HNWI-specialist law firm Withers has appointed former Crowell & Moring partner Gerallt Owen as the new head of its international regulatory and corporate crime team in London. Owen is expected to spend significant amounts of time in Withers’ Singapore office when it opens in May.

Owen has particular expertise in high-profile investigations and proceedings brought by the UK’s Serious Fraud Office, the Crown Prosecution Service Health and Safety Executive, the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, HM Revenue and Customs, and the Financial Services Authority.

Speaking on the appointments, Christopher Coffin, global head of litigation at Withers, said in a statement: “Gerallt’s arrival is excellent news for the firm – especially given his experience in Singapore, China and the rest of Asia, as this is a key area of focus for us to achieve our ambitious growth plans for the contentious practice. With his standing and experience, he and his team will make a valuable contribution from day one.”

Aside from Owen, Withers hired two other lawyers from Crowell & Moring: senior counsel Anne Davies and Fiona Simpson. While Davies focuses on health and safety, product liability and financial crime matters, Simpson handles civil fraud and professional discipline cases. ALB

Seher Hussain is Southeast Asia journalist at ALB. Follow her on Twitter: @SeherH_ALB