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Noticias y análisis dedicados al sector de la financiación de litigios comerciales, incluidas cuestiones normativas, evolución de los casos, actividades de financiación y mucho más.

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22 Articles

SRZ Digs into Details of Tillis Bill

By John Freund |

Sen. Thom Tillis’s Tackling Predatory Litigation Funding Act, now folded into the Senate Finance Committee’s draft reconciliation package, would graft a stand-alone Chapter 50B onto the Internal Revenue Code and impose a punishing 40.8 percent flat levy on “qualified litigation proceeds.” The Schulte Roth & Zabel (SRZ) alert warns that the proposal overrides flow-through taxation, sweeps in virtually any entity—from partnerships and S-corps to sovereign wealth funds—and could chill ordinary-course lending by labeling collateralized credit facilities as “litigation financing agreements.”

A LinkedIn post from SRZ partner Boris Ziser underscores the breadth of the draft: the tax would hit domestic and foreign investors alike, deny offsetting losses, and trigger a 20.4 percent withholding obligation on plaintiffs and law firms that disburse any proceeds. Exemptions are narrow—fundings under $10,000 or debt-like arrangements capped at the greater of 7 percent or twice the 30-year Treasury yield—while long-standing preferences such as the portfolio-interest exemption and sovereign immunity would be swept aside. SRZ calculates that investors routing recoveries through a corporation could face an effective federal rate approaching 65 percent after dividend taxation, and even partnership structures would see double taxation because partners’ basis would not increase for proceeds taxed at the entity level.

Beyond funders, the bill’s catch-all definition of “litigation financing agreement” risks ensnaring securitizations, DIP financings, subrogation purchases, and other credit instruments whenever a borrower is a named litigant. By applying to taxable years beginning January 1, 2026—without grandfathering—it could retroactively erode returns on capital already deployed.

What it means for the market: If this language survives reconciliation, funders may rethink U.S. deployment models, while credit investors could demand covenants shielding them from inadvertent 40.8 percent exposure. The proposal also revives the broader policy debate: will Washington’s next move be bespoke tax regimes for other “disfavored” financial niches, or a push toward clearer, industry-wide regulation?

MAGA Influencers Support Legal Funding in Pushback Against Senator Tillis’ Bill

By John Freund |

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) has sparked a fierce backlash from MAGA influencers online, who are taking issue with Sen. Tillis’ newly introduced legislation that aims to slap a 41% tax on third-party litigation finance agreements. Critics warn the measure would effectively choke off capital that plaintiffs rely on to challenge deep-pocketed corporations, tilting the playing field back toward defendants.

An article in the Daily Caller argues the proposal “hogties” a tool that ordinary Americans use to combat what author Will Hild brands “woke capitalism.” By raising the cost of capital, the bill could dissuade funders from backing suits against headline-making defendants—Bank of America, Uber and Nationwide are cited as companies that stand to gain if litigation funding dries up.

The Daily Caller’s article was quickly snapped up by a cadre of right-wing influencers who have begun sounding off on the alleged harms this bill would cause for ordinary Americans.

Robby Starbuck, the influential ‘anti-woke’ crusader, posted on X: “How does a little guy stand any chance if they go up against a woke megacorp? Nearly the only way is litigation financing where a wealthy 3rd party funds the suit. As written now @SenThomTillis’ bill is a mega corporations dream.”

Jenna Ellis took things a step further, accusing Sen. Tillis of deception: “Tillis has deceptively marketed his bill as taxing “foreign” litigation funding — when in reality it subjects all litigation funders to a 41% levy — intended to drive away investors. The effect would be that Americans fighting woke corporations will lose one of the few tools needed to fight back.”

Kurt Schlichter added: “Every American has a right to bring a lawsuit. It’s nobody’s business how they fund it. And lawsuits are hugely expensive. This is a way to keep people from suing – it doesn’t start bad lawsuit. It stops good ones.”

