Tom Bushnell Email & Phone Number

London, Gb

Barrister specialising in serious corporate and financial crime, and regulatory law - especially involving the FCA.My recent and ongoing work includes:- Acting for Carlo Palombo in his landmark appeal to the Supreme Court (with Tom Hayes) against conviction in relation to EURIBOR and LIBOR, and advising three other traders whose convictions will be directly impacted by any decision;- Advising three individuals on ongoing market abuse investigations by the FCA, and a fourth under investigation for alleged criminal insider dealing;- Advising an individual under suspicion in a high-profile SFO investigation;- Representing an individual who has referred enforcement action by the FCA to the Upper Tribunal;- Representing an individual under investigation by the FCA in relation to alleged unauthorised business;- Representing businesses and individuals under investigation for food safety offences in both the food production and high-end hospitality sectors;- Advising a company executive under investigation by a private prosecutor;- Advising the subject of a significant FCA criminal investigation.I was also part of the team who successfully defended the former Managing Director of G4S Care and Justice Services in criminal proceedings brought by the SFO: the SFO offered no evidence before trial, having entered into a DPA with G4S Care & Justice Services (UK) Ltd in relation to the same conduct.

I practised across 3RB's main areas of expertise, with a particular focus on financial crime and licensing.Financial crime and regulationMy most significant case was as junior to the FCA in its landmark prosecution of NatWest for breaches of the Money Laundering Regulations 2007, led by Clare Montgomery QC and Matthew Butt QC. I advised throughout the investigation, charging decision and plea discussions (conducted under the AG's guidelines for cases of serious or complex fraud). NatWest pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a fine of over £264m, thought to be the largest ever fine imposed upon conviction in this country. The case was the first time the FCA had ever prosecuted anyone for breaches of the MLR 2007, and the first time the FCA had prosecuted a large bank. It was described by commentators as "a milestone for the FCA."I advised the FCA on two major insider dealing cases and in 2022 represented a defendant tried by the FCA for insider dealing.In 2018-2019, I spent six months as a part-time consultant to the regulatory and investigations team of an international law firm. I was involved in a number of its ongoing SFO and FCA cases.In 2018 I completed a six month secondment at the Financial Conduct Authority, within the Criminal Prosecutions Team.In 2017, I assisted the defence team for one of the three former Tesco executives charged with fraud and false accounting relating to Tesco’s statements to the market in 2014.General crimeI regularly appeared in the Crown and Magistrates' Courts, mainly for the defence. In 2021 I represented the first serving police officer to be charged with terrorism offences, in a three week trial at the Old Bailey (led by Ailsa Williamson).LicensingI advised and acted for licensees, applicants, the police, local authorities and local residents before licensing sub-committees and in the Magistrates' Court.

Throughout pupillage contributed to cases across all of Chambers’ main practice areas, including crime, regulation, inquests, licensing, professional discipline and extradition. Supervised by Nicholas Yeo, Saba Naqshbandi and Ailsa Williamson.As a second six pupil gained experience in handling a range of criminal matters, including summary trials, sentencing hearings, first appearances, PTPHs and mentions in the Crown Court. Also represented Probation in breach proceedings in the Crown Court.

Actively involved in criminal and regulatory matters for corporates and individuals, with an emphasis on financial crime and financial services regulation. Focused on proceedings following investigations into alleged LIBOR manipulation. Also gained experience in cases involving fraud, bribery and corruption, and money laundering.General crime experience includes violence, sex offences and drug importation.Contributing author for LexisNexis PSL Financial Services (http://lexisweb.co.uk/users/tom-bushnell).

Ba (Hons), Law, First

Bar Professional Training Course, Outstanding

Education record