Flavia Kenyon
Call
Call
2005
Expertise
Technology
Cryptocurrency & Digital Assets
Digital Trade, Smart Legal Contracts & Automation
Cyber
Commercial Litigation
Corporate Crime
Criminal Fraud
Corporate Investigations
International Arbitration
Publications & Speaking Engagements
Flavia Kenyon is a specialist barrister at the forefront of digital assets, fintech and emerging technology disputes, combining over two decades of advocacy with deep technical fluency in blockchain systems, AI, Web3, DeFi, smart legal contracts and digital trade.
She is instructed in complex, high-value disputes and investigations in which technology is central to the legal analysis, including commercial litigation, fraud, financial crime, digital evidence, novel questions of property and control, and cross-border enforcement.
What sets Flavia apart is her ability to work confidently across law, code and regulation. She advises founders, institutions, developers, start-ups, DAOs and established businesses on the legal architecture of emerging technologies, including digital asset structures, smart legal contracts, algorithmic governance and compliance frameworks for blockchain-based and AI systems.
She acts for traditional companies, SMEs, blockchain-based businesses, digital ventures, and public and private institutions, including governmental and non-governmental bodies. Her wider practice also includes international law, arbitration, and specialist advisory work on the legal and regulatory implications of emerging technologies.
Flavia is ranked Tier 1 for Crypto-assets and Blockchain by The Legal 500.
Flavia accepts instructions on a Direct Access basis.
Other Language(s)
Romanian - Fluent
French - Advanced
Other Language(s)
Romanian - Fluent
French - Advanced
"Flavia has a second-to-none understanding of the tensions and opportunities present between law and technology and has been instrumental in navigating complex web3 and decentralised finance disputes."
"Very hands-on with drafting and gets stuck in with documents and evidence. She is super helpful, taking a collaborative approach to her cases."
"A known name and someone who brings assuredness to proceedings."
"Strengths: Extremely intelligent and hard-working. She has a real presence in court.."
"Flavia is a hard-working and diligent advocate showing a true mastery of the area that she practices in. She leaves no stone unturned and has an understanding of the subject area which is enhanced by a long-standing practice in the area, which is backed by the completion of internationally renowned courses."
"Flavia is a "do or die" barrister; nothing is ever done as a half measure, and everything is done at pace to ensure that all stages of the case are pushed forward for the benefit of the client."
"Extremely hardworking, her grasp of cases is instant and her passion for defending as if her own freedom was at stake."
"Flavia has a second-to-none understanding of the tensions and opportunities present between law and technology and has been instrumental in navigating complex web3 and decentralised finance disputes."
"Very hands-on with drafting and gets stuck in with documents and evidence. She is super helpful, taking a collaborative approach to her cases."
"A known name and someone who brings assuredness to proceedings."
"Strengths: Extremely intelligent and hard-working. She has a real presence in court.."
"Flavia is a hard-working and diligent advocate showing a true mastery of the area that she practices in. She leaves no stone unturned and has an understanding of the subject area which is enhanced by a long-standing practice in the area, which is backed by the completion of internationally renowned courses."
"Flavia is a "do or die" barrister; nothing is ever done as a half measure, and everything is done at pace to ensure that all stages of the case are pushed forward for the benefit of the client."
"Extremely hardworking, her grasp of cases is instant and her passion for defending as if her own freedom was at stake."
"Flavia has a second-to-none understanding of the tensions and opportunities present between law and technology and has been instrumental in navigating complex web3 and decentralised finance disputes."
"Very hands-on with drafting and gets stuck in with documents and evidence. She is super helpful, taking a collaborative approach to her cases."
"A known name and someone who brings assuredness to proceedings."
"Strengths: Extremely intelligent and hard-working. She has a real presence in court.."
"Flavia is a hard-working and diligent advocate showing a true mastery of the area that she practices in. She leaves no stone unturned and has an understanding of the subject area which is enhanced by a long-standing practice in the area, which is backed by the completion of internationally renowned courses."
"Flavia is a "do or die" barrister; nothing is ever done as a half measure, and everything is done at pace to ensure that all stages of the case are pushed forward for the benefit of the client."
"Extremely hardworking, her grasp of cases is instant and her passion for defending as if her own freedom was at stake."
Flavia Kenyon : Experience & Expertise
Commercial Dispute Resolution
Technology
Flavia advises on Web3 projects, blockchain-based businesses, digital assets and decentralised systems, bringing together technical fluency, strategic advisory experience and courtroom insight. She is often instructed at the design and inception stage of projects, advising on the legal architecture of blockchain-based systems, digital asset structures and emerging technology products.