It seems we have a mini-Republican civil war brewing over the issue of legal funding. Sen. Tillis is a Republican, but that hasn’t stopped the MAGA faithful from backing legal funding in a bit to help them take down ‘woke corporations.’

LFJ will continue to follow this story as it develops.

Burford Fires Opening Salvo Against Senate Tax Hike

By John Freund |

The world’s largest litigation financier wasted no time responding to Capitol Hill’s surprise tax gambit. Hours after the Senate draft dropped, Burford Capital issued a statement warning that taxing funding profits at ordinary rates would “make it more expensive for businesses to secure litigation financing” and could stall innovation.

Burford Capital notes that the House version of the reconciliation bill omits any mention of litigation finance and stresses that reconciliation rules limit unrelated revenue raisers, foreshadowing a procedural challenge. The firm also highlights the draft’s retroactivity, arguing that investors priced cases under existing tax assumptions and could face punitive clawbacks if rules change midstream.

Market reaction was swift: Burford’s London-listed shares dipped 3 percent before recovering as analysts handicapped the bill’s prospects. Rival funders privately debate strategy—some push for a technical carve-out, others want the clause scrapped entirely. Defense counsel predict a burst of settlement offers aimed at closing cases before any rate hike can bite.

Burford’s rapid intervention shows the industry cannot afford silence while its business model is rewritten. Expect funders to beef up government-relations teams, demand wider tax indemnities from claimholders, and explore non-U.S. opportunities should Washington decide their profits look more like wages than capital gains.

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CANDEY Taps Former Burford Exec to Bolster Funding Offering

By John Freund |

Boutique disputes firm CANDEY has made a strategic addition to its partnership ranks, bringing on former Burford Capital executive Robin Ganguly. With a career that spans high-stakes litigation and cross-border insolvency work at Linklaters and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, Ganguly also brings deep expertise from the litigation funding and insurance sectors—making him a key hire as CANDEY expands its risk-sharing capabilities.

A press release from CANDEY highlights Ganguly’s trajectory through Burford, where he led the global insolvency practice, followed by litigation risk roles at Aon and The Fidelis Partnership. At Fidelis, Ganguly underwrote high-value legal risk and managed transactional insurance solutions, further honing his understanding of bespoke risk mitigation in complex disputes.

His arrival coincides with the firm’s recent launch of CANDEY CAPITAL (BVI) Limited, a litigation fund dedicated to financing claims arising from insolvency and distressed situations. This latest addition rounds out CANDEY’s offering, which already includes CFAs, DBAs, and litigation insurance. Ganguly’s hire, coupled with the insolvency expertise of CANDEY partner David Harby, signals a deliberate effort to deepen the firm’s footprint in asset recovery and contentious insolvency.

“CANDEY is a firm that has risk-taking in its DNA,” said managing partner Ashkhan Candey. “Robin’s experience in funding and insurance significantly enhances our offering.”

Geradin Partners Expands into Germany with Key Hires from Hausfeld and Osborne Clarke

By John Freund |

Marking a significant expansion of its European footprint, Geradin Partners has announced the opening of new offices in Berlin and Cologne, bolstered by the arrival of Thomas Höppner from Hausfeld and Thomas G. Funke from Osborne Clarke.

According to a press release from Geradin Partners, this move positions the boutique competition firm to deepen its pan-European practice and strengthen its presence in Germany’s critical antitrust and tech regulation landscape. Höppner, who was Hausfeld’s first German partner in 2015, played a leading role in establishing the firm’s German operations. He brings with him a team that shares his “challenger mindset,” a hallmark of both his time at Hausfeld and his vision for the future at Geradin.

Funke, previously a partner at Osborne Clarke and well-regarded for his litigation prowess, joins to co-lead the German offices. Together, the two lawyers are expected to expand Geradin’s work on complex antitrust litigation and regulatory matters, particularly as European enforcement ramps up in the tech sector. Founding partner Damien Geradin said the hires “solidify our ability to offer top-tier competition and regulatory advice across Europe.”

