White Collar and Financial Crime

Kingsley Napley has been expert in the field of white collar crime and fraud defence for more than 50 years.  The firm has an unrivalled reputation and one of the largest, most experienced and respected teams in the City.

We act for companies and individuals subject to investigation and prosecution by agencies including the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), City of London Police, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Insolvency Service and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).  Some of our lawyers have worked for these organisations in the past, so have knowledge of the process from both sides of the fence. We are also regularly instructed in multi-jurisdictional investigations conducted by overseas agencies such as the US Department of Justice (DoJ) and FBI. We also act as independent legal advisers for witnesses.

Our Services

Kingsley Napley can assist at all stages of the criminal defence process, from arrest, detention, interviews under caution or attendance at compelled interviews, to conducting internal investigations, advising whether to self-report to the authorities, negotiating settlements right through to supporting clients during criminal trials.

You can find more information about our services below:

Bribery and corruption

We have a long track record of defending and advising in bribery and corruption investigations, acting for both individuals and corporates. Find out more about how our specialist bribery and corruption lawyers can help.

Serious Fraud

Defending complex serious fraud cases successfully is where we have an unparalleled track record. Find out how our specialist fraud lawyers can help.

Fraud audit

Our Regulatory and Criminal law teams can help law firms manage their risk arising from the new 'failure to prevent fraud' corporate criminal offence created by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA).

Under this legislation, from September 2025 a large organisation is criminally liable if:

• A specified fraud offence is committed by an employee, agent, or other 'associated person' for the organisation's benefit.
• The organisation did not have 'reasonable' fraud prevention procedures in place.

We will comprehensively review the effectiveness of your procedures and policies to prevent fraud, including your risk assessment and control framework. Our final report will contain an assessment of your compliance with government guidance, and tailored advice on any actions that should be taken.

 

money laundering

The UK’s anti-money laundering (AML) regime is amongst the most stringent. We represent both individuals and organisations in AML matters. Find out more about how our lawyers can help.

corporate crime

Corporate crime is under the spotlight more now than ever before with an increasing appetite for corporate prosecutions. Find out more about how our specialist corporate crime lawyers can help.

investigations

When an individual or company is faced with a criminal or regulatory investigation we manage every step of the process. Find out more about how our expert investigations lawyers can help.

tax investigations

A tax investigation by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) could have serious implications for you and your business. Find out more about how our tax investigations lawyers can help.

cartels, competition, price fixing and anti-trust

Our top ranked cartels team is extremely well placed to provide advice to individuals and companies who are caught up in cartel activity. Find out more about how our specialist cartel lawyers can help.

proceeds of crime investigations

Recent years have seen considerable growth in this practice area, following the introduction of new measures designed to tackle illicit finance and the increased attention of enforcement agencies. Find out more about how our proceeds of crime team can help.

insider dealing and market abuse

We have extensive experience in representing individuals who have become embroiled in insider dealing investigations. Find out more about how our insider dealing team can help.

 

Whether allegations of criminal wrongdoing are against a company or an individual we understand the pressures and consequences involved. Clients want a trusted adviser who can identify the best strategy, mount a robust defence and guide them through the process.

Our experience spans the most high-profile cases in recent years  through to advice on matters less in the public eye, and covers work for corporates and individuals in cases involving  allegations of bribery and corruption, fraud or tax evasion as well as associated proceeds of crime issues.

Increase in investigations

Despite the well-rehearsed resourcing issue within UK law enforcement agencies, investigations into serious white collar, fraud and corporate criminal offences are on the increase. Without exception, the relevant agencies have extensive legislative and enforcement powers at their disposal, not to mention ambitious enforcement plans, making them forces to be reckoned with.  

We help clients navigate through the intricacies of the legislation that underpins criminal enforcement action: not just the various offences, but also the rules governing the conduct of investigations, such as those concerning search and seizure and disclosure, where the origins of successful defences are often found. We also have an in-depth knowledge of agencies’ priorities and current focus. What really sets us apart, however, is our skill in providing both strategic and practical advice which helps us to secure the best possible outcome for our clients.

WHAT CLIENTS AND DIRECTORIES HAVE SAID

They are the real deal, with real in-depth backgrounds in criminal law, with an embedded culture of teamwork. They are not tied or restricted by hierarchy. Their attention to detail is like nothing you have ever seen. Their tactical awareness and ability to go the extra mile is outstanding."

Legal 500 UK 2023

All of the solicitors I worked with were able to quickly assimilate the critical information and provide first-rate advice that was both comprehensive and pragmatic.”

Chambers UK 2023

It's a top-notch team that deals with the most difficult cases and always finds a way of running them effectively."

Chambers UK 2022

The team has a great deal of legal knowledge and expertise - we are very pleased with the service and the advice we have received."

Chambers UK 2022

A market-leading practice with great strength in depth and hugely committed individuals. A great firm for white-collar crime which is exceptional in its promotion and recruitment of female lawyers. The firm has such as visible female line-up."

Legal 500 UK 2022

Longstanding top-tier partners specialising in financial crime for defendants"

Legal 500 UK 2022

Their knowledge of prosecution know-how is second to none

Legal 500 UK 2022

They have an excellent reputation, they have a very broad team and they have strength in depth."

Chambers UK 2020 - A Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession

Kingsley Napley straddles the overlap between financial services and financial crime."

Legal 500 UK 2020

Straddles the overlap between contentious regulatory work and financial crime."

Chambers UK 2020 - A Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession

Very good at litigation and have a fantastic reputation in the white-collar world."

Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide, 2019

Absolutely well suited for handling litigation for a high net worth client base."

Chambers and Partner High Net Worth Guide, 2019

Kingsley Napley always provides a high-level service to clients."

Chambers and Partners, 2019

The firm has very good criminal lawyers with strength and depth throughout the department."

Chambers and Partners, 2019

They pick up some fantastic work, they have some fantastic clients and they have a skill of trying to get rid of matters before they go too far."

Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2018

An absolute superfirm." 

Chambers and Partners, 2018

I believe their strength lies in their meticulous attention to detail and the intelligence of the individuals employed by that firm. I could not imagine a better law firm."

Chambers and Partners, 2018

The first firm I would think of when I represent a company and want an individual covered." 

Chambers and Partners, 2018

They have extremely good judgement when it comes to criminal matters. They have vast experience in crime at all levels - whether it's financial or something with a regulatory dimension or a civil dimension, they can deal with it and provide all round advice."

Chambers UK

It is an excellent firm - the level of preparation for cases is just fantastic."

Chambers UK, A Clients Guide to the UK Legal Profession

They are determined to do the best for their clients at all times and leave absolutely no stone unturned. It is a brilliant defence firm."      

 Chambers UK, A Clients Guide to the UK Legal Profession

The criminal litigation department at Kingsley Napley LLP continues to ‘hold its own against the Magic Circle firms’."

Legal 500

Kingsley Napley is pre-eminent at what it does: high-end, complex criminal work for high-profile individuals."

Chambers UK, A Clients Guide to the UK Legal Profession