She has particular expertise in the formation, structuring and governance of Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAOs), and advises both for-profit and not-for-profit DAOs on governance, constitutional design, smart legal contracts, tokenomics, dispute resolution mechanisms, privacy tools, data security, digital identity and reputation systems.
Her practice also extends to algorithmic governance and AI-driven decision-making within digital communities and blockchain-based projects, particularly where governance, treasury control and dispute risk intersect.
View Cases
Advising a digital fashion marketplace on the use of NFT and blockchain technology in the supply chain to evidence provenance, sustainability claims, human-rights compliant manufacturing and transparency, while combating counterfeiting and enhancing brand trust.
Advising one of the largest DAOs on where and how it could bring proceedings against a DAO member in relation to an unlawful transaction, involving a complex multi-entity structure across three jurisdictions.
Advising on algorithmic governance structures and the deployment of AI-driven governance tools for a DAO trading platform, including systems designed to detect fraud and voting manipulation.
Advising on the IP and copyright protection of underlying NFT artwork using actors’ images and drafting the contractual framework governing the relationship between the film director’s company and the NFT producer.
Appeared in the Court of Appeal in R v Andrew Lakeman [2026] EWCA Crim 4, a landmark case concerning the legal status of in-game wealth (virtual gold) in Old School RuneScape, addressing novel questions of property and the distinction between proprietary source code and instantiated digital value under the Theft Act 1968.
Advising both for-profit and not-for-profit DAOs on legal structure and entity wrappers, governance, smart legal contracts, tokenomics, regulatory and liability exposure, privacy tools, data security, digital identity and reputation.
Advising a film director on the creation of a first-of-its-kind NFT campaign to coincide with the London launch of a feature film.
Fintech and Cryptoasset Regulation
Flavia advises on the legal and regulatory framework governing fintech, digital finance and cryptoasset businesses, with particular expertise in the intersection between innovation, market structure and regulatory compliance.
She is instructed on the legal architecture of financial products and services that sit within, alongside, or close to the regulatory perimeter. Her work includes advice on token issuance, cryptoasset business models, digital finance structures, compliance frameworks, and the regulatory treatment of decentralised and hybrid systems.
She is particularly well placed to advise on the UK framework for cryptoasset businesses, including the implementation of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 reforms and their interaction with the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, the FCA’s cryptoasset financial promotions regime, and the transition into the new FSMA-based cryptoasset regime. She also advises on the EU regime under MiCAR, including the scope of the Regulation and the obligations of businesses that may fall within the definitions of CASP and CAI.
Her fintech work is strengthened by her wider experience in digital assets, DAO governance, commercial disputes and financial crime, giving her a practical understanding of how regulatory risk emerges from business model, governance design and product structure.
Flavia also has specialist expertise in the application of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to cryptoassets and digitally held value, including the tracing, seizure, detention, control, confiscation and realisation of cryptoassets across civil and criminal recovery regimes.
View Cases
View Quotes
Advising a digital fashion marketplace on the use of NFT and blockchain technology in the supply chain to evidence provenance, sustainability claims, human-rights compliant manufacturing and transparency, while combating counterfeiting and enhancing brand trust.
Conducted comprehensive AML policy review for an international cryptoasset tax advisory firm in compliance with MLR 2017, POCA 2002, FATF standards and IOSCO DeFi guidance.
Regulatory advice on token issuance and implementation of FSMA 2000/2023 and FCA crypto promotion regime.
Advice on DeFi regulatory proposals and AI-driven DAO governance.
Advised one of the biggest DAOs on where and how it could bring a lawsuit against a DAO member for an unauthorised transaction involving complex multi-jurisdictional legal structure analysis.
NFT campaign for feature film launch including IP protection and contractual drafting.
Advice on compliance with EU Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) including CASP/CAI obligations.
"Flavia has a second-to-none understanding of the tensions and opportunities present between law and technology, and has been instrumental in navigating complex web3 and decentralised finance disputes as well as engaging with roundtables and industry bodies on the future of trade finance."
| Legal 500, 2025 – Tier 1
Commercial Dispute Resolution
Digital Trade, Smart Legal Contracts & Automation
Flavia advises on the legal framework for digital trade, smart legal contracts and automated transaction systems, with particular expertise in the implementation of the Electronic Trade Documents Act 2023 and the use of Ricardian contracts in digitally enabled trade.
Her work focuses on helping clients move from paper-based and manually operated processes to legally robust digital systems capable of supporting automation, electronic transfer and machine-readable performance without sacrificing legal certainty. She advises blockchain-based and technology-driven businesses on building the legal layer required for automated digital trade, including the contractual, structural and operational issues that arise where documentation, performance and control are mediated through code and digital systems.