As Europe’s legal and regulatory landscape continues to evolve, the German expansion of Geradin Partners may point to broader shifts in the litigation and legal funding ecosystem—where cross-border capability, strategic litigation, and competition expertise are becoming essential assets.

Tillis Plan Would Tax Litigation Finance Profits at 41%

By John Freund |

The U.S. litigation finance sector may soon face a substantial tax hike under a proposal folded into the latest version of Senate Republicans’ tax and healthcare legislation. The provision, championed by Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), introduces a 41% levy on profits from litigation finance investments—a move projected to raise $3.5 billion over a decade.

An article in Bloomberg Law details how the measure was added to President Trump’s budget bill (H.R. 1) and could significantly deter investor interest in the $15.2 billion industry. Investors, who back lawsuits in exchange for a cut of potential settlements or verdicts, value litigation finance for its uncorrelated returns. But critics, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, argue the practice inflates settlement values and prolongs litigation timelines.

The International Legal Finance Association (ILFA), the industry’s leading trade body, is actively opposing the Tillis proposal. ILFA argues that the measure would stifle access to justice by disincentivizing critical funding for claimants unable to afford litigation. The tax plan, while currently included in the bill, is far from finalized: Senate negotiations remain ongoing, and any final version must still be reconciled with the House’s earlier passage.

What makes the Tillis approach noteworthy is its departure from previous regulatory efforts focused on disclosure requirements. Instead, it leverages the tax code to curb litigation funding indirectly—prompting alarm across the industry. According to attendees at a recent litigation finance conference in New York, the proposal has already triggered coordinated responses among major funders, including efforts to boost ILFA membership and advocacy.

The proposed tax underscores a renewed push to rein in litigation finance via unconventional channels. As political winds shift, funders may need to rethink their strategies—not only to protect investor returns, but also to defend the sector’s role in enabling access to the courts.

LitFin Launches Action for Belgian Security Cartel Victims

By John Freund |

Thousands of Belgian businesses may be eligible for compensation following revelations of a sweeping price-fixing scheme involving the country’s top private security providers. From 2008 to 2020, industry giants Securitas, G4S, and Seris colluded to inflate prices and carve up the market, depriving clients of competitive rates. The Belgian Competition Authority confirmed the scheme in July 2024, levying a landmark €47 million fine and acknowledging widespread harm to companies and institutions relying on security services.

An article in LitFin outlines how the litigation funder is spearheading a class action to secure damages for affected parties. LitFin estimates total damages could exceed €800 million, with any organization that contracted private security during the cartel period—whether for routine guarding or specialized services like airport security—potentially eligible to join the claim.

LitFin’s approach eliminates financial barriers by covering all legal and procedural costs in exchange for a share of any recovery. With 21 competition class actions already underway across the EU, the firm brings established expertise to this ambitious claim.

Innsworth Challenges Mastercard Settlement Terms in CAT Judicial Review

By John Freund |

A brewing legal rift in one of the UK’s largest consumer class actions has escalated, as litigation funder Innsworth Capital seeks judicial review of the £200m Mastercard settlement approved by the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT). Innsworth, which financed the long-running Merricks v Mastercard case, is contesting the tribunal’s distribution structure, claiming it unjustly limits the funder’s return to less than half its investment, while allocating over £30m to a third-party charity.

An article in the Global Legal Post reports that Innsworth’s challenge centers on the May ruling, which capped its return at £22.8m—just 0.5× its £45.6m outlay—while setting aside the remaining balance of a £54.4m discretionary fund for either top-up class member payments or donation to the Access to Justice Foundation (ATJF). Innsworth alleges the tribunal made legal and procedural missteps, including misapplying Australian case law and failing to account for the commercial risk it bore in a case once valued at £14bn.

The funder argues that a return of 1.5× was both contractually contemplated and supported by precedent, and that the tribunal denied it a fair chance to respond to the proposed settlement mechanics. Its filing calls attention to what it deems an “arbitrary and irrational” allocation that favors a charity over the party that funded the claim’s pursuit.

