Overview
Elliot Letts counsels financial institutions, multinational corporations, and individuals on a variety of international regulatory, criminal and compliance matters. He regularly advises clients on issues related to anti-money laundering (AML), economic sanctions, export controls, and anti-corruption.
Elliot's practice also includes commercial litigation and arbitration, with a particular focus on representing clients in complex, high-value civil fraud cases, enforcement actions, and cross-border commercial disputes.
Elliot's recent experience involves assisting one of the world’s biggest multinational investment funds in developing effective financial crime compliance strategies, including establishing internal policies and procedures, for its portfolio of companies worth $100 billion. He also acted for Koch Industries, Inc. in its $30 million ICSID arbitration claim against the Government of Canada held in Washington, D.C.
- Solicitor, England & Wales
- L.P.C., University of Law
- G.D.L., City University London
- B.A. (Hons), University of Kent, Criminology
Areas of Work
Representative Matters
- Advised a DeFi platform in understanding the scope and regulatory requirements of UK AML legislation.
- Drafted and implemented AML and economic sanctions compliance programs for a variety of AI-based technology companies.
- Acted for a high net worth individual in connection with the coordination and initiation of parallel civil, extradition, and arbitration proceedings in multiple jurisdictions.
- Acted for Koch Industries, Inc. in its NAFTA Chapter Eleven arbitration against the Government of Canada concerning the summary termination without compensation of Ontario's greenhouse gas emissions control cap-and-trade program.
Speaking Engagements
"The Upcoming Expansion of Corporate Criminal Liability in the UK," Customs and International Trade Bar Association, September 19, 2023
News & Publications
Steptoe Blockchain Blog
The UK’s Regulatory Roadmap for Stablecoins: A Closer Look
November 27, 2023
Steptoe Blockchain Blog
UK Government Extends Financial Promotions Regime to Cryptoassets
November 27, 2023
International Compliance Blog
September 18, 2023
International Compliance Blog
UK High Court Rejects First Delisting Challenge Under the UK’s Russia Sanctions Regime
September 11, 2023
Steptoe Blockchain Blog
UK Financial Regulator FCA Introduces the Travel Rule for UK Cryptoasset Businesses
September 8, 2023
Steptoe Blockchain Blog
What Can UK Crypto Regulators Learn from the Passing of the EU’s MiCA Bill?
July 20, 2023
International Compliance Blog
March 24, 2023
International Compliance Blog
March 17, 2023
International Compliance Blog
February 13, 2023
Professional Affiliations
- Black Men in Law Network
- Black Solicitors Network (BSN)
- Commercial Litigators’ Forum (CLF)
- International Chamber of Commerce, Young Arbitration & ADR Forum (ICC YAAF)
- London Solicitors Litigation Association (LSLA)
- Society of Caribbean Lawyers (SOCAL)
- Young Fraud Lawyers Association (YFLA)