Simon Hart
Partner, Head of Banking & Financial Markets Disputes
Simon is the Head of our Banking and Financial Markets Disputes team. His litigation expertise is called upon in complex financial markets disputes, often acting against large investment banks. He is instructed by a wide variety of clients including buy-side financial institutions, hedge funds, investment advisers, asset managers, directors and corporates, insolvency office holders, commodity houses, family offices, and sophisticated, non-retail high-net-worth individuals. He is a member of the Financial Services Lawyers Association, and an officer of the litigation committee for the International Bar Association.
“I closely guard our ability to act against the major investment banks, which is unique for a firm of our size.”
“I have over 25 years experience of commercial disputes, particularly in the banking and financial markets sector. I have extensive international experience. In fact, the majority of our work is for international clients from every region of the world, or the work concerns cross-border activity where a dispute has arisen.
Myself and the rest of the team closely guard our ability to act against the major investment banks, which is unique for a firm of our size.
I am very much a pragmatic, strategic, team player, and prioritise partner availability and visibility, flexing my approach as necessary to reflect client requirements.”
Simon’s recent work highlights:
Acting for a Luxembourg fund, instructed by a French asset manager, in disputes with nine investment banks concerning the close-out of various derivative trades.
Acting for an English corporate in a dispute with a US investment bank concerning a margin call relating to equity options.
Acting for two directors in claims made against them personally in connection with their acquisition of a company pursuant to a management buyout.
Directory quotes
"Simon Hart is a top class banking litigator. He is managing some of the biggest claims in England against banks. An absolute cool head no matter the temperature of the case. Massive levels of stamina which are needed for big trials. A very effective team leader." - Legal 500 UK 2024
"He is extremely efficient, smart and a wonderful person. He is approachable and responsive to all members of the client team." - Chambers UK 2023
Ranked – Chambers UK 2022
"Simon Hart, partner – a first-class customer service experience. We particularly value Simon’s ability to look forward and prepare for events before they occur." - The Legal 500 UK 2022
Recommended - The Legal 500 UK 2022
"A good tactician who is clever, measured and has a very considered approach." - Chambers UK 2021
Leading individual - The Legal 500 UK 2021
Recommended - The Legal 500 UK 2021
Leading individual - The Legal 500 UK 2020
Recommended - The Legal 500 UK 2020
He's extremely sensible and very measured in his approach. He's a good litigator, very strategic and appreciates the wider picture. - Chambers UK 2019
"Simon is calm, confident and assured. He's an adept lawyer and a team player." - Chambers UK 2018
"Really knows his subject." - The Legal 500 UK 2018
Simon Hart "slots in seamlessly to in-house teams when presenting advice to senior executives." - The Legal 500 UK 2017
The "outstanding" Simon Hart impresses clients with his "analytical ability, willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty and his grandmaster's command of the litigation battlefield." His practice in banking litigation centres on actions against large investment banks, often involving issues relating to derivatives, CDOs and structured financial products. He is also highly experienced in handling multi-jurisdictional matters. - Chambers UK 2017
A "clever commercial litigator" who is "cool, calm and collected" during negotiations. - Chambers UK 2017
"Zealously pursues clients’ objectives." - The Legal 500 UK 2016
Recommended - The Legal 500 UK 2016
Simon Hart is an "innovative litigator whose legal skill is impressive, having turned around several cases previously seen as unwinnable," one source notes... Clients say that he is "personable, generous and focused on getting the right team in place for his clients to achieve the right results" - Chambers UK 2016
"Simon Hart has particular experience in banking disputes and is described as "extremely intellectual and pragmatic." Sources praise his attitude that "the client comes first"" - Chambers UK 2016
Recommended - The Legal 500 UK 2015
Simon Hart, Tim Brown and Rupert Boswall are also praised. - The Legal 500 UK 2015
Simon Hart receives acclaim for his expertise in work including fraud claims and shareholder disputes [...] "very diligent and thorough - I always feel that his advice has substance." - Chambers UK 2015
Clients appreciate his responsiveness and report him to be "down-to-earth, practical in his approach and multidisciplined." - Chambers UK 2015
"A key name [in Banking Litigation]." - The Legal 500 UK 2014
Recommended - The Legal 500 UK 2014
"Simon Hart has a wealth of experience in the banking arena and regularly advises on capital markets matters and regulatory investigations." - Chambers UK 2014
The "really impressive" Simon Hart has vast experience handling litigation related to banking, fraud and capital markets. He is also proficient in regulatory investigations. - Chambers UK 2014
Memberships
Officer, Litigation Committee of the International Bar Association
Member of the Financial Services Lawyers Association, Commercial Fraud Lawyers Association
Get in touch
Expertise services
Commercial, Corporate, Disputes, Regulatory, Banking & Financial Markets, Commercial Disputes, Company & Shareholder Disputes, Enforcement, Fraud & Asset Recovery , International Arbitration, Banking & Financial Markets
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