She is particularly well placed to advise on the statutory requirement for a “reliable system” under the Electronic Trade Documents Act 2023, including the conditions necessary for valid conversion of paper trade documents into electronic form and the steps required to preserve the integrity, control and effectiveness of the instrument and the wider transaction.
View Cases
Advising on the implementation of the Electronic Trade Documents Act 2023 for digital trade using Ricardian contract structures.
Advising a digital fashion marketplace on the use of NFT and blockchain technology in the supply chain to evidence provenance, sustainability claims, human-rights compliant manufacturing and transparency, while combating counterfeiting and enhancing brand trust.
Advising on a Ricardian contract framework and the application of the Electronic Trade Documents Act 2023 to a blockchain-based trade finance platform for bills of lading.
Commercial Dispute Resolution
Cyber
Flavia’s practice covers cyber-enabled fraud, malware, cyber-attacks, sanctions issues affecting digital asset recovery and privacy-enhancing technologies, misuse of data, surveillance, online harms, and evidential challenges arising from AI-manipulated material.
View Cases
R v I and Others
Inner London Crown Court: represented a coder in a major “malware as a service” prosecution. The case involved a sophisticated hacking group charged with conspiracy to commit fraud by launching phishing attacks targeting banks and financial institutions in the UK and internationally, using malware capable of harvesting financial
Advising a client whose crypto wallets had been frozen on the legal implications of OFAC’s designation of Tornado Cash and the subsequent Fifth Circuit decision in Van Loon v US Department of the Treasury, which held that OFAC had exceeded its statutory authority in sanctioning Tornado Cash’s immutable smart contracts.
R v G
St Albans Crown Court: raised a novel issue as to the evidential status of a manipulated image/deepfake in criminal proceedings. Flavia successfully challenged its admissibility and sought proof of authenticity, metadata and evidential provenance for forensic examination, following which the prosecution offered no evidence.
Flavia is instructed in domestic and international commercial disputes, acting and advising in matters involving contractual claims, company law disputes, cross-border enforcement, and complex issues of jurisdiction, evidence and liability. She acts for both traditional and technology-driven businesses, including blockchain-based companies and start-ups, on a broad range of commercial matters. Her work includes disputes concerning breach of contract, company formation, shareholders’ rights, shareholder and board disputes, director’s duties, corporate liability in both civil and criminal contexts, and unfair prejudice petitions.
She is particularly well placed in disputes with an international dimension. Her matters frequently involve cross-jurisdictional issues, including conflict of laws, jurisdiction and immunity, contractual interpretation, admissibility of evidence, and strategic advice on overall merits and forum. She also has experience of urgent and ancillary relief, including Disclosure Orders, Norwich Pharmacal Orders, Banker’s Trust Orders, and Unexplained Wealth Orders.
What distinguishes Flavia’s commercial practice is her ability to combine precision in legal analysis with strategic command of complex disputes, particularly where corporate, regulatory, fraud or technology issues intersect.
View Cases
Instructed to advise in a cross-jurisdictional arbitration under the LCIA Rules with a DIFC seat.
Advising on an international group action in the oil and gas sector concerning a US$30 million drilling operation in Tashkent, involving claims for breach of contract, fraudulent misrepresentation and unlawful means conspiracy against a background of alleged money laundering and sanctions issues.
$30 million international drilling operation dispute involving breach of contract, fraudulent misrepresentation and unlawful means conspiracy.
Shareholders’ unfair prejudice petition under Companies Act 2006.
Instructed in a multi-million-pound international commercial contract dispute currently before the High Court.
Advising a professional regulator on questions of international law and comparative interpretation, including the interaction between English law and foreign criminal law concepts in fitness to practise litigation.
Representing the Romanian Embassy and Romanian State in commercial property dispute.
Flavia is instructed across fraud, financial crime and investigations, with a practice that frequently crosses the boundary between criminal, civil and regulatory proceedings. She acts in complex and high-value matters involving fraud, money laundering, asset recovery, corporate misconduct, and cross-border investigations, and is particularly well placed where liability, recovery and enforcement strategy overlap. Her work is well suited to cases in which the same factual matrix gives rise to parallel or competing risks: criminal prosecution, civil fraud or recovery claims, regulatory scrutiny, disclosure issues, and reputational consequences.
View Cases
R v SD and Others
Southwark Crown Court: insolvency trial of seven company directors charged with a series of fraud offences under section 993 of the Companies Act 2006, involving the dishonest use of multiple companies and false identities to defraud creditors.
