Consistently recommended by the Legal Directories for Commercial Chancery work including – Insolvency, Company, Commercial and Cross Border Litigation. The Directories have described Alexander as ‘a creative lateral thinker who is always up for the fight’, ‘strong on paper and on his feet’ and ‘an excellent courtroom advocate and is very user friendly’. In respect of his cross border practice ‘what really sets him apart is his wealth of knowledge having practiced in several jurisdictions – this makes him a real asset in any cross border litigation. A real star.’ Alexander advises and appears as an advocate at all levels of the England and Wales court system as well as several offshore jurisdictions; where he has considerable experience. He appears in arbitrations both domestic and international in nature.
Alexander specializes in complex company, commercial and insolvency litigation and arbitration with particular expertise in matters which are cross border or international in nature. His work includes an emphasis on civil fraud, white collar fraud, company, insolvency and regulatory matters, as well as complex commercial disputes generally. He has a particular emphasis on shareholder disputes and cases involving the fiduciary duties of directors.
Alexander regularly advises shareholders in joint venture disputes and acts in contentious matters involving trusts and involuntary liquidation. He has been the lead counsel in several long, complex, document heavy cases.
Alexander has conducted a considerable amount of complex contested trials and hearings and therefore is an experienced advocate and cross examiner in highly contentious and hard-fought cases in England and overseas. Alexander has appeared numerous times in the highest courts and appellate courts of multiple jurisdictions.
He recently successfully appeared in 2025 in the Court of Appeal (England and Wales) in Syspal Capital Limited v Truman and Another [2025] EWCA Civ 469 and Servis Terminal LLC v Drelle [2025] EWCA Civ 698.
Alexander has substantial experience in cross-examination and is well used to coping with the challenges presented by trials and major applications.
Alexander has not only practised at the English Bar but also as a Partner in an offshore law firm and as a Principal in a New York Law firm. Alexander is therefore used to taking a client friendly and pragmatic approach to cases with an emphasis on providing optimal solutions to clients’ problems. Alexander’s international experience makes him particularly well suited to cases involving cross border issues and has substantial experience working with other legal teams in multiple jurisdictions on the same case.
Notable and Reported Cases
Cross Border Insolvency
Servis Terminal LLC v Drelle [2025] EWCA Civ 698 – Acting in the Court of Appeal for the Trustees in Bankruptcy (TIB). Important case on cross border insolvency and state sovereignty as well as the position of the estate where a bankruptcy order set aside. TIB costs secured by way of court undertaking from (former) Bankrupt. (2025)
Commercial Litigation
Syspal Capital Limited v Truman and Another [2025] EWCA Civ 469 – Acting in Court of Appeal for the (successful) Respondent. A leading case on contractual interpretation of Company’s Articles of Association and ‘Leaver’ provisions. (2025)
International Arbitration
X v Y (2025) – ICC London international arbitration concerning complex dispute with allegations of fraud, conspiracy and undue influence. Concerning numerous jurisdictions and considerable assets alleged to be in the £100s millions.
Commercial Litigation
Jacqueline Hudson v Duncan Mathieson and others (2025) – Acting for Claimant in High Court in relation to a breach of an alleged settlement agreement worth in excess £4 million.
994 Unfair Prejudice
Joanne Brown v Bowthorpe Group and others (2024) – 10 day High Court trial in Leeds won in 2 days. Acting for Respondents on complex 994 Unfair Prejudice Petition involving significant aspects of insolvency claw. Petition withdrawn 3rd day with significant cost order against the Petitioner.
Magee and others v John Crocker and others [2024] EWHC 2353 (Ch) Trial Judgement | Costs Judgement – Month long High Court trial. Complex and very high value allegations of Fraud and issues concerning novation, estoppel and misrepresentation over a period of over 30 years as well as a number of cross claims. (2024)
Commercial Litgation
Syspal Capital Limited v Truman and Another [2024] EWHC 1561 (Ch) – Part 8 trial in High Court acting for the Respondent before Mr Justice Roth. Case concerned the contractual interpretation of the Articles of Association and whether a former employee and Director of the company was entitled to fair or market value with a considerable valuation difference (of several £million) between the two. Respondent successfully established that the higher valuation (fair value) was the correct value for his shares. (2024)
Insolvency
Julie Palmer and Stephen Powell as Liquidators (Challis Limited in Liquidation) v Chris Challis and others (2024) – Acting for Defendants in a misfeasance claim from the Liquidator in excess of £5 million. Successfully settled before trial.
Offshore Trusts
Neil Minks and Agilo Limited (2023) – Restore dissolved Company (the trustee) in the High Court and then application to replace trustee as security agent. Security (2nd charge) over development in Nevis worth in excess $15 million.
