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About
Provided by Syedur Rahman
Practice Areas
Syed's great depth of experience in serious fraud, financial crime and multi-jurisdictional investigations has earmarked him as a robust solicitor. He is proficient in both civil and criminal cases, where there is an allegation of corporate wrongdoing. Syed has substantial experience in advising corporate entities and their directors and officers in relation to investigations conducted by all the major enforcement agencies.
He has also built an impressive reputation in the field of asset-tracing and recovery, with a respected track record regarding international disputes where urgent relief is required involving freezing orders and recovering misappropriated assets.
Syed is recognised for his sector-leading, pioneering cryptocurrency work, having secured a number of significant legal firsts when representing institutions and individuals. His specialist expertise in civil recovery proceedings under Part 5 of the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) has also led to him recording notable successes for clients in national and international cases. He has in-depth expertise in high-value international arbitration, with a particular emphasis on complex cross-border cases demanding urgent measures, including anti-suit injunctions and interim relief.
Syed has a dynamic practice involving complex sanctions issues and related litigation. He has notable cases in this area, including representation of public limited companies (PLC’s) trading on the London Stock Exchange in relation to international sanctions on Russia, public joint-stock companies (PJSC’s) trading on the Moscow Stock Exchange regarding UK and EU sanctions on Russia and a major Russian power engineering company headquartered in St Petersburg relating to international sanctions advice. Syed regularly prepares licence applications to release frozen funds or economic resources for designated persons and entities. He is also adept at challenging sanctions designations.
He is known for his abilities in multijurisdictional, worldwide asset recovery cases – including obtaining and defending the full range of injunctions - high-stakes commercial and financial disputes and cross-border investigations involving attacks on clients’ interests by numerous governments or agencies. His skill in defending high-profile corruption, fraud and regulatory allegations and his ability to negotiate with investigators have ensured his clients receive the strongest representation.
The Chambers UK Guide regularly ranks Syed as an elite solicitor. It has called him “a very technically gifted lawyer’’ and has said he “gets on top of all the facts in complex cases’’. Chambers has described him as “very committed to the work he does’’ and said he “leaves no stone unturned and has a passion for what he does’’. It has repeatedly highlighted his expertise in POCA work, asset recovery proceedings and cryptocurrency cases. The 2024 edition of Chambers praises his sanctions work and adds: “Syedur Rahman is excellent. He is very, very good, very knowledgeable and good at grasping the facts quickly.’’
Syed’s clients include corporates and their directors, financial institutions, hedge funds, high net worth individuals and international private clients around the world. Syed has a particular interest in litigation arising from mergers and acquisitions, derivatives and securities offerings (IPO’s, SPAC IPO’s and debt offerings) and works with private equity funds and private sponsors for public companies.
He is adept at advising corporate entities and their directors and officers on their regulatory and compliance obligations and in investigations conducted by agencies such as the Serious Fraud Office, Financial Conduct Authority, National Crime Agency and HM Revenue & Customs. His ability to assess complex issues, establish the facts and analyse challenging sets of circumstances have seen him excel on internal investigations carried out for Rahman Ravelli’s corporate clients.
Syed routinely advises clients in FCA investigations into alleged market abuse, breaches of regulated activities and unauthorised trading. He is sought by asset management firms and chief investment officers at hedge funds facing enforcement proceedings and financial services litigation.
The Legal 500 has called Syed “a creative thinker’’, “a master of detail’’ and someone who “entirely devotes himself to his cases’’. It has drawn attention to the wide variety of global corporate wrongdoing and multi-jurisdictional bribery and corruption investigations he has worked on. It has also praised his “incredible depth of experience when it comes to fraud matters, and in particular those with an international element or where the National Crime Agency are involved.’’ The Legal 500 has described him as “one of the most well-respected names’’ in the legal world and emphasises his abilities in emerging areas such as SPACs and cryptocurrency fraud.
Syed is also in demand to work on cases where there is the possibility of securing a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) for clients. The Legal 500 has noted Rahman Ravelli’s expertise in advising on DPAs and recognised that Syed “goes the extra mile to get the best results for his clients in leading on a multi-jurisdictional matter concerning this area”.
His recent work has involved global energy sector corruption allegations, major financial services cases, fintech companies and many of the most complex worldwide asset recovery cases.
Professional Memberships
International Bar Association (IBA)
The Law Society
American Bar Association (ABA)
Fraud Lawyers Association (FLA)
European Fraud and Compliance Lawyers (EFCL)
Publications
The International Comparative Legal Guide 2024 - Business Crime
CDR Essential Intelligence 2023 – Fraud, Asset Tracing and Recovery
The International Comparative Legal Guide 2021 - Business Crime
The International Comparative Legal Guide 2020 - Business Crime
Chambers Review
UK
Syedur Rahman has notable experience handling financial crime cases, including bribery and serious fraud. He also has experience in HMRC investigations.
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli Solicitors is noted for his expertise in sanctions-related issues. He regularly advises publicly listed companies on UK and EU sanctions on Russia. He also represents designated individuals in challenging sanctions.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Syed is extremely knowledgeable about the legal issues and equally passionate about representing his clients. He is both creative and pragmatic and is a pleasure to work alongside."
