Oliver Powell

Year of Call:
2006 (England & Wales); 2010 (Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (BVI))
Direct Access:
Yes

“An impressive senior junior well versed in large scale litigation”.

Oliver is ranked in both Chambers & Partners (UK) and The Legal 500 (in five practice areas). One solicitor observed: “He has incredibly sound judgment when it comes to the big decisions”. He is praised as “an extremely confident and charming advocate”.

He undertakes instructions that involve the regulation of business activity and commerce. His practice encompasses: asset forfeiture & civil recovery; business crime; civil fraud; corporate investigations; financial services; health, safety & environment; maritime regulatory law; and sanctions & export controls.

Recent or extant work includes:

  • AS PNB Banka & Others v Republic of Latvia, ICSID Case No. ARB/17/47 – award pending.
  • Overseas legal expert in a $125m arbitration in Russia.
  • Retained in a £55m claim in the Commercial Court.
  • Retained in a £28m professional negligence claim in the Admiralty Court.
  • Retained to advise a large bank on a number of sanctions related matters.
  • Retained to advise on sanctions matters pertaining to a £800m bankruptcy.
  • Retained to advise a well-known fund manager in relation to an FCA investigation.
  • Retained to advise on the largest ever financial investigation conducted in the Isle of Man.
  • Retained to advise a regulator in a multi-jurisdictional fraud.
  • Retained to act for WSP UK Ltd in respect of a matter brought by CF&RS.
  • Retained to advise and act for Skyjack (UK) Ltd in the inquest touching the death of Lee Pattison.
  • Acted for Bombardier in relation to the 2016 Croydon tram derailment.

Oliver is routinely instructed in matters with an international element and usually cases involving allegations of dishonesty, sharp practice or breach of regulations. He is a Barrister of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (BVI), a member of the New York State Bar Association, and in recent years has undertaken work in inter alia: USA, UAE, and Greece, as well as a number of British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies.

Oliver acts for multinational corporations, SMEs and private individuals (usually company officers, UHNWI or HNWI), and is routinely instructed by US and City law firms. His strong interpersonal skills, candid advice and robust advocacy allow him to forge solid working relationships, making him a popular choice with solicitors and clients alike.

Expertise

Oliver is ranked in:

  • Legal 500 for Business and Regulatory Crime (including Global Investigations);
  • Legal 500 for Financial Services Regulation;
  • Legal 500 for Proceeds of Crime (POCA) and Asset Forfeiture;
  • Chambers & Partners for POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture.

He is a contributor to both Millington and Sutherland Williams on the Proceeds of Crime and Lissack and Horlick on Bribery, the seminal texts on POCA and Bribery & Corruption respectively.

Oliver acts for companies and company officers in relation to matters that involve allegations of fraud, bribery and corruption, insider dealing, tax evasion, breach of sanctions, cartels and/or money laundering. He is routinely instructed in matters with an international element and usually cases involving allegations of dishonesty, sharp practice or breach of trust. As well as conducting contentious work which has its genesis in investigations undertaken by the SFO, FCA, CMA, NCA and OFSI, he has considerable experience in cross-border investigations, corporate and internal investigations. In addition, he maintains a busy advisory practice, providing opinions on ABC, AML, economic sanctions and export controls.

Oliver’s practice has always had a strong emphasis on Asset Forfeiture and Civil Recovery. He has a particular expertise in acting for receivers, third parties, companies, liquidators, administrators and those applying for compensation and release of monies from restraint, receivership and confiscation orders and those caught up with civil recovery of the proceeds of crime (Kitallides, Bark & Co v Khan, and SFO v Bates (‘Operation Anderson’)).

Oliver is regularly invited to speak at ABC, AML, asset recovery and sanctions events.

Notable Business Crime, Regulation & Sanctions cases


An investigation into Company A (ongoing)

Retained to advise a UK regulator in respect of a multinational fraud.

An investigation into Company B (ongoing)

Retained to advise the victims of a multinational fraud involving crypto assets.

FCA v An Individual (Operation Raunds) (ongoing)

Retained to advise a broker.

FCA v Qpay Europe Limited (POCA 2002) (2021)

Advised QPay in relation to a number of Account Freezing Orders made pursuant to Part 5 POCA 2002 to which it was the subject.

Company X (2020 to 2021)

Advising a FTSE listed company on its money laundering procedures and reporting obligations under POCA 2002.

Company Y (2020 to 2022)

Advising a very large organisation in respect of a number of ABC and AML related matters.

Operation Braid (2018 to 2023)

Largest ever financial investigation conducted in the Isle of Man. Retained in relation to an inquiry into multi-jurisdictional tax fraud, money laundering and other related financial crime.

OFSI v Company Z (2019)

Advising a large international corporate in respect of an investigation by OFSI.

