SFO v Barclays PLC (2018)

Crispin Aylett QC and Ben FitzGerald acted for Barclays PLC in the SFO investigation into allegations that the bank had given Qatar secret fees that helped it to survive without a UK government bailout in 2008.  All charges were dismissed against the company in the Crown Court by Mr Justice Jay in May 2018.

Crispin Aylett QC, Ben FitzGeraland and Richard Lissack QC (of Fountain Court) also acted for Barclays plc and Barclays Bank plc in the SFO’s application before Lord Justice Davis for a voluntary bill of indictment in respect of the Bank’s capital raising from Qatar in 2008. The matter was heard between 22 and 24 October 2018.

Lord Justice Davis announced his decision, refusing the application, on Friday 26 October. 

Members of Chambers also act for other parties in the case: William Boyce QC and Karen Robinson act for Richard Boath; Edward Brown QC and Philip Stott act for the SFO. 

Tom Broomfield was instructed as junior counsel for the Financial Conduct Authority in the investigation. The FCA’s regulatory enforcement action is stayed pending the outcome of the SFO’s criminal case.

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