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 practice is marked by an in-depth assessment of legal issues and great attention to detail.”
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“Zaiwalla's attitude, communications, client focus, accuracy and quality are the firm's key strengths.”
“The most important attribute that stands out is collaborative approach with an open mind by all members of the team.”
“Deep knowledge of case law and arbitration work.”
“Zaiwalla is an unique outfit which has for decades handled heavyweight work for high-profile international clients.”
“Very strong international client base and very open to innovative funding models.”
“Zaiwalla & Co is a boutique litigation and arbitration firm that offers an excellent combination of legal and strategic knowledge in different matters. Furthermore, the firm diversity allows them to operate confidently across jurisdictions and to relate with international clients in an efficient way.”
“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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Instruct Banking & Commercial Counsel 

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

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