Allens’s white-collar crime team is a market leader, advising on high-stakes investigations, regulatory enforcement, and corporate compliance risk. Chris Kerrigan leads internal investigations and voluntary regulator disclosures, while James Campbell guides clients through complex enforcement actions, and Jaime McKenzie in Melbourne is renowned for his regulatory expertise. Rachel Nicolson focuses on bribery and corruption compliance and litigation, with Alexandra Mason handling large-scale financial services disputes. Another key name to note, Peter Haig is recognised for his expertise in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing.
White-collar crime in Australia
Allens
Praxisleiter:
Chris Kerrigan; James Campbell; Jaime McKenzie
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Rachel Nicolson; Alexandra Mason; Andrew Wilcock; Peter Haig
Referenzen
‚This team seamlessly combines sophisticated legal expertise with commercial acumen, offering advice that considers both legal risks and business realities.‘
‚They are responsive, pragmatic, and collaborative, consistently tailoring their approach to client objectives.‘
‚The Allens team is approachable, great communicators, and build trusted relationships, ensuring advice is practical and aligned with business goals.‘
Kernmandanten
Macquarie Bank Ltd
Snow Mountain Engineering Company
Star Entertainment Group Ltd and its subsidiaries
PricewaterhouseCoopers
AustralianSuper
Entain Group Pty Ltd
bet365 Australia
Super Retail Group
ResMed
Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited
Westpac
Active Super
Macquarie Group Limited
Macquarie Investment Management Limited
Coles
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Star Sydney and Star Queensland and its subsidiaries on civil penalty proceedings commenced by AUSTRAC in the Federal Court.
- Advising Coles in a Federal Court proceedings on its ‚Down Down‘ programme.
- Advising ANZ on ASIC’s ongoing investigation into the reporting of secondary market bond turnover data to the Australian Office of Financial Management.
Ashurst
Ashurst’s white-collar crime team boasts expertise in advising on regulatory and enforcement matters for multinational companies, financial institutions, executives, and government bodies across sectors such as energy, resources, mining, construction, financial services, pharmaceuticals, and telecoms. The practice is jointly led by Rani John, co-head of firm’s global corporate crime practice with extensive experience in bribery, ASIC investigations, insider trading, and directors’ duties breaches; Ian Bolster, an expert in corporate crime and civil fraud; and Stephen Woodbury, who oversees employment-related white-collar matters. Nicholas Mavrakis is also recommended for class actions, cartel disputes, and securities work.
Praxisleiter:
Rani John; Ian Bolster; Stephen Woodbury
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Nicholas Mavrakis
Referenzen
‘Ashurst’s white collar crime practice, as exemplified by Rani John, reflects a strong commitment to understanding and anticipating regulatory interest in a range of sectors and institutions. This makes Ashurst very adept and efficient in assisting clients – when institutions or individuals facing investigation or criminal charges.’
‘Ashurst partner Rani John provides excellent and strategic advice to entities and individuals confronted with regulatory investigation, including with a threat of criminal proceedings. She has decades of experience in the area and an understanding of a range of regulators, their investigative techniques and priorities from time to time. ’
‚Rani John is highly intelligent and engaged, across all aspects of a matter but still able to see the big picture.‚
Kernmandanten
Noumi Limited
Societe Generale Securities Australia Pty Ltd
HSBC Bank Australia
Alkaloids of Australia Pty Ltd
Rio Tinto Limited
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Westpac Banking Corporation
White Oak
Highlight-Mandate
Corrs Chambers Westgarth
Praised for it’s ‘top-tier technical capability’, the offering at Corrs Chambers Westgarth is recognised for handling complex regulatory and enforcement matters, including fraud, anti-bribery and corruption, ASIC investigations, and public inquiries. Abigail Gill spearheads the practice, advising on corporate governance, financial and economic crime, ESG, and competition matters. Craig Phillips is highly regarded for defending clients in regulatory investigations, while Anna Ross brings specialist expertise in public law and high-profile inquiry work.
