Financial Crime Barrister

Financial crime refers to a broad category of serious criminal conduct involving dishonesty, abuse of position or the misuse of financial systems for unlawful gain. These cases are typically investigated and prosecuted by specialist public authorities such as the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Specialist Fraud Division of the Crown Prosecution Service.

Allegations may arise from both individual conduct and corporate activity and often concern complex, document-heavy transactions. Common offences include fraud in its many forms, bribery and corruption, insider dealing, money laundering, tax evasion, sanctions breaches, market manipulation (including benchmark manipulation such as LIBOR or EURIBOR), cartel conduct, cyber-enabled fraud, embezzlement, forgery and false accounting. Financial crime prosecutions are frequently high-value, high-profile, and carry severe legal, financial and reputational consequences.

As a financial crime barrister in London, Martin works with clients nationwide and covers the full spectrum of crime, combining his expertise in criminal fraud, civil fraud, financial regulation and associated public law issues to provide strategic, commercially informed advice tailored to the specific pressures faced by individuals and businesses under investigation.

Martin regularly advises clients who are the subject of criminal investigations, regulatory enforcement action or court orders made under legislation such as the Fraud Act 2006, the Theft Act 1968, the Bribery Act 2010 and the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA). His focus is always on early intervention, risk management and securing the best possible outcome, whether that involves resisting prosecution, limiting exposure or robustly defending proceedings at trial.

Martin’s clients are often senior professionals whose careers, businesses and reputations are acutely vulnerable to allegations of financial crime. This includes high-net-worth individuals, CEOs, company directors, accountants, traders and other professionals operating in regulated or commercially-sensitive environments.

Criminal or regulatory proceedings can be devastating regardless of the ultimate outcome. Martin understands the stakes involved and is proud to deliver a discreet and meticulous service. Martin is known for going beyond what is expected, meeting, and frequently exceeding, the demands of clients for whom reputation, confidentiality and results are paramount.

Financial crime investigations are often lengthy, intrusive and conducted by multiple agencies with extensive powers. Matters may involve both criminal and civil exposure, parallel proceedings and international dimensions. Early decisions made during an investigation, particularly in interviews, disclosure, or correspondence, can have lasting consequences.

Seeking advice from an experienced financial crime barrister at the earliest stage is critical. Whether you are under investigation, have been served with a financial crime order or anticipate enforcement action, timely legal guidance can protect your position, manage risk and prevent avoidable damage. Proper representation can be the difference between a case escalating to prosecution and one being resolved at an earlier stage.

A vastly-experienced financial crime barrister, Martin has significant experience advising on complex financial crime matters with an international or offshore dimension. He is regularly instructed in major investigations involving the SFO, FCA, and NCA, including cases that span multiple jurisdictions.

Martin is able to take instructions relating to cases in the Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Gibraltar, Cyprus, the Caribbean and Hong Kong. His work includes advising on internal investigations, reporting obligations, the legality of search and seizure warrants, Production Orders and Notices, Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) negotiations, private prosecutions, asset freezing and forfeiture proceedings.

Martin can provide high-quality advice and advocacy across all levels of financial crime, from initial investigation through to trial and appeal, in courts across the UK and internationally. His work includes some of the most serious and complex cases, many of which attract intense regulatory scrutiny and media attention.

As a financial crime barrister in London, the type of cases Martin handles include:

• Asset forfeiture under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
• Insider dealing and market abuse
• Freezing and restraint orders
• Confiscation proceedings
• Cartel and competition offences
• VAT and carousel fraud
• Bribery Act 2010 offences
• Fraudulent trading
• Identity fraud
• Money laundering
• Benefit fraud

The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 has fundamentally changed the landscape of financial crime through the introduction of powerful confiscation, restraint and asset forfeiture laws. As a result, many investigations now have a significant asset-recovery component, often running alongside or even independent of criminal proceedings.

Solicitors, accountants and company directors frequently require specialist advice from a financial crime barrister when assets are restrained or alleged to represent the proceeds of crime. With experience across criminal and commercial law, martin is well placed to address the overlapping issues that commonly arise. This breadth of expertise provides a strategic advantage over more narrowly focused practitioners.

Martin is widely regarded as financial crime barrister and an outstanding fraud lawyer with a strong reputation in business and financial crime. He is recognised for his forensic approach to complex, paper-heavy cases and his ability to identify weaknesses in prosecution evidence.

Clients consistently value his first-class client manner and strategic judgment, particularly senior corporate figures who require discretion, clarity and an uncompromising commitment to their defence.

Every case is approached with meticulous preparation and strategic oversight. Whether you are facing a private prosecution, a regulatory investigation or allegations arising within a corporate environment, Martin will liaise directly with investigators, prosecutors and relevant authorities including HMRC, FCA and CPS.

A large part of Martin’s role as a financial crime barrister is to manage all correspondence on your behalf, advising on disclosure obligations and representing you in interviews under caution, regulatory meetings, and court proceedings.

Martin insists on full and proper pre-interview disclosure and will provide clear advice on whether it is in your interests to answer questions, provide a prepared statement or exercise your right to silence. Throughout the process, the focus will remain on protecting your legal position, your assets and your reputation.