Overview
Gregory Denton-Cox is widely recognised as a leading senior junior in commercial and chancery litigation, with particular experience in company law, insolvency, banking, trusts, civil fraud and asset recovery. He is recommended by Chambers & Partners in the fields of Chancery: Commercial, Commercial Dispute Resolution, Company law and Offshore, and is described in the 2025 edition as “a brilliant all-rounder, who is a joy to work with,” and “sensational… He ticks every box you can think of”. He is also recommended by the Legal 500 for Company, and Commercial Litigation, where he is described as “an excellent barrister, giving commercial advice underpinned by serious intellectual rigour and knowledge” whose “advocacy is clear and commanding”, and by Who’s Who Legal for Banking and Finance and Civil Fraud.
Gregory was named Chancery Junior of the Year at the Chambers & Partners Bar Awards in 2017, having previously been shortlisted in 2013 and 2016.
Areas of expertise
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Chancery: Commercial
Gregory has consistently been ranked by Chambers & Partners as one of the top juniors in commercial chancery matters. The 2024 edition describes him as “a brilliant all-rounder, who is a joy to work with” and “an excellent team player. Clients like and respect his approach”. He was named Chancery Junior of the Year at the Chambers & Partners Bar Awards in 2017, having previously been shortlisted in 2013 and 2016. He acts in company, civil fraud and asset recovery, trusts, banking and finance, and insolvency claims, as well as a range of general commercial disputes.
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Company Law
Gregory is recommended by Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500 as a leading junior in the field of company law for his considerable experience in company law litigation including shareholder disputes, derivative claims and petitions under section 994 of the Companies Act 2006 (and similar proceedings in offshore jurisdictions). The most recent editions note that he “is incredibly sharp, has a very impressive command of the law, and displays great judgement when it comes to strategy. He is definitely someone you want on your team” and “very good, highly practical and very supportive”. Recent cases include acting for the successful directors in long-running proceedings brought by liquidators in Guernsey, and the successful plaintiffs in a shareholder dispute in Jersey. He also has particular experience in transfers of insurance business under Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.
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Commercial Dispute Resolution
Gregory acts in substantial commercial disputes in the Commercial Court and Chancery Division, as well as in offshore jurisdictions and arbitration proceedings, and is recommended by Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500 in the field of Commercial Dispute Resolution, with the 2025 editions describing him as “Sensible, pragmatic and hard-working” and “Incredibly user-friendly, inspires confidence, thorough, and hard working”. He frequently acts and advises in relation to jurisdiction disputes and injunctive relief
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Banking & Finance
Gregory has acted in a range of substantial disputes for and against banks and financial institutions. He is recommended by Who’s Who Legal in the field of Banking and Finance which notes that he is “renowned for his strong track record of banking and finance disputes”. He has particular experience in acting for noteholders or trustees in disputes in relation to the interpretation of structured finance and capital market transactions, including FSHC Group Holdings Ltd v GLAS Trust Corporation Limited [2019] EWCA Civ 1361 (Court of Appeal); BNY Mellon Corporate Trustee Service Ltd v LBG Capital No 1 Plc [2016] UKSC 29 (Supreme Court); Napier Park European Credit Opportunities Fund Limited v Harbourmaster Pro-rata CLO 2 BV [2014] EWCA Civ 984 (Court of Appeal), and US Bank Trustees Ltd v Titan Europe 2007-1 (NHP) Ltd [2014] EWHC 1189 (Ch). He recently acted for VTB (Europe) SE against the Republic of Mozambique in the “Tuna Bonds” litigation.
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Fraud: Civil
Gregory has been described by Chambers and Partners as a “very impressive” junior who “has appeared in many headline-grabbing fraud cases” and as having “recognised skills in civil fraud, banking disputes and wider commercial litigation”. He is recommended by Who’s Who Legal in the field of Civil Fraud. He acts for the victims of fraud in safeguarding, tracing and recovering funds, and for those accused of fraud. Recent cases include acting for a chef and restaurateur accused of fraud in MAD Atelier International BV v Manes [2021] EWHC 3335 (Comm), and for VTB (Europe) SE in the “Tuna Bonds” litigation against the Republic of Mozambique.
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Insolvency & Restructuring
Gregory regularly acts for and against liquidators in proceedings under the insolvency legislation. He acted for the successful directors of Carlyle Capital Corporation in long-running proceedings brought by liquidators in Guernsey. He was on the Attorney General’s C Panel from 2006 to 2011 and has experience in directors’ disqualification proceedings and public interest winding-up petitions. In addition to acting for and against directors, Gregory has also advised the Jersey Financial Services Commission and the Northern Irish Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in relation to disqualification proceedings in those jurisdictions.
