3 Verulam Buildings

Members of 3VB - Farhaz Khan KC, Jane Davies Evans KC, Miriam Schmelzer and Associate Members Christopher Lau SC, Sophie Nappert, Professor Attila M. Tanzi, Thierry MAREMBERT will be attending and speaking at a number of events during the 10th Edition of Paris Arbitration Week, taking place next week. The full programme for Paris Arbitration Week can be found here: parisarbitrationweek.com/event/ 3VB is also sponsoring @GARalerts Global Arbitration Review GAR Live: Construction Disputes on Thursday 26 March, with the 16th annual GAR Awards taking place that evening. Members of 3VB feature prominently in the shortlist for Most Important Decision of the Year. Paris Arbitration Week is a premier forum for academic debate and knowledge exchange, bringing together arbitration practitioners, counsel, academics, experts, judges, and institutions from around the world. Director of Clerking, Stuart Pullum and Senior Practice Manager Luke Carvalho will also be joining the team in Paris. Please feel free to reach out to Stuart, Luke or any of our members to connect with them during the week.

On 19 March 2026, the UK Jurisdiction Taskforce (@lawtech_uk) (chaired by Sir Geoffrey Vos MR) published its Report on Control of Digital Assets. The Report was prepared by a panel of lawyers and technological experts led by Sir Antony Zacaroli, which included David Quest KC. Judy Fu served as the lead drafter of the Report. This work follows the Law Commission’s Final Report on Digital Assets, in which it recommended that an expert panel be convened to help explain and report on the complex and evolving ways in which factual control can be exercised over digital assets. The UKJT was invited by the Lord Chancellor to convene such a panel. The Report serves as a practical explanatory guide targeted at a non-technical audience, to help refine their technical understanding of digital assets so as to apply that understanding to legal analyses. It offers the judiciary and court users an explanation of foundational technical concepts underlying the digital assets economy, and common use cases which are considered likely to arise in a disputes context (including direct, multi-party, smart contract-based, delegated, and layered forms of control). The Report is available to download here: lawtechuk.io/report-on-cont…

In Garipolgu v Financial Conduct Authority [2026] UKUT 121 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal has rejected a wide-ranging challenge to its established privacy jurisprudence. Adam Temple acted for the @TheFCA Although dated 8 October 2025, the decision has only now been published. In two tribunal references, the applicants argued that FCA Decision Notices should not be published, citing likely reputational damage and an alleged impact on the purpose of the proceedings. The first applicant did not challenge the FCA’s finding that he was not fit and proper, but did challenge the prohibition order. The Tribunal dismissed the first applicant’s privacy application and discharged a previous non-publication order relating to the second applicant. In doing so, it reaffirmed the presumption in favour of publication of FCA Decision Notices and the principle of open justice, rejecting arguments based on American Cyanamid and the contention that open justice was not engaged. The Tribunal held that open justice does apply, that Decision Notices enable a proper understanding of Tribunal proceedings, and that the starting point is weighted in favour of publication. Since judgment was handed down, the FCA has issued a Final Notice in respect of the first applicant. The full judgment is available here: gov.uk/tax-and-chance… The FCA press release here: fca.org.uk/news/press-rel…

On 6 March 2026, the ADGM Court issued judgment in Union Properties PJSC & Anor v Trinkler & Partners Ltd & Others [2026] ADGMCFI 0010. Ivana Daskalova successfully represented two Defendants to a £65 million fraud claim (acting as sole counsel against a led team). Following a 9-day trial, Justice Sir Andrew Smith dismissed all claims brought by Union Properties, one of Dubai’s leading property developers, against First Fund Management Ltd and Paresh Khiara. The case concerned a “complicated and sophisticated fraud” involving P-Notes and required the Court to consider, in a 100-page judgment, wide-ranging causes of action (including in deceit, negligent misrepresentation, unlawful means conspiracy, dishonest assistance, and under the Financial Services and Markets Regulations 2015) as well as procedural and evidential issues such as the impact of notices to prove under r. 110 of the ADGM Court Procedure Rules 2016. Ivana was instructed by Andrew Mackenzie, Andrew Massey and Ross Wilson at @DLA_Piper Middle East LLP. Read the full news here: 3vb.com/ivana-daskalov…

The High Court has ruled that reliance issues in a s.90A FSMA securities claim against Boohoo should be determined at the first trial alongside liability and standing, indicating a possible shift towards resolving more issues at the initial trial stage rather than deferring claimant-side issues to later phases. In a new post on the 3VB Group Litigation Blog, James Sharpe examines this latest development in the court’s approach to trial splits in group claims under FSMA s90A. Read the full post here: 3vbgrouplitigation.com/trial-split-in…