The timing of Innsworth’s action is notable, following the Civil Justice Council’s June 3 report urging statutory regulation of funders and a legislative fix to PACCAR. The outcome of this judicial review could influence how courts and legislators assess funder profits—and reshape expectations around post-settlement fund allocations in collective redress cases.

Victory Park Expands Legal Credit Leadership with Maleson Promotion

By John Freund |

Victory Park Capital (VPC), a global alternative asset manager specializing in private credit, has announced that Justin Maleson will expand his role to Managing Director, co-heading the firm’s legal credit investment strategy. The promotion underscores VPC’s ongoing investment in its legal finance capabilities and follows Maleson’s initial appointment in 2024 as Assistant General Counsel.

An announcement from Victory Park Capital details Maleson’s new responsibilities, which include sourcing, analyzing, and managing investments across legal assets, while maintaining oversight of the firm’s legal operations. He joins Chad Clamage in co-leading the strategy, working alongside team members Hugo Lestiboudois and Andrew Pascal, under the continued oversight of VPC CEO and founder Richard Levy.

Maleson brings a strong background in litigation finance and commercial law to the position. Before joining VPC, he served as a director at Longford Capital, where he specialized in originating and managing litigation funding transactions. His earlier tenure as a litigation partner at Jenner & Block further deepened his exposure to complex legal matters, equipping him with the expertise needed to navigate the nuanced legal credit space.

VPC’s legal credit team emphasizes an asset-backed lending model, prioritizing downside protection and predictable income streams. The firm aims to capitalize on inefficiencies within the legal funding market by leveraging its internal expertise and broad network of relationships. With Maleson’s appointment, VPC signals its intent to further scale its legal credit strategy, positioning itself as a key player in the evolving legal finance sector.

Maleson’s elevation comes at a time of increasing sophistication in litigation finance, where experienced legal minds are playing a pivotal role in portfolio construction and risk management. As VPC bolsters its leadership, the move may foreshadow further institutionalization of legal asset investing and heightened competition in a maturing market segment.

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TV Ad Targets Litigation Funders Amid 41% Tax Proposal

By John Freund |

A shadowy new television ad has thrown fresh fuel on the fire surrounding third-party litigation funding, signaling a sharp escalation in efforts to reshape the industry’s tax treatment. The 60-second spot, airing nationally, takes aim at litigation financiers and the plaintiffs’ bar, aligning with a Republican-backed push to impose a steep 41% tax on litigation finance profits through an upcoming federal appropriations bill.

According to Bloomberg Law, the ad features dramatic visuals and pointed messaging designed to raise public concern about the role and influence of litigation funders in the civil justice system. While the ad does not disclose its sponsor, its timing and tone suggest it is part of a coordinated campaign to build momentum behind proposed tax reforms that would treat funder profits as ordinary income rather than capital gains.

At the heart of the policy debate is whether litigation funders should continue to benefit from preferential tax rates typically reserved for long-term investment income. Proponents of the tax hike argue that funders are not passive investors but active participants in the legal process who should face a higher tax burden. Critics, meanwhile, warn that the proposal would discourage funding for meritorious claims and restrict access to justice, especially in costly litigation where plaintiffs cannot afford to proceed without external financing.

The ad spot represents a new front in the political battle over litigation finance, which has faced increasing scrutiny from lawmakers, regulators, and industry opponents. It follows recent moves by groups like the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, which have endorsed similar tax reforms aimed at reining in the sector.

APCIA Pushes for Tighter Tax Treatment of Litigation Funders

By John Freund |

The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) has thrown its support behind the “Tackling Predatory Litigation Funding Act,” a proposed bill aimed at increasing tax and regulatory scrutiny of third-party litigation funders. APCIA is advocating for the legislation’s inclusion in the federal reconciliation package, underscoring the insurance industry’s mounting concern over the financial and legal impact of third-party litigation funding (TPLF).

