Criminal Litigation

White Collar and Financial Crime

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White Collar and Financial Crime

Our Approach

Kingsley Napley has been expert in the field of white collar crime and fraud defence for more than 50 years

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.

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.

“Kingsley Napley has a high-calibre team. The team is responsive, well-structured and methodical in its approach.”

Chambers High Net Worth 2025 – Financial Crime: High Net Worth Individuals

“Kingsley Napley has first-rate, highly intelligent, dedicated professionals who always take a commercial approach to their cases.”

Chambers High Net Worth 2025 – Financial Crime: High Net Worth Individuals

“They are simply the best firm of solicitors for white-collar crime. No other firm can match their know-how, their resources and their down-to-earth sensible and practicable advice.”

Legal 500 UK, 2025

“The team at Kingsley Napley is at the absolute top of its game. The corporate crime team deals with some of the most serious cases of bribery, corruption and money laundering.”

Legal 500 UK, 2025

“Highly motivated team with real depth of experience; the best in the business.”

Legal 500 UK, 2025

“An outstanding team. Probably the strongest white-collar crime team in the country and very strong on regulatory matters also.”

Chambers and Partners UK, High Net Worth 2024

“You get a very high quality service from Kingsley Napley. They have a great nose for strategy and relentless attention to detail.”

Chambers and Partners UK, High Net Worth 2024

“They have an excellent reputation and can handle tricky and complex matters effortlessly.”

Chambers and Partners UK, High Net Worth 2024

“I always enjoy working with them. It is a first-class firm with great client service too.”

Chambers and Partners UK, 2024

“Kingsley Napley are arguably the best firm of criminal solicitors in the country.”

Legal 500 UK, 2024

“one of a small number of go-to firms providing this service. They have a well-deserved great reputation.”

Legal 500 UK, 2026

“Brilliant, hard-working team that brings expertise and experience to the representation.”

Legal 500 UK, 2026

Our Expertise

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

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.