Call 2005
"Alex is commercial, clever and truly hard-working." "He is a fantastic junior who’s very bright and completely spot-on when dealing with corporate issues."
Chambers & Partners
Alfie Harper
Team Leader
+44 (0)20 7842 3806
Click here to email
Sam McCrone
Team Leader's Assistant
+44 (0)20 7842 3714
Click here to email
Alex Barden is widely recognised as a leading junior in commercial matters, especially insolvency and corporate cases, fund and LLP law and civil fraud.
He was shortlisted for Chambers & Partners’ Commercial Junior of the Year 2020. He has particular experience of complex litigation and arbitration involving financial institutions, often with an international element or a regulatory dimension. His clients include large financial institutions, funds, major corporates, litigation funders and high net worth individuals.
Alex made his name in a series of major disputes arising from the financial crisis, including as lead junior for the institutional claimants in the £4 billion RBS Rights Issue Litigation, for Kaupthing Bank, and for structured finance creditors in the insolvencies of Lehman Brothers and MF Global. Recent cases include Italian oil giant Eni’s successful defence of a $1 billion bribery claim by the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the US FDIC’s cartel claim against the LIBOR panel banks and the Argentina sovereign debt litigation.
Alex has particular experience in the specialist company and insolvency field, where he recently acted in the major Edwardian Hotels shareholder dispute, in the Stobart Group boardroom dispute and in the Liontrust and Marathon fund litigation.
Republic of Nigeria v Shell & Eni [2020] EWHC (Comm) 1315
Acting for Italian oil giant Eni successfully resisting $1 billion bribery claim by the Nigerian government in relation to an off-shore oilfield, including allegations against the former President. Issues related to jurisdiction under the Brussels Regulation and alleged material non-disclosure by the Republic.
Edwardian Group [2019] 1 BCLC 171, [2017] EHWC (Ch) 3112
Appearing for successful minority shareholder in four-week trial of s.994 petition relating to £1 billion hotel group. This is the largest recent case in the area and now a leading authority on corporate opportunities, directors’ remuneration and discounts for minority shareholdings. Alex regularly appears in shareholder disputes of this type, including derivative claims.
RBS Rights Issue Litigation [2017] EWHC 3443, [2014] EWHC 227
Acting as lead junior for Legal & General, Standard Life, Prudential and others in a £4 billion claim under s.90 of FSMA against RBS arising from its 2008 rights issue and subsequent collapse. This remains the biggest case in the area and one of the leading cases on the management and costs of group actions by investors. Alex has subsequently been instructed in a series of similar matters under s.90 and s.90A.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) v LIBOR Panel Banks [2020] EWHC 2001
Acting for US government body (as receiver for 20 failed US banks) in proceedings against UK Panel banks alleging collaborative lowballing of LIBOR rates. Successfully resisted strikeout application by UBS.
Re Titan Europe Plc [2016] EHWC 969, [2016] EWCA Civ 1293
Acting for successful appellant hedge fund in noteholder litigation arising from the collapse of a structured investment vehicle. Alex has subsequently been instructed in a number of other structured finance and sovereign debt claims, including in relation to Lehman Brothers, Kaupthing, and the Republic of Argentina.
Alex has wide experience in cases relating to the aviation industry, including aviation finance and regulation.
Alpstream v GECAS & Others [2013] EWHC 370, [2015] EWCA Civ 1318
Acting for companies owned by oligarch Alexander Lebedev; alleging conspiracy and breach of equitable duties against leading aviation companies GECAS and PK Airfinance. Successful in six-week Commercial Court Trial, partially overturned on appeal.
Private Aviation
Acting as sole counsel for private aviation provider in Commercial Court proceedings against aircraft lessor, involving freezing and other injunctive relief (in private).
Leasing Disputes
Acting as sole counsel in relation to aircraft leasing disputes relating to multiple national flag carriers.
Monarch Airlines
Acting for Airport Coordination Limited (the slots co-ordinator) in relation to the insolvency of Monarch.
Airline Claims Fraud
Acting as sole counsel for major European airline in relation to allegations of “factory” claims fraud, including obtaining Norwich Pharmacal relief.
Alex has particular expertise in banking and structured finance, where he acts for major institutions, governments and funds, both on traditional banking disputes and in the areas of sovereign debt and listed securities. He has extensive experience in s.90 and 90A claims, and in noteholder litigation.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation v BBA & Others [2020] EWHC 2001
Acting for the US government body in its claim on behalf of 20 closed US Banks against the BBA and LIBOR panel banks, alleging the unlawful and anticompetitive suppression of the LIBOR rate.
