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Finlay is a regulatory and disputes lawyer, focused on advising clients in the energy, commodities, and shipping sectors. His clients include oil majors, national oil companies, owners, charterers, brokers, ship managers, commodity traders, insurers, banks, and other financial institutions.
Finlay assists clients in navigating contentious and non-contentious sanctions issues, primarily involving the impact of UK, EU, and U.S. sanctions.
Experience
Representative matters
Representative matters
Successfully representing a Korean shipbuilder (as claimant) in circa US$150 million ICC arbitration proceedings against a North African oil and gas entity (as respondent) in respect of the construction of a floating storage and offloading unit.
Defending a UAE entity in a US$20 million ICC arbitration concerning the provision of dredging services during the construction of a very large crude carrier (VLCC) berth in the region.
Acting for a prominent UAE conglomerate (as respondent and contractor) in respect of US$5 million DIAC proceedings brought by a Sharjah entity (as claimant and subcontractor) concerning the construction of a mixed-use development in Dubai.
Construction disputes
Successfully representing a Korean shipbuilder (as claimant) in circa US$150 million ICC arbitration proceedings against a North African oil and gas entity (as respondent) in respect of the construction of a floating storage and offloading unit.
Defending a UAE entity in a US$20 million ICC arbitration concerning the provision of dredging services during the construction of a very large crude carrier (VLCC) berth in the region.
Acting for a prominent UAE conglomerate (as respondent and contractor) in respect of US$5 million DIAC proceedings brought by a Sharjah entity (as claimant and subcontractor) concerning the construction of a mixed-use development in Dubai.
International arbitration
Defending a UAE entity in a US$20 million ICC arbitration concerning the provision of dredging services during the construction of a very large crude carrier (VLCC) berth in the region. - TO REJECT
Successfully representing a Korean shipbuilder (as claimant) in circa US$150 million ICC arbitration proceedings against a North African oil and gas entity (as respondent) in respect of the construction of a floating storage and offloading unit.
Successfully defending a US$2 million claim brought against the limited partners of a UAE-based investment fund concerning the interpretation of indemnity provisions contained under a limited partnership agreement.
Representing the claimant in a DIAC arbitration against one of the UAE’s largest property developers in respect of the recovery of investments in the stalled Palm Jebel Ali development.
Acting for the claimant in a DIFC-LCIA dispute concerning outstanding sums owed under the terms of a charterparty.
Sanctions
Providing guidance to a global marine services company on its exposure to sanctions after a number of vessels under management were placed on OFAC’s SDN list.
Advising a global maritime solutions company on the impact of Russian and Ukrainian sanctions against its suppliers in the region.
Advising on the implications of sanctions against Libya concerning the trading of specific commodities.
Preparing a sanctions report against a number of potential shipbrokers and charterers, covering the implications of relevant EU and U.S. sanctions.
Advising an international shipping firm on the implications of the Myanmar sanctions regime.
Commercial disputes
Representing a UAE based telephone distributor in a multi-million dollar claim brought against one of the world’s largest electronics companies in relation to disputed credit notes.
Representing a U.S. consultancy firm in a large value claim brought against the owners of a UAE entertainment park for unpaid commission owed under a consultancy agreement.
Securing a multi-million UAE dirham judgment in favour of an individual in an employment dispute against one of the Middle East’s largest retail groups.
Fraud and asset recovery
Acting for an individual subject to a worldwide freezing order to the value of £1.34 billion in a fraud claim brought by a state bank in liquidation.
Representing a state pension provider in a £70 million multi-jurisdictional dispute relating to the fraudulent management of pension funds.
Successfully acting for a high profile UK businessperson in respect of a £3 million fraud dispute concerning fraudulent documents relating to a number of investments.
Credentials
Education
Education
- BPP Law School, 2017, LPC
- BPP Law School, 2016, GDL
- University of Manchester, 2014, BA (Hons)
Professional admissions & qualifications
Professional admissions & qualifications
- England and Wales
- The Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department
Professional affiliations
Professional affiliations
- ACSS Certified Sanctions Specialist, 2025
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