"Syed is very knowledgeable."
"He is someone with his finger on the pulse. He knows all the legal and regulatory updates almost before they've happened."
"He's a magnet for really interesting work and does very well in cross-border litigation."
"He's very enthusiastic on how his clients understand the issues and is highly personable and engaging to work with."
"Syedur is hard-working and commercially aware."
"He is good - he's very entrepreneurial in his advice and looks at matters with a creative and innovative lens."
"Syed is extremely knowledgeable about the legal issues and equally passionate about representing his clients. He is both creative and pragmatic and is a pleasure to work alongside."
"Syed is very knowledgeable."
"He is someone with his finger on the pulse. He knows all the legal and regulatory updates almost before they've happened."
"He's a magnet for really interesting work and does very well in cross-border litigation."
"He's very enthusiastic on how his clients understand the issues and is highly personable and engaging to work with."
"Syedur is hard-working and commercially aware."
"He is good - he's very entrepreneurial in his advice and looks at matters with a creative and innovative lens."
Articles, highlights and press releases
45 items provided by Rahman Ravelli Solicitors
Bringing Foreign Court Proceedings in Breach of a London Arbitration Agreement
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli considers a case that emphasises courts’ powers to remedy breaches of contract.
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli details a case that considered the scope of a judgment made in rem.
Control of Documents and Disclosure Obligations
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli details a case that examined what can be considered to be in a party’s control in relation to the disclosure exercise
The Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Amendment) (High-Risk Countries) Regulations 2021
Syed Rahman of Rahman Ravelli details the changes regarding High-Risk Third Countries
Fiduciary Relationships and the Granting of Relief of Undisclosed Commissions
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli details a judgement that considered whether a fiduciary relationship is necessary for relief to be granted.
THE NEW APPROACH TO SANCTIONS BREACHES
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli assesses the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation’s latest guidance on financial sanctions breaches.
The FCA’s Whistleblowing Campaign
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli considers the Financial Conduct Authority’s attempt to encourage would-be whistleblowers to report directly to it.
The Admissibility of Unlawfully Obtained Evidence
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli details a case that raises issues around evidence gathering.
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli assesses the post-Brexit sanctions challenges facing the UK – and how it has responded.
Syedur Rahman, partner at financial crime specialists Rahman Ravelli, assesses the legal issues relevant to the rise of special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs).
The admissibility of opinion evidence
Syed Rahman of Rahman Ravelli details a case that saw the court deny permission to use expert evidence
Varying Proprietary Injunctions
Syed Rahman of Rahman Ravelli considers two recent cases that focus on a defendant’s ability to vary a proprietary injunction.
Cryptocurrency Fraud: A Significant Judgement
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli details a recent judgement that could be of huge importance in crypto-related fraud and asset recovery cases.
DOCUMENT DISCLOSURE FOR MORE THAN ONE CASE
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli outlines the issues involved in obtaining evidence used in civil proceedings for parallel criminal cases.
Closure of Bitcoin trading accounts
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli assesses the implications of a case that highlights the issues facing financial institutions when dealing with the termination of cryptocurrency accounts
SERIOUS FRAUD OFFICE ENDS ITS BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO INVESTIGATION
The SFO is no longer investigating bribery allegations involving the tobacco company, citing the evidential test for prosecution. Syed Rahman of Rahman Ravelli outlines the test.
Summary Judgement and Procedural Defects
Syed Rahman of Rahman Ravelli outlines a case that emphasises the importance of knowing the rules – and their limitations - regarding summary judgement.
The Financial Conduct Authority and Liquidation Stays
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli examines a case that ruled on whether a Warning Notice can be issued while there is a liquidation stay on action and proceedings.
Syed Rahman of Rahman Ravelli details the main points from the European Securities and Markets Authority report on withholding tax schemes.
The Financial Conduct Authority has disclosed information about the size of its caseload this year. Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli considers how it is functioning in the pandemic.
FURTHER REFINEMENT OF THE DISCLOSURE PILOT SCHEME
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli examines attempts to tackle disclosure problems in modern litigation.
ASSESSING THE SFO’S GUIDANCE ON DEFERRED PROSECUTION AGREEMENTS
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli examines the value of the Serious Fraud Office’s DPA guidance
THE FCA, ITS NEW MAN AT THE TOP AND THE ISSUES HE MUST ADDRESS
Syed Rahman of Rahman Ravelli considers the challenges facing the new head of the Financial Conduct Authority
PROPOSED NEW DISCLOSURE POWERS FOR HMRC
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli details the finance bill measures to make it easier for HM Revenue and Customs to gain information about individuals.
FCA regulation and pensions advice
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli outlines a case that emphasises the important distinction between regulated and unregulated firms regarding pensions advice.
The limits of reflective loss are redrawn
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli outlines a Supreme Court case that clarifies the limitations of the reflective loss principle.
