Masoud Zabeti

Masoud is a member of the Finance & Banking Group with his own focus on retail and investment disputes and regulatory matters.

In retail banking this has centred on developing strategies for clients to deal with mass consumer mobilisation over bank and default charges, PPI claims and the enforceability of consumer credit agreements. He is an expert on payment systems and also advises on substantial data compromise matters and ensuing investigations.

In investment banking he is a "go to" authority on disputes arising from complex investment products and funds, and advises in trade finance disputes.

He is currently advising a triumvirate of banks (Credit Suisse, American Express group, and Standard Chartered), having filled a similar role for institutions in the aftermath of the economic collapse of Iceland.

Legal 500 has praised Masoud for his activity in the field of retail banking litigation and in particular for being a "retail banking fraud specialist". He is a regular contributor to the legal press and was the only lawyer to address the BBA's Sixth Annual Financial Crime Conference. A member of the International Bar Association and the Fraud Advisory Panel, he joined the Firm as a Partner in 2007.

Key Experience

Masoud successfully represented American Express Bank and Standard Chartered Bank in proceedings before the High Court and Court of Appeal in relation to a substantial demand guarantee dispute, which formed part of a US$130m contract for the supply of electricity in Bangladesh.

Following the fall out from the economic collapse of Iceland, Masoud advised a number of financial institutions and other parties in respect of various disputes. This included advising Schneider Foreign Exchange in a €35m dispute with an Icelandic Bank, and advising a major retailer in respect of the enforcement of a “repo” agreement following the administration of Kaupthing Singer & Friedlander.

In the recent economic climate, Masoud has seen a sharp rise in claims for fraudulent misrepresentation and is currently advising an international bank in respect of a US$5m fraudulent misrepresentation claim against another financial institution and one of its directors. Masoud has also advised a number of clients in respect of disputes with banks arising from hundreds of millions of pounds of finance on major projects.

Career History

Articles and Publications

‘The Big bank Theory’, Accounting & Business Magazine - September 2008

'Striking the right balance between profitable growth and fraud risk management', British Bankers Association Newsletter - May 2008

‘Landmark Bank Charges case’, Bankers’ Law – April 2008

'Payments Fraud', Bankers' Law – May 2007

'Fraud & Risk Management', British Bankers’ Association Newsletter – August 2006

'Why plans to stop identity theft not tough enough', Lexus Nexus Legal Updater – March 2005

'New Chip & PIN card fraud-proof issuers claim', Lexus Nexus Legal Updater – April 2004