James has particular expertise in matters concerning FCA criminal and regulatory investigations, money laundering, market abuse and investment fraud.

He has experience working on very high profile FCA money laundering cases and on other investigations and prosecutions including insider dealing, fraud and breaches of financial services legislation.

As an investigation lawyer, his experience includes the application of the FCA’s conduct rules, threshold conditions and using the FCA’s Own Initiative powers to impose conditions on firms. In addition to advising on investigations and prosecutions, James was also a member of the FCA’s cryptocurrencies taskforce responsible for implementing the registration and anti-money laundering supervision of cryptocurrency firms.

At the Bar, James also gained significant experience of private prosecutions, internal investigations and civil asset recovery as well as general crime.

Since returning to private practice, James’ work has primarily focused on advising firms and individuals on market abuse, potential breaches of the general prohibition and the SAMLA 2018 sanctions regime.