On this page
Overview
Henry Watkinson is a London-based Associate in the Litigation, Arbitration & Dispute Resolution team with over 10 years’ experience. He specialises in complex civil and criminal matters, with a particular focus on white-collar crime, fraud and regulatory investigations. Henry advises corporate clients and individuals on investigations by UK regulators, as well as compliance and risk management. He is known for his strategic, responsive and commercially aware approach, particularly in high-stakes and sensitive matters. His practice also includes complex multi-jurisdictional litigation in the Business and Property Courts and appellate courts.
Expertise
Henry specialises in:
- White-collar crime and criminal defence
- Fraud, bribery and corruption investigations
- Regulatory investigations (including FCA, SFO and CMA-related matters)
- Anti-money laundering (AML) and compliance advisory work
- Competition law investigations
- Civil litigation in the Business and Property Courts
- Multi-jurisdictional disputes and appellate litigation
- Advising individuals on police investigations and criminal prosecutions
Reported Cases
- Advising multi billion pound defence contractor in respect of a supply chain bribery investigation.
- Advising company director in respect of 8 counts of fraud by misrepresentation.
- Advising financial service provider in respect of allegations of breaches to prohibitions under the Competition Act 1998.
- Watchstone Group Plc v Quob Park Estate Ltd & Ors – [2017] EWHC 2621 (Ch)
- Blue Tropic Ltd & Anor v Chkhartishvili – [2016] EWCA Civ 1259
- Goremsandu v Thomas & Ors – [2019] EWHC 2397 (Ch)
- Marz Ltd v Bank of Scotland PLC (2017)
Qualifications & Accreditations
Henry qualified as a solicitor in 2020 and joined Payne Hicks Beach in 2022. He is recognised in Legal 500 UK and Spear’s, reflecting his growing reputation in white-collar crime and investigations. He is also actively involved in mentoring through Coram’s Fields, supporting aspiring solicitors.
Awards & Accolades
- The Legal 500 UK 2026 highlights Henry Watkinson as a ‘Recommended Key Lawyer’ for ‘Crime: General’ and ‘Fraud: White-Collar Crime (advice to individuals)’.
- Spear’s Criminal Law and White Collar Crime Index 2025 highlights Henry as a “Rising Star” , highlighting his expertise in defence and investigations work.