London Capital & Finance Plc (2019)

Advising in relation to an SFO & FCA investigation.

Operation Schweppes (2018)

SFO v Alstom International Ltd (Operation Ruthenium) (2017)

R v McCormick (POCA 2002) (Operation Venus) (2016)

R v Michael Stannard [2015] EWHC 1199 (Admin)

SFO v Daniel Gooding & Others (POCA 2002) (Operation Steamroller) (2014)

Nasa Khan (CJA 1988) (2014)

NCA v Amir Azam [2014] EWHC 2722 (QB)

NCA v Amir Azam [2014] EWHC 4742 (QB)

Operation S (2014)

Operation Walrus (2012)

Darren Richard Leitch t/a London Mobile Communications v HMRC [2012] UKFTT 229 (TC)

Option NCT Ltd v HMRC [2011] UKFTT 768 (TC)

Fusion Electronics v HMRC [2011] UKFTT (TC)

SFO v Andrew Rybak (POCA 2002) (Operation Navigator) (2011)

SFO v Bates (Operation Anderson) (2009)

Oliver is ranked in:

  • Legal 500 for Business and Regulatory Crime (including Global Investigations);
  • Legal 500 for Financial Services Regulation;
  • Legal 500 for Proceeds of Crime (POCA) and Asset Forfeiture;
  • Chambers & Partners for POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture.

In 2022, he was nominated for the Legal 500 Corporate Crime Junior of the Year.

Oliver has a strong pedigree in economic sanctions and export controls. He has advised various clients on all aspects of sanctions law across UN, EU, US and UK regimes. He has advised a number of banks, companies and individuals in respect of, inter alia: SAMLA 2018; Russian Regulations 2019; prospective commercial transactional risks; the EU Blocking Regulation; sanctions contract clauses; approaches to regulators (e.g. reporting and licensing); and sanctions investigations. Most frequently, Oliver advises on EU and UN sanctions regimes, and their relationship with US and UK sanctions frameworks.

Oliver recently edited a chapter on economic sanctions for an OUP book published in Spring 2023. Oliver was also a co-author on an article for the New York State Bar Association titled: ‘Sanctions: Foreign Policy, Economic Warfare, or Both?’

He is a contributor to both Millington and Sutherland Williams on the Proceeds of Crime and Lissack and Horlick on Bribery, the seminal texts on POCA and Bribery & Corruption respectively.

Oliver is a member of the Association of Certified Sanctions Specialists.

Notable Sanctions cases


Company A

Advised a company on UK sanctions (SAMLA 2018 and the Russian Regulations 2019) and their impact on a loan agreement which it had with a Russian Bank.

Company B

Advised a company in relation to the jurisdictional scope of the UK sanctions legislation and the extent to which UK sanctions apply to separately incorporated overseas subsidiaries of UK companies.

Company C

Advised a company on ownership and control, as well as exemptions and licensing under SAMLA 2018.

Company D

Advised a very large international corporate in relation to an investigation by OFSI (matter concluded without enforcement action being taken).

Company E

Retained by a large organisation in relation to a large scale export control investigation conducted by UKBF and NCA (matter concluded within civil or criminal enforcement action being taken).

Company F

Instructed as an overseas expert on the Russia Regulations 2019 in a $125m arbitration in Russia.

Company G

Advised a payment services provider on sanctions risks, in particular its civil and criminal exposure to regulatory enforcement action.

Company H

Retained by a limited company in relation to an export controls challenge.

Company I

Retained by a limited company in relation to a large scale export control investigation conducted by UKBF and NCA.

Individual A

Retained to advise a private individual on various matters pertaining to a family member becoming a designated person in accordance with SAMLA 2018.

Oliver accepts instructions in the following areas:

  • Asset recovery;
  • Bribery & corruption;
  • Civil & commercial fraud;
  • Commercial & financial wrongdoing;
  • Corporate investigations;
  • Contract disputes;
  • Debt recovery;
  • Economic sanctions;
  • Freezing, proprietary & interim injunctions;
  • Indirect tax;
  • Insolvency;
  • Sanctions.

The staple of Oliver’s commercial practice concerns interpretation of contracts, breach of contract, civil fraud, interim injunctions and sanctions. However in the first five years of his practice, Oliver was regularly instructed in the area of indirect tax (VAT, excise duty and customs duty) and appeals to the FTT (Tax Chamber). He carved out a niche as one of the leading juniors in this area and appeared as junior counsel in the second largest MTIC appeal ever litigated (Darren Richard Leitch t/a London Mobile Communications v HMRC [2012] UKFTT 229 (TC)). In 2010, Oliver was instructed as junior counsel in what was, at the time, one of HMRC’s largest ever indirect tax frauds (MAK Corporation Ltd v HMRC).