994 Unfair Prejudice
Malben Limited v Andrew McCarthy (2023) – s.994 petition concerning holding company for industrial estate and other significant commercial property in Cardiff valued at over £30 million. Case successfully settled pretrial.
Commercial Litigation
Little v Bloomsbury Law [2022] EWHC 3534 (Ch) – Leave to Appeal that had got lost during Covid and variation or order and effective service.
Makki v Bank of Beirut [2022] EWHC 733 (Ch) – Application to set aside a statutory demand based on a contingent set-off claim in foreign jurisdiction.
Commercial Litigation
Green v Daws [2021] EWHC 3877 (KB) – Counsel for Defendant. Successful strike out application for £10 million Fraud claim in High Court as well as a 2 year extension of a Civil Restraint Order against Claimant.
Insolvency
Biscoe v Milner [2021] EWHC 763 (Ch) – 10 day trial in High Court (Chancery Division) in front of Mr Justice Meade. Successfully defended all claims against the 6th and 7th Respondents. Liquidator claims for over £3million against my clients including s.213 Fraudulent trading, Dishonest Assistance, TUV.
Cross Border Commercial Litigation
Ansell Rus Limited Liability Company v Prologic (UK) LLP (2021) – Successfully acted in High Court trial for a Russian Company as Claimant in respect of a £3million + claim based on fraudulent misrepresentations with cross border enforcement issues.
Cross Border Insolvency
FCI Markets Inc (In liquidation) (2018) – Acting for Liquidators recovering monies for victims of $300 million Ponzi scheme operated out of Dubai. Appointed Provisional Liquidator and then Liquidator. Groundbreaking case with first BVI Liquidation recognised by DIFC in Dubai.
Cross Border Commercial Litigation
Sumitomo Mitsuitrust (UK) Ltd v Spectrum Galaxy Ltd – BVIHC (COM) 2018/0172 – Counsel for Investment Fund in derivative action against ‘vulture funds’ seeking to take control of Fund and its significant portfolio of assets. (2018)
Cross Border Commercial Litigation
QVT Fund V LP et al v China Zenix Auto International (2017) – Counsel acting for leading Chinese Industrialist in an unfair prejudice action brought by an American Hedge Fund claiming damages in excess of GBP 50 million. (2017)
Cross Border Commercial Litigation
Counsel in civil fraud and recovery case valued at several 100 million pounds acting for a well-known Billionaire financier. (2014)
Commercial Litigation
Counsel acting for music legend Prince in dispute over property in excess of GBP 15 million. (2014)
Cross Border Insolvency
Counsel for purchasers of Ritz Carlton (West Caicos) in insolvency action relating collapse of Lehman Brothers. (2014)
Regulatory
Counsel for high profile industrialist and property developer in accusations of bribery and government corruption. (2013)
Insolvency
Parry v Parry [2005] EWHC 3284 (Ch) – Appeal to High Court (Mr Justice Laddie) in respect of costs flowing from the imposition of a bankruptcy order.
Commercial Litigation
Yorke v Katra [2003] EWCA Civ 867 – Hearing in Court of Appeal concerning joint instruction of expert witnesses.
Alexander has a broad commercial litigation practice covering a wide range of contractual, property and regulatory disputes. His work includes an emphasis on civil fraud, company, insolvency and regulatory matters, as well as complex commercial disputes generally.
The primary focus of Alexander’s banking and finance practice is:
Alexander has unique perspective and experience on regulatory issues having both advised funds and other financial institutions including global banks for many years. He has also worked inside a fund dealing with regulatory issues in multiple jurisdictions. He has acted on matters in this area both in England as well as in Cayman, British Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos.
Alexander has also worked on many matters touching on the US. Having studied US Corporate and securities law at NYU Law along with working for a New York based law firm, Alexander is in a unique position to work with US based lawyers on these matters where they impact on English common law jurisdictions.
Alexander has represented companies and individuals in regulatory matters both contentious and non-contentious including making presentations and direct representations to the relevant regulator. Alexander has been involved in many regulatory matters that have been directly tied to parallel regulatory issues in the US including SEC and DOJ investigations.
Alexander has acted for both Companies and individuals in regulatory matters that also involve criminal allegations including MLAT requests, POCA and money laundering allegations.
Some examples of the areas Alexander can advise on in regulatory law include –
Commercial dispute resolution is the core part of Alexander’s practice, often with a cross border and international aspect. Alexander is known for his pragmatic advice, along with having commercial objectives premeditated for the client from the outset. Alex has excellent communication skills combined with well prepared and uncompromising advocacy.