An article in Insurance Business Magazine reports that the APCIA is backing the measure as part of its broader efforts to rein in what it views as predatory funding practices. The association argues that TPLF arrangements can distort the legal process by incentivizing unnecessary litigation, driving up settlement costs, and fostering conflicts of interest between funders and claimants.

The proposed legislation would require litigation funders to pay taxes on returns previously treated as capital gains, thereby classifying their profits more akin to business income. This shift could significantly affect the financial calculus for funders, particularly those operating in high-volume, high-return sectors of mass tort and class action litigation.

The APCIA’s stance aligns with a broader pattern of resistance from the insurance industry, which has increasingly blamed litigation funding for contributing to “social inflation”—the rising costs of claims due to expanded legal theories and larger jury awards. With the insurance lobby stepping up its pressure, this bill could serve as a litmus test for how the federal government chooses to address the growing influence of litigation finance.

If passed, the legislation could reshape the risk-reward profile for funders and usher in a new era of compliance obligations. The legal funding industry will be watching closely to see whether this signals the start of a more aggressive regulatory push from Washington.

Google Faces £1B UK Trial Over App Store Fees, Funded by Bench Walk Advisors

By John Freund |

A landmark collective action against Google has cleared a key legal hurdle in the UK, with the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) certifying a £1.04 billion lawsuit brought on behalf of thousands of UK app developers.

The class action, spearheaded by Strathclyde University competition law professor Barry Rodger and backed by litigation funder Bench Walk Advisors, accuses Google of abusing its dominant position by imposing excessive commissions on app sales through its Play Store.

The case filing outlines that the CAT has issued a collective proceedings order, allowing the case to move to trial. The claim targets exorbitant commissions, alleging these charges unfairly burden UK app developers—many of them small- and medium-sized enterprises—by effectively locking them into the Play Store ecosystem through restrictive contractual and technical practices.

The case adds to mounting regulatory and legal scrutiny of Google’s Play Store practices worldwide. The European Commission recently issued preliminary findings under the Digital Markets Act, the UK’s CMA is assessing Google’s “Strategic Market Status,” and U.S. courts have already found the tech giant in breach of antitrust laws. The timing of the CAT’s ruling puts further pressure on Google, particularly as similar legal actions, including a new suit by Korean developers, continue to emerge globally.

S&P Warns Litigation Funding May Distort Insurance Market Dynamics

By John Freund |

A panel convened by S&P Global has flagged litigation funding as a growing concern for casualty insurers, warning that its rapid rise could be fueling systemic inefficiencies and potential abuse in the legal system.

An article in Reuters details the findings from an S&P insurance panel that expressed concern over how the increasing role of third-party litigation funding is contributing to the volume and aggressiveness of legal claims. Panelists noted that while there is “no sign of the apocalypse,” litigation funders’ influence is prompting a cautious stance from casualty insurers, who are facing escalating claim costs, longer litigation cycles, and a rising number of so-called nuclear verdicts.

The panel advocated for comprehensive tort reform, citing litigation funding as a key driver of what they see as a dysfunctional tort system. They warned that without structural legal changes, insurance markets could see greater volatility and pricing pressure. While the exact impact of litigation funding on claims frequency remains contested, S&P analysts are increasingly viewing it as a structural headwind for insurers navigating a tougher underwriting environment.

The remarks come amid broader industry scrutiny of litigation finance’s influence on legal outcomes and market dynamics. With funders enabling claimants to pursue extended or higher-value litigation, insurers argue the funding model skews incentives and inflates settlements. Calls for greater transparency around funding arrangements and closer regulatory oversight are growing louder within insurance circles.

This latest critique adds momentum to the ongoing debate over litigation finance’s long-term impact. As third-party funding becomes more entrenched across jurisdictions, questions remain about how insurers, lawmakers, and courts will respond—and whether litigation finance will continue reshaping the contours of legal risk.