The UK Supreme Court has unanimously held that Spain and Zimbabwe cannot invoke state immunity to resist the recognition and enforcement of ICSID arbitral awards, confirming that their accession to the ICSID Convention constitutes a submission to the jurisdiction of the English courts. In linked appeals, the Court held that by agreeing to Article 54(1) of the ICSID Convention, contracting states agree that all other contracting states are obliged to recognise and enforce ICSID awards against them. The Supreme Court found that this amounts to submission to the jurisdiction of the English courts for the purposes of section 2(2) of the State Immunity Act 1978, meaning the states cannot rely on adjudicative immunity to oppose the registration of ICSID awards against them. The judgment is a significant development in investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) and forms part of a growing body of decisions worldwide addressing the relationship between state immunity and the enforcement of ICSID awards, including cases in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, the United States and the British Virgin Islands. The ICSID Convention currently has 158 contracting states, making the decision an important clarification of its operation in the UK. Border Timbers, the respondent in the appeal against Zimbabwe, was represented by 3VB’s Dominic Kennelly and Catherine Drummond, led by Christopher Harris KC at @gibsondunn, instructed by @bakermckenzie. Spain was represented 3VB’s Cameron Miles, led by Lucas Bastin KC of Essex Court Chambers, instructed by Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP. The Supreme Court’s decision confirms that states party to the ICSID Convention cannot rely on state immunity to resist the registration of ICSID awards in the UK, reinforcing the Convention’s framework for the recognition and enforcement of investor-state arbitral awards. Read the news article and judgment here: 3vb.com/uk-supreme-cou…

Following the Supreme Court judgment in THG Plc v Zedra Trust Company (Jersey) Ltd: [2026] UKSC 6, which was handed down on 25 February 2026, join George McPherson for a breakfast talk on “Limitation and section 994 revisited: normality resumed?” Practitioners of company law gave a collective gasp of surprise when the Court of Appeal ruled in February 2024 that unfair prejudice petitions were subject to statutory limitation. It was an outcome which flew in the face of “received wisdom”: for 40 years everyone – judges, academics, and practitioners – had been proceeding on the assumption that no statutory limitation period applied. 2 years later, and 1 year after the appeal was heard, the Supreme Court has now overturned the Court of Appeal’s 2024 ruling and decided that the received wisdom was right all along. But was the received wisdom right for the reasons we thought? And what does the Supreme Court’s decision mean, not just for unfair prejudice petitions, but for statutory causes of action more generally? George McPherson acted for the successful appellant in the Supreme Court, Zedra Trust Company (Jersey) Limited. Join him to hear about the case, what it decided, what it has left for another day, and how it might influence the bringing of unfair prejudice complaints in the future. Date: Thursday 12 March 2026 Timings: 8:15am: Registration 8:30am – 9:15am: Seminar Venue: 3 Verulam Buildings, Gray’s Inn, London, WC1R 5NT For more information and to RSVP: 3vb.com/event/limitati…

The UK Supreme Court has today handed down judgment in THG Plc v Zedra Trust Company (Jersey) Ltd [2026] UKSC 6. George McPherson acted successfully for the appellant, Zedra, with the Court holding that no statutory limitation period applies to unfair prejudice petitions brought under sections 994–996 of the Companies Act 2006. Overturning the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court reinstated the long-held understanding that such petitions are not subject to limitation under the Limitation Act 1980, providing important clarification for practitioners dealing with historic allegations of unfair prejudice. George was led by Andrew Thompson KC in the Supreme Court (and by Paul Chaisty KC at first instance and in the Court of Appeal) and was instructed by Joel Heap and Sam Pringle of @DWF_Law LLP. Read the full news item and access the Supreme Court judgment here: 3vb.com/george-mcphers…

On 24 March, Financial Services Lawyers Association (FSLA), Fox Williams and 3VB are hosting FSLA's inaugural IWD event, ‘Gender Equality in Financial Services, Law and Beyond’. Join us for a fireside chat with Mary Ann Sieghart, author of the highly acclaimed book, The Authority Gap, followed by a panel discussion with senior figures from across the financial services and legal community. Joining the panel will be Saima Hanif KC (Barrister at 3VB), Sona Ganatra (Partner at Fox Williams), Daniel Winterfeldt MBE KC (Founder and co-chair at @InterLawDivFor), Sarah Peazer-Davies (General counsel and company secretary at @CloseBrothers). To find out more and to register for the event, click here: communications.foxwilliams.com/cv/2adfbe80836…

