Financial Crime
UK Bar Guide 2025 : London (Bar)
Band 4
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7936 6300Chambers Review
Mountford Chambers is well regarded for its "vastly knowledgeable, qualified and experienced individuals" who act on cases involving allegations of tax evasion, fraud and money laundering. Additional areas of strength for the team include insider dealing, corruption, investment fraud and market manipulation cases. Members are regularly instructed to represent their clients in Serious Fraud Office, Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and HMRC investigations, and count several bankers, accountants and brokers among their enviable client base. Recently, members acted for the defendant in FCA v Peter Currie, a false representation case concerning over GBP16 million worth of collateral on investor loans.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Senior clerk Ben Heaviside is the best and very effective. He anticipates problems and organises his barristers really well, balancing the workload."
"The clerking is excellent. They keep on top of the cases and make sure nothing is missed in the diary. They are great at securing cover last minute when needed."
"It's a real gem of a service. Deputy senior clerk Dean Allen is a real star but the whole team in general are brilliant, including Ben Heaviside, Jordan Wescott and Nathan Warren."
"Senior clerk Ben Heaviside is the best and very effective. He anticipates problems and organises his barristers really well, balancing the workload."
"The clerking is excellent. They keep on top of the cases and make sure nothing is missed in the diary. They are great at securing cover last minute when needed."
"It's a real gem of a service. Deputy senior clerk Dean Allen is a real star but the whole team in general are brilliant, including Ben Heaviside, Jordan Wescott and Nathan Warren."
Notable Practitioners
Charles Bott KC is a popular choice of silk for the defence of a variety of financial criminal charges, including those relating to rate manipulation, tax fraud, and corruption. He is known for his superior intellect, careful attention to detail, and great communication skills. Bott handles a number of complex fraud matters for clients from the financial services industry.
"Charles Bott KC is a great advocate and does excellent written work. He is very meticulous and capable."
"Charles is superb for white-collar work. He has tremendous presence and is a clear thinker who sees the point exceptionally quickly."
"Charles Bott KC is a man of integrity who consistently gives direct and clear advice and doesn't sit on the fence."
Richard Furlong is acclaimed for his cogent case interpretation and affable client manner. His practice covers a variety of property and tax fraud matters. He is experienced in cases prosecuted by HMRC, the Serious Fraud Office and the Financial Conduct Authority. Sources highlight his previous experience as an investment analyst as a useful advantage to have in cases concerning the financial services sector.
"Richard is well known for his very meticulous and detailed analysis of the evidence and the law. Has a fantastic reputation in that regard."
Colin Aylott KC is a dependable barrister who is popular with instructing solicitors for defending complicated fraud cases and particularly noted for his expertise in tax fraud cases. He acts in matters concerning allegations of rate manipulation, money laundering and mortgage fraud. Aylott has experience in handling proceedings against a range of prosecutors, including HMRC and the Serious Fraud Office.
"Colin is very smooth in court and also very bright and quick. He has the charm and the intellect to have the jury eating out of his hand. He's a joy to work with."
"Colin has a lovely manner with the jury and comes across as extremely likeable and is a pleasure to deal with. He is also very calm dealing with the client."
William England has particular expertise in the intersection between serious organised crime and fraud. He has experience defending in large money laundering cases arising from multimillion-pound boiler room frauds, as well as trading standards cases and tax frauds. Alongside work in financial crime, he is also adept across criminal law more generally.
"William England is one of the best orators in court and his advocacy is a delight to watch every time he speaks."
"William is energetic and well prepared, with excellent judgement. He is fearlessly persistent for his clients."