Mayfair Legal Launches Wildfire Support Program for Plaintiffs

By John Freund |

Mayfair Legal Funding has unveiled a new initiative aimed at aiding wildfire victims in Los Angeles and Maui by providing pre-settlement advances tailored to individuals pursuing legal claims related to recent wildfire disasters. The program seeks to ease the financial burden on plaintiffs during the lengthy litigation process, allowing them to cover essential living expenses and medical costs without being forced into early or inadequate settlements.

An article in OpenPR reports that Mayfair’s program will provide wildfire-impacted claimants with cash advances while their cases proceed through court or settlement negotiations. The funding is non-recourse, meaning recipients are only obligated to repay the advance if their case is successful. This offering is particularly timely in light of the mounting legal battles related to utility-sparked wildfires in California and the catastrophic 2023 fires in Maui, both of which have left thousands seeking legal recourse and financial recovery.

Mayfair emphasized that this initiative aligns with its mission to ensure access to justice regardless of a claimant’s financial status. “We believe that no one should have to choose between basic survival and pursuing a rightful claim,” said a spokesperson for the funder, noting that the company’s underwriting process is designed for speed and minimal paperwork.

With natural disasters on the rise and litigation timelines stretching longer than ever, targeted pre-settlement funding like this may become an increasingly vital tool for plaintiffs. The wildfire-specific program from Mayfair underscores a growing trend of funders developing specialized products for mass torts and disaster-related litigation—an area likely to see heightened investor and regulatory attention in the years ahead.

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Fortress Pushes Back on Tillis-Hern Tax Proposal Targeting Litigation Funding

By John Freund |

In a pointed rebuttal to a recent Wall Street Journal editorial, Fortress Investment Group President Jack Neumark has challenged claims that litigation funders—particularly those with foreign investors—exploit U.S. tax loopholes to avoid paying capital gains taxes on lawsuit proceeds.

The Wall Street Journal published an editorial titled “Ending a Tax Break for Lawsuits” supporting a legislative proposal from Senator Thom Tillis and Representative Kevin Hern that would increase taxes on litigation finance returns. In response, The Wall Street Journal published Neumark’s letter, where he firmly stated that Fortress is an American company whose legal asset investments are made by U.S.-based leadership and taxed under standard corporate or ordinary income rules—not as capital gains.

Neumark argued that Fortress-managed funds do not provide any capital gains tax exemption for foreign investors, pushing back against the editorial’s implication that litigation funding primarily benefits non-U.S. entities seeking to exploit the American legal system. He defended litigation finance as a tool for U.S. businesses to more efficiently pursue justified legal claims, reducing costs and allowing for reinvestment in growth and job creation.

Challenging the editorial’s portrayal of funded claims as “dubious,” Neumark highlighted that many have resulted in jury verdicts or settlements amounting to billions. He underscored the legitimacy of the U.S. court system in weeding out meritless suits and ensuring fair compensation for real damages.

Neumark concluded by warning that the Tillis-Hern tax measure would extend well beyond foreign investors, affecting domestic investors such as pension funds and effectively doubling tax rates on companies pursuing litigation—creating a precedent for ideologically motivated tax targeting.

This public defense signals a broader resistance among funders to legislative efforts that blur the lines between tax reform and ideological opposition to litigation finance. As these proposals gain traction, expect more funders to enter the public arena to protect what they view as vital access-to-justice infrastructure.

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Therium Taps Fortress to Manage Caseload Amid Restructuring

By John Freund |

Therium Capital Management has enlisted Fortress Investment Group to take over the management of the bulk of its litigation portfolio, marking a significant operational shift for one of the industry’s most prominent players. The move comes as Therium continues to restructure its business following reported job cuts earlier this year.

As reported by The Lawyer, Fortress will now serve as sub-adviser, overseeing the day-to-day handling of most of Therium’s funded cases. The collaboration is framed as a bid for greater efficiency and operational streamlining, rather than a full exit from case management. Sources indicate that existing litigation funding agreements between Therium and law firms will remain unchanged, suggesting the funder aims to preserve continuity for its clients and counterparties.