RBS Rights Issue Litigation [2017] EWHC 3443, [2014] EWHC 227
Acting as lead junior for Legal & General, Standard Life, Prudential and others in a £4 billion claim under s.90 of FSMA against RBS arising from its 2008 rights issue and subsequent collapse. This remains the biggest case in the area and one of the leading cases on the management and costs of group actions by investors. Alex has subsequently been instructed in a series of similar matters under s.90 and s.90A.
Re Titan Europe Plc [2016] EHWC 969, [2016] EWCA Civ 1293
Acting for successful appellant hedge fund in noteholder litigation arising from the collapse of a structured investment vehicle. Alex has subsequently been instructed in a number of other structured finance and sovereign debt claims.
Republic of Argentina [2020] EWHC (Comm) 1946
Acting for investors in €600 million Financial List claim relating to Argentina’s GDP-linked securities. Issues relate to construction of the securities and effect of Argentina’s 2014 GDP rebasing. Successfully resisted strikeout based on exemption clauses.
Zinc Holdings (Fortress v Tchenguiz) [2018] BCC 968, [2018] EWHC 1936
Acting for Fortress investment fund, successfully resisted challenge by Vincent Tchenguiz to appointment of administrators and proposed sale of hotels.
AMC III Purple BV v Amethyst Radiotherapy Ltd [2019] EWHC 1503
Acting as sole counsel for borrower in applications relating to loans and associated arbitration arising from shareholders’ agreement.
Re Lehman Brothers Europe
Acting for funds holding equity and subordinated debt in LBIE. Application involves issues relating to administration set-off, statutory interest and the CASS regime. Case settled shortly before trial.
Civil fraud litigation is a central part of Alex’s practice, particularly where cases arise from breaches of directors’ duties, bribery and money laundering. He has extensive experience of cases involving jurisdiction disputes and interim remedies, including freezing, search and passport orders and Norwich Pharmacal relief.
Terre Neuve v HSBC, El Maleh [2020] EWHC 772
Acting in Commercial Court claim against HSBC Switzerland and others in claims arising from alleged money laundering.
Republic of Nigeria v Shell and Eni [2020] EWHC (Comm) 1315
Acting for Italian oil giant Eni resisting $1 billion bribery claim by the Nigerian government in relation to an off-shore oilfield, including allegations against the former President. Successful jurisdiction application brought an end to English proceedings.
Claims Fraud
Acting for a FTSE 100 company in private Commercial Court proceedings relating to alleged claims frauds. Obtained Norwich Pharmacal relief identifying wrongdoers and tracing funds.
Ablyazov Litigation
Acting for JSC BTA Bank to obtain search order against former mistress of Mukhtar Ablyazov.
Aquarius Holdings Ltd [2016] EWHC 2806
Acting for captain of a super-yacht in injunctive relief proceedings.
Passport OrderEliyon v Gathani and others: Acting for liquidators in relation to alleged MTIC VAT carousel fraud.
Acting as sole counsel at private hearing of injunctive relief application to obtain passport order preventing a foreign businessman from leaving the jurisdiction.
Eliyon v Gathani & Others
Acting for liquidators in relation to alleged MTIC VAT carousel fraud.
Private Aviation
Acting as sole counsel for private aviation provider in Commercial Court proceedings against aircraft lessor, involving freezing and other injunctive relief (in private).
Alex’s specialisms in company, insolvency and banking law have given him substantial experience in relation to regulatory investigations and professional disciplinary proceedings, including the Takeover Panel, FCA/PRA Regulations (including on financial promotions, the Regulated Activities Order, the AIM Rules and the Prospectus regime) and directors disqualification.
Confidential Takeover Panel Proceedings
Acting for Fund Manager in confidential Takeover Panel proceedings relating to alleged conspiracy to manipulate share price.
SFO v Barclays & Others [2019] EWCA Crim 1074
Acting for the Serious Fraud Office in relation to its prosecution of Barclays executives arising from the Bank’s 2008 Rights Issue – successfully resisting “half-time” application to dismiss the case on legal grounds.
Confidential FCA Tribunal
Advising client in relation to FCA tribunal proceedings relating to alleged market manipulation.
Directors' Disqualification
Advising company directors into investigations and proceedings by the Insolvency Services and on Carecraft.
DTI Investigation
Advising a finance company on obligations to comply with DTI document and information requests.
Alex has a wide-ranging commercial litigation practice and was shortlisted for Chambers & Partners’ Commercial Junior of the Year 2020. He has substantial experience of injunctive relief and civil fraud claims, of jurisdiction disputes and of litigation with a regulatory angle, as well as matters relating to banking, structured finance, aviation and mergers & acquisitions.
