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17 June 2026
Issue: 8166 / Categories: Legal News , Litigation funding , Competition , Collective action , Costs
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Merricks funder loses settlement challenge

Litigation funder Innsworth Capital has lost its case over its share of the £200m settlement in former financial ombudsman Walter Merricks’ lengthy opt-out collective action against Mastercard

Merricks’ claim, launched in 2016, was initially valued at about £14bn but eventually settled for £200m. Innsworth argued for equal division, giving potential claimants £4.50 with the unclaimed amount (in practice, all of it) going to the funder.

However, the High Court held the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) was correct to allocate about £68m to Innsworth, representing its costs in the case plus a profit of about £22m, in R (on the application of Innsworth Capital) v CAT [2026] EWHC 1393 (Admin).

Merricks hailed the result ‘a complete vindication’. 

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Charles Russell Speechlys—James Paterson

Charles Russell Speechlys—James Paterson

Charles Russell Speechlys further bolsters Private Equity expertise with the appointment of James Paterson

Ellisons—Samuel Flower

Ellisons—Samuel Flower

Ellisons strengthens Rural Affairs team with senior appointment

Sidley—Carl Hotton

Sidley—Carl Hotton

Sidley adds insurance mergers and acquisitions partner to London office

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