Andrew Onslow KC

Andrew has been recognised as a leading banking and finance silk in the directories for many years, having acted in numerous banking and bank-related cases. He has been praised as “a very knowledgeable banking silk who is incredibly user-friendly and accessible”, “Outstanding. He has no airs and graces and absolutely gets stuck in” (Chambers & Partners), and to “cut through the key issues and develop the case to great effect” (Legal 500). Examples of cases in this field are:

SKAT v Solo Capital Partners – acting for defendants in worldwide $2 billion litigation brought by the Danish tax authority to recover withholding tax refunds

Farol Holdings Ltd v Clydesdale Bank plc – acting for hundreds of “Tailored Business Loan” borrowers in claim for losses caused by (alleged) wrongful Break Cost charges

Aabar Holdings & Others v Glencore plc  (FSMA s.90/90A claims)

Various Claimants v G4S plc; Various Claimants (FSMA s.90A – shareholders’ claims for losses caused by publication of untrue and misleading financial information)

Byers v Saudi National Bank (acting for SNB, formerly Samba Financial Group, in leading case on the impact of foreign law on claims for knowing receipt)

Trustees of the Mineworkers Pension Scheme v Royal Bank of Scotland [2014] EWHC 227 (Ch) – acting for claimants in litigation over RBS’s £12bn 2008 Rights Issue

Perry v NCA – acting for the NCA in defending claims for compensation under s.283 Proceeds of Crime Act 2002

PCP Capital Partners LLP v Barclays Bank plc; R v Barclays Bank plc & Ors – acting for the SFO in the civil/commercial aspects of this major prosecution and commercial litigation

Loreley Financing (Jersey) No 26 Ltd v Lehman Brothers – acting for claimant in US$72m claim arising from the sale of CDO Notes

R v Hayes (Southwark Crown Court and Court of Appeal Criminal Division) – acting for the SFO in civil/commercial aspects of this LIBOR-related prosecution

R v Bittar (Southwark Crown Court and Court of Appeal Criminal Division) – acting for the SFO in trial (and appeal) of issues concerning the meaning of the Euribor Code and the application of Belgian law

H v B Bank (Comm Ct) – acting for Claimant in claim for wrongful close-out of investment fund

Nahum v Citibank NA (Comm. Ct., settled at trial) – acting for defendant private bank in claim concerning the unwinding of credit default swaps

Golden Sunsets Navigation (UK) Ltd v Lloyds Portfolio Leasing Ltd [2010] EWHC (Comm.) 703 – acting for Defendant bank in dispute under complex shipping finance lease

Derivatives claims brought by investment banks against Italian municipalities

Andrew has been recognised as a leading fraud practitioner for many years, and is highly rated in the directories in this field. Chambers & Partners describes him as “a redoubtable advocate with a wide commercial practice who is sought out for his ability to prosecute and defend multibillion-pound claims … very punchy in his advocacy and down-to earth in his opinions”. Legal 500 reports that “his support is exceptional and he throws himself into the case”. As shown by his recent caseload, he has become involved in recent years in work in the field of heavy criminal fraud, acting repeatedly for the SFO. Recent cases in the fraud field include:

Iranian Offshore Engineering and Construction Company v Dean Investment Holdings S.A. – acting for IOEC in £75m claim arising from the purchase of the GSP Fortuna, a mobile oil drilling rig – the rig was not delivered, and the purchase money not returned – Judgment in March 2019 against all 9 Defendants

Libyan Investment Authority v King – acting for the LIA in a claim for the return of a £10m + investment in a hotel development project at Maple Cross

Byers/Akers v Samba Financial Group/Saudi National Bank – acting for Samba Bank in defence of a knowing receipt claim arising from the collapse of Maan Al-Sanea’s Saad Group

Farol Holdings Ltd v Clydesdale Bank plc – acting for hundreds of “Tailored Business Loan” borrowers in claim for losses caused by (alleged) wrongful Break Cost charges

Various Claimants v G4S plc; Various Claimants v Serco plc (FSMA s.90A – shareholders’ claims for losses caused by publication of untrue and misleading financial information)

Aabar Holdings & Ors v Glencore plc & Ors (FSMA s.90/90A claims)

The VW emissions litigation – acting for claimants in claims based on the alleged fraudulent use of a “defeat device” in VW engines