Oliver has advised on and appeared in appeals before the FTT, UTT and Court of Appeal in cases involving the seizure of goods for alleged non-payment of Excise Duty, breaches of prohibitions and regulations on importation and associated non-restoration appeals. He also has extensive experience in condemnation proceedings involving the liability of goods to forfeiture under the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979.

Notable Commercial Litigation cases


A Company (ongoing)

Retained in a £28m professional negligence claim in the Commercial Court.

A Company (2023)

UKBF v Rapid Infusion Limited (2019)

Acted for the appellant company in relation to a commercial seizure by UKBF.

HMRC v Behzad Fuels (UK) Ltd [2019] EWCA Civ 319

Acted for the appellant company in the Court of Appeal.

Behzad Fuels (UK) Limited v HMRC [2017] UKUT 0321 (TCC)

Acted for the appellant company in the UT (Tax and Chancery Chamber).

Behzad Fuels (UK) Limited v HMRC [2016] UKFTT 214 (TC)

Acted for the appellant company in relation to HMRC’s decision not to restore a number of commercial vehicles and to revoke Behzad’s status as a RDCO.

Parkin v Ryan & Others (2016)

Parkin v Ryan & Others (2016)

Xhosa Office Rentals Ltd v H (2015)

Acted for the Claimant in a breach of contract claim.

Mursaloglu v Samut (2015)

Acted for the Claimant in a breach of contract claim.

Iran Investment Company Limited v Kittalides (2015)

Acted for the Claimant company in an unlawful means conspiracy (matter settled).

Euro Wines (Cash & Carry) Limited v HMRC [2015] UKFTT 331 (TC)

Kevin Hellard v Ronald Wyatt (2014)

Acted for the Defendant in a matter concerning allegations of fraudulent trading, wrongful trading, misfeasance and breach of director’s duties (matter settled).

Abbey Forwarding Ltd (In Liquidation) v HMRC [2014] UKFTT 998 (TC)

Behzad Fuels (UK) Limited v HMRC [2014] UKFTT 850 (TC)

Acted for the appellant company in relation to HMRC’s decision not to restore a number of commercial vehicles and to revoke Behzad’s status as a RDCO.

Home Office v Altion Ltd [2014] UKFTT 574 (TC)

Reddrock Limited v HMRC [2014] All ER (D) 142

Pi Consulting (Trustee Services) Ltd v Pensions Regulator [2013] Pens LR 433

Status of pensions liberation vehicles as occupational pension schemes under the PSA 1993.

London Pilsner Limited v HMRC [2013] UKFTT 285 (TC)

Darren Richard Leitch t/a London Mobile Communications v HMRC [2012] UKFTT 229 (TC)

SC VRG Roby Trans SRL v UKBA [2012] UKFTT 161 (TC)

Option NCT Ltd v HMRC [2011] UKFTT 768 (TC)

Fusion Electronics Ltd v HMRC [2011] UKFTT 529 (TC)

Ven Hugh Glaisyer v UKBA TC/2011/03984

Murray Harper European Removals v HMRC TC/2009/12569

Pan Euro Ventures v HMRC [2009] Lexis Citation 507

Sebastian Truminski v HMRC LON/2008/8128

Oliver is ranked in the Legal 500 for Financial Services Regulation. His FS practice focuses on banking disputes and financial crime. This predominantly includes: regulatory enforcement action taken by the FCA and Lloyd’s; internal investigations conducted by banks and financial institutions; and prosecutions brought by the FCA and SFO. Many of his cases have an international element, and usually involve allegations of dishonesty or breach of trust. As well as conducting contentious work, which sees him appear in the Commercial Court, Crown Court and regulatory tribunals, Oliver maintains a busy advisory practice, providing opinions on FCA and PRA regulatory issues; AML and economic sanctions.

Notable Financial Services cases


A Company

Advised a payment services provider on sanctions risks, in particular its civil and criminal exposure to regulatory enforcement action.

A Bank

Advised a bank in relation to the jurisdictional scope of the UK sanctions legislation and the extent to which UK sanctions apply to separately incorporated overseas subsidiaries of UK companies.

Company A

Advised a company on UK sanctions (SAMLA 2018 and the Russian Regulations 2019) and their impact on a loan agreement which it had with a Russian Bank.

FCA v An Individual (Operation Raunds)

Retained to advise a broker in relation to an extant FCA investigation.

FCA v An Individual

Retained to advise a very well-known fund manager in relation to an extant FCA investigation.

Lloyd’s of London v Gregory White

Advised and negotiated a settlement in proceedings before the Lloyd’s Enforcement Board.

A Company

Advised a UK-based third-party litigation fund in relation to a group of investors who were seeking funding to bring a group action against two life insurance companies.

An Individual v Lloyds of London

Advised in an appeal by the CEO of an insurer against a regulatory finding barring him from physical presence in the market for a lengthy period.