Praxisleiter:
Abigail Gill
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Craig Phillips; Anna Ross; Simon Johson
Referenzen
‚Corrs has a strong Investigation and White-Collar Crime practice.‘
‚Anna Ross combines deep technical expertise with a calm, thoughtful presence, bringing clarity and confidence in complex, high-pressure situations. She anticipates challenges and guides decision-making with precision and care.‘
‚What makes this practice unique is its ability to combine technical excellence in corporate investigations with a deep understanding of organisational dynamics and stakeholder sensitivities. The team navigates high-stakes, reputationally sensitive matters with rigour, discretion, and a genuinely strategic approach.‘
Kernmandanten
NSW Police
Victoria Racing Club
Beam Mobility
Gold Corporation
ME Bank
National Bank Australia
Iberdrola
Victorian Government
Coles
Highlight-Mandate
- Representing Beam Mobility Holdings Pte Ltd in relation to investigations arising from media reporting that Beam had breached agreements to supply e-scooters and e-bikes to local government clients in Australia and New Zealand.
- Advised Gold Corporation, trading as The Perth Mint, in relation to the Select Committee on The Perth Mint and Commonwealth regulatory compliance.
- Acted for the NSWPF in its response to the Special|Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes.
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP delivers comprehensive white-collar and corporate crime advice, spanning fraud, cyber, cartel matters, and modern slavery. The practice is jointly led by Leon Chung, a seasoned commercial litigator, and Jacqueline Wootton, a specialist in breaches of the Corporations Act. The team also includes Andrew Eastwood, who handles anti-bribery and regulatory proceedings; Elizabeth Macknay, who is skilled in advising mining and resources clients on complex disputes; and Christine Wong, an expert in internal and regulatory investigations and whistleblower law. The group is widely recognised for its expertise in navigating high-stakes, complex matters across a variety of industries.
Praxisleiter:
Leon Chung; Jacqueline Wootton
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Andrew Eastwood; Elizabeth Macknay; Christine Wong
Kernmandanten
AWP Australia Pty Ltd
Highlight-Mandate
Clayton Utz
Clayton Utz’s white-collar crime team handles the full spectrum of corporate investigations, from fraud and bribery to corruption and cross-border anti-bribery matters. Tobin Meagher co-leads the practice, frequently managing complex regulatory probes into secret commissions, conspiracy, and money laundering. David Benson, who leads from Perth and Darwin, is a key port of call to assist international clients with navigating Australian and global compliance challenges and conducting internal corporate investigations. Ananya Roy is also recommended.
Praxisleiter:
Tobin Meagher; David Benson
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Ananya Roy
Referenzen
‚Tobin Meagher is first-rate. He is technically excellent, commercially astute, and a smart tactician.‘
‚Ananya Roy and Tobin Meagher are excellent lawyers, able to process large amounts of material quickly, identify risks, and present clear options to clients.‘
‚Tobin Meagher and Ananya Roy are a pleasure to engage with. They are responsive, collaborative, and receptive to client concerns, balancing practical challenges with strategic insight.‘
Kernmandanten
Sheahan Lock Partners
Creative Promotions Pty Ltd
Westpac Banking Corporation
Goodman Fielder Group
ProX Pty Limited
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Sheahan Lock Partners on Federal Court proceedings to recover losses from ‘back-to-back’ loan schemes by the Binetter family, part of the ATO’s Project Wickenby offshore tax evasion investigation.
- Represented Creative Promotions in Federal Court proceedings against former employee Di Wu and his wife, Hong Shao, alleging a $3.4m fraud over ten years; matters included freezing orders and proprietary relief to maximise asset recovery, highlighting the risks of remote-work-related scams for small businesses.
- Represented Westpac in civil penalty proceedings initiated by ASIC over alleged failures to respond timely to online financial hardship requests.
Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright’s white-collar crime team operates within the firm's business ethics and anti-corruption group, advising domestic and international clients on financial crime, anti-bribery and corruption, and regulatory investigations. The practice is led by Melbourne-based Abigail McGregor, who is noted for her work on corruption inquiries and risk management, and Sydney’s Scott Atkins, who regularly handles anti-money laundering and internal investigations. Lucinda McCann adds further depth from her experience at APRA, while the arrival of Lici Inge from the Bank of England in 2024 has strengthened the team’s bench.