Alexander has substantial experience in acting in misrepresentation claims. A reported case is Biscoe v Milner 2021] EWHC 763 (Ch) containing allegations of fraudulent misrepresentations to investors of several million pounds . It resulted in a 10 day high court trial where Alex successfully represent two defendants.
Alexander advises and appears in complex, high-value disputes in the Commercial Court and Chancery Division, and in numerous overseas jurisdictions.
Alexander has extensive experience in complex and highly contentious cases and civil fraud. Many of his cases arise in the context of claims against directors, partners and former senior employees, and joint venture disputes.
Alexander has advised and appeared on cases concerning the misappropriation of company assets and unlawful share support operation, the investment of monies in bogus investment schemes, or simple theft amongst others. Given the nature of the allegations made in fraud cases, much of the work in this field is advisory remaining out of the public domain.
Alexander has considerable experience in interlocutory applications and conducted many injunction hearings related to these cases including freezing orders, Norwich Pharmacal applications and other injunctive relief both in England and overseas.
Examples of areas where Alexander advises and appears on:
Alexander has extensive experience in complex and highly contentious cases and civil fraud. Many of his cases arise in the context of claims against directors, partners and former senior employees, and joint venture disputes. Alexander has conducted many injunction hearings related to these cases including freezing orders, Norwich Pharmacal applications and other injunctive relief.
Alexander’s contentious company law work primarily focuses on shareholder disputes including unfair prejudice petitions, just and equitable winding up and derivative claims and claims against directors for breaches of duty and civil fraud.
Corporate Governance is a long standing interest of Alexander’s and he has considerable experience advising in this area both in England and internationally. Alexander does understand that the administration and governance of a company can be time consuming and sometimes difficult but is fundamental to the structure and culture of a company. A robust corporate governance framework is essential to help improve your organisation, and make it more attractive to banks, potential investors or in the event of sale.
Alexander not only advises on English Company law but also in respect of British Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos and Cayman. Alexander also has experience of Delaware / US corporate law having studied it in a Corporate Law LLM at NYU Law and worked in a New York Law firm. Though he does not practice US law, it gives Alexander a unique perspective in dealing with issues of a cross border and international nature., especially in relation to Funds and other Financial Services companies.
Some of the areas Alexander can advise on include –
There is overlap between Alexander’s company law practice and his partnership law practice. He has acted on matters ranging from pre-emptive applications for injunctions to restrain expulsion; to disputes as to the existence of the partnership; to dissolution and the taking of accounts.
Alexander’s contentious company law work primarily focuses on shareholder disputes including unfair prejudice petitions, just and equitable winding up and derivative claims and claims against directors for breaches of duty and civil fraud.
Corporate Governance is a long standing interest of Alexander’s and he has considerable experience advising in this area both in England and internationally. Alexander does understand that the administration and governance of a company can be time consuming and sometimes difficult but is fundamental to the structure and culture of a company. A robust corporate governance framework is essential to help improve your organisation, and make it more attractive to banks, potential investors or in the event of sale.
Alexander not only advises on English Company law but also in respect of British Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos and Cayman. Alexander also has experience of Delaware / US corporate law having studied it in a Corporate Law LLM at NYU Law and worked in a New York Law firm. Though he does not practice US law, it gives Alexander a unique perspective in dealing with issues of a cross border and international nature., especially in relation to Funds and other Financial Services companies.
Some of the areas Alexander can advise on include –
There is overlap between Alexander’s company law practice and his partnership law practice. He has acted on matters ranging from pre-emptive applications for injunctions to restrain expulsion; to disputes as to the existence of the partnership; to dissolution and the taking of accounts.
Alexander is experienced in many areas of insolvency law both domestic and international both advising companies and conducting the hearings. These areas include:
With globalization has come increased legal, regulatory, financial and reputational complexity and risk for international businesses and investors. Alexander has over eight years’ experience concentrating on cross border disputes with a focus on the offshore financial industry and the US Financial Industry particularly relating to Funds.
Alexander also studied for a Masters (LLM) in International and US Corporate law at NYU Law one of the top 5 law schools in the US.
Alexander has been called to the Bar and appeared in the Courts of multiple jurisdictions and has considerable experience working with international legal teams. He is particularly experienced in high value and complex joint venture disputes.
Alexander is a member of STEP having completed his 4 STEP (Trust and Estate Practitioner) examinations with distinction. He has acted in many trusts matters particularly offshore trusts in a variety of contexts both for trustees and beneficiaries. He has particular experience dealing with Cayman, BVI and Turks and Caicos Trusts.