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Offshore Litigation
Gregory is frequently in demand in offshore cases, particularly those involving company, insolvency or trust disputes, and is recommended by Chambers and Partners for offshore work, saying “Gregory is very calm and very sensible but hugely knowledgeable and has great attention to detail. He works well in a team and is great with the clients. He ticks every box you can think of”. He acted for the successful directors in proceedings brought in Guernsey by the liquidators of Carlyle Capital Corporation, and acted for the successful Plaintiffs in unfair prejudice proceedings brought in Jersey in relation to ETFS Capital Ltd. In the JSC BTA Bank v Ablyazov proceedings, Gregory acted for receivers appointed by the Court including in seeking recognition of their appointment, and enforcement of the order, in a number of offshore jurisdictions. Chambers Global ranks Gregory as a leading junior in Dispute Resolution: Commercial – UK and Dispute Resolution: Commercial Chancery – UK.
Other information
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Cases of Interest
- Republic of Mozambique & ors v Credit Suisse International & ors [2024] EWHC 1957 (Comm); [2023] EWHC 1148 (Comm); [2023] EWHC 1650 (Comm); Commercial Court (led by Richard Hill KC), claim to enforce a government guarantee, which the Republic alleged had been procured by bribery.
- Katra Holdings Ltd v Standard Chartered Bank (Mauritius) Ltd [2024] UKPC 8; Privy Council on appeal from Mauritius.
- MAD Atelier International BV v Manes [2021] EWHC 3335 (Comm); Commercial Court (led by Richard Hill KC), claim in deceit against a chef and restaurant owner.
- Financial Technology Ventures II (Q) LP v ETFS Capital Limited [2021] JCA 176; unfair prejudice claim in relation to a Jersey company.
- FSHC Group Holdings Ltd v GLAS Trust Corporation Limited [2019] EWCA Civ 1361; Chancery Division; Court of Appeal (led by Stephen Houseman KC, Mark Howard KC and Roger Masefield KC), leading case in relation to rectification claims, in which the Court of Appeal reconsidered the test for rectification for mutual mistake.
- BNY Mellon Corporate Trustee Service Ltd v LBG Capital No 1 Plc [2016] UKSC 29; Chancery Division, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court (led by Mark Howard KC and Robert Miles KC), contractual disputes concerning the ability of Lloyds Banking Group to redeem Enhanced Capital Notes issued in 2009.
- Napier Park European Credit Opportunities Fund Limited v Harbourmaster Pro-rata CLO 2 BV [2014] EWCA Civ 984; Court of Appeal (led by Robert Miles KC), acting for the successful noteholders in a dispute concerning the construction of structured finance documentation.
- US Bank Trustees Ltd v Titan Europe 2007-1 (NHP) Ltd [2014] EWHC 1189 (Ch); Chancery Division (led by Richard Hill KC), acting for the successful noteholders in a dispute concerning the construction of structured finance documentation.
- Benedetti v Sawiris & others [2014] AC 938, [2013] UKSC 50; Chancery Division, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court (led by Laurence Rabinowitz KC and Richard Hill KC), a claim to a substantial shareholding in the vehicle used for the acquisition of an Italian telecommunications company. The claim raised questions of contractual construction, constructive trust and unjust enrichment, with the unjust enrichment issues going to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court’s judgment is an important analysis of the principles underlying unjust enrichment and claims for a quantum meruit, which had long been the subject of much academic debate.
- Re Coroin Ltd, McKillen v Misland & others [2014] BCC 14, [2013] EWCA Civ 781; Chancery Division and Court of Appeal (led by Lord Goldsmith KC, Philip Marshall KC and Richard Hill KC), a shareholder dispute in relation to the ownership of Claridge’s, the Connaught and The Berkeley hotels.
- Molko v Hewitt (led by Ian Mill KC), a shareholder dispute between the founder members of the band Placebo, and a former member, which settled before trial.
- LB Re Financing No. 3 Limited v Excalibur Funding No.1 Plc [2011] EWHC 2111 Chancery Division (led by Robert Miles KC), acting for the trustee in a dispute concerning the correct interpretation of a securitisation trust deed, and whether an event of default had occurred.
- Alexiou v Campbell [2007] UKPC 11; Privy Council on appeal from the Bahamas (led by Robert Hildyard KC), construction of consent order compromising shareholder dispute.
- Bracken Partners Ltd v Gutteridge [2004] 1 BCLC 377, [2003] EWCA Civ 1875; Court of Appeal, beneficial ownership and tracing.
- Gregory has also appeared for the applicants in a number of insurance business transfer schemes under Part VII of FSMA, including Re First Alternative Insurance Company Ltd [2007] EWHC 694 (Ch); Re Eagle Star Insurance Co Ltd [2006] EWHC 1850 (Ch); [2007] 1 B.C.L.C. 21; Re Pearl Assurance [2006] EWHC 2291 (Ch), [2007] Bus L.R. D10; Re Allied Dunbar Assurance plc [2005] EWHC 28 (Ch); [2005] 2 B.C.L.C. 220.