3VB is pleased to be sponsoring the 5th Annual @TL4Fire Starters Global Summit in Dublin (25–27 February 2026). The Summit celebrates the next generation of rising stars in Asset Recovery, Fraud & Insolvency, bringing together senior associates and junior partners from across the globe. Our members will be speaking on Day 2: Rebecca Zaman will speak on ‘Applying For and Enforcing Interim Relief’, exploring relief in aid of arbitration, strategies for urgent court orders, and ensuring the effectiveness of freezing orders. Maud Mullan will join the panel on ‘Sovereign & States Dispute and Enforcement’, discussing practical considerations with enforcing judgments and awards against states, legal examples of going against sovereigns and states and recovering assets linked to sovereign states. Paul Bonner Hughes will join the panel, ‘Navigating the International World: Working Towards International Cooperation’. The panel will cover the varying approach in civil and common law jurisdiction, the complexities of cross-border judgements, using mutual legal assistance treaties (MLATs) effectively and navigating conflicting international laws and asset tracing hurdles. The Summit will be held at the Conrad Hotel, Dublin. Team Leader Robert Croke and Practice Manager Joe Brown will also be attending. If you’re in Dublin, do get in touch with Rob, Joe or any of our team to connect.

On 19 February 2026, the Court of Appeal handed down judgment in Fridman v Agrofirma Oniks LLC [2026] EWCA 139, setting aside service effected under the postal rules in CPR 6.9 and affirming that it is a fundamental rule of English procedure and jurisdiction that a person may only be served with process in England and Wales if they are present in the territorial jurisdiction or have submitted to it. The Court held that it is presence, and not residence, that is the touchstone of territorial jurisdiction. The Court rejected the argument that the common law rule had been abrogated by the terms of the Civil Procedure Rules, holding that presence within the jurisdiction is a substantive jurisdictional requirement. The Court further held that whilst temporary physical absence from the jurisdiction will not necessarily negate presence, the concept of temporary absence for this purpose must be kept within relatively narrow grounds. In the context, specifically, of sanctions, the Court further accepted that where a defendant is the subject of sanctions preventing him from returning, it is legally incoherent for the state to claim jurisdiction over a defendant on the ground of his presence in the jurisdiction, whilst at the same time denying him the right to be present there. The decision thus makes clear that service at a ‘last known residence’ within the jurisdiction under CPR 6.9 is not available where a defendant has left the jurisdiction. A claimant in such circumstances will need to first satisfy the service out jurisdictional gateways, before seeking an order for substituted service at such address. 3VB’s Nicholas Craig KC and Anne Jeavons acted for the appellant, instructed by Roger Gherson and Emma Anderson of Gherson LLP @uk_immigration.

Members of 3VB have contributed to two new books on contract and commercial law. Mandatory and Default Rules in Contract and Commercial Law is edited by William Day, with Professors Katy Barnett, Jonathan Morgan and Andrew Robertson. It is collection of essays arising out of a series of workshops last year involving English and Australian private law academics and practitioners funded by the Cambridge/Melbourne law research partnership, and featuring an introduction from Lord Justice Foxton. William Day contributed a chapter on default rules in contract formation. Devon Airey wrote a chapter on the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977. Honorary member Professor Louise Gullifer contributed (with Professor Louise Merrett) a chapter on default terms in sale of goods contracts. The Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 at 25 is edited by William Day, with Professors Janet O’Sullivan and Louise Merrett. It publishes the papers from a conference held in Selwyn College, Cambridge last year to mark the 25th anniversary of the 1999 Act. Ian Wilson KC wrote a chapter reflecting on the 1999 Act’s application in the banking context. William Day wrote a chapter on section 1 of the 1999 Act.  Honorary member Professor Louise Gullifer co-wrote a chapter on possible applications of the 1999 Act in bond markets. The collection also features judicial contributions from Lord Burrows and Lady Justice Cockerill.

3VB is pleased to mark a week of significant recognition including new rankings in the @ChambersGuides Global Guide 2026, a @thelegal500 MENA Award, and involvement in all of the highlighted cases in the newly released DIFC Case Updates, reflecting Chambers’ continued strength and presence in the global disputes market. The Chambers Global Guide 2026, published online yesterday, ranks 55 members of 3VB across eight departments spanning the UK, Europe and Offshore jurisdictions, with 3VB retaining its Band 1 position for Dispute Resolution in the Middle East, and as a Global Market Leader in International Arbitration and Public International Law. Read more here: 3vb.com/strong-recogni…

We are very pleased to announce that Yash Bheeroo has been awarded ‘Commercial Junior of the Year’ at @thelegal500 Middle East and North Africa Awards 2026. The event took place at the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, on Thursday 12th February. Much of Yash’s practice is international, and he is regularly instructed in cases in a number of jurisdictions in the Middle East, the Far East, Europe and Africa. Since 2014, he has been a DIFC Court Part II Registered Practitioner. Yash also regularly appears before the courts in the ADGM. He is recognised by the legal directories as a leading junior across three regions (UK, Middle East and Asia Pacific), including as a Tier 1 practitioner in the Legal 500 EMEA 2025 guide, and in the Chambers & Partners Global 2026 guide for Dispute Resolution in the Middle East. The awards identify the contribution of lawyers, barristers, law firms, sets and in-house legal departments who make a considerable contribution in MENA, acknowledging their outstanding achievements over the last couple of years. Members and staff at 3VB warmly congratulate Yash, and all the winners.

