Called to the Bar
  • Ontario (2001)
Education
  • University of Windsor, LLB, 1999
  • University of Guelph, BA (Honours), 1996
Affiliations
  • International Bar Association
  • American Bar Association
  • The Advocates' Society

Maureen Ward is a Partner at WeirFoulds LLP with a practice in the firm’s Commercial Litigation, Fraud and Anti-Corruption, Blockchain & Digital Assets Practice Groups. Her practice focuses on cross-border fraud litigation, asset recovery, and complex financial disputes.

Maureen Ward is a leading commercial litigator with a global reputation for advising on high-stakes commercial litigation matters involving fraud, injunctions, asset tracing and recovery, enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitral awards, and cryptocurrency disputes. Her practice also encompasses internal and regulatory investigations, anti-money laundering and corruption compliance, and multi-jurisdictional litigation. Maureen serves as a key contact in the Fraud & Anti-Corruption Practice Group.

Maureen has been described by client’s as “technically excellent” and “a force of nature” in the context of her repeated ranking by Chambers & Partners in their Global Guide for Asset Tracing & Recovery (litigation lawyers). Her clients and market peers note that “Within the Canadian space, she is incredibly powerful. She stands out in the global space in her holistic approach and is someone I rate highly,” also noting that she is “fantastic in her approach to clients and problems, with real energy and drive.”

Maureen has significant experience acting as lead counsel in complex, high-value cases, often involving urgent injunctive relief. Her advocacy spans Ponzi schemes, offshore banking, bank liability, data breaches, investment disputes, and tracing hidden assets in contentious divorce proceedings. She is widely regarded as a thought leader in international litigation and asset recovery, frequently speaking at major conferences and programs hosted by the International Bar Association, universities such as Osgoode, Queen’s, and Western Law, and continuing legal education forums.

Her leadership in the field is reflected in numerous accolades:

  • Ranked by Lexology Index: Asset Recovery (2025) among the foremost asset recovery lawyers globally
  • Recognized in Chambers Canada (2025) for White-Collar Crime and Government Investigations
  • Ranked by Chambers Global (2023, 2024 & 2025) for Asset Tracing and Recovery

Maureen is Vice-Chair of the International Bar Association Asset Recovery Committee, a founding member of the North American Chapter of CFAAR (Cryptocurrency Fraud and Asset Recovery network) and serves on the steering committee of the International Fraud Group. She co-authored the legal chapter of the Association of Certified Forensic Investigators of Canada Certification Manual and is frequently called upon to consult on cutting-edge issues in blockchain, digital assets, and financial crime.