Praxisleiter:
Abigail McGregor; Scott Atkins
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Lucinda McCann; Lici Inge; Hoory Yeldizian; Jeremy Moller
Referenzen
‘Norton Rose Fulbright is a leader in the white-collar crime and financial crime space. Their representatives are always on top of the latest developments and very engaged with the industry. They are willing to share their expertise and are a force for change in the sector.’
‘The NRF team’s strengths lie in their strategic approach to the multi-faceted aspects of official investigations, including discovery of documents, early briefing of counsel, use of Freedom of Information applications, preparation for VCAT challenges, managing interactions with indemnity insurers, and addressing events impacting client health.’
‘Exceptional client focus is demonstrated by both partners and senior associates, ensuring that the client’s views are fully considered in strategy formulation and that they are thoroughly prepared for formal interviews and written submissions.’
Kernmandanten
Australian Securities and Investment Commission
Highlight-Mandate
- Acting for ASIC in its proceeding against 11 former directors and officers of The Star Entertainment Group Limited for breaches of their duties under s180 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).
- Acting for ASIC and a number of its personnel in proceedings issued against them by Clive Palmer relating to allegations of misfeasance in public office by ASIC personnel, breaches of Mr Palmer’s human rights, and attempts to have ASIC investigation transcripts declared inadmissible.
- Acting for ASIC in its proceeding against 11 former directors and officers of The Star Entertainment Group Limited for breaches of their duties under s180 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).
Arnold Bloch Leibler
Arnold Bloch Leibler’s white-collar crime team advises on the full range of corporate regulatory matters, including investigations and enforcement actions relating to corruption, foreign bribery, insider trading, and cartel conduct. The team represents senior executives, directors, politicians, and diplomats, and assists clients with navigating inquiries from ASIC, ACCC, ATO, AFP, and Royal Commissions. At the helm of the group, Leon Zwier leads a practice supporting administrators, secured lenders, and distressed corporate groups, combining regulatory acumen with strategic guidance in high-stakes situations.
Praxisleiter:
Leon Zwier
Kernmandanten
Former non-executive directors of The Star Entertainment Group Limited
Keystone Asset Management
David Savage, Former Chief Executive Officer of Leighton Holdings
Phoslock Environmental Technologies Ltd
St Basil’s Home for the Aged
Heritage Care Pty Ltd
Kirant Regional Media Investments
Emmanual Roussakis & Aussie Skips
Peter Dykes, former director of Capital Mining Ltd
TerraCom Limited
Highlight-Mandate
- Acting for six former non-executive directors of The Star Entertainment Group Limited in civil penalty proceedings commenced by ASIC.
- Acted for investment firm Keystone Asset Management in a significant regulatory action brought by ASIC in the Federal Court.
- Acting for the former COO of Leighton Holdings in defending criminal charges relating to his alleged role in the international Unaoil scandal, which the Australian Federal Police allege involved bribery of senior officials in oil-producing nations to secure lucrative contracts.
Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie’s white-collar crime team handles corporate investigations, bribery, compliance, data privacy, AML, and ESG matters. Georgie Farrant heads up the practice, offering strategic counsel on litigation and compliance across Australia and the UK. Alex Wolff is noted for his expertise in corporate investigations, white-collar crime, and competition and consumer law disputes, while Helen Joyce focuses on regulatory enforcement and complex white-collar crime litigation, supporting clients through high-stakes matters.