On 4 February, @Can_Yeginsu addressed @NUS_CIL and @UCLLaws conference: The Future of International Law: Reflections on Challenges New and Old. Prof. Yeginsu addressed the challenges and opportunities posed to the international legal order by artificial intelligence: 3vb.com/the-future-of-…

We are delighted to announce that 3VB’s Chambers Director, Kathryn Paterson has been shortlisted for the Law Firm Leader of the Year – Boutique Law Firm award at the @WDLAwards 2026. Hosted by @GlobalLegalPost, the awards honour outstanding women leaders and practitioners, as well as legal teams and businesses driving meaningful change. The shortlist features individuals dedicated to ensuring the UK legal profession more closely reflects the society it serves. As a key member of 3VB’s Senior Management Team, Kathryn plays a pivotal role in shaping strategy and positioning Chambers for future growth. She oversees all aspects of Chambers’ operations, from business development and client care to finance, HR, and facilities, ensuring that both members and clients receive a consistently exceptional standard of service. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on 28 April at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square. Many congratulations to Kathryn, and all those shortlisted. The full list of finalists can be seen here: womenanddiversityinlawawards.com/womenanddivers…

Members of 3VB will be in Dubai this week for two key events: @thelegal500 Middle East and North Africa Awards 2026 and the 4th COMBAR Gulf Meeting, both taking place on 12 February 2026. Representing 3VB in Dubai will be Saima Hanif KC (COMBAR Gulf Chair), Yash Bheeroo, Ryan Ferro, Ravi Jackson and Practice Manager, Harry Freeman. Please do reach out to any of our members if you would like to connect while they are in Dubai.

David Simpson recently attended the inaugural meeting of the Legal and Regulatory Sub-Working Group set up by @TheCityUK to advise on the legal and regulatory reforms needed to establish the Lagos International Financial Centre. The meeting was chaired by The Honourable Mr Lawal Pedro San, the Attorney General and Commissioner for the Ministry of Justice of Lagos State and coincided with the launch of the Phase 1 Report on the launch of the LIFC (x.com/i/status/20205…). David has worked on numerous projects to establish international financial centres around the world, including the Qatar Financial Centre in Doha and the Astana International Financial Centre in Kazakhstan.

On 6 February 2026, the Court of Appeal handed down judgment in South Bank Hotel Management Company Limited v Galliard Hotels Limited [2026] EWCA Civ 56, allowing an appeal that clarifies the approach to limitation in claims arising from concealed misconduct. The case concerns investments made through South Bank, an investment vehicle used by individuals to purchase hotel rooms in a development promoted by companies within the Galliard Group. After the investments were made, but before the development was completed, the Galliard Group implemented the “Annex Lease Scheme”, under which a valuable part of the hotel, including its conferencing facilities, was transferred out of South Bank to a company ultimately owned by a director and his family. The scheme was concealed from investors, who did not receive their shares in South Bank until several years later. 3VB’s Saaman Pourghadiri, led by James Willan KC of Essex Court Chambers, was instructed by South Bank by Nick Ractliff and Caitlin Ferguson of PCB Byrne LLP. Read more and access the judgment in full here: 3vb.com/court-of-appea…

The Court of Appeal has upheld the grant of a permanent anti-suit injunction in Tyson International Insurance Company Ltd v GIC Re, India, Corporate Member Ltd 2026 EWCA Civ 40, confirming that the substantive dispute should proceed in the English Commercial Court rather than New York arbitration. The appeal turned on the construction of competing dispute resolution provisions contained in a London-market Master Reform Contract and a later reinsurance certificate, and in particular the effect of a hierarchy (“confusion”) clause giving precedence to the MRC. The Court rejected attempts to reconcile the clauses by treating the English court’s role as merely supervisory, emphasising that the outcome must reflect the parties’ agreed contractual structure. The decision will be of interest to insurers, reinsurers and commercial parties dealing with layered contractual documentation and multiple dispute resolution mechanisms. Timothy Killen (leading James Partridge of 2TG) acted for the successful respondent, Tyson International, instructed by Reed Smith LLP. Full news item here: 3vb.com/court-of-appea…