regulations and with minimal fuss.
Corporate financeWe help companies secure the finance they need to thrive and are skilled at advising on the requirements of the different jurisdictions in which they operate.
Complex cases that involve private capital are a natural fit for our team of civil fraud lawyers. With years of experience and a global presence, our civil fraud solicitors are adept at handling large-scale international fraud matters and, if necessary, can trace assets across the world.
Commercial litigationOur highly skilled commercial litigators assist with complex, multi-jurisdictional cases of all kinds, whether acting for an investor, business or brand.
Financial services regulatoryIt is easy for funds and other finance providers to find themselves on the wrong side of the complex and varied regulations that exist around the world. With detailed, global knowledge, our financial services regulatory lawyers can help you stay compliant and handle any approvals or investigations.
Clients include
Track record
Belgian funder
Represented a Belgian funder in a dispute with Chinese counterparties over a financial investment in a Cayman Islands' incorporated company that was meant to go public. All disputes to be resolved by arbitration in Hong Kong is to be administered by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre.
Defending the holders of USD$200 million in bonds
We successfully represented the holders of US bonds to the value of USD$200 million in lawsuits against a rating agency and an indenture trustee of a private placement.
International hedge fund asset-tracing
Acting for BVI court-appointed liquidators of multiple hedge funds, leading cross-border team, seeking recognition and recovery of assets in Hong Kong, Switzerland, Monaco, Channel Islands, Bahamas and US.
Multi-billion dollar hedge fund
Represented high-profile Managing Member of multi-billion dollar hedge fund in litigation involving the termination of an analyst.
€225 million construction financing in Croatia
Advising a syndicate of banks in connection with the €225 million financing for the construction of part of a motorway linking Zagreb to Gorican in Croatia.
Asian Sovereignty fund
Advised an Asian sovereignty fund in its proposed acquisition of a state-owned PRC property development company through open bidding at an equity exchange.
Credit Suisse First Boston LLC
Represented Credit Suisse First Boston LLC, as an initial purchaser, in the underwritten Rule 144A private offering of US$25 million 10% Senior Notes Due 2012 of PetroQuest Energy, Inc.
US$150 million Russian dispute
Advised a Russian corporation in a dispute to a value of over US$150 million in relation to cancelled Credit Linked Notes
Targetti Sankey SpA
We advised Targetti Sankey SpA in a €242 million syndicated loan to assist in the acquisition of the Danish lighting company Louis Poulsen Lighting A/S.
Art theft case for underwriters
Following the alleged theft of nine old master paintings from a European art gallery, we represented insurance underwriters in a fraud claim relating to the art work, and resulting in a successful settlement.
Bringing misselling and breach of contract claims against bank
In a case involving claims of misrepresentation, breach of contract, breach of duty in tort, and misselling of an interest rate swap, we are representing a family-owned property investment company seeking substantial damages from a major UK bank.
Negligence claim for hedge fund exit advice
Our client suffered losses when they engaged a law firm to advise on their exit from the partnership of a hedge fund. We represented him on a claim of more than £5 million against the law firm for negligent advice.
Professional negligence claim for interest rate swap deal
A world renowned hotel entered into an interest rate swap with several banks, but ended up suffering significant losses. The hotel's owners approached us to pursue the law firm who represented them in a professional negligence claim. The case was listed for a five week High Court trial, but we arranged a settlement before the trial commenced.
Representing Bar Mutual and its clients
We were a longstanding adviser to Bar Mutual, advising the organisation on claims by the barristers it represents, or on third party proceedings brought by solicitors facing professional negligence claims. We also directly advised barristers protected by Bar Mutual.
Successful financial services senior executive
Withers was called on to act for a well-known managing partner of an international investment firm when his reputation was under threat. Our robust approach to reputation management prevented the filing of false statements in a form U-5 (Uniform Termination Notice for Securities Industry Registration) that would have had a detrimental effect on his future career and earnings.