Praxisleiter:
Georgie Farrant
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Alex Wolff; Helen Joyce
Referenzen
‚In addition to their considerable experience in white-collar crime matters, the B&M team has particular strength in assembling excellent teams, strategic thinking, an excellent work ethic, and a client-focused approach.‘
‚The firm has successfully represented a number of high-wealth clients, demonstrating a strong understanding of the unique requirements and challenges in this area of practice, which involves an intersection of commercial and regulatory or criminal law.‘
‚They are highly effective at pulling together a well-resourced and informed team to deliver results.‘
Kernmandanten
Vaughan Bowen
ALS limited
Highlight-Mandate
Dentons
Dentons combines regulatory and compliance expertise with transactional know-how, advising clients across both the public and private sectors. The team is led by Ben Allen in Sydney, a specialist in anti-bribery and corruption matters. Harriet McCormick contributes significant expertise through her work with both government and private sector clients on complex commercial, regulatory, and dispute resolution matters. Yechiel Belfer, who joined the firm in 2024, further broadens the practice with his focus on licensing, anti-money laundering, payment systems, and privacy compliance.
Praxisleiter:
Ben Allen
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Yechiel Belfer; Harriet McCormick
Referenzen
‘A great team to work with. Responsive and very professional.‘
Kernmandanten
Avis Budget Group
Watches of Switzerland
Rapid Response Revival
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
State Bank of India
Gate.io
Bridgit
World Mobile Token (BVI) Ltd
Fifth Third Bank
Bank of Hope
Wisr
Releaseit
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Avis Budget Group on their global privacy and related cyber-security matters, which included advising on data breach response plans, regulatory responses and policies, and digital identity verifications and cybersecurity implications.
- Advised Watches of Switzerland on anti-money laundering laws and implications for privacy/cyber security arising from customer relationship management and database management strategies.
- Advised Mortgage House regarding a show cause notice from AUSTRAC in relation to concerns AUSTRAC had about Mortgage House’s AML/CTF Programme.
DLA Piper
DLA Piper’s white-collar crime team advises clients on compliance and risk management at every stage of the business cycle. The practice is led from Brisbane by Natalie Caton, who focuses on corporate reputation and cross-border risk, particularly in emerging markets. John Fogarty adds extensive litigation experience, regularly acting in high-value commercial disputes.
Praxisleiter:
Natalie Caton
Weitere Kernanwälte:
John Fogarty
Referenzen
‘The team is incredibly responsive and provides timely and practical advice.’
‘The team we deal with are highly knowledgeable individuals. They provide straightforward, practical advice, often within very tight timeframes.‘
Kernmandanten
Australian Securities & Investments Commission
Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission
Queensland University of Technology
Highlight-Mandate
- Acted for Australian Securities & Investments Commission in successful civil penalty proceedings against ‚payday lenders‘ BSF Solutions, Cigno Australia and their respective directors, successfully alleging that the businesses entered into credit contracts, and that the directors were involved in those contraventions.
- Advised on the Formal Review into Victorian Government Bodies’ Engagement with Construction Companies and Construction Unions, which identified significant issues and made recommendations, which were all accepted, to address how the powers of Victorian Government bodies can be strengthened to better respond to allegations of criminal and other unlawful conduct.
- Acted for the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission in proceedings and provided ongoing advice on the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012 (Vic) and issues surrounding disclosure.
Gilbert + Tobin
Gilbert + Tobin is active across all aspects of white-collar crime and corporate investigations, representing clients in matters involving ASIC, AUSTRAC, ACCC, OAIC, and the ATO. The group advises on allegations of fraud, insider trading, money laundering, market manipulation, and breaches of directors’ duties. Richard Harris steers the practice with expertise in complex disputes and contentious regulatory issues, while Peter Munro brings extensive experience in court proceedings, enforcement actions, and Royal Commissions. The team was further bolstered by the promotion of Alexandra Whitby to partner.
Praxisleiter:
Richard Harris
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Peter Munro; Alexandra Whitby
Kernmandanten
Mineral Resources
Nuix
Westpac Banking Corporation
PwC Australia
Credit Suisse
Goldman Sachs
Macquarie Bank
Downer EDI
Deloitte
SkyCity Adelaide
Asahi
Insignia Financial
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Virgin Australia
Orica
ESSSuper
Rio Tinto
Highlight-Mandate
- Acting for Former directors of Star Entertainment in a landmark directors’ duties case commenced by ASIC in the Federal Court.
- Acting for SkyCity Adelaide in relation to major AUSTRAC enforcement proceedings alleging breaches of the anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws relating to the provision of designated services by SkyCity Adelaide to its customers.