R v N
Northampton Crown Court: SFO prosecution of fraudulent trading and unauthorised regulated activity, in which Flavia represented a trader operating an “investment club” that evolved into a Ponzi scheme involving approximately 180 investors and debts of over £2.6 million.
R v DR
Central Criminal Court: SFO prosecution of fraud by false representation involving a £923 million claim for injury and damages arising out of an accident at work. Flavia successfully argued for a short custodial sentence of 8 months.
R v MM and Others, Isleworth Crown Court
£26m jewellery heist laundering conspiracy.
R v ED and Others, Blackfriars Crown Court
Hawala banking laundering conspiracy (Operation Ragule).
R v JO and Another
Guildford Crown Court: SFO prosecution concerning fraudulent trading worth £1.9 million, in which the defendants used two companies to sell sham investments in rare earth metals through a network of corrupt brokers and sophisticated transactions.
R v C and Others (Operation Academy)
Blackfriars Crown Court: represented the first defendant in a £3.5 million conspiracy to make and supply articles for use in fraud and conspiracy to defraud financial institutions. Flavia’s client was the only defendant acquitted at trial.
Advising the Midwifery Council on international bribery law interpretation.
R v OA and Others, Southwark Crown Court
Insider dealing fraud (Metro Bank).
R v I and Others, Southwark Crown Court
Barclays manager property fraud & money laundering (Operation Heddon).
View Cases
R v MM and Others
Isleworth Crown Court: acting for the main defendant in an international, high-profile conspiracy to launder the proceeds of what was described as the largest burglary in the UK, involving £26 million worth of jewellery and watches. After a two-month trial, Flavia’s client was acquitted.
R v ED and Others (Operation Ragule)
Blackfriars Crown Court: trial of an international organised criminal group alleged to have participated in a wider conspiracy to launder money through Hawala banking in the Middle East. After a month-long trial, Flavia’s client was the only defendant acquitted.
R v SD and Others, Southwark Crown Court
Insolvency fraud trial of seven company directors under s.993 Companies Act 2006.
R v N, Northampton Crown Court
£3.5m conspiracy to defraud financial institutions via skimming devices.
R v OA and Others
Southwark Crown Court: acting in a trial arising out of an insider dealing fraud at a London bank, in which the proceeds were allegedly laundered through a sophisticated network of shell companies and business accounts. Flavia’s client was the only defendant acquitted at trial.
R v I and Others (Operation Heddon)
Southwark Crown Court: representing a bank manager charged with conspiracy to commit large-scale property fraud and conspiracy to launder money.
R v JO and Another, Guildford Crown Court
SFO prosecution of fraudulent trading (£1.9m rare earth metals scheme).
R v C and Others, Blackfriars Crown Court
£923m false injury fraud (Operation Academy).
Flavia advises in domestic and international investigations involving fraud, corruption, bribery, financial crime, public-interest issues and reputationally sensitive allegations.
View Cases
Advising Transparency International on two international investigations into alleged corporate corruption and bribery of foreign officials in the oil and gas sector in Senegal, with projects valued at between £9 billion and £12 billion.
R v Abbasi
Private prosecution (£6m London real estate fraud).
Advising Earl Spencer in relation to the investigation into the BBC Panorama Bashir interview with Princess Diana and the subsequent private inquiry conducted by Lord Dyson.
View Cases
Instructed to advise in a cross-jurisdictional arbitration under the LCIA Rules with a DIFC seat.
Advising on an international group action in the oil and gas sector concerning a US$30 million drilling operation in Tashkent, involving claims for breach of contract, fraudulent misrepresentation and unlawful means conspiracy against a background of alleged money laundering and sanctions issues.
Instructed in a multi-million-pound international commercial contract dispute currently before the High Court.
Advising a professional regulator on questions of international law and comparative interpretation, including the interaction between English law and foreign criminal law concepts in fitness to practise litigation.
Commercial Dispute Resolution
Publications & Speaking Engagements
Flavia is a well-known media commentator, speaker and writer on legal technology and has written numerous articles for leading national and international publications, including The Guardian, Bloomberg, Thomson Reuters Regulatory Intelligence, Compliance Week, Verdict, and a range of legal and academic journals. She has also delivered keynote speeches internationally.
View Cases
July 2025, IDRC, London
Joined a distinguished panel of senior judges, lawyers, academics and technologists exploring the intersection of AI, ethics and law. Flavia spoke on whether systems designed for automated execution can capture the nuance, context and fairness required by meaningful legal remedies, and advocated for the development of a common lexicon and ontology to bridge the language of law and the language of code.