Hedge fund founders
When the founding principals of two of London's largest hedge funds turned to Withers for help devising a more integrated approach to tax structuring in the UK and US, our international knowledge and global reach made us ideally placed to help. We came up with the most efficient strategy and also advised them on effective estate planning, whether or not they stayed in the funds.
International hedge fund asset-tracing
Acting for BVI court-appointed liquidators of multiple hedge funds, leading cross-border team, seeking recognition and recovery of assets in Hong Kong, Switzerland, Monaco, Channel Islands, Bahamas and US.
Asian Sovereignty fund
Advised an Asian sovereignty fund in its proposed acquisition of a state-owned PRC property development company through open bidding at an equity exchange.
International hedge fund asset-tracing
Acting for BVI court-appointed liquidators of multiple hedge funds, leading cross-border team, seeking recognition and recovery of assets in Hong Kong, Switzerland, Monaco, Channel Islands, Bahamas and US.
€225 million construction financing in Croatia
Advising a syndicate of banks in connection with the €225 million financing for the construction of part of a motorway linking Zagreb to Gorican in Croatia.
Targetti Sankey SpA
We advised Targetti Sankey SpA in a €242 million syndicated loan to assist in the acquisition of the Danish lighting company Louis Poulsen Lighting A/S.
Art theft case for underwriters
Following the alleged theft of nine old master paintings from a European art gallery, we represented insurance underwriters in a fraud claim relating to the art work, and resulting in a successful settlement.
Bringing misselling and breach of contract claims against bank
In a case involving claims of misrepresentation, breach of contract, breach of duty in tort, and misselling of an interest rate swap, we are representing a family-owned property investment company seeking substantial damages from a major UK bank.
Representing Bar Mutual and its clients
We were a longstanding adviser to Bar Mutual, advising the organisation on claims by the barristers it represents, or on third party proceedings brought by solicitors facing professional negligence claims. We also directly advised barristers protected by Bar Mutual.
Successful financial services senior executive
Withers was called on to act for a well-known managing partner of an international investment firm when his reputation was under threat. Our robust approach to reputation management prevented the filing of false statements in a form U-5 (Uniform Termination Notice for Securities Industry Registration) that would have had a detrimental effect on his future career and earnings.
Hedge fund founders
When the founding principals of two of London's largest hedge funds turned to Withers for help devising a more integrated approach to tax structuring in the UK and US, our international knowledge and global reach made us ideally placed to help. We came up with the most efficient strategy and also advised them on effective estate planning, whether or not they stayed in the funds.
Defending the holders of USD$200 million in bonds
We successfully represented the holders of US bonds to the value of USD$200 million in lawsuits against a rating agency and an indenture trustee of a private placement.
International hedge fund asset-tracing
Acting for BVI court-appointed liquidators of multiple hedge funds, leading cross-border team, seeking recognition and recovery of assets in Hong Kong, Switzerland, Monaco, Channel Islands, Bahamas and US.
Credit Suisse First Boston LLC
Represented Credit Suisse First Boston LLC, as an initial purchaser, in the underwritten Rule 144A private offering of US$25 million 10% Senior Notes Due 2012 of PetroQuest Energy, Inc.
Hedge fund founders
When the founding principals of two of London's largest hedge funds turned to Withers for help devising a more integrated approach to tax structuring in the UK and US, our international knowledge and global reach made us ideally placed to help. We came up with the most efficient strategy and also advised them on effective estate planning, whether or not they stayed in the funds.
US$150 million Russian dispute
Advised a Russian corporation in a dispute to a value of over US$150 million in relation to cancelled Credit Linked Notes
Our team
Andrew Wass
Partner | London
Elaine Aarons
Partner | London
Harvey Knight
Partner | London
Ivan A. Sacks
Partner | New York
Meriel Schindler
Partner | London
Polly Chu
Partner | Hong Kong
Stephen Ross
Partner | London
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