Anna Holmes

Criminal Defence and Police Investigations

Anna is an experienced general criminal law practitioner who has represented clients in respect of a wide range of allegations, from drugs possession to serious sexual offences. She has extensive experience, and particular interest, in dealing with vulnerable clients, whether by virtue of age, substance abuse issues, personal circumstances or mental health.

She represents clients from the moment of their first contact with the police, whether that is by arrest or invitation to give an account voluntarily, all the way through to the conclusion of Crown Court trials. Her experience of dealing with matters at the investigation stage means that at the point of a police interview, she can advise a client on how best to lay down a firm foundation for their defence. Her experience in the police custody environment enables her to deal with any matters arising at that stage of the case by making robust verbal representations to police officers and custody sergeants alike, for example in respect of applications for extension of a detention time limit or objections to bail.

Anna’s experience in the criminal courts enables her to advise clients as to both procedure and the practical considerations of appearing in court, should their matter progress to that stage. This experience also stands her in good stead when negotiating with Prosecutors on her clients’ behalf prior to court hearings, and when instructing counsel.

Financial Services – Investigations and Enforcement

Anna advises clients who work in the financial service industry and who are already, or are at risk of being, under investigation by the FCA in respect of criminal or regulatory matters. Anna specialises in advising those facing insider dealing or market abuse allegations, as well as senior managers or certified persons facing regulatory investigations.

In September 2020 Anna returned to Kingsley Napley from a year’s secondment to the Financial Conduct Authority, where she was an investigator on one of the Enforcement teams. During her time with the FCA she dealt with witnesses, experts and other third parties to obtain evidence, took part in the interviewing process, liaised with counsel, and was engaged in decision making as to whether and how to progress an investigation or take no further action. Her resulting knowledge of the practical workings of FCA criminal and regulatory enforcement, and ability to advise on the potential mind-set of an investigator in examining a case, allows her to assist clients through the investigation and enforcement process.

Since returning Anna has developed an expertise in crypto assets and, in particular, regularly provides advice on the money laundering implications for investors in such products.

Anna provides sympathetic guidance to clients who are in the troubling position of being subject to criminal or regulatory proceedings, whilst at all times offering robust and practical advice as to what may be achieved and what to expect at every stage of the process.

Professional Societies & Memberships

• Defence Extradition Lawyers’ Forum (DELF)
• Women in Criminal Law (WICL)
• Young Fraud Lawyers Association (YFLA)
• London Criminal Courts Solicitors’ Association (LCCSA)

Further Information

Anna provides assistance on a number of voluntary and pro bono projects including:

• Rights of Women telephone advice line
• Stop and Search Legal Project
• Amicus Missouri Project

Publications and speaking opportunities

• EU Anti-Money Laundering Authority Warns Crypto Firms of New Regulations – decrypt.co, July 2025
• Featured speaker at the the ABA 2024 ILS Fall Conference, London, on Competition Law and Cross Border Internal Investigations
• Companies To Be Prosecuted For Minor Offenses Out Of Court, Law360, January 2023
• Webinar: Crypto Compliance: The next AML risk frontier, Thirdfort, August 2022
• Crypto real estate: the property market built on digital assets, Financial Times, September 2022

What clients have said

“I just also wanted to extend my sincere gratitude to you and to John for your help in relation to this issue. Particularly to you in the sensitive way you dealt with our meeting with BTP [the police] – I really felt well looked after – which I think ensured that the right message was conveyed in a situation which was very stressful to me. I would not hesitate in recommending you and your firm to anyone I knew that needed legal advice.” (A client)

“As a working professional, being falsely accused of sexual assault was one of the most frightening and debilitating experiences of my life… With my career, reputation and potentially liberty at stake, I made the decision to engage Kingsley Napley.

“The same day a meeting was scheduled with John Harding and Anna Holmes. In the age of casual sex and internet dating both listened to my story without judgement and applied their expertise regarding how to proceed. John and Anna helped me to convey the truth in a manner that befitted the legal system and the matter was closed by the Police within 28 days. I am glad I made the decision to put my trust in Kingsley Napley and grateful to have encountered professionals of the calibre of Anna and John.” (A client)