October 2023, Romanian Cultural Institute in collaboration with the British Romanian Chamber of Commerce
Spoke at the Trade Finance Investor Conference on the Electronic Trade Documents Act 2023 and the opportunities digital trade creates for SMEs and investors.
April 2023, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, London
Invited to chair and deliver the keynote address at the Civil Society and Education session of the inaugural UK-Romania Bilateral Forum.
December 2022, Blockchain Expo World Series, Olympia, London
Delivered the opening keynote speech on “Blockchain for Enterprise and the Law.”
September 2021, Global Cyber Summit, International Cyber Expo, Olympia, London
Addressed the audience on weaponised disinformation, freedom of speech, surveillance and online harms.
May 2025, International Future of Governance Conference, Bucharest
Addressed the topic “From Boardroom to Blockchain”: governance in an era of AI, blockchain and decentralised systems.
June 2023, ATS London Conference, Central Hall, Westminster
Delivered a keynote speech on Web3 and the law to an audience of advertising, brands and digital commerce businesses.
February 2023, “Digital Money Regulation Series”, Gray’s Inn, London
Joined a panel of lawyers presenting a comparative perspective on digital money regulation in the UK, the EU and Central Asia.
November 2022, UK Parliament, APPG on Blockchain
Gave evidence on blockchain adoption into industry and associated legal challenges, part of a panel of experts.
January 2020, BBC Technology
Gave a presentation on ransomware attacks and cyber espionage, focusing on the integrity of content and issues of immediate relevance to journalists and media organisations.
Flavia Kenyon : Experience & Expertise
Commercial Dispute Resolution
Technology
Flavia advises on Web3 projects, blockchain-based businesses, digital assets and decentralised systems, bringing together technical fluency, strategic advisory experience and courtroom insight. She is often instructed at the design and inception stage of projects, advising on the legal architecture of blockchain-based systems, digital asset structures and emerging technology products.
She has particular expertise in the formation, structuring and governance of Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAOs), and advises both for-profit and not-for-profit DAOs on governance, constitutional design, smart legal contracts, tokenomics, dispute resolution mechanisms, privacy tools, data security, digital identity and reputation systems.
Her practice also extends to algorithmic governance and AI-driven decision-making within digital communities and blockchain-based projects, particularly where governance, treasury control and dispute risk intersect.
View Cases
Advising a digital fashion marketplace on the use of NFT and blockchain technology in the supply chain to evidence provenance, sustainability claims, human-rights compliant manufacturing and transparency, while combating counterfeiting and enhancing brand trust.
Appeared in the Court of Appeal in R v Andrew Lakeman [2026] EWCA Crim 4, a landmark case concerning the legal status of in-game wealth (virtual gold) in Old School RuneScape, addressing novel questions of property and the distinction between proprietary source code and instantiated digital value under the Theft Act 1968.
Advising one of the largest DAOs on where and how it could bring proceedings against a DAO member in relation to an unlawful transaction, involving a complex multi-entity structure across three jurisdictions.
Advising both for-profit and not-for-profit DAOs on legal structure and entity wrappers, governance, smart legal contracts, tokenomics, regulatory and liability exposure, privacy tools, data security, digital identity and reputation.
Advising on algorithmic governance structures and the deployment of AI-driven governance tools for a DAO trading platform, including systems designed to detect fraud and voting manipulation.
Advising a film director on the creation of a first-of-its-kind NFT campaign to coincide with the London launch of a feature film.
Advising on the IP and copyright protection of underlying NFT artwork using actors’ images and drafting the contractual framework governing the relationship between the film director’s company and the NFT producer.
Fintech and Cryptoasset Regulation
Flavia advises on the legal and regulatory framework governing fintech, digital finance and cryptoasset businesses, with particular expertise in the intersection between innovation, market structure and regulatory compliance.
She is instructed on the legal architecture of financial products and services that sit within, alongside, or close to the regulatory perimeter. Her work includes advice on token issuance, cryptoasset business models, digital finance structures, compliance frameworks, and the regulatory treatment of decentralised and hybrid systems.
She is particularly well placed to advise on the UK framework for cryptoasset businesses, including the implementation of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 reforms and their interaction with the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, the FCA’s cryptoasset financial promotions regime, and the transition into the new FSMA-based cryptoasset regime. She also advises on the EU regime under MiCAR, including the scope of the Regulation and the obligations of businesses that may fall within the definitions of CASP and CAI.
Her fintech work is strengthened by her wider experience in digital assets, DAO governance, commercial disputes and financial crime, giving her a practical understanding of how regulatory risk emerges from business model, governance design and product structure.