Freezing injunctions and crypto-related investment fraud
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli examines a case that underlines the courts’ continuing tough approach when it comes to suspected investment fraud involving cryptoasset schemes.
Foreign Claims and UK Jurisdiction
Syed Rahman of Rahman Ravelli assesses the doctrine of forum (non) conveniens and a court’s decision regarding jurisdiction on a foreign claim.
The Standard of Proof in Civil Fraud Claims
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli details a case that may make it easier for claimants to succeed in fraud litigation in English courts.
CRYPTOASSETS AND MONEY LAUNDERING REGULATION
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli assesses the scope and likely impact of anti-money laundering measures in relation to cryptoassets.
Bringing Foreign Court Proceedings in Breach of a London Arbitration Agreement
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli considers a case that emphasises courts’ powers to remedy breaches of contract.
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli details a case that considered the scope of a judgment made in rem.
Control of Documents and Disclosure Obligations
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli details a case that examined what can be considered to be in a party’s control in relation to the disclosure exercise
The Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Amendment) (High-Risk Countries) Regulations 2021
Syed Rahman of Rahman Ravelli details the changes regarding High-Risk Third Countries
Fiduciary Relationships and the Granting of Relief of Undisclosed Commissions
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli details a judgement that considered whether a fiduciary relationship is necessary for relief to be granted.
THE NEW APPROACH TO SANCTIONS BREACHES
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli assesses the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation’s latest guidance on financial sanctions breaches.
The FCA’s Whistleblowing Campaign
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli considers the Financial Conduct Authority’s attempt to encourage would-be whistleblowers to report directly to it.
The Admissibility of Unlawfully Obtained Evidence
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli details a case that raises issues around evidence gathering.
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli assesses the post-Brexit sanctions challenges facing the UK – and how it has responded.
Syedur Rahman, partner at financial crime specialists Rahman Ravelli, assesses the legal issues relevant to the rise of special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs).
The admissibility of opinion evidence
Syed Rahman of Rahman Ravelli details a case that saw the court deny permission to use expert evidence
Varying Proprietary Injunctions
Syed Rahman of Rahman Ravelli considers two recent cases that focus on a defendant’s ability to vary a proprietary injunction.
Cryptocurrency Fraud: A Significant Judgement
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli details a recent judgement that could be of huge importance in crypto-related fraud and asset recovery cases.
DOCUMENT DISCLOSURE FOR MORE THAN ONE CASE
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli outlines the issues involved in obtaining evidence used in civil proceedings for parallel criminal cases.
Closure of Bitcoin trading accounts
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli assesses the implications of a case that highlights the issues facing financial institutions when dealing with the termination of cryptocurrency accounts
SERIOUS FRAUD OFFICE ENDS ITS BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO INVESTIGATION
The SFO is no longer investigating bribery allegations involving the tobacco company, citing the evidential test for prosecution. Syed Rahman of Rahman Ravelli outlines the test.
Summary Judgement and Procedural Defects
Syed Rahman of Rahman Ravelli outlines a case that emphasises the importance of knowing the rules – and their limitations - regarding summary judgement.
The Financial Conduct Authority and Liquidation Stays
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli examines a case that ruled on whether a Warning Notice can be issued while there is a liquidation stay on action and proceedings.
Syed Rahman of Rahman Ravelli details the main points from the European Securities and Markets Authority report on withholding tax schemes.
The Financial Conduct Authority has disclosed information about the size of its caseload this year. Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli considers how it is functioning in the pandemic.
FURTHER REFINEMENT OF THE DISCLOSURE PILOT SCHEME
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli examines attempts to tackle disclosure problems in modern litigation.
ASSESSING THE SFO’S GUIDANCE ON DEFERRED PROSECUTION AGREEMENTS
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli examines the value of the Serious Fraud Office’s DPA guidance
THE FCA, ITS NEW MAN AT THE TOP AND THE ISSUES HE MUST ADDRESS
Syed Rahman of Rahman Ravelli considers the challenges facing the new head of the Financial Conduct Authority
PROPOSED NEW DISCLOSURE POWERS FOR HMRC
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli details the finance bill measures to make it easier for HM Revenue and Customs to gain information about individuals.
FCA regulation and pensions advice
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli outlines a case that emphasises the important distinction between regulated and unregulated firms regarding pensions advice.
The limits of reflective loss are redrawn
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli outlines a Supreme Court case that clarifies the limitations of the reflective loss principle.
Freezing injunctions and crypto-related investment fraud
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli examines a case that underlines the courts’ continuing tough approach when it comes to suspected investment fraud involving cryptoasset schemes.
Foreign Claims and UK Jurisdiction
Syed Rahman of Rahman Ravelli assesses the doctrine of forum (non) conveniens and a court’s decision regarding jurisdiction on a foreign claim.
The Standard of Proof in Civil Fraud Claims
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli details a case that may make it easier for claimants to succeed in fraud litigation in English courts.
CRYPTOASSETS AND MONEY LAUNDERING REGULATION
Syedur Rahman of Rahman Ravelli assesses the scope and likely impact of anti-money laundering measures in relation to cryptoassets.