PCP Capital Partners LLP v Barclays Bank plc; R v Barclays Bank plc & Ors – acting for the SFO in the civil/commercial aspects of this major prosecution and commercial litigation

Perry v NCA – acting for the NCA in defending claims for compensation under s.283 Proceeds of Crime Act 2002

R v Bittar (Southwark Crown Court and Court of Appeal Criminal Division) – acting for the SFO in trial (and appeal) of issues concerning the meaning of the Euribor Code and the application of Belgian law

R v Hayes (Southwark Crown Court and Court of Appeal Criminal Division) – acting for the SFO in civil/commercial aspects of this LIBOR-related prosecution

Loreley Financing (Jersey) No 26 Ltd v Lehman Brothers – acting for claimant in US$72m claim arising from the sale of CDO Notes

Public JSC VA Bank v Maksimov – freezing order proceedings concerning the ownership of $80m of Ukrainian assets

Seaton Trustees v Schneider Electric FZE – acting for the sellers in a £10m + fraud, warranty and mismanagement dispute following sale of a Dubai electronic solutions company

Polonskiy v Alexander Dobrovinsky & Partners – a $300m claim by a well-known Cambodian-based Russian businessman (Polonskiy) against a leading Russian lawyer in relation to the sale of Polonskiy’s former business

R v S – acting for life insurance company in claims arising from payments made under the forged signature of the chief executive

Attorney General of Zambia v Meer Care & Desai (Court of Appeal) [2008] EWCA Civ 1007 – acting for Defendant solicitor in successful appeal against finding of fraud

Kensington International Limited v Republic of Congo (Commercial Court) – acting for US hedge fund in third party debt proceedings against African state and oil purchasers

National Grid v McKenzie & Others (Chancery Division) – acting for major utility company in fraud and bribery claim against ex-employee and associates – search orders and freezing injunctions.

Andrew has been recognised as a leading commercial silk for many years, having acted in numerous heavy commercial cases. He is described in the directories as “a fantastic advocate” (Chambers & Partners), “a first-class advocate who can get to grips with the thorniest of issues … Definitely someone you want on your team. He has an excellent grasp of legal issues and is incredibly diligent with good client skills” (Chambers Global), “a calm and measured advocate who provides a wealth of experience and a sensible approach” (Legal 500). Among recent cases are:

SKAT v Solo Capital Partners – acting for defendants in worldwide $2 billion litigation brought by the Danish tax authority to recover withholding tax refunds

Clifford Chance plc v Societe Generale (acting for Clifford Chance in Commercial Court proceedings for negative declarations)

Qatar Investment and Projects Development Holding v Elanus Ltd (title dispute over valuable historic diamond, the Idol’s Eye)

Byers v Saudi National Bank (acting for SNB, formerly Samba Financial Group, in leading case on the impact of foreign law on claims for knowing receipt)

Strategic Technologies Pte Ltd v Procurement Bureau of the Republic of China Ministry of National Defence (Court of Appeal) – acting for appellant (Taiwan) in successful appeal against the registration of a “judgment on a judgment”, a Cayman Islands judgment based on a Singapore judgment

Abela v Baadarani (Supreme Court) – the leading case on retrospective validation of service by an alternative means (CPR 16.15)

Iranian Offshore Engineering and Construction Company v Dean Investment Holdings S.A. – acting for IOEC in £75m claim arising from the purchase of the GSP Fortuna, a mobile oil drilling rig – the rig was not delivered, and the purchase money not returned – Judgment in March 2019 against all 9 Defendants

Libyan Investment Authority v King – acting for the LIA in a claim for the return of a £10m + investment in a hotel development project at Maple Cross

Farol Holdings Ltd v Clydesdale Bank plc – acting for hundreds of “Tailored Business Loan” borrowers in claim for losses caused by (alleged) wrongful Break Cost charges

Trustees of the Mineworkers Pension Scheme v Royal Bank of Scotland [2014] EWHC 227 (Ch) – acting for claimants in litigation over RBS’s £12bn 2008 Rights Issue

FSMA s.90A – shareholders’ claims for losses caused by publication of untrue and misleading financial information

PCP Capital Partners LLP v Barclays Bank plc; R v Barclays Bank plc & Ors – acting for the SFO in the civil/commercial aspects of this major prosecution and commercial litigation