Flavia also has specialist expertise in the application of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to cryptoassets and digitally held value, including the tracing, seizure, detention, control, confiscation and realisation of cryptoassets across civil and criminal recovery regimes.
View Cases
Quotes
Advising a digital fashion marketplace on the use of NFT and blockchain technology in the supply chain to evidence provenance, sustainability claims, human-rights compliant manufacturing and transparency, while combating counterfeiting and enhancing brand trust.
Advised one of the biggest DAOs on where and how it could bring a lawsuit against a DAO member for an unauthorised transaction involving complex multi-jurisdictional legal structure analysis.
Conducted comprehensive AML policy review for an international cryptoasset tax advisory firm in compliance with MLR 2017, POCA 2002, FATF standards and IOSCO DeFi guidance.
NFT campaign for feature film launch including IP protection and contractual drafting.
Regulatory advice on token issuance and implementation of FSMA 2000/2023 and FCA crypto promotion regime.
Advice on compliance with EU Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) including CASP/CAI obligations.
Advice on DeFi regulatory proposals and AI-driven DAO governance.
"Flavia has a second-to-none understanding of the tensions and opportunities present between law and technology, and has been instrumental in navigating complex web3 and decentralised finance disputes as well as engaging with roundtables and industry bodies on the future of trade finance."
| Legal 500, 2025 – Tier 1
Commercial Dispute Resolution
Digital Trade, Smart Legal Contracts & Automation
Flavia advises on the legal framework for digital trade, smart legal contracts and automated transaction systems, with particular expertise in the implementation of the Electronic Trade Documents Act 2023 and the use of Ricardian contracts in digitally enabled trade.
Her work focuses on helping clients move from paper-based and manually operated processes to legally robust digital systems capable of supporting automation, electronic transfer and machine-readable performance without sacrificing legal certainty. She advises blockchain-based and technology-driven businesses on building the legal layer required for automated digital trade, including the contractual, structural and operational issues that arise where documentation, performance and control are mediated through code and digital systems.
She is particularly well placed to advise on the statutory requirement for a “reliable system” under the Electronic Trade Documents Act 2023, including the conditions necessary for valid conversion of paper trade documents into electronic form and the steps required to preserve the integrity, control and effectiveness of the instrument and the wider transaction.
View Cases
Advising on the implementation of the Electronic Trade Documents Act 2023 for digital trade using Ricardian contract structures.
Advising on a Ricardian contract framework and the application of the Electronic Trade Documents Act 2023 to a blockchain-based trade finance platform for bills of lading.
Advising a digital fashion marketplace on the use of NFT and blockchain technology in the supply chain to evidence provenance, sustainability claims, human-rights compliant manufacturing and transparency, while combating counterfeiting and enhancing brand trust.
Commercial Dispute Resolution
Cyber
Flavia’s practice covers cyber-enabled fraud, malware, cyber-attacks, sanctions issues affecting digital asset recovery and privacy-enhancing technologies, misuse of data, surveillance, online harms, and evidential challenges arising from AI-manipulated material.
View Cases
R v I and Others
Inner London Crown Court: represented a coder in a major “malware as a service” prosecution. The case involved a sophisticated hacking group charged with conspiracy to commit fraud by launching phishing attacks targeting banks and financial institutions in the UK and internationally, using malware capable of harvesting financial
R v G
St Albans Crown Court: raised a novel issue as to the evidential status of a manipulated image/deepfake in criminal proceedings. Flavia successfully challenged its admissibility and sought proof of authenticity, metadata and evidential provenance for forensic examination, following which the prosecution offered no evidence.
Advising a client whose crypto wallets had been frozen on the legal implications of OFAC’s designation of Tornado Cash and the subsequent Fifth Circuit decision in Van Loon v US Department of the Treasury, which held that OFAC had exceeded its statutory authority in sanctioning Tornado Cash’s immutable smart contracts.
Flavia is instructed in domestic and international commercial disputes, acting and advising in matters involving contractual claims, company law disputes, cross-border enforcement, and complex issues of jurisdiction, evidence and liability. She acts for both traditional and technology-driven businesses, including blockchain-based companies and start-ups, on a broad range of commercial matters. Her work includes disputes concerning breach of contract, company formation, shareholders’ rights, shareholder and board disputes, director’s duties, corporate liability in both civil and criminal contexts, and unfair prejudice petitions.
She is particularly well placed in disputes with an international dimension. Her matters frequently involve cross-jurisdictional issues, including conflict of laws, jurisdiction and immunity, contractual interpretation, admissibility of evidence, and strategic advice on overall merits and forum. She also has experience of urgent and ancillary relief, including Disclosure Orders, Norwich Pharmacal Orders, Banker’s Trust Orders, and Unexplained Wealth Orders.