Experience
  • Led recognition proceedings in Ontario for the Joint Liquidators of Three Arrows Capital, one of the largest crypto insolvencies globally, valued at over $5 billion.
  • Represented the Joint Liquidators of Stanford International Bank following its $5.5 billion collapse—the world’s second-largest Ponzi scheme, which included a four-month trial. 
  • Advised a large venture capital fund in Chicago on a $22.5 million cross-border investment fraud, obtaining a freeze order and Anton Piller Order.
  • Advised on a multi-billion-dollar Brazilian fraud involving $1.3 billion misappropriated and laundered through Canadian public markets, including international asset tracing. 
  • Represented the U.S. SEC court-appointed federal equity receiver in Texas in litigation and asset recovery related to the “Chinese Warren Buffet” Ponzi scheme. 
  • Obtained recognition and subsequently enforced a $190 million foreign arbitral award against a foreign sovereign situated in Canada. 
  • Represented a large aircraft manufacturer in proceedings involving the freezing of an aircraft in Canada. 
  • Obtained and executed an Anton Piller Order for a large European publicly traded bookmaker following theft and attempted resale of private data for over one million customers. 
  • Secured disclosure orders for a large publicly traded European company in a sophisticated short-selling scheme to identify web-based wrongdoers. 
  • Acted for Swiss-based Bruno Manser Fund in a first-of-its-kind Norwich Pharmacal disclosure order application to obtain information for a potential private prosecution related to alleged money laundering of Malaysian political corruption proceeds in Canada. 
  • Represented Lone Pine in a NAFTA investor-state dispute in Canada. 
  • Represented the court-appointed receiver in Canada’s largest Ponzi scheme involving numerous corporations and individuals. 
  • Advised multiple companies on AML and Sanctions compliance. 
  • Acted for investors in Stanford International Bank Ltd. in claims against Toronto-Dominion Bank (Dynasty v. Toronto Dominion Bank, 2010 ONSC 436).
  • Defended Hollinger International Inc. in responding to a $22.5 million summary judgment motion arising from transactions with CanWest (CanWest Global Communications Corp. v. Hollinger Inc., 2004 CarswellOnt 3291). 
  • Represented Hollinger International Inc. in arbitration arising from the $3.5 billion sale of media assets to CanWest Global Communications. 
  • Recognized by Chambers Canada (2025) for White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations 
  • Ranked by Chambers Global (2023, 2024 & 2025) in Litigation Support – Asset Tracing & Recovery (Global-wide) 
  • Ranked by Lexology Index: Asset Recovery (2025) as one of the foremost asset recovery lawyers from onshore and offshore jurisdictions 
  • Repeatedly recognized as a Future Star by Benchmark Litigation: Canada 
  • Vice-Chair, International Bar Association Asset Recovery Committee
  • Founding Member, North American Chapter of CFAAR (Cryptocurrency Fraud and Asset Recovery Network)
  • Steering Committee and Member, International Fraud Group
  • Member, International Bar Association
  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Member, The Advocates’ Society
  • Regular speaker and panelist at International Bar Association Annual Conferences
  • Frequent lecturer at Osgoode Hall Law School, Queen’s University, Western Law, and continuing legal education programs
  • Guest instructor at Canadian Police College (Integrated Financial Investigations – Investment Fraud)
  • Speaker at industry forums including Ontario Bar Association, Canadian Health Care Anti-Fraud Association, and OffshoreAlert
  • Led recognition proceedings in Ontario for the Joint Liquidators of Three Arrows Capital, one of the largest crypto insolvencies globally, valued at over $5 billion.
  • Represented the Joint Liquidators of Stanford International Bank following its $5.5 billion collapse—the world’s second-largest Ponzi scheme, which included a four-month trial. 
  • Advised a large venture capital fund in Chicago on a $22.5 million cross-border investment fraud, obtaining a freeze order and Anton Piller Order.
  • Advised on a multi-billion-dollar Brazilian fraud involving $1.3 billion misappropriated and laundered through Canadian public markets, including international asset tracing. 
  • Represented the U.S. SEC court-appointed federal equity receiver in Texas in litigation and asset recovery related to the “Chinese Warren Buffet” Ponzi scheme. 
  • Obtained recognition and subsequently enforced a $190 million foreign arbitral award against a foreign sovereign situated in Canada. 
  • Represented a large aircraft manufacturer in proceedings involving the freezing of an aircraft in Canada. 
  • Obtained and executed an Anton Piller Order for a large European publicly traded bookmaker following theft and attempted resale of private data for over one million customers. 
  • Secured disclosure orders for a large publicly traded European company in a sophisticated short-selling scheme to identify web-based wrongdoers. 
  • Acted for Swiss-based Bruno Manser Fund in a first-of-its-kind Norwich Pharmacal disclosure order application to obtain information for a potential private prosecution related to alleged money laundering of Malaysian political corruption proceeds in Canada. 
  • Represented Lone Pine in a NAFTA investor-state dispute in Canada. 
  • Represented the court-appointed receiver in Canada’s largest Ponzi scheme involving numerous corporations and individuals. 
  • Advised multiple companies on AML and Sanctions compliance. 
  • Acted for investors in Stanford International Bank Ltd. in claims against Toronto-Dominion Bank (Dynasty v. Toronto Dominion Bank, 2010 ONSC 436).
  • Defended Hollinger International Inc. in responding to a $22.5 million summary judgment motion arising from transactions with CanWest (CanWest Global Communications Corp. v. Hollinger Inc., 2004 CarswellOnt 3291). 
  • Represented Hollinger International Inc. in arbitration arising from the $3.5 billion sale of media assets to CanWest Global Communications. 
  • Recognized by Chambers Canada (2025) for White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations 
  • Ranked by Chambers Global (2023, 2024 & 2025) in Litigation Support – Asset Tracing & Recovery (Global-wide) 
  • Ranked by Lexology Index: Asset Recovery (2025) as one of the foremost asset recovery lawyers from onshore and offshore jurisdictions 
  • Repeatedly recognized as a Future Star by Benchmark Litigation: Canada 
  • Vice-Chair, International Bar Association Asset Recovery Committee
  • Founding Member, North American Chapter of CFAAR (Cryptocurrency Fraud and Asset Recovery Network)
  • Steering Committee and Member, International Fraud Group
  • Member, International Bar Association
  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Member, The Advocates’ Society
  • Regular speaker and panelist at International Bar Association Annual Conferences
  • Frequent lecturer at Osgoode Hall Law School, Queen’s University, Western Law, and continuing legal education programs
  • Guest instructor at Canadian Police College (Integrated Financial Investigations – Investment Fraud)
  • Speaker at industry forums including Ontario Bar Association, Canadian Health Care Anti-Fraud Association, and OffshoreAlert