London Capital & Finance Plc

Advised an individual in relation to a linked SFO & FCA investigation.

Eurobank Ergasias SA v KMT

Acting for the bank in a €4,000,000 claim in the Commercial Court.

HSBC Private Bank (UK) Ltd v JPB and MMD

Acting for property developer in a £1.5 million claim in the Chancery Division.

DAS UK Holdings Ltd v Paul Asplin (& Others)

Advising and representing Barclays Bank Plc at an Application Hearing in relation to a witness summons seeking confidential information concerning bank customers.

Lloyds of London v CL & DL

Acting for two underwriters in relation to enforcement proceedings.

Company X & Y v Barclays

Advised two linked companies in relation to an action against Barclays Bank Plc.

FCA v JD

Advising a trader in respect of potential enforcement action.

FCA v SK

Advising a high-net-worth individual in respect of a potential action by the FCA, including accompanying him at a compelled interview.

FCA v JC

Advising a trader in respect of enforcement action taken by the FCA.

Oliver is ranked in the Legal 500 for Health & Safety (Tier 1) and Environment, and in Chambers and Partners for Health & Safety. He acts for multinational corporations, SMEs and company officers, in prosecutions brought by the CPS, HSE, EA and local authorities. He is routinely involved in matters where there have been fatalities or serious injuries in the workplace. He is currently retained in respect of several matters which are being investigated for gross negligence or corporate manslaughter and associated offences under HSWA 1974.

Whilst he has a wealth of experience of cases that have their genesis in the construction, manufacturing, healthcare and transport sectors, Oliver is renowned internationally for health, safety and environmental matters emanating from the maritime sector. He is routinely involved in prosecutions brought by the MCA, MMO, PLA and IFCAs. Such work includes fatal and non-fatal accidents at sea, collisions, unsafe operations, conduct endangering people and vessels, pollution and fisheries.

Oliver is often retained by companies at the outset of a criminal, civil and/or regulatory investigation. He will advise them on inter alia best practice in relation to the interplay between the different investigations, interviews and privilege. By instructing Oliver during the infancy of an investigation, companies have quickly come to realise how his experience and sound advice have huge benefits to the team involved.

In addition to prosecutions and regulatory investigations, Oliver is frequently instructed in coronial inquests and inquiries, appearing on behalf of companies and company officers. Clients include; Beko, Bombardier, Clipper Ventures Plc, Equilibrium Healthcare Ltd, Hallmark Care Homes, Fresenius Healthcare Group, IKO-Design Ltd, K Line, Skyjack (UK) Ltd, Tesco, and Waterland Gear Ltd.

Oliver is regularly invited to speak at health & safety seminars and conferences.

Notable Health, Safety & Environment cases


Inquest touching the death of Lee Pattison (ongoing)

Retained by Skyjack (UK) Ltd.

CFRS v WSP UK Ltd & Others (listed For Trial in Spring 2025)

Retained to advise a very large company in respect of an investigation by a fire and rescue service.

Inquest touching the death of Sam Richmond (listed for Final Hearing in December 2024)

Retained by Red Birdwing LLP.

MCA v Intrada Ships Management Ltd (‘Scot Carrier’) (listed For Trial in November 2024)

Double fatality. S.100 MSA 1995.

Inquest touching the death of David Bottomley and Clayton Bottomley (listed for Final Hearing in September 2024)

Retained by Adastra Access Limited (In Administration).

MCA v Laura D Fishing Ltd (‘Joanna C’) (2024)

Double fatality. S.100 MSA 1995.

R v RH & Others (Operation Antares) (2024)

Acted for the CEO of Care Home Provider in respect charges of arising from the circumstances in which the 5 people died. Following several applications, the Crown offered no evidence.

MCA v Simon Hughes (2024)

Inquest touching the death of Catherine Forbes (2024)

Acted for Tingdene Marinas Ltd.

Inquest touching the death of Burhan Yildiz (2024)

Acted for ECFRS.

R v Morgan Smith (2023)

Gross negligence manslaughter.

Wismettac Harro Foods Ltd (2023)

Public Inquiry before the Traffic Commissioner.

MCA v Jake Buchanan (2022)

Very serious injury following a collision in the Isles of Scilly.

Inquest touching the death of Claire Morris (2022)

Article 2 inquest. Acted for Equilibrium Healthcare Ltd.

Inquest touching the death of Cory Nicholson (2022)

Acted for Waterland Gear Ltd.

Inquest touching the death of Anthony George (2022)

Acted for Tesco.

R v Gary Robinson (2022)

Trial at the Central Criminal Court before Murray J. Client acquitted at halftime of gross negligence manslaughter and s.37 HSWA 1974.

