John Barlow
Partner
About John
John heads our Middle East Financial Institutions and Regulatory Practice.
John advises, banks, insurers and reinsurers of Financial Institutions in connection with their fidelity, computer crime, D&O, PI/Civil Liability and cyber liability programmes, and on claims that arise under these products. John has handled and settled many of the most significant global claims to find their way into the London insurance and reinsurance market over the last two decades.
As part of his practice, John advises the broad swathe of financial institutions, insurers and brokers in the Middle East region on all regulatory issues.
As head of HFW’s regulatory practice in Dubai, John assists insurers, brokers and MGAs wishing to establish a presence on the DIFC platform and in the broader region. John and his team’s work includes advising on set-ups and compliance and guides clients from the initial approach to the relevant regulatory authority (in whichever jurisdiction) to the obtaining of the required licence. John advises also on the selling of financial products, admission of insurers and the dealing of sophisticated financial instruments.
In addition to his claims handling experience and dispute resolution, John has considerable experience in the development of leading Financial Institution insurance products that encompass the coverage of exposures of IFAs, banks, investment banks and sovereign financial institutions. John has developed market leading products in connection with bank Operational Risk programmes including products which address regulatory capital issues for banks, traders and commodities companies.
John has considerable experience of political risk, trade credit, trade finance, sovereign guarantee and protracted payment insurances, as well as the development of captive insurance programmes.
John is qualified in England and Wales.
What the market says about John
Winner of Legal Insurance Professional of the Year Award at the MENA IR Awards 2024.
Ranked in Band 2 in Insurance by Chambers Global UAE 2025.
“John demonstrates a deep knowledge of the commercial reality. He has a client-oriented approach combined with an ability to think outside the box and find novel solutions to non-standard problems.” Chambers Global UAE 2025
“John manages the whole strategy from A to Z. He has a lot of hands-on experience.” Chambers Global UAE 2025
“John Barlow’s professional and astute interpretation of the law is always on-point. He provides excellent guidance, displaying excellent legal knowledge and industry experience.” Chambers Global UAE 2025
“John Barlow is amazing and is well known not just in the UAE but in the UK market as well. He has an incredible reputation and is good for when things need to get done quickly.” Chambers Global UAE 2025
“John is an expert in financial and professional lines matters with a strong track record of helping clients to successful and pragmatic outcomes.” Chambers Global UAE 2025
“John Barlow has incredible industry knowledge. He is also experienced and sensible, which gives us confidence.” Chambers Global UAE 2024
“John is an insurance expert. He is our to-go person for more complex matters.” Chambers Global UAE 2024
“John Barlow is fantastic. His knowledge of the UAE is amazing and there is a lovely manner about him. He is very experienced and we really feel he is a safe pair of hands. He provides a great service and is focused on what we need.” Chambers Global UAE 2024
Recommended as a Key Lawyer in Insurance by Legal 500 UAE 2024.
“John Barlow’s knowledge of the financial & professional lines sector is without equal in the local market. He is very much a subject matter expert of the highest order and first choice when matters in his field of insurance arise.” Legal 500 UAE 2023