Maureen Ward is a Partner at WeirFoulds LLP with a practice in the firm’s Commercial Litigation, Fraud and Anti-Corruption, Blockchain & Digital Assets Practice Groups. Her practice focuses on cross-border fraud litigation, asset recovery, and complex financial disputes.

Maureen Ward is a leading commercial litigator with a global reputation for advising on high-stakes commercial litigation matters involving fraud, injunctions, asset tracing and recovery, enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitral awards, and cryptocurrency disputes. Her practice also encompasses internal and regulatory investigations, anti-money laundering and corruption compliance, and multi-jurisdictional litigation. Maureen serves as a key contact in the Fraud & Anti-Corruption Practice Group.

Maureen has been described by client’s as “technically excellent” and “a force of nature” in the context of her repeated ranking by Chambers & Partners in their Global Guide for Asset Tracing & Recovery (litigation lawyers). Her clients and market peers note that “Within the Canadian space, she is incredibly powerful. She stands out in the global space in her holistic approach and is someone I rate highly,” also noting that she is “fantastic in her approach to clients and problems, with real energy and drive.”

Maureen has significant experience acting as lead counsel in complex, high-value cases, often involving urgent injunctive relief. Her advocacy spans Ponzi schemes, offshore banking, bank liability, data breaches, investment disputes, and tracing hidden assets in contentious divorce proceedings. She is widely regarded as a thought leader in international litigation and asset recovery, frequently speaking at major conferences and programs hosted by the International Bar Association, universities such as Osgoode, Queen’s, and Western Law, and continuing legal education forums.

Her leadership in the field is reflected in numerous accolades:

  • Ranked by Lexology Index: Asset Recovery (2025) among the foremost asset recovery lawyers globally
  • Recognized in Chambers Canada (2025) for White-Collar Crime and Government Investigations
  • Ranked by Chambers Global (2023, 2024 & 2025) for Asset Tracing and Recovery

Maureen is Vice-Chair of the International Bar Association Asset Recovery Committee, a founding member of the North American Chapter of CFAAR (Cryptocurrency Fraud and Asset Recovery network) and serves on the steering committee of the International Fraud Group. She co-authored the legal chapter of the Association of Certified Forensic Investigators of Canada Certification Manual and is frequently called upon to consult on cutting-edge issues in blockchain, digital assets, and financial crime.