What distinguishes Flavia’s commercial practice is her ability to combine precision in legal analysis with strategic command of complex disputes, particularly where corporate, regulatory, fraud or technology issues intersect.
View Cases
Instructed to advise in a cross-jurisdictional arbitration under the LCIA Rules with a DIFC seat.
Instructed in a multi-million-pound international commercial contract dispute currently before the High Court.
Advising on an international group action in the oil and gas sector concerning a US$30 million drilling operation in Tashkent, involving claims for breach of contract, fraudulent misrepresentation and unlawful means conspiracy against a background of alleged money laundering and sanctions issues.
Advising a professional regulator on questions of international law and comparative interpretation, including the interaction between English law and foreign criminal law concepts in fitness to practise litigation.
$30 million international drilling operation dispute involving breach of contract, fraudulent misrepresentation and unlawful means conspiracy.
Representing the Romanian Embassy and Romanian State in commercial property dispute.
Shareholders’ unfair prejudice petition under Companies Act 2006.
Flavia is instructed across fraud, financial crime and investigations, with a practice that frequently crosses the boundary between criminal, civil and regulatory proceedings. She acts in complex and high-value matters involving fraud, money laundering, asset recovery, corporate misconduct, and cross-border investigations, and is particularly well placed where liability, recovery and enforcement strategy overlap. Her work is well suited to cases in which the same factual matrix gives rise to parallel or competing risks: criminal prosecution, civil fraud or recovery claims, regulatory scrutiny, disclosure issues, and reputational consequences.
View Cases
R v SD and Others
Southwark Crown Court: insolvency trial of seven company directors charged with a series of fraud offences under section 993 of the Companies Act 2006, involving the dishonest use of multiple companies and false identities to defraud creditors.
R v JO and Another
Guildford Crown Court: SFO prosecution concerning fraudulent trading worth £1.9 million, in which the defendants used two companies to sell sham investments in rare earth metals through a network of corrupt brokers and sophisticated transactions.
R v N
Northampton Crown Court: SFO prosecution of fraudulent trading and unauthorised regulated activity, in which Flavia represented a trader operating an “investment club” that evolved into a Ponzi scheme involving approximately 180 investors and debts of over £2.6 million.
R v C and Others (Operation Academy)
Blackfriars Crown Court: represented the first defendant in a £3.5 million conspiracy to make and supply articles for use in fraud and conspiracy to defraud financial institutions. Flavia’s client was the only defendant acquitted at trial.
R v DR
Central Criminal Court: SFO prosecution of fraud by false representation involving a £923 million claim for injury and damages arising out of an accident at work. Flavia successfully argued for a short custodial sentence of 8 months.
Advising the Midwifery Council on international bribery law interpretation.
R v MM and Others, Isleworth Crown Court
£26m jewellery heist laundering conspiracy.
R v OA and Others, Southwark Crown Court
Insider dealing fraud (Metro Bank).
R v ED and Others, Blackfriars Crown Court
Hawala banking laundering conspiracy (Operation Ragule).
R v I and Others, Southwark Crown Court
Barclays manager property fraud & money laundering (Operation Heddon).
View Cases
R v MM and Others
Isleworth Crown Court: acting for the main defendant in an international, high-profile conspiracy to launder the proceeds of what was described as the largest burglary in the UK, involving £26 million worth of jewellery and watches. After a two-month trial, Flavia’s client was acquitted.
R v OA and Others
Southwark Crown Court: acting in a trial arising out of an insider dealing fraud at a London bank, in which the proceeds were allegedly laundered through a sophisticated network of shell companies and business accounts. Flavia’s client was the only defendant acquitted at trial.
R v ED and Others (Operation Ragule)
Blackfriars Crown Court: trial of an international organised criminal group alleged to have participated in a wider conspiracy to launder money through Hawala banking in the Middle East. After a month-long trial, Flavia’s client was the only defendant acquitted.
R v I and Others (Operation Heddon)
Southwark Crown Court: representing a bank manager charged with conspiracy to commit large-scale property fraud and conspiracy to launder money.
R v SD and Others, Southwark Crown Court
Insolvency fraud trial of seven company directors under s.993 Companies Act 2006.
R v JO and Another, Guildford Crown Court
SFO prosecution of fraudulent trading (£1.9m rare earth metals scheme).
R v N, Northampton Crown Court
£3.5m conspiracy to defraud financial institutions via skimming devices.