Republic of Nigeria v Shell & Eni [2020] EWHC (Comm) 1315
Acting for Italian oil giant Eni resisting $1 billion bribery claim by the Nigerian government in relation to an off-shore oilfield, including allegations against the former President. Issues related to jurisdiction under the Brussels Regulation and alleged material non-disclosure by the Republic.
Rusal Plc [2020] JRC034
Acting for aluminium giant Rusal in litigation in Jersey relating to alleged misuse of intellectual property. Issues relating to jurisdiction and corporate redomiciliation.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation v BBA & Others [2020] EWHC 2001
Acting for the US government body in its claim on behalf of 20 closed US Banks against the BBA and LIBOR panel banks, alleging the unlawful and anticompetitive suppression of the LIBOR rate.
Aurelius v Republic of Argentina [2020] EWHC (Comm) 1946
Acting for holders of Argentinian sovereign debt in claim relating to alleged manipulation of GDP statistics to avoid payment on government bonds.
Murray Holdings v Oscatello [2018] EWHC 162,[2014] Bus LR 341
Acting for wholly owned subsidiary of Kaupthing Bank in successful Chancery Division claim against entity formerly owned by Robert Tchenguiz, and in the Court of Appeal in relation to jurisdictional issues.
TP ICAP v NEX
Acting for Tullett Prebon in breach of warranty claims arising from its £1.3 billion acquisition of ICAP’s voice broking business relating to allegedly unlawful cum-ex trading in Germany.
Terre Neuve v El Maleh & Others
Acting as lead counsel for French film producer in Commercial Court claims alleging misappropriation of monies by Swiss bankers and financial advisers. Successfully resisted jurisdiction challenges by a number of defendants.
Malawi Tobacco Litigation
Acting for British American Tobacco in respect of widely publicised group action claims by Malawian tobacco farmers.
Griffin v Wainwright [2017] EWHC 2122
Appearing as sole counsel for the successful applicant challenging an expert determination.
Grizzly Business v Stena Drilling [2014] EWHC 1920, [2017] EWCA Civ 94
Appearing for successful claimant in Commercial Court trial and in the Court of Appeal, in proceedings relating to an oil drilling contract.
AXIO v UBM
Appearing in a four-week Chancery Division trial of £20 million claim by private equity acquirer of a business: defendants settled after their Expert admitted breaching code of conduct.
Cattles Rights Issue Litigation [2015] EWHC 3844
Acting for Standard Life in its £20 million claim against former directors of Cattles Plc, who had been disciplined by the FSA.
Alex’s practice spans contentious and non-contentious company and LLP law. He has been instructed in some of the largest shareholder and LLP disputes of recent times and has substantial experience of derivative actions and technical company-related litigation. He also has broad experience of advising in relation to the structuring of, and challenges to, corporate transactions and on claims arising from business acquisitions and valuation disputes.
He has a wide-ranging insolvency practice including cases arising from the insolvency of financial institutions, disputes under the Cross-Border Insolvency Regulations, and administration cases. Alex is a contributor to Buckley and to Lightman and Moss.
Edwardian Group [2019] 1 BCLC 171, [2017] EHWC 3112
Appearing for successful minority shareholder in four-week trial of s.994 petition relating to £1 billion hotel group. This is the largest recent case in the area and now a leading authority on corporate opportunities, directors’ remuneration and discounts for minority shareholdings. Alex regularly appears in shareholder disputes of this type, including derivative claims.
Re Lehman Brothers Europe
Acting for funds holding equity and subordinated debt in LBIE. Application involves issues relating to administration set-off, statutory interest and the CASS regime. Case settled shortly before trial.
Stobart Group Limited [2019] EWHC 258
Appearing for shareholder and former CEO Andrew Tinkler in proceedings arising from boardroom dispute in this FTSE 250 company.
Profile Partners
Acting for Norwegian football agent Rune Hauge in s.994 dispute relating to business interests in the sports rights industry.
Comet Plc
Instructed by Darty in relation to its defence to £80 million preference claim relating to the sale and subsequent insolvency of Comet plc.
Re MF Global Limited [2019] Bus LR 40, [2018] EWCA Civ 1327
Acting for successful creditor opposing Administrators’ proposed Creditors’ Voluntary Arrangement on grounds of change of circumstances.
Re Polly Peck
Acting as sole counsel for Administrators of Polly Peck in relation to wind-down and closure of one of the longest-running administrations of recent decades.
