Printed from the Field Fisher Waterhouse web site
Web address: http://www.ffw.com/practices/dispute-resolution/banking--finance-disputes.aspx

Chain

Banking & finance disputes

Disputes in the banking and finance sector are inevitable, particularly in the current economic climate. Novel and complex financial products and structures have proliferated in the last few years, particularly in the structured finance, derivatives and asset management spheres. Some of these products are now being examined in the most difficult economic circumstances leading to disputes. At best disputes are an unwelcome distraction; at worst they can threaten the future of an organisation.

Banking and finance disputes often involve an international dimension, and the possibility of litigation in more than one jurisdiction. The consequences of a particular course of action need to be thought through carefully with an eye on the involvement of regulators, sometimes in one or more jurisdiction.

Our service

We have three partners and a team of associates working full time on disputes in the banking and finance sector. Where products are unfamiliar, we are able to draw on the experience of our well-developed non-contentious financial services practices, so we can provide timely, practical and confident advice to our clients, focusing on the key commercial issues at stake.

Our finance disputes team frequently deals with high-profile disputes, where it is necessary (or desirable) to deal with press interest. Sometimes this involves quick resolution, on advantageous terms, away from the public gaze, using alternative dispute resolution techniques such as mediation. However, where litigation is unavoidable or desirable, our clients can rely on our practical advice and our enviable track record of obtaining favourable conclusions.

Our partners specialise in banking and finance regulatory issues, frequently handling the possibility of litigation or regulatory issues in more than one jurisdiction (including in the US). We are not restricted by the stricter US conflicts of interest rules and have no problem with suing financial institutions per se.

Our experience

We have considerable experience in:

  • structured finance and derivatives
  • investment management
  • misselling
  • trade finance
  • regulatory issues
  • insolvency and fraud issues
  • enforcing security and other enforcement issues