Alexander acts in both contentious and non-contentious probate claims Including advising on claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. Alexander’s practice involves claims for the removal of Executors and Trustees, and for breaches of their duties.
Examples of areas covered include –
Alexander has unique perspective and experience on regulatory issues having both advised funds and other financial institutions including global banks for many years. He has also worked inside a fund dealing with regulatory issues in multiple jurisdictions. Corporate Governance is a particular interest of Alexander.
Alexander has represented companies and individuals in regulatory matters both contentious and non-contentious including making presentations and direct representations to the relevant regulator. He has been involved in many regulatory matters that have been directly tied to parallel regulatory issues in the US including SEC and DOJ investigations.
Alexander has acted for both Companies and individuals in regulatory matters that also involve criminal allegations including MLAT requests, POCA and money laundering allegations.
Some examples of the areas Alexander can advise on include –
Alexander has acted for major Financial Institutions and Global brands in relation to their internal investigations on issues ranging from financial and sexual misconduct to an arson investigation. Alexander has also acted for individuals who have been caught up in internal investigations.
Acting in the Court of Appeal for the Trustees in Bankruptcy (TIB). Important case on cross border insolvency and state sovereignty as well as the position of the estate where a bankruptcy order set aside. TIB costs secured by way of court undertaking from (former) Bankrupt. (2025)
Acting in Court of Appeal for the (successful) Respondent. A leading case on contractual interpretation of Company’s Articles of Association and ‘Leaver’ provisions. (2025)
ICC London international arbitration concerning complex dispute with allegations of fraud, conspiracy and undue influence. Concerning numerous jurisdictions and considerable assets alleged to be in the £100s millions.
Acting for Claimant in High Court in relation to a breach of an alleged settlement agreement worth in excess £4 million.
10 day High Court trial in Leeds won in 2 days. Acting for Respondents on complex 994 Unfair Prejudice Petition involving significant aspects of insolvency claw. Petition withdrawn 3rd day with significant cost order against the Petitioner.
Month long High Court trial. Complex and very high value allegations of Fraud and issues concerning novation, estoppel and misrepresentation over a period of over 30 years as well as a number of cross claims. (2024)
(Link to trial judgement)
Month long High Court trial. Complex and very high value allegations of Fraud and issues concerning novation, estoppel and misrepresentation over a period of over 30 years as well as a number of cross claims. (2024)
(Link to costs judgement)
Part 8 trial in High Court acting for the Respondent before Mr Justice Roth. Case concerned the contractual interpretation of the Articles of Association and whether a former employee and Director of the company was entitled to fair or market value with a considerable valuation difference (of several £million) between the two. Respondent successfully established that the higher valuation (fair value) was the correct value for his shares. (2024)
Acting for Defendants in a misfeasance claim from the Liquidator in excess of £5 million. Successfully settled before trial.
Restore dissolved Company (the trustee) in the High Court and then application to replace trustee as security agent. Security (2nd charge) over development in Nevis worth in excess $15 million.
s.994 petition concerning holding company for industrial estate and other significant commercial property in Cardiff valued at over £30 million. Case successfully settled pretrial.
Application to set aside a statutory demand based on a contingent set-off claim in foreign jurisdiction.
Counsel for Defendant. Successful strike out application for £10 million Fraud claim in High Court as well as a 2 year extension of a Civil Restraint Order against Claimant.
10 day trial in High Court (Chancery Division) in front of Mr Justice Meade. Successfully defended all claims against the 6th and 7th Respondents. Liquidator claims for over £3million against my clients including s.213 Fraudulent trading, Dishonest Assistance, TUV.
Successfully acted in High Court trial for a Russian Company as Claimant in respect of a £3million + claim based on fraudulent misrepresentations with cross border enforcement issues.
Acting for Liquidators recovering monies for victims of $300 million Ponzi scheme operated out of Dubai. Appointed Provisional Liquidator and then Liquidator. Groundbreaking case with first BVI Liquidation recognised by DIFC in Dubai.
Counsel for Investment Fund in derivative action against ‘vulture funds’ seeking to take control of Fund and its significant portfolio of assets. (2018)
Counsel acting for leading Chinese Industrialist in an unfair prejudice action brought by an American Hedge Fund claiming damages in excess of GBP 50 million. (2017)
Counsel in civil fraud and recovery case valued at several 100 million pounds acting for a well-known Billionaire financier. (2014)
Counsel acting for music legend Prince in dispute over property in excess of GBP 15 million. (2014)
Counsel for purchasers of Ritz Carlton (West Caicos) in insolvency action relating collapse of Lehman Brothers. (2014)
Counsel for high profile industrialist and property developer in accusations of bribery and government corruption. (2013)
Appeal to High Court (Mr Justice Laddie) in respect of costs flowing from the imposition of a bankruptcy order.