An investigation by South Yorkshire Police into fatalities on smart motorways (2021 to 2022)

Retained to advise National Highways. Matter concluded without prosecution.

John MacAlister (Oban) Ltd v NEIFCA (2021)

Instructed on appeal. The appeal was allowed, with the Court substituting the original fine of £180,000 with one of £48,000.

Inquest touching the death of Joan Winter (2021)

Acted for A2Dominion Limited.

Inquests arising from the 2016 Croydon tram derailment (2021)

Acted for Bombardier Transportation UK Limited.

Assent Building Control Ltd v CICAIR (on appeal) (2021)

CICAIR v Assent Building Control Ltd (2021)

R v Marr (‘Vertrouwen’) (Operation Barnet) (2021)

Triple fatality.

Luton Borough Council v Assent Building Control Ltd (2020)

EA v Carr & Bircher (2020)

CCC v TSSCCIC Limited t/a ‘Delta Force Paintball’ (2020)

HSE v H J Bennett Limited & Others (2020)

Fatality on a construction site.

MCA v Sky Mare Navigation Company (2020)

Fatality that occurred during a lifting operation on a vessel.

HSE v MTE (Leicester) Limited & Others (2020)

MCA v London Party Boats Limited (2020)

River Thames collision resulting in £1.6m of damage.

Cardiff County Council v Swansea Audio Limited (‘Coyote Ugly’) (2019)

MCA v Ravestein, Port of London Authority, PMSL & Goatham (‘Chiefton’) (2019)

Trial at the Snaresbrook Crown Court before Thornton J. Fatality on the River Thames that occurred during a towage operation.

North Hertfordshire District Council v Charles Wells Limited (2019)

Caerphilly County Borough Council v Hughes Forrest Limited (2019)

HSE v Red Funnel (2019)

HSE v Ashford Timber Limited (2019)

Inquest touching the death of Celso Banas (2019)

Instructed by K Line.

Croydon Coaches (UK) Ltd (2019)

Public Inquiry before the Traffic Commissioner.

HM Attorney General of Jersey v Michal Dorynek (2018)

Instructed as an overseas legal expert.

CQC v Rushcliffe Care Ltd (2018)

HSE v Tubular Erectors Ltd (2018)

MCA v Roger Lennon (2018)

HSE v IKO-Design Ltd (2018)

Fatality in a factory.

Inquest touching the death of Andrew Ashman (2017)

Instructed by Clipper Ventures Plc.

HSE v Leo Building Construction Ltd and Jutla (2017)

HSE v Monoworld Recycling Ltd (2017)

R v Doug Innes and Stormforce Coaching Ltd (‘Cheeki Rafiki’) (2017)

Advised the MCA and latterly the CPS in a two-year investigation involving the death of four British sailors in the Atlantic.

MCA v Nicholas Barrett (2017)

HSE v TE Scudder and Pearson (2017)

Oliver is widely regarded as one of the leading members at the Bar for maritime regulatory work, with an authoritative and unrivalled specialism in marine & fisheries law. His marine experience covers all types of vessels. He receives instructions from a variety of different individuals and organisations. These include: charterers, owners, operators, International Transport Workers’ Federation, Masters, P&I Clubs, MCA, PLA and IFCAs.

His work usually involves: breaches of sections 58 and 100 Merchant Shipping Act 1995 (‘MSA 1995’); the application and breaches of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (‘SOLAS’); application and breaches of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (‘MARPOL 73/78’); and the application and compliance of the International Safety Management Code (‘ISM’), including advice on auditing and breaches. Oliver’s experience is given credence by the fact that he is ranked in the Legal 500 for Health & Safety (Tier 1) and Environment.

In relation to fisheries work his instructions relate to: offences under the Common Fisheries Policy (‘CFP’) and attendant domestic legislation; trawler operations; licensing; breaches of the MSA 1995; and confiscation proceedings pursuant to POCA 2002. In addition, he undertakes instructions that concern public law challenges to fisheries legislation.

In addition to his contentious work, Oliver maintains a strong advisory practice in marine and fisheries matter. He advises companies and institutions in respect of marine and fisheries matters. Clients include: Allantone Supplies Ltd; Argos Pereira Ltd; CMA CGM & CMA Ships; Condor Ltd; Fortuna Ltd; Georgia Seafoods Ltd; Golden Touza Ltd; Hanson Heidelberg Cement Group; Höegh Autoliners Shipping Pte Ltd; International Transport Workers’ Federation; Interfish Ltd; Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd; MCA; Odyssey Marine Exploration Incorporation; Picer Marine SA; Princes Ltd; Profesionale Pesquales SA; Red Funnel; RBC Chartering Ltd; and Royal Bank of Scotland.

