Contentious regulatory

We advise banks and account holders in relation to funds which have either been frozen officially by way of government sanctions, freezing orders and injunctions issued by a court, or are otherwise unavailable following suspicion that they may comprise proceeds of crime (unofficial freezing).

We can issue civil proceedings to recover monies from custodians, defend or obtain freezing injunctions in relation to monies in bank accounts and also issue judicial review proceedings against the relevant regulator seeking to claim that funds are the proceeds of crime. We have considerable experience in dealing with sanctioned parties or funds.

The regulatory environment, both in local jurisdictions and internationally, is increasingly complex and regulatory agencies are becoming more zealous in their approach to enforcement and investigations. We guide clients through the impact of enforcement of investigatory actions by regulatory bodies, offering dedicated strategic advice on a broad range of issues including enforcement notices, governance matters, complaints, insider trading and dealing and market manipulation.

We can also assist clients to conduct internal investigations prior to any regulatory investigations.

We provide contentious and non-contentious advice and support, primarily for local financial services businesses, in complying with sanctions and anti-money laundering regulations. Our work ranges from initial strategic advice, liaison with stakeholders including regulators, clients and investigations and prosecution authorities – to litigation, where required.