Experience
  • Led recognition proceedings in Ontario for the Joint Liquidators of Three Arrows Capital, one of the largest crypto insolvencies globally, valued at over $5 billion.
  • Represented the Joint Liquidators of Stanford International Bank following its $5.5 billion collapse—the world’s second-largest Ponzi scheme, which included a four-month trial. 
  • Advised a large venture capital fund in Chicago on a $22.5 million cross-border investment fraud, obtaining a freeze order and Anton Piller Order.
  • Advised on a multi-billion-dollar Brazilian fraud involving $1.3 billion misappropriated and laundered through Canadian public markets, including international asset tracing. 
  • Represented the U.S. SEC court-appointed federal equity receiver in Texas in litigation and asset recovery related to the “Chinese Warren Buffet” Ponzi scheme. 
  • Obtained recognition and subsequently enforced a $190 million foreign arbitral award against a foreign sovereign situated in Canada. 
  • Represented a large aircraft manufacturer in proceedings involving the freezing of an aircraft in Canada. 
  • Obtained and executed an Anton Piller Order for a large European publicly traded bookmaker following theft and attempted resale of private data for over one million customers. 
  • Secured disclosure orders for a large publicly traded European company in a sophisticated short-selling scheme to identify web-based wrongdoers. 
  • Acted for Swiss-based Bruno Manser Fund in a first-of-its-kind Norwich Pharmacal disclosure order application to obtain information for a potential private prosecution related to alleged money laundering of Malaysian political corruption proceeds in Canada. 
  • Represented Lone Pine in a NAFTA investor-state dispute in Canada. 
  • Represented the court-appointed receiver in Canada’s largest Ponzi scheme involving numerous corporations and individuals. 
  • Advised multiple companies on AML and Sanctions compliance. 
  • Acted for investors in Stanford International Bank Ltd. in claims against Toronto-Dominion Bank (Dynasty v. Toronto Dominion Bank, 2010 ONSC 436).
  • Defended Hollinger International Inc. in responding to a $22.5 million summary judgment motion arising from transactions with CanWest (CanWest Global Communications Corp. v. Hollinger Inc., 2004 CarswellOnt 3291). 
  • Represented Hollinger International Inc. in arbitration arising from the $3.5 billion sale of media assets to CanWest Global Communications. 
  • Recognized by Chambers Canada (2025) for White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations 
  • Ranked by Chambers Global (2023, 2024 & 2025) in Litigation Support – Asset Tracing & Recovery (Global-wide) 
  • Ranked by Lexology Index: Asset Recovery (2025) as one of the foremost asset recovery lawyers from onshore and offshore jurisdictions 
  • Repeatedly recognized as a Future Star by Benchmark Litigation: Canada 
  • Vice-Chair, International Bar Association Asset Recovery Committee
  • Founding Member, North American Chapter of CFAAR (Cryptocurrency Fraud and Asset Recovery Network)
  • Steering Committee and Member, International Fraud Group
  • Member, International Bar Association
  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Member, The Advocates’ Society
  • Regular speaker and panelist at International Bar Association Annual Conferences
  • Frequent lecturer at Osgoode Hall Law School, Queen’s University, Western Law, and continuing legal education programs
  • Guest instructor at Canadian Police College (Integrated Financial Investigations – Investment Fraud)
  • Speaker at industry forums including Ontario Bar Association, Canadian Health Care Anti-Fraud Association, and OffshoreAlert
  • Led recognition proceedings in Ontario for the Joint Liquidators of Three Arrows Capital, one of the largest crypto insolvencies globally, valued at over $5 billion.
  • Represented the Joint Liquidators of Stanford International Bank following its $5.5 billion collapse—the world’s second-largest Ponzi scheme, which included a four-month trial. 
  • Advised a large venture capital fund in Chicago on a $22.5 million cross-border investment fraud, obtaining a freeze order and Anton Piller Order.
  • Advised on a multi-billion-dollar Brazilian fraud involving $1.3 billion misappropriated and laundered through Canadian public markets, including international asset tracing. 
  • Represented the U.S. SEC court-appointed federal equity receiver in Texas in litigation and asset recovery related to the “Chinese Warren Buffet” Ponzi scheme. 
  • Obtained recognition and subsequently enforced a $190 million foreign arbitral award against a foreign sovereign situated in Canada. 
  • Represented a large aircraft manufacturer in proceedings involving the freezing of an aircraft in Canada. 
  • Obtained and executed an Anton Piller Order for a large European publicly traded bookmaker following theft and attempted resale of private data for over one million customers. 
  • Secured disclosure orders for a large publicly traded European company in a sophisticated short-selling scheme to identify web-based wrongdoers. 
  • Acted for Swiss-based Bruno Manser Fund in a first-of-its-kind Norwich Pharmacal disclosure order application to obtain information for a potential private prosecution related to alleged money laundering of Malaysian political corruption proceeds in Canada. 
  • Represented Lone Pine in a NAFTA investor-state dispute in Canada. 
  • Represented the court-appointed receiver in Canada’s largest Ponzi scheme involving numerous corporations and individuals. 
  • Advised multiple companies on AML and Sanctions compliance. 
  • Acted for investors in Stanford International Bank Ltd. in claims against Toronto-Dominion Bank (Dynasty v. Toronto Dominion Bank, 2010 ONSC 436).
  • Defended Hollinger International Inc. in responding to a $22.5 million summary judgment motion arising from transactions with CanWest (CanWest Global Communications Corp. v. Hollinger Inc., 2004 CarswellOnt 3291). 
  • Represented Hollinger International Inc. in arbitration arising from the $3.5 billion sale of media assets to CanWest Global Communications. 
  • Recognized by Chambers Canada (2025) for White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations 
  • Ranked by Chambers Global (2023, 2024 & 2025) in Litigation Support – Asset Tracing & Recovery (Global-wide) 
  • Ranked by Lexology Index: Asset Recovery (2025) as one of the foremost asset recovery lawyers from onshore and offshore jurisdictions 
  • Repeatedly recognized as a Future Star by Benchmark Litigation: Canada 
  • Vice-Chair, International Bar Association Asset Recovery Committee
  • Founding Member, North American Chapter of CFAAR (Cryptocurrency Fraud and Asset Recovery Network)
  • Steering Committee and Member, International Fraud Group
  • Member, International Bar Association
  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Member, The Advocates’ Society
  • Regular speaker and panelist at International Bar Association Annual Conferences
  • Frequent lecturer at Osgoode Hall Law School, Queen’s University, Western Law, and continuing legal education programs
  • Guest instructor at Canadian Police College (Integrated Financial Investigations – Investment Fraud)
  • Speaker at industry forums including Ontario Bar Association, Canadian Health Care Anti-Fraud Association, and OffshoreAlert
Called to the Bar
  • Ontario (2001)
Education
  • University of Windsor, LLB, 1999
  • University of Guelph, BA (Honours), 1996
Affiliations
  • International Bar Association
  • American Bar Association
  • The Advocates' Society
Upcoming Event
Mar 12 2026