R v C and Others, Blackfriars Crown Court
£923m false injury fraud (Operation Academy).
Flavia advises in domestic and international investigations involving fraud, corruption, bribery, financial crime, public-interest issues and reputationally sensitive allegations.
View Cases
Advising Transparency International on two international investigations into alleged corporate corruption and bribery of foreign officials in the oil and gas sector in Senegal, with projects valued at between £9 billion and £12 billion.
Advising Earl Spencer in relation to the investigation into the BBC Panorama Bashir interview with Princess Diana and the subsequent private inquiry conducted by Lord Dyson.
R v Abbasi
Private prosecution (£6m London real estate fraud).
View Cases
Instructed to advise in a cross-jurisdictional arbitration under the LCIA Rules with a DIFC seat.
Instructed in a multi-million-pound international commercial contract dispute currently before the High Court.
Advising on an international group action in the oil and gas sector concerning a US$30 million drilling operation in Tashkent, involving claims for breach of contract, fraudulent misrepresentation and unlawful means conspiracy against a background of alleged money laundering and sanctions issues.
Advising a professional regulator on questions of international law and comparative interpretation, including the interaction between English law and foreign criminal law concepts in fitness to practise litigation.
Commercial Dispute Resolution
Publications & Speaking Engagements
Flavia is a well-known media commentator, speaker and writer on legal technology and has written numerous articles for leading national and international publications, including The Guardian, Bloomberg, Thomson Reuters Regulatory Intelligence, Compliance Week, Verdict, and a range of legal and academic journals. She has also delivered keynote speeches internationally.
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July 2025, IDRC, London
Joined a distinguished panel of senior judges, lawyers, academics and technologists exploring the intersection of AI, ethics and law. Flavia spoke on whether systems designed for automated execution can capture the nuance, context and fairness required by meaningful legal remedies, and advocated for the development of a common lexicon and ontology to bridge the language of law and the language of code.
May 2025, International Future of Governance Conference, Bucharest
Addressed the topic “From Boardroom to Blockchain”: governance in an era of AI, blockchain and decentralised systems.
October 2023, Romanian Cultural Institute in collaboration with the British Romanian Chamber of Commerce
Spoke at the Trade Finance Investor Conference on the Electronic Trade Documents Act 2023 and the opportunities digital trade creates for SMEs and investors.
June 2023, ATS London Conference, Central Hall, Westminster
Delivered a keynote speech on Web3 and the law to an audience of advertising, brands and digital commerce businesses.
April 2023, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, London
Invited to chair and deliver the keynote address at the Civil Society and Education session of the inaugural UK-Romania Bilateral Forum.
February 2023, “Digital Money Regulation Series”, Gray’s Inn, London
Joined a panel of lawyers presenting a comparative perspective on digital money regulation in the UK, the EU and Central Asia.
December 2022, Blockchain Expo World Series, Olympia, London
Delivered the opening keynote speech on “Blockchain for Enterprise and the Law.”
November 2022, UK Parliament, APPG on Blockchain
Gave evidence on blockchain adoption into industry and associated legal challenges, part of a panel of experts.
September 2021, Global Cyber Summit, International Cyber Expo, Olympia, London
Addressed the audience on weaponised disinformation, freedom of speech, surveillance and online harms.
January 2020, BBC Technology
Gave a presentation on ransomware attacks and cyber espionage, focusing on the integrity of content and issues of immediate relevance to journalists and media organisations.
News from this Barrister
News from this Barrister
News from this Barrister
Flavia Kenyon explores her recent success in the Court of Appeal
Civil Fraud, Asset Recovery & Enforcement
Cryptocurrency & Digital Assets
Flavia Kenyon Successful in Court of Appeal case
Cryptocurrency & Digital Assets
Flavia Kenyon joins 33 Chancery Lane
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Legal 500
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For a confidential conversation please contact Chief Executive and Director of Clerking, Sam Carter.
“The clerks always go above and beyond to assist. They understand the needs of instructing solicitors, particularly in identifying suitable counsel for cases”
Chambers & Partners
“A friendly and integrated service. The clerks systems and client handling are excellent - with a can-do attitude, enabling easier planning on my side.”
Legal 500
People / Barristers
Address
For a confidential conversation please contact Chief Executive and Director of Clerking, Sam Carter.
“The clerks always go above and beyond to assist. They understand the needs of instructing solicitors, particularly in identifying suitable counsel for cases”
Chambers & Partners
“A friendly and integrated service. The clerks systems and client handling are excellent - with a can-do attitude, enabling easier planning on my side.”
Legal 500
People / Barristers
Address