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Career & Appointments
- Called to the Bar in 2000
- Junior Counsel to the Crown (C Panel) (2006 to 2011)
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Education & Awards
- LLB (Law with American Law), University of Nottingham, with a year spent at the University of Texas in Austin.
- Sunley Scholar, Lincoln’s Inn.
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Publications
- Contributor to the Companies volumes of Atkins Court Forms
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What the Directories Say
- “Gregory is sensational; he just doesn’t stop. His written work is excellent.” (Chambers & Partners, 2025, Offshore)
- “Gregory is very calm and very sensible but hugely knowledgeable and has great attention to detail. He works well in a team and is great with the clients. He ticks every box you can think of.” (Chambers & Partners, 2025, Offshore)
- “Sensible, pragmatic and hard-working.” (Chambers & Partners, 2025, Commercial Dispute Resolution)
- “Gregory is incredibly sharp, has a very impressive command of the law, and displays great judgement when it comes to strategy. He is definitely someone you want on your team.” (Chambers & Partners, 2025, Company)
- “Gregory produces an inordinate amount of work very quickly. He is very good, highly practical and very supportive.” (Chambers & Partners, 2025, Company)
- “Gregory is an excellent team player. Clients like and respect his approach. He is thorough and will make himself available as and when required.” (Chambers & Partners, 2025, Chancery: Commercial)
- “Gregory is a brilliant all-rounder, who is a joy to work with.” (Chambers & Partners, 2025, Chancery: Commercial)
- ‘Incredibly user-friendly, inspires confidence, thorough, and hard working.’(Legal 500, 2025, Commercial Litigation)
- “Gregory is among the sharpest writers at the Bar. He is a man with a first-rate mind, who has excellent litigation instincts.” (Chambers & Partners, 2024, Company)
- “100% reliable and will always meet deadlines. He does everything with the right attitude and fits into the team very well. A go-to senior junior for complex cases requiring depth of analysis and great drafting skills.” (Chambers & Partners, 2024, Chancery: Commercial)
- “He is an absolute workhorse, who will leave no stone unturned in finding the best arguments and facts to advance the case. His advice is practical and commercial, and he is not afraid to say it how it is.” (Chambers & Partners, 2024, Chancery: Commercial)
- “Gregory works incredibly hard, thinks very creatively and produces advocacy that is really stellar.” (Chambers & Partners, 2024, Commercial Dispute Resolution)
- “Greg is an excellent barrister, giving commercial advice underpinned by serious intellectual rigour and knowledge.” (Legal 500, 2024, Company)
- “An excellent senior junior who is very user-friendly and all over the detail. His advocacy is clear and commanding.” (Legal 500, 2024, Commercial Litigation)
- “He is a go-to. He produces first-rate drafting and has great knowledge of the case law relating to complex commercial matters. He is hard-working, user-friendly and responsive. A super-modern barrister who is really pleasant to work with. His persuasive and incisive advice on law and strategy is a great asset to any team.” (Chambers & Partners, 2023, Chancery: Commercial)
- “Gregory has a fantastic grasp of the law. He is a craftsman when it comes to written submissions and is effective on his feet. He is an accomplished advocate, who adopts a very pragmatic approach.” (Chambers & Partners, 2023, Commercial Dispute Resolution)
- “A hard-working, user-friendly, responsive and thoroughly modern barrister, who is really pleasant to work with. Disarmingly good, he’s straightforward, very articulate and precise in a non-pedantic way.” (Chambers & Partners, 2023, Company)
- “He knows company law inside out, is ruthlessly well prepared and knows exactly how to read the court.” (Legal 500, 2023, Company)
- “Excellent at assimilating complex facts and distilling them to draw out the main arguments and issues in a case. He is excellent with lay clients in explaining issues and legal principles.” (Legal 500, 2023, Commercial Litigation)
- “An extremely smart and thorough barrister. He has a strong commercial sense, is exceptionally responsive and is someone who adapts quickly to changing client demands.” (Chambers & Partners, 2022, Chancery: Commercial)
- “Really, really supportive and noted for his superior analysis and understanding of the case.” (Chambers & Partners, 2022, Commercial Dispute Resolution)
- “His judgement is of someone far more senior, and he is excellent in every way.” “He is extremely bright, and very strategic and reliable. He’s the consummate team player.” (Chambers & Partners, 2022, Company)
- “Greg’s encyclopaedic knowledge of the leading authorities and deep well of experience in company claims across the common law world, make him our go-to company law junior and undoubtedly a star of the junior company law bar.” (Legal 500, 2022, Company)
- “Quick, sharp and completely in control of the facts of the case. He has an excellent strategic sense and is not afraid to roll up his sleeves and get his hands dirty.” (Legal 500, 2022, Commercial Litigation)