Ben is a partner and specialist litigator in the banking and finance department. He has extensive experience in complex commercial and banking disputes, with a particular focus on corporate collapse, money laundering, and crisis management.
Ben advises on all aspects of banking, finance, and insolvency litigation, including liquidations and receiverships. He regularly appears as counsel in the New Zealand courts at all levels. He also has a broad range of mediation and arbitration experience.
Examples of Work
- GE Custodians - litigation on the enforceability of mortgages granted to GE by borrowers who used the loans to invest in a Blue Chip scheme (Bartle v GE Custodians - High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court)
- Toll Group - complex lien dispute (McKay v Toll Logistics (NZ) - High Court and Court of Appeal), and dispute with Ontrack about track access charges
- Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) - several high-profile matters, including the Equiticorp and Winebox cases
- Westpac, ANZ, ASB Bank, and UDC Finance - enforcement of mortgages and guarantees, and applications to liquidate and bankrupt
- Hong Kong fishing company - unjust enrichment claim in the Cook Islands
- Fijian resort developers - enforcement of sale contracts in New Zealand and Fiji
- Damar Industries, LeaderBrand, and other New Zealand businesses - successful outcomes at trial
Other Credentials
- Admitted as solicitor and solicitor advocate, England and Wales
- Registered as foreign qualified lawyer, Hong Kong
- Admitted as barrister, Cook Islands
- INSOL - Member