Phoenix Healthcare Distribution Ltd v Woodward – acting for successful Appellant (Phoenix) in Ch D and CA, overturning Master’s decision to validate defective service under CPR 6.15: see also Abela v Baadarani (SC) below

Perry v NCA – acting for the NCA in defending claims for compensation under s.283 Proceeds of Crime Act 2002

Thwaytes v Sotheby’s [2015] EWHC 36 (Ch) – acting for Sotheby’s in successful defence of a negligence claim in relation to a painting sold as a copy of Caravaggio’s Cardsharps

Loreley Financing (Jersey) No 26 Ltd v Lehman Brothers – acting for claimant in US$72m claim arising from the sale of CDO Notes

R v Hayes (Southwark Crown Court and Court of Appeal Criminal Division) – acting for the SFO in civil/commercial aspects of this LIBOR-related prosecution

Bieber v Teathers [2012] BCLC 585 (Ch D.); [2012] EWCA Civ 1466 (CA) – acting for defendant stockbrokers in £20-£30 million claim for negligent creation and management of a film finance investment scheme

Public JSC VA Bank v Maksimov – freezing order proceedings concerning the ownership of $80m of Ukrainian assets

Seaton Trustees v Schneider Electric FZE – acting for the sellers in a £10m + fraud, warranty and mismanagement dispute following sale of a Dubai electronic solutions company

Ruby Roz Agricol LLP v Republic of Kazakhstan – acting for claimant in applications made in proceedings under Arbitration Act 1996 s.67 challenging the decision of an Arbitral Tribunal that it had no jurisdiction to determine the dispute with the Respondent.

Polonskiy v Alexander Dobrovinsky & Partners – a $300m claim by a well-known Cambodian-based Russian businessman (Polonskiy) against a leading Russian lawyer in relation to the sale of Polonskiy’s former business

Abela v Baadarani [2013] 1 WLR 2043 – Supreme Court – acting for Defendant/Respondent – service by an alternative method, and extensions of time for service, outside the jurisdiction after expiry of limitation period

H v B Bank (Comm Ct) – acting for Claimant in claim for wrongful close-out of investment fund

F v S (ICC Arbitration) – acting for D in substantial Manila/HK arbitration concerning failure of joint venture

Cherney v Deripaska (CA) [2012] All ER D 43; [2013] CP Rep 1 – acting for Claimant/Respondent on appeal against Commercial Court’s refusal to make “witness protection orders” providing for evidence to be given in private and witnesses to be anonymised – Appeal dismissed

Sibir v Tchigirinsky (Comm Ct) [2012] 2 All ER (Comm) 1285; [2012] ILPr 52 – acting for proposed Defendant, domiciled in Switzerland, on application to join him to the proceedings – challenge to jurisdiction – intended defendant contending claimants having no genuine intention of pursuing anchor defendant – Lugano Convention Art 6(1)

The Procter & Gamble Company v Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget [2012] EWHC 498 (Ch) – acting for Defendant in a £10 million claim under business sale agreement – central construction/implication issue as to the Euro/£ exchange rate to be applied where contract silent

Nahum v Citibank NA (Comm. Ct) – acting for defendant private bank in claim concerning the unwinding of credit default swaps

Golden Sunsets Navigation (UK) Ltd v Lloyds Portfolio Leasing Ltd [2010] EWHC (Comm.) 703 – acting for Defendant bank in dispute under complex shipping finance lease

Derivatives claims brought by investment banks against Italian municipalities

Double G Communications Ltd v News Group International Ltd [2011] EWHC 961 – acting for NGN in a quantum trial arising from NGN’s cancellation of a board game contract

NML Capital Ltd v Republic of Argentina [2009] QB 579 – acting for NML in enforcement of New York Judgments – major state immunity issues (eventually decided by the Supreme Court)

B v J Bank (Hong Kong) – advising major investment bank in claim for specific performance of SpinOut provisions in private equity deal

Community Gateway Association v Beha Williams Norman Ltd – professional negligence litigation arising from the 2005 transfer of Preston’s social housing to the Claimant

Raja v Hoogstraten (Chancery Division and CA) [2009] 1 WLR 1143 – acting for solicitors in claim for wrongfully procuring writ of sequestration (2006-2008)

Attorney General of Zambia v Meer Care & Desai (Court of Appeal) [2008] EWCA Civ 1007 1007 – acting for Defendant solicitor in successful appeal against finding of fraud.