Oliver maintains a keen interest in this area of law not just through his practice but also through writing articles, membership of the Royal British Marine and the Royal Yachting Association, and by giving seminars. He is regularly invited to speak at marine conferences and seminars. Engagements of note include: MCA Enforcement Unit (2012, 2020 and 2021); LA Marine (2013); Andrew Jackson (2013); Trinity House (2014); HFW (2015 & 2019); MAIFF (2015); DAC Beachcroft (2016); UK Harbour Masters’ Association (2017); British Marine (2018); and Port Skills & Safety (2019).

Notable Marine & Fisheries cases


MCA v Jake Buchanan (2022)

Very serious injury following a collision in the Isles of Scilly.

Inquest touching the death of Cory Nicholson (2022)

Acted for Waterland Gear Ltd.

MCA v Simon Hughes (2022)

John MacAlister (Oban) Ltd v NEIFCA (2021)

Instructed on appeal. The appeal was allowed, with the Court substituting the original fine of £180,000 with one of £48,000.

R v Marr (‘Vertrouwen’) (Operation Barnet) (2021)

Triple fatality.

MCA v Sky Mare Navigation Company (2020)

Fatality that occurred during a lifting operation on a vessel.

MCA v London Party Boats Limited (2020)

River Thames collision resulting in £1.6m of damage.

MCA v Ravestein, Port of London Authority, PMSL & Goatham (‘Chiefton’) (2019)

Trial at the Snaresbrook Crown Court before Thornton J. Fatality on the River Thames that occurred during a towage operation.

Waterdance Limited v DEFRA (2019)

Claim for judicial review (matter compromised).

MMO v North Atlantic Fishing Company & Cox (2019)

Advising the company and a Director in relation to a prosecution by the MMO.

K&EIFCA v James Bates (2019)

K&EIFCA v Michael Meddle (2019)

HSE v Red Funnel (2019)

Inquest touching the death of Celso Banas (2019)

Instructed by K Line.

HM Attorney General of Jersey v Michal Dorynek (2018)

D&SIFCA v Laura D Fishing Limited, South West Trawlers Limited & Others (2018)

MMO v Waterdance Ltd & Another (2018)

Falklands Islands Government v Golden Touza Ltd & Another (2018)

MCA v Roger Lennon (2018)

Inquest touching the death of Andrew Ashman (2017)

Instructed by Clipper Ventures Plc.

MCA v Nicholas Barrett (2017)

R v Doug Innes and Stormforce Coaching Ltd (‘Cheeki Rafiki’) (2017)

Advised the MCA and latterly the CPS in a two-year investigation involving the death of four British sailors in the Atlantic.

MCA v Barton (‘FV Nicky Noo’) (2017)

D&SIFCA v DW Fisheries Ltd and Welsh (2016)

Port of London Authority v MacGregor (2016)

Port of London Authority v Thames Marine Gateway Ltd and Beasley (2016)

Falklands Islands Government v Sulivan Shipping Services Ltd & Others (2016)

EIFCA v Lake & Others (2016)

MCA v Woolsgrove (POCA 2002) (2016)

MCA v Serco Ltd (‘Woolwich Free Ferry’) (2015)

MCA v Woolsgrove (2015)

MCA v Serco Ltd (‘Barge 1706’) (2014

MCA v Knight & Huzzey (‘Raiders of the lost wrecks’) (2014)

MCA v Evergreen Marine UK Ltd (2014)

MCA v Jones & Morus (‘the Cardiff Bay Collision’) (2014)

Welsh Assembly Government v Powell & Others (2014)

Milford Haven Port Authority v Hinders (‘the Matterhorn Spirit’) (2013)

MCA v Hudson & Flushing Ferry Ltd 2013)

MCA v Demeester (‘FV Debhorah’) (2013)

SIFCA v Bardell (2013)

MMO v Summerfield & Summerfield (POCA 2002) (2013)

MMO v Johnston (2013)

MMO v Ormonde Fishing Limited (2013)

MMO v Loveland (2013)

MMO v Sole Bay Fishing Company Ltd (2013)

MMO v T N Trawlers Ltd (2013)

MCA v Alexander (‘the Jolly Fisherman’) (2012)

MCA v Koningstein (‘the Spring Bok’) (2012)

MCA v Dantra (2012)

MMO v T N Trawlers Ltd & Olivia Jean (2012)

Oliver has a strong pedigree in dispute resolution, appearing as a Mediator, and most recently: representing the Defendant in an expert determination concerning an investment fund; and acting as an overseas legal expert in a $125m arbitration in Russia. He is currently retained in respect of an investor-state arbitration due to start in late June 2023.

Oliver is routinely instructed in matters with an international element and usually cases involving allegations of dishonesty, sharp practice or breach of regulations. He is a contributor to both Millington and Sutherland Williams on the Proceeds of Crime and Lissack and Horlick on Bribery, the seminal texts on Asset Recovery and Bribery & Corruption respectively.

