Banking & Commercial

Where finance, regulation and commercial risk intersect.

Zaiwalla & Co advises international banks, financial institutions and corporates in disputes arising from financing arrangements, contractual claims and institutional risk exposures. The team’s work spans jurisdictional challenges, enforcement actions, shareholder remedies and claims linked to international finance contracts, reflecting the global footprint of our clients and the commercial pressures they face. 

Our approach combines detailed legal analysis with robust advocacy in contested proceedings before the English courts and in negotiated settlements. The practice draws on deep experience of High Court litigation and bespoke dispute handling tailored to the operational and regulatory realities of financial services and commercial enterprises. 

The group’s banking disputes work benefits from recognition in independent legal rankings, with partners noted for their experience in investment and retail banking litigation and related areas of commercial dispute. 

Key Cases Significant Banking & Commercial Cases

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Bank Mellat v HM Treasury

Zaiwalla & Co successfully challenged the UK Treasury’s designation of Bank Mellat under the UK’s Iran sanctions regime in a landmark Supreme Court judgment. The case, recognised by The Lawyer as one of the top 10 cases of 2013, involved the first closed material procedure ever conducted in the Supreme Court. The Court held that the financial restrictions imposed on the Bank were unlawful and disproportionate. In parallel proceedings before the European Court of Justice, the firm also secured the annulment of corresponding EU sanctions. The case remains a leading authority on proportionality, judicial scrutiny of executive sanctions powers and the conduct of closed hearings in national security litigation.

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Serving banking and commercial clients across jurisdictions

Our banking and commercial work regularly involves parties, assets and contractual relationships across Europe, the Middle East, India, China and Africa, often where finance contracts are governed by English law but executed internationally. This breadth supports clients in matters involving jurisdictional issues, enforcement of orders and cross-border contractual performance disputes.

Our Jurisdictions

What people say

“The team delivered consistently high-quality legal advice. Their client service was impressive, and they had to travel internationally as a team to meet a client in difficult circumstances.”
“Zaiwalla is an unique outfit which has for decades handled heavyweight work for high-profile international clients.”
“Sarosh Zaiwalla brings valuable experience to litigation; Leigh Crestohl has a strong intellect and good judgment; and Kartik Mittal works hard to achieve the right result for his clients.”
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“Zaiwalla & Co, being a boutique law firm, offers a service to its clients to solve their legal problems in an efficient and personal way, knowing that all partners, solicitor and paralegals are offering all their knowledge and time to the legal problem that the affected person is having.”
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“Very strong international client base and very open to innovative funding models.”
“The practice is marked by an in-depth assessment of legal issues and great attention to detail.”
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“Unique perspective on the law, ability to spot a weakness and execute strategies beneficial to their client.”
“A London disputes boutique acting in high-value litigation, arbitration and public international law matters.”
ABC Company Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Instruct Banking & Commercial Counsel 

Experienced representation in financial disputes and commercial claims before the English courts.

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