David Berman
Biography
‘David Berman is… pragmatic and helpful, reactive to requests and up to speed with all aspects of the case.’
Overview
David Berman is a leading compliance and investigations specialist, with deep experience advising clients on the ground in the Middle East. David advises clients on complex internal investigations, law enforcement investigations and other sensitive compliance matters.
David's experience covers advice and representation on a wide range of issues including, whistleblowing, director and senior employee misconduct, corporate culture and conduct, bribery and corruption, civil and criminal fraud, money laundering, data protection and financial services regulatory breaches.
David has represented corporates and individuals in investigations and enquiries involving the Dubai Financial Services Authority, the UAE Central Bank and the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority.
David also advises corporates on non-contentious compliance matters such as corporate governance and policy design and enhancement.
In 2019, David spent six months at the Middle East headquarters of a multinational company and so he has direct experience of navigating the unique practical internal issues that arise for a company in the region during a complex investigation.
Before practising in the Middle East, David worked at a Magic Circle law firm in London where he advised and represented clients on investigations, including those involving the UK Financial Conduct Authority, the UK Serious Fraud Office and the European Securities and Markets Authority.
Experience
Representative matters:
Representing UAE regulated firms in investigations, enforcement actions and enquiries involving UAE regulators including the Dubai Financial Services Authority, the UAE Central Bank and the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority.*
Advising Middle East headquartered corporates on internal investigations into bribery and corruption activities involving company officers / senior employees.*
Advising a Middle East corporate on a bullying and harassment investigation involving a senior employee.*
Representing corporates in investigations and enforcement actions in multiple jurisdictions to recover embezzled/misappropriated funds.*
Advising corporates (both buy-side and sell-side) on Anti-Bribery and Corruption and other compliance issues arising in the context of private M&A transactions and public listings / IPOs.
Advising on engagement with INTERPOL and law enforcement agencies in connection with mutual legal assistance requests.*
A corporate on the development of an enhanced compliance programme, following the completion of a bribery and corruption investigation (including the creation of an enhanced suite of compliance policies and procedures).*
*Matters prior to joining White & Case