Related updates

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"Oliver has the right combination of skills to produce excellent output in a way that supports our clients in making strategic decisions."; "I would have no hesitation in recommending him."; "He is incredibly smart, very commercial and just easy to work with."; "Oliver is my go-to barrister for sanctions advice."; "He's on top of the detail, gives commercially astute advice and understands the implications on the wider business when giving advice."; "Oliver is excellent."; "He's one of the hardest-working people I know and he puts in the extra effort with clients."

Sanctions, Chambers & Partners 2025

"His knowledge of the law in this area is second to none."; "He provides reliable advice and very much understands the commercial angles attached to any case."; "Oliver Powell is very quick to consider issues."; "A real hard worker who will put in the extra effort with clients, he's very good with judges and is great on his feet."; "Oliver is a fantastic junior with a can-do attitude."

POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture, Chambers & Partners 2025

"Oliver works in a thoughtful and compassionate manner."; "He is clear and concise."; "Oliver's strengths are his level of detail and the ability to be really candid with clients."; "He combines these skills with great human qualities that make for a very impressive lawyer."; "Oliver is extremely clever, thoughtful and strategic."

Health & Safety, Chambers & Partners 2025

‘Oliver is a first-rate barrister. He is very responsive, utterly charming and will go the extra mile for a client. He is tireless in his pursuit of excellence.’

Proceeds of Crime and Asset Forfeiture (POCA), Legal 500 2025

‘A first-choice junior counsel. He is an extremely safe pair of hands and inspires confidence through his commitment to the case.’

Health and Safety, Legal 500 2025

'Very responsive, utterly charming and will go the extra mile for a client.'

Financial Services and Fintech Regulation, Legal 500 2025

"Down to earth and a man who articulates his cases beautifully."

POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture, Chambers & Partners 2024

"Oliver is incredibly bright, yet able to put everyone at their ease when forming a strategy for a case."; "He was meticulous in his analysis of the evidence, very sensitive in terms of his view tactically, also very reassuring in front of a client."

Health & Safety, Chambers & Partners 2024

‘A very committed junior.'

Environment, Legal 500, 2024

'Oliver is a leader in his field when it comes to maritime regulatory matters. A safe pair of hands and great operator.'

Health & Safety, Legal 500, 2024

“A tremendously likeable advocate, who ferociously fights the points that matter. He has incredibly sound judgement when it comes to the big decisions.”

Chambers and Partners, POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture 2023

“Oliver is very effective.”

Health & Safety, Chambers and Partners 2023

“He is hard-working.”

Health and Safety, Chambers & Partners 2023

“Oliver is very responsive and easy to work with.”

Health and Safety, Chambers & Partners 2023

"A complete expert in his field and one who has great clarity on principles and how he operates."

Environment, Legal 500 2023

"Seamlessly integrates into a large team in either a leadership or support role. Knows his area inside out. Clients love him and he always makes them feel looked after. Superb jury advocate."

Business and Regulatory Crime, Legal 500 2023

"Extremely bright and diligent - a pleasure to have in any team."

Financial Services Regulation, Legal 500 2023

“He is incredibly user-friendly, diligent and commercial. His technical knowledge and practical know-how make him a formidable force.”

POCA: Work and Asset Forfeiture, Chambers & Partners 2022

“Incredibly hard-working and fantastically good with clients.”

POCA: Work and Asset Forfeiture, Chambers & Partners 2022

"Oliver has a strong grasp of technical FCA regulation; he combines this with a solid understanding of criminal law across relevant areas such as fraud and money laundering."

Business & Regulatory Crime, Legal 500 2022

"He is very approachable, charismatic and a pleasure to be around and work with."

Financial services regulation, Legal 500 2022

"Excellent attention to detail, puts clients at ease, very responsive."

Proceeds of crime & Asset forfeiture, Legal 500 2022

"Extremely hardworking and knowledgeable, he is astute, able to grasp complex cases, and a leading professional in maritime cases."

Environment, Legal 500 2022

"Oliver simply knows his stuff and quickly gets to the key issues. Clients are always wowed by his ability and easy charm."

Health & Safety, Legal 500 2022

“A fluent and persuasive barrister who has all the facts at his fingertips.”

POCA: Work and Asset Forfeiture, Chambers & Partners 2021

“He’s a meticulous, hard-working practitioner who provides sound, commercial advice.”

POCA: Work and Asset Forfeiture, Chambers & Partners 2021

“He has a very analytical eye, and communicates well with clients. Very hard-working and diligent”.

Business and Regulatory Crime (including global investigations), Legal 500 2021

“Very diligent, enthusiastic and personable. Instils you with confidence that they know the law and relevant material well and have sensible comments on how it can be applied in practice”.

