Our Team

Executive Team

Maria is a dual-qualified commercial dispute resolution and regulatory lawyer, who practices across the full spectrum of corporate, commercial, insurance and company law, providing advisory services on complex private and corporate asset allocation, business restructuring and company management.
She advises on regulatory obligations and compliance, corporate domiciles, operating structures, both onshore and offshore, licensing and anti-money laundering processes.
She represents clients in a wide variety of jurisdictions including UK/EU, MENA, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, using her cross-border industry knowledge in international asset management.
Her 25 years of experience have positioned her as a leader in navigating the complexities of global transactions.
Maria is an English-qualified solicitor and STEP Associate. She speaks English, French, Ukrainian, Russian and has a working knowledge of Arabic.
Maria is a highly skilled litigator with a proven track record in resolving high-value complex commercial disputes. She is known for her ability to secure favourable outcomes in and out of court, leveraging her negotiation skills and legal expertise to achieve results efficiently and effectively.

Olga is recognised for her expertise in complex project management and overseeing financing of large property development/real estate construction across the UK and Europe. She represented clients in high-value commercial transactions, including advising on project financing, capital raise (debt and equity) and corporate structuring.
She is highly sought after for her strategic approach advising HNWI and UHNWI clients on financial planning, and asset optimisation of existing onshore or offshore structures and investments.
Recognised for her strategic approach, Olga has been instrumental in overseeing private wealth structuring and investment within income and capital growth-driven regulatory frameworks, enhancing her profile in property development and investment transactions.
Her expertise extends a number of industries, highlighting her versatile approach to negotiating high-value acquisitions and project management.

Jean-Jacques is a former Swiss career diplomat. He has a Master of Economics from the University of Geneva and a PhD in Political Science and International Relations from the Graduate Institute of International Studies.
Jean-Jacques has worked as Secretary Jurist at the ICRC and held different diplomatic posts in Bern, Austria, USA, Australia, France.
He was subsequently head of the Center for International Security Policy of the Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs, then head of the Political Division in charge of Europe, Central Asia, Council of Europe and OSCE.
He served as Ambassador to NATO, Belgium, France and Monaco, UNESCO, OIF, China and North Korea & Mongolia.
He is President of the Economy of Trust Foundation, member of the Strategic Advisory Board of SICPA, President of Swiss Centers Group and lecturer at the University of Zurich, among other positions and board memberships.

Stephen Phipson has been the Chief Executive of Make UK since joining in 2017.
Stephen previously spent 5 years as a senior civil servant holding the position of Head of the Defence and Security Organisation within the Department for International Trade delivering export support to UK defence and security businesses and prior to this Stephen held the position of Director for Security Industry Engagement within the Office for Security and Counter Terrorism at the Home Office.
Before serving in the UK Government Stephen spent 35 years in senior roles in the manufacturing industry including 15 years with Smiths Group plc as President of Smiths Detection where he was awarded a CBE in 2010 for services to the Security industry.
Stephen has worked extensively abroad in high technology manufacturing businesses and started his career as an engineering apprentice with the Plessey company.

Andrew is a distinguished Emeritus Professor of Law, specialising in Capital Markets Law, Financial Regulation, Financial Crime, and Oil and Gas Law.
His vast expertise has led to consultancy and training roles for governments across the globe, including the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, Macau, Malta, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.
Notably, Andrew advised on the drafting of Ghana's Money Laundering (Proceeds of Crime) Bill 2006, and has offered his insights to investment banks, major law firms, and the OECD.
Andrew's contributions extend beyond academia; he has provided evidence to the House of Lords’ European Union Committee on matters of Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism.
His career prior to academia included significant roles at the British Bankers Association, Deloitte's in London, and two leading law firms.