Therium has been a key figure in shaping modern litigation finance, with a global footprint and involvement in numerous high-profile disputes. This development raises compelling questions about how prominent funders are navigating a post-PACCAR environment, and if there will be other similar restructurings on the horizon.

UK Court of Appeal Takes Up Key Case on Funder Returns

By John Freund |

A consequential legal battle now before the UK Court of Appeal could have sweeping implications for litigation funders operating in the UK and beyond. The case centers on the enforceability of funding agreements that calculate funder returns as a multiple of the capital invested—a model widely used across the industry.

An article in the Law Society Gazette outlines how the appeal follows a High Court ruling that refused to strike out a claim challenging such a funding structure. The challenge argues that these agreements, which are not pegged to the damages recovered but instead to the amount of funding provided, could fall afoul of the UK’s statutory definition of damages-based agreements (DBAs). If upheld, funders using a multiple-of-capital return model might be required to comply with the more stringent regulatory framework governing DBAs—potentially rendering many existing contracts unenforceable.

The outcome could reverberate across the legal funding landscape, particularly in collective actions, where such return structures are commonly deployed. Industry observers note that a ruling against funders would necessitate a wholesale reevaluation of how litigation finance deals are structured, priced, and disclosed, especially in the UK market.

Funders and legal practitioners alike are closely monitoring the case, viewing it as a test of legal clarity and commercial viability for the sector. The decision may also influence legislative and regulatory discussions already underway in the UK about how best to govern third-party funding.

This case underscores the regulatory and judicial uncertainties that still shadow the legal funding market, even as it matures. A ruling from the Court of Appeal could either reinforce current market practices or trigger a paradigm shift in funder-client agreements.

Siltstone’s LITFINCON Expands Globally to Houston, Singapore, Amsterdam

By John Freund |

Siltstone Capital is taking its premier litigation finance conference, LITFINCON, global. The firm announced that its marquee event will now be hosted in three strategic locations—Houston, Singapore, and Amsterdam—marking a significant milestone in the evolution and internationalization of the litigation finance industry.

According to PR Newswire, the expansion builds on LITFINCON’s rapid growth since its inception in 2022, with the goal of fostering high-level dialogue among funders, lawyers, and investors worldwide. Each location was chosen for its significance in global legal markets: Houston remains the conference’s home base and a hub for U.S. litigation and energy disputes; Singapore offers access to the booming Asia-Pacific arbitration scene; and Amsterdam provides a gateway to European class actions and collective redress mechanisms.

Siltstone’s managing partner, William McMichael, emphasized that the global expansion is not just about geography but about shaping a more connected and mature litigation finance ecosystem. “We’ve seen the appetite for knowledge-sharing and networking among global stakeholders,” said McMichael. “LITFINCON Global is a response to that demand and a reflection of the sector’s continued growth.”

The conferences are scheduled to take place between late 2025 and early 2026, with Houston slated for February, Singapore in November, and Amsterdam to follow shortly after. Each event will retain LITFINCON’s hallmark focus on practical insights, deal-making, and candid conversation among industry insiders.

This expansion underscores the legal funding industry’s increasing globalization and mainstream acceptance. With funders and legal professionals seeking more sophisticated, cross-border opportunities, LITFINCON’s global footprint could shape the next phase of market development and standard-setting in litigation finance.

Mascarenhas Law Launches Boutique Dispute Resolution Practice

By John Freund |

Viren Mascarenhas has officially launched Mascarenhas Law PLLC, a new boutique specializing in arbitration—covering construction, commercial, investment—alongside U.S. litigation and public international law. As a seasoned arbitrator and founding partner, Mascarenhas positions the firm to navigate complex cross-border and domestic disputes.