Proceeds of Crime (POCA) and Asset Forfeiture, Legal 500 2021

“He is knowledgeable, helpful, quick and thorough and he is very deft in handling client expectations”.

Environment, Legal 500 2021

“He is extremely personable and charming, and consistently wins the trust and confidence of clients at the outset”.

Health & Safety , Legal 500 2021

"A diligent and hard-working barrister who provides commercially astute and clear advice, giving due consideration to the overall situation, not just the legal position."

POCA: Work and Asset Forfeiture, Chambers & Partners 2020

"He is proactive, supportive and someone who goes out of his way to help."

POCA: Work and Asset Forfeiture, Chambers & Partners 2020

“Very responsive and measured, and prepares well for cases”.

Business and Regulatory Crime, including Global Investigations, Legal 500 2020

“He combines a methodical approach with an excellent work ethic”.

Health & Safety, Legal 500 2020

“An extremely confident and charming advocate”.

POCA: Work and Asset Forfeiture, Chambers & Partners 2019

“Oliver is very meticulous and inspires confidence as he obviously has such good knowledge”.

POCA: Work and Asset Forfeiture, Chambers & Partners 2019

“A very effective advocate in the criminal courts”.

Proceeds of Crime (POCA) and Asset Forfeiture, Legal 500 2019

“He is superb to work with. He works night and day for his clients, and always gets great results”.

POCA: Work and Asset Forfeiture, Chambers & Partners 2018

“He’s brilliant with clients, very bright, really quick to grasp things and has really good communication skills.”

POCA: Work and Asset Forfeiture, Chambers & Partners 2017

“The quality of work that he does is exceptional and he punches above his weight – he’ll often be against silks and leading juniors even though he’s less senior because he’s such an expert in this area of the law. What it comes down to is that he just works harder than anyone else – he’s completely committed to his client’s cause.”

POCA: Work and Asset Forfeiture, Chambers & Partners 2017

“Has a very commanding courtroom presence but is pleasant with it.”

POCA: Work and Asset Forfeiture, Chambers & Partners 2016

“Thorough and commercially astute”, he “studies briefs thoroughly and can handle complex instructions at very short notice.”

POCA: Work and Asset Forfeiture, Chambers & Partners 2016

“Very highly regarded junior who punches above his weight by a mile”.

POCA: Work and Asset Forfeiture, Chambers & Partners 2016

“Instructed by the CPS and top firms in complex POCA matters.”

Proceeds of Crime (POCA) and Asset Forfeiture, Legal 500 2016

“Very intelligent, approachable, commercial and phenomenal on his feet”.

POCA: Work and Asset Forfeiture, Chambers & Partners 2015

“He’s extremely ambitious and also the real deal: he’s got what it takes to really succeed.”

POCA: Work and Asset Forfeiture, Chambers & Partners 2015

“He prepares his cases consummately.”

Proceeds of Crime (POCA) and Asset Forfeiture, Legal 500 2015

To find out more, contact Lexie Johnson on + 44 (0) 207 427 0801 or Nicholas Levett on +44 (0)20 7427 4908 for a confidential discussion.

Our dedicated practice management team can help you identify the right barrister for your case.

  • Contributor to Millington & Sutherland Williams on the Proceeds of Crime (Sixth Edition), OUP (to be published in 2022).
  • Contributor to Lissack & Horlick on Bribery (Third Edition), LexisNexis (2020).
  • Co-author on How the UK justice system has adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Public Sector Counter Fraud Journal, Issue 5 (June 2020).
  • Co-author on Sanctions: Foreign Policy, Economic Warfare, or Both? Inside (Spring/Summer 2019), Vol. 37, No. 1, Corporate Counsel Section, NYSBA.
  • Contributor to Millington & Sutherland Williams on the Proceeds of Crime (Fifth Edition), OUP (2018).
  • Co-author on The law and practice of international investigations: Privilege (UK), Global Investigations Review (2016 to present).
  • Co-author on Marine accidents: investigations and inquiries (UK Westlaw Insight), Sweet & Maxwell (2014 to present).
  • Contributor to Millington & Sutherland Williams on the Proceeds of Crime (Fourth Edition), OUP (2013).
  • Co-author on A Supplementary Code for Crown Prosecutors, a draft code to be used when the MMO or MCA are contemplating bringing a prosecution against a seafarer, Seafarer’s Rights International (2012).
  • Co-author on Generic Advice & Guidance Manual for Seafarers, concerning prosecutions and investigations bought on behalf of government agencies around the globe, Seafarers’ Rights International (2012).
  • Co-author on Advice & Guidance Manual for Seafarers, concerning investigations and prosecutions bought by the police and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, together with investigations by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch, Seafarers’ Rights International (2012).

  • Junior counsel in GLS Prosecution Team of the Year (2015)

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