Hearing in Court of Appeal concerning joint instruction of expert witnesses.
Lead Counsel successfully defending two Respondents in a 10 day High Court trial in response to a GBP 3 million claim from a Liquidator for several allegations including Fraudulent Trading and Dishonest Assistance. (2021)
Junior Counsel in a Joint Venture dispute in the High Court in excess of GBP 100 million. (2021)
Lead Counsel in 994 Petition for Unfair Prejudice around GBP 10 million claim. (2021)
Lead Counsel acting for IP’s representing victims of $300 million Ponzi scheme operated out of Dubai. Cross border issues on insolvency law in several jurisdictions with a vast amount of documentation to be analysed. (2018)
Counsel in civil fraud and recovery case valued at several 100 million pounds acting for a well-known Billionaire financier. (2014)
Counsel acting for music legend Prince in dispute over property in excess of GBP 15 million. (2014)
Counsel for purchasers of Ritz Carlton (West Caicos) in insolvency action relating collapse of Lehman Brothers. (2014)
Counsel acting for leading Chinese Industrialist in an unfair prejudice action brought by an American Hedge Fund claiming damages in excess of GBP 50 million. (2017)
Counsel for Investment Fund in derivative action against ‘vulture funds’ seeking to take control of Fund and its significant portfolio of assets. (2018)
Counsel for high profile industrialist and property developer in accusations of bribery and government corruption. (2013)
Acting for a number of international banks in cross border disputes and enforcement actions.
The recent judgment in Mazur v Charles Russell Speechlys LLP [2025] EWHC 2341 (KB) was considered in relation to discretion and costs in respect of…
We are pleased to share that Mohammed Zaman KC, Alexander Heylin, Jason Perrin and Jordan Zaza will be representing No5 Chambers at Dubai Arbitration Week…
"He has a 'no-nonsense' approach and does not hold back."
"Alexander Heylin is a reputable barrister often instructed by solicitors in High Court cases. He is noted for his experience in areas including fraud, company and insolvency."
"Alex is shrewd and knowledgeable - a good tactician who gives clear and helpful advice."
"Strong on his feet, he is a versatile advocate. Not scared by the prospect of fighting a losing position."
"Alexander is ferociously intelligent, a master of his brief and first class on his feet. He quickly wins the trust of the judge and puts clients at ease with his experience and manner."
"Alexander has a no-nonsense approach to getting the job done, which includes a sensible approach in court, where he has the ear of the judge."
"Alexander is a strong advocate in court and great at providing complex and comprehensive advice in a manner that lay clients understand."
"Alexander specialises in insolvency and shareholder disputes in addition to being a very good communicator."
"Alexander's advocacy is excellent. His commercial awareness, initiative, ability to consider a case from all possible angles, and ability to think outside of the box are also strengths. He focuses on bringing results for clients."
"Alexander has an ability to understand the complex nature of large-scale litigation. He is commercial and good with technical points."
"Alexander is extremely bright and great on feet and on paper. He is very responsive and willing to fight the clients corner. He is a go-to barrister on complex and heavyweight matters, particularly jurisdictional and insolvency matters."
"Confident, clear advice, a good strategist and problem-solver. Very thorough."
"Alexander is a well-respected junior."
"Alexander is a very experienced junior."
"Alexander is a creative lateral thinker who is always up for the fight."
"Alexander is strong on paper and feet. He is accessible, commercial and a go-to counsel."
"Alex is very user friendly and provides super prompt responses." "Alex is technically excellent, provides sensible commercial advice and is responsive, detailed and thorough."
"His strengths include his ability to think outside the box. He is also extremely good at dealing with difficult clients."
"Alexander is an excellent advocate."
Company and Insolvency – Tier 1
‘Alexander is very approachable and delightful to work with. His knowledge of the offshore financial industry and the US financial industry is a real asset.’
‘Alex is very likeable and delightful to work with. He has a broad experience, but really excels in complex disputes involving fraud or breach of duty. His knowledge of the offshore financial industry and US financial industry is a real asset.’
‘He contributes extensive knowledge regarding Offshore having, practiced overseas, bringing added value.’
Year of Call:
Alexander was co–author of a chapter of the latest edition of Asset Tracing and Recovery Review.
The recent judgment in Mazur v Charles Russell Speechlys LLP [2025] EWHC 2341 (KB) was considered in relation to discretion and costs in respect of…
We are pleased to share that Mohammed Zaman KC, Alexander Heylin, Jason Perrin and Jordan Zaza will be representing No5 Chambers at Dubai Arbitration Week…
