Blair Keown

Blair frequently assists banks, insurers and other institutions to respond to regulatory investigations and proceedings, involving the NZCC, FMA, SFO, and public inquiries. He also acts for clients in criminal proceedings.

Blair has extensive experience in leading compliance and remediation exercises, and conduct, culture and regulatory change programmes in New Zealand and overseas. He writes and speaks extensively on legal issues relating to the financial markets. 

Blair's international experience includes over seven years at Allen & Overy LLP, London where he was a senior associate within the banking, finance and regulatory litigation team. He also completed a secondment to the litigation and regulatory investigations team of the London branch of a global investment bank. Blair frequently advises on matters with a cross border element.

Blair is admitted in New Zealand and England & Wales. He has rights of audience before all civil courts in England & Wales.​​

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2024 ranks Blair as a 'Next Generation Partner' for dispute resolution in New Zealand.​​

Air N​ew Zealand interim injunction in High Court
Defended application for an interim injunction against Air New Zealand in relation to a travel ban imposed on a passenger.

Electricity metering litigation in High Court and Court of Appeal
Defended application for an interim injunction in the High Court and Court of Appeal against Genesis in relation to proposed displacement of electricity meters. Also acted for Genesis in responding to a High Court appeal against a related determination of the Electricity Authority. 

Climate change litigation
Acting for a client in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court in defending a climate change claim involving novel private law duties of care and public nuisance.

High Court proceedings concerning accounting irregularities 
Advised Fuji Xerox New Zealand Limited in High Court proceedings against three former senior executives concerning significant accounting irregularities.

Remediation, Conduct and Culture
Acting for various clients on issues arising under the Fair Trading Act, Financial Markets Conduct Act, and CCCFA.

Financial Markets Authority test case
Advised the Financial Markets Authority on a case stated procedure concerning the application of continuous disclosure obligations to listed companies in administration.

AML advice
Advised various financial and non-financial institutions on obligations under the AML/CFT Act, including suspicious activity reporting and engagement with AML supervisors.

Commerce Commission criminal proceedings
Acting for a client in criminal proceedings brought by the Commerce Commission in relation to departures from product safety standards.

Global investigations/regulatory enforcement
Advised investment banks in global investigations relating to the alleged manipulation of LIBOR and the spot FX market.

Advised financial institutions and listed companies on investigations into insider dealing, market manipulation, conflicts of interest, inappropriate commissions, money laundering, bribery and corruption and inadequate systems and controls.