In a post on LinkedIn, Mascarenhas links to his new website, mascarenhaslaw.com, which states that the firm’s launch marks its commitment to delivering focused, high-caliber dispute resolution services across multiple legal domains. The full-service boutique offers expertise in construction arbitration and contractual disputes, commercial arbitration, investment treaty claims, U.S. court proceedings, and matters tied to international law. The announcement also highlights that Mascarenhas sits as an arbitrator, underscoring deep procedural insight and strategic acumen.

Mascarenhas Law exemplifies the growing trend toward smaller, specialist firms in the dispute resolution space. Its focus on both arbitral advocacy and arbitral leadership reflects evolving demands for flexible, expert-driven practices. The firm’s launch could influence the boutique arbitration ecosystem by prompting more focused offerings and nuanced cross‑border competency in both advocacy and tribunal service.

Walgate Litigation Management Launches with Fladgate Backing

By John Freund |

Noah Wortman has joined the newly launched Walgate Litigation Management as Head of Strategy, collaborating closely with Steven Mash under the umbrella of Fladgate LLP. The firm focuses on delivering comprehensive administrative and strategic support for group claims, primarily in securities litigation. Its mission is to streamline case viability assessment, funder and ATE insurance submissions, institutionally sourced investment, and administrative operations—all designed to relieve fee earners and enhance case success rates.

In a LinkedIn post, Wortman notes that Walgate offers end‑to‑end services across the full life cycle of group litigation—from identifying and vetting actionable securities cases, through securing and managing funding relationships, to handling the administrative burdens that accompany progressing claims. With support from Fladgate’s Dispute Resolution team, the entity aims to ensure that strong claims against corporate misconduct—such as securities fraud, market manipulation, and regulatory violations—are supported to fruition.

Wortman emphasizes the venture’s commitment to access to justice, explaining that Walgate creates “pathways to recovery for global investors and consumers harmed by corporate misconduct.” By constructing a book of institutional investors and facilitating seamless collaboration between funders, insurers, and legal teams, Walgate seeks to remove financial and operational barriers that often stymie large-scale group actions.

This launch reflects a broader industry trend toward specialized litigation management firms that integrate strategic funding relationships with operational execution. Walgate’s model signals a shift toward greater institutional involvement in securities class actions and demonstrates how law firms are partnering with funders to scale group litigation capabilities.

Burford Accuses Chubb of Market Abuse Amid Litigation Finance Clash

By John Freund |

Tensions between the litigation finance and insurance sectors escalated this week, as Burford Capital accused insurance giant Chubb of anti-competitive conduct for allegedly blacklisting entities affiliated with litigation funders. The clash centers on Chubb’s reported efforts to pressure law firms, brokers, and asset managers to distance themselves from litigation finance players, claiming such associations encourage excessive litigation.

An article in the Financial Times reports that Chubb, one of the world’s largest commercial insurers, has taken a hardline stance against third-party litigation funding (TPLF). The insurer allegedly warned that business relationships with firms connected to litigation funding could jeopardize access to its insurance services. In response, Burford Capital, the world’s largest litigation financier, has challenged Chubb’s actions as potentially violating antitrust laws by leveraging its dominant market position to suppress competition and restrict access to legal finance.

Burford argues that litigation funding serves a critical role in facilitating access to justice, especially for under-resourced claimants confronting well-capitalized defendants. The firm emphasized the legality of TPLF arrangements and framed Chubb’s actions as an overreach aimed at stifling a legitimate and growing financial sector. The dispute highlights deepening fault lines between two industries with starkly divergent views on the societal and economic impacts of litigation funding.

This confrontation arrives amid heightened scrutiny of TPLF, with insurers and some policymakers portraying it as a driver of “social inflation”—increased litigation costs and larger jury verdicts. Funders, on the other hand, maintain that these claims are overblown and self-serving.

The implications for legal finance are significant. If Chubb’s actions prompt regulatory review or litigation, it could shape the future of insurer-funder relations and the broader policy environment for litigation finance. The episode also raises the question: will other insurers adopt similarly aggressive stances, or will Burford’s challenge curb the momentum of this growing backlash?