Steven is a senior associate in our tax investigations and dispute resolution practice.
Steven advises financial institutions and corporate groups in relation to high value and complex tax investigations and disputes with relevant tax authorities. He also has experience of investor-state arbitration relating to complex tax issues. In addition to disputes work, Steven provides tax advice across the full range of UK taxes. He has a particular interest in international tax matters, including issues relating to international tax treaties.
Steven was previously seconded to our Hong Kong and Singapore offices and has also completed a client secondment to Google's Regulatory Affairs team in Singapore.
Steven has been listed as an "Associate to Watch" in the 2022-2024 editions of Chambers UK. According to a client in Legal 500, "Nick Clayton and Steven Wenham have been excellent in supporting our business. Quick to respond, very engaging and have very detailed knowledge and innovative solutions."
Experience & capabilities
Selected matters
In relation to tax:
- acting for a multinational group in a tax-related investment treaty claim against a state
- acting for a telecommunications client on the disposal of one of its subsidiaries
- acting for a life assurance company on a successful challenge to a corporation tax assessment by HMRC
- acting for a hedge fund in the context of a corporation tax enquiry from HMRC
- acting for an offshore drilling rig contractor in a tax appeal before the First-tier Tribunal
In relation to investigations:
- advising a leading Swiss bank with respect to regulatory issues in Hong Kong
- advising a U.S. engineering firm in the context of a high-profile fraud and corruption investigation by the Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption
- conducting a number of internal investigations in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector across China, India, Southeast Asia and Australia
Background
Steven graduated from the University of Oxford with a First Class degree in History. He later completed the law conversion course. He qualified as a Solicitor in March 2018 and as a Solicitor Advocate (civil matters) in 2022.
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