- Acting for Nuix in relation to a significant 8-week Federal Court trial against ASIC in relation toalleged market disclosure contraventions and concerning the company’s revenue forecast.
Johnson Winter Slattery
Johnson Winter Slattery’s white-collar crime team is highly regarded for its defence expertise, conducting internal investigations and managing both domestic and cross-border regulatory inquiries and prosecutions. The group is co-led by Robert Johnston, recognised for his wide-ranging regulatory practice and prominence in class actions and insurance, and Robert Wyld, who specialises in anti-bribery, anti-corruption, and complex commercial and criminal disputes.
Praxisleiter:
Robert Johnston; Robert Wyld
Referenzen
‘An outstanding firm with leading practitioners and household names. Both Robert Wyld and Robert Johnston are truly exceptional and a great pleasure to know and work with.’
‚The JWS are extremely efficient and knowledgeable, and utilise the best technology and people to ensure excellent outcomes across the field.‘
‚Robert Wyld has exceptional legal skills and interpersonal client management skills.‘
Kernmandanten
International Bar Association
Obela Fresh Dips and Spreads Pty Ltd
Gladys Berejiklian
Australian Securities & Investments Commission
Anthony Dunlop, former director of Capital Mining Ltd
Ocean Jet Enterprises Limited
FMR Investments Pty Ltd
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising the National Anti-Corruption Agency on public and private sector procedures surrounding IBA efforts to support Ukraine’s anti-corruption reform.
- Acted for Obela in complex asset recovery following misappropriation of funds by Obela’s former CFO, including tracing real estate and other assets in Spain and South Africa, engaging local counsel for enforcement of Australian judgments, cross-border service, and personal bankruptcy proceedings, and preparing a prosecution brief for NSW Police.
- Acted for the former NSW Premier and Treasurer Ms Berejiklian in judicial review proceedings before the NSW Court of Appeal, challenging ICAC’s June 2023 findings of serious corrupt conduct arising from Operation Keppel.
King & Wood Mallesons
King & Wood Mallesons offers comprehensive expertise across white-collar crime, advising on financial crime, compliance, internal and external investigations, and enforcement proceedings. The practice is led by Jasmine Forde, who is recognised for her focus on modern slavery, anti-bribery, and corruption compliance. Another noted practitioner is Moira Saville, a seasoned litigator with strong experience in regulatory inquiries.
Praxisleiter:
Jasmine Forde
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Moira Saville; Annamarie Rooding
Referenzen
‘Annamarie Rooding and her team are experts in the field. The delivery of advice, and the way forward, stands out against the rest. Being able to circulate the pathway forward to the appropriate audience is key, and we rarely need to adapt KWM advice. The team is very highly skilled.’
‘Annamarie Rooding is a high quality partner and a pleasure to deal with. She is available, accessible and delivery is excellent. I value her because of the excellent service but also pragmatic and practical approach. Great experience across a breadth of areas, I highly recommend her.’
Kernmandanten
Commonwealth Government
Highlight-Mandate
- Acted for the Commonwealth Government as solicitors assisting in the 3-year Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
- Advised international and domestic clients across diverse industries on the implications of modern slavery legislation in Australia and other key jurisdictions.
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP is recognised for its strength in white-collar crime litigation, with managing partner Michelle Fox at the helm of the practice. Jason Gray stands out for his work defending clients before regulators, handling internal investigations, and shaping compliance frameworks. Beau Deleuil advises on significant domestic investigations, Andrew Corkhill focuses on ASIC-related matters, and Elan Sasson is noted for cases involving confidentiality and copyright breaches.
Praxisleiter:
Jason Gray; Michelle Fox; Beau Deleuil; Andrew Corkhill; Elan Sasson
Referenzen
‚Jason Gray provides us with advice with deep understanding of relevant laws and our business.‘
Kernmandanten
Paul Brett Wilson
McKinsey & Company, Inc.
David Foster
BrightAU
CHC Helicopter and Offshore Services Australasia
Paul McNabb