Kensington International Limited v Republic of Congo (Commercial Court) – acting for US hedge fund in third party debt proceedings against African state and oil purchasers

National Grid v McKenzie & Others (Chancery Division) – acting for major utility company in fraud and bribery claim against ex-employee and associates – search orders and freezing orders

Andrew has been recognised as a leading silk in this field for many years. The most recent directories say: “Andrew was incredibly easy to work with, which is important when you are working under intense pressure. On his feet you could see he had the trust of the tribunal … A very accomplished practitioner and advocate who works very well in the financial area” (Chambers UK), “a very polished and respected advocate” (Legal 500). He has appeared for auction houses in two of the leading cases this century – Thomson v Christie’s (the Houghton Urns case – trial and appeal 2004-2005) and Thwaytes v Sotheby’s (the Caravaggio case – trial 2014). In that field, Chambers UK describes him as having a “strong niche practice” – “very impressive on his feet … a sharp cross examiner.” Recent cases include:

Clifford Chance plc v Societe Generale (acting for Clifford Chance in Commercial Court proceedings for negative declarations)

Wemyss/Feilding v Simon C. Dickinson Ltd (Claim against London dealer in respect of negligent sale of Chardin’s Le Beneficite (“Saying Grace”)

Qatar Investment and Projects Development Holding v Elanus Ltd (title dispute over valuable historic diamond, the Idol’s Eye)

Q v J – claim against dealer for return of $5 million purchase price of artefacts sold as ancient works, bit alleged to be modern forgeries

M v N & S – acting for defendant seller of Egyptian statue in misattribution claim

Farol Holdings Ltd v Clydesdale Bank plc – acting for hundreds of “Tailored Business Loan” borrowers in claim for losses caused by (alleged) wrongful Break Cost charges

BPC Hotels Ltd v Wright Hassall & Anr [2016] EWHC 1286 (TCC) [2016] All ER (D) 44 – acting for defendant barrister in dismissal of professional negligence claim

Trustees of the Mineworkers Pension Scheme v Royal Bank of Scotland [2014] EWHC 227 (Ch) – acting for claimants in litigation over RBS’s £12bn 2008 Rights Issue – defence of no negligence

Film Finance Litigation – major claim against tax counsel and IFA in respect of film finance tax advice

Thwaytes v Sotheby’s [2015] EWHC 36 (Ch) – acting for Sotheby’s in successful defence of a negligence claim in relation to a painting sold as a copy of Caravaggio’s Cardsharps

Bieber v Teathers [2012] BCLC 585 (Ch D.); [2012] EWCA Civ 1466 (CA) – acting for defendant stockbrokers in £20-£30 million claim for negligent creation and management of a film finance investment scheme

Ackerman v Ackerman – acting for a defendant barrister/expert adjudicator in claim to set aside expert determination in intra-family commercial property dispute [2011] EWHC 3469 (Ch); [2012] EWCA Civ 768

Community Gateway Association v Beha Williams Norman Ltd [2011] EWHC 2311 – professional negligence litigation arising from the 2005 transfer of Preston’s social housing to the Claimant

Raja v Hoogstraten (Chancery Division and CA) [2009] 1 WLR 1143 – acting for solicitors in claim for wrongfully procuring writ of sequestration

G v A Bank (offshore) – acting for Defendant Bank in claim for negligent investment management

Andrew has extensive experience as counsel and arbitrator. His commercial arbitrator practice has seen him sitting on LCIA and ICC disputes ranging from joint venture disputes in relation to an Indian construction project, and a Russian Bank, through enforcement of a Nigerian/Kenyan put option, to claims in respect of the manufacture of solar panels, ownership of a Ukrainian bank, seizure of a Russian transport company, and the expropriation of a Kazakh poultry farm. He has particular familiarity with arbitration on the African continent, from his work as Co-Chair of the Commercial Bar Association Africa Committee and speaking/teaching experience in that field. Andrew’s wider tribunal experience includes memberships of the panels of UK Bar Disciplinary Tribunals, CAfA (Centre of Arbitration for Art), the AIM (London Stock Exchange) Disciplinary Panel and the Disciplinary Panel of the Society of Antiquaries.

Andrew is also a member of the Steering Group for 3VB’s IADRU (International Advisory Dispute Resolution Unit).