Zinc Hotels (Fortress v Tchenguiz) [2018] BCC 968, [2018] EWHC 1936
Acting for Fortress investment fund, successfully resisted challenge by Vincent Tchenguiz to appointment of administrators and proposed sale of hotels.
Re LDK Solar
Acting in a challenge to parallel schemes of arrangement in Hong Kong and Cayman Islands, relating to investments in mainland China.
Re Isis Investment Limited
Acting as sole counsel on successful recognition application in the BVI Courts for English scheme of arrangement, under the UNCITRAL model law.
Awaze v Wyndham
Acting as sole counsel for private equity purchaser in Commercial Court dispute arising from acquisition of a vacation rental business.
Tonstate Hotels
Acting for majority shareholder in s.994 claim relating to a large hotel company.
Flanagan v Liontrust [2015] EWHC 2171
Appearing for the claimant in the leading case on LLP Agreements.
Paros v Worldlink [2012] EWHC 394
Acting as sole counsel for successful party in Commercial Court trial relating to an AIM takeover.
Re Wood DIY Ltd [2011] EWHC 3089
Acting in this and other cross-border merger and group restructuring cases, including for Air Liquide, Menzies Aviation and others.
RePortsmouth City Football Club Ltd [2013] EWCA Civ 916
Acting in the Leading Court of Appeal case on administration expenses.
Re Capitol Films Ltd [2010] EWHC 3223
Acting as sole counsel in successful challenge to administrator’s sale of company assets to main shareholder.
Cattles Rights Issue Litigation
Acting for Standard Life in its £20 million claim against former directors of Cattles Plc, who had been disciplined by the FSA.
Re Brightside Insurance
Acting in a claim against former director and auditors of a well-known insurance company, alleging (inter alia) breaches of FCA CASS Rules.
Confidential Takeover Panel Proceedings
Acting for Fund Manager in confidential Takeover Panel proceedings relating to alleged conspiracy to manipulate share price.
SFO v Barclays and others [2019] EWCA Crim 1074
Acting for the Serious Fraud Office in relation to its prosecution of Barclays executives arising from the Bank’s 2008 Rights Issue – successfully resisting “half-time” application to dismiss the case on legal grounds.
Confidential FCA Tribunal
Advising client in relation to FCA tribunal proceedings relating to alleged market manipulation.
Re Brightside Insurance
Acting in a claim against former director and auditors of a well-known insurance company, alleging (inter alia) breaches of FCA CASS Rules.
Warranty Insurance
Acting in Commercial Court proceedings for provider of warranty and indemnity insurance in £400 million M&A transaction.
Alex has extensive arbitration experience across all his fields of practice, including shareholder and valuation cases, sovereign debt and contractual disputes and in various forms of arbitration and other ADR including expert determination.
Confidential LCIA Arbitration
Acting for substantial shareholder in a large Russian media company in arbitration relating to shareholders’ information rights.
Confidential Ad Hoc Arbitration
Acting in a matter relating to rights of members in a large investment management fund.
Confidential ICC Arbitration
Acting for major telecoms company in relation to threatened arbitration pleadings relating to contractual arrangements.
Griffin v Wainwright [2017] EWHC 2122
Appearing as sole counsel for the successful applicant challenging an expert determination.
Alex is regularly instructed by leading offshore firms in relation to disputes within his areas of expertise. He is called to the Bar of the BVI and has recently been involved in disputes in Jersey, Guernsey, Hong Kong, the Cayman Islands, Dubai and the Isle of Man.
Re LDK Solar
Acting in a challenge to parallel schemes of arrangement in Hong Kong and Cayman Islands, relating to investments in mainland China.
Re Isis Investment Limited
Acting as sole counsel on successful recognition application in the BVI Courts for English scheme of arrangement, under the UNCITRAL model law.
Rusal Plc [2020] JRC034
Acting for aluminium giant Rusal in litigation in Jersey relating to alleged misuse of intellectual property. Issues relating to jurisdiction and corporate redomiciliation.
Stobart v Tinkler
Acting in injunction applications in Guernsey relating to long-running dispute over Guernsey company listed on the London market.
Confidential
Acting in proceedings in camera in the Royal Court of Guernsey relating to alleged breach of confidence and market manipulation.
DIFC
Advising in relation to shareholder dispute arising under the law of the Dubai International Financial Centre.
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Alfie Harper
Team Leader
+44 (0)20 7842 3806
Click here to email
Sam McCrone
Team Leader's Assistant
+44 (0)20 7842 3714
Click here to email
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