Fraud, Asset Tracing & Recovery Geneva – C5 Communications

Partner Maureen Ward will speak during the 20th anniversary edition of Fraud, Asset Tracing & Recovery Geneva, which will be hosted by C5 Communications in Geneva, Switzerland on Thursday, March 12 – Friday, March 13, 2026.

Speaking Engagements
  • Speaker, “Bridging the Gap Between Restitution and Recovery”, Fraud, Asset Tracing & Recovery Geneva, C5 Communications, Geneva, Switzerland, March 12, 2026
  • Insol International Instructor for the Cryptocurrency Asset Recovery Course, 2025
  • Moderator, “State immunity—overcoming impediments to enforcement,” IBA Annual Conference, Toronto (November 5, 2025)
  • Speaker, “Making Asset Recovery More Effective in the Cross Border Context,” American Conference Institute (September 2025)
  • Speaker, “Cross Border Insolvency Tools in Contentious Dispute and Foreign Judgment Enforcement in Canada” (June 2025)
  • Speaker, “Injunctive Relief and Asset Recovery Strategies – Jurisdiction Comparisons,” Thought Leaders (May 2025)
  • Speaker, “Around the World – Cross border litigation issues impacting Asset Recovery,” Informa Connect (February 2025)
  • Speaker, “The Ongoing Impact of Sanctions on Enforcement,” International Bar Association (December 2024)
  • Moderator, Panel discussions at the 10th World Women Lawyers’ Conference, Toronto (October 24, 2024)
  • Speaker, “Unlikely Cases and Unlikely Defendants – maximizing litigation prospects,” Asset Recovery Americas, Informa Connect (June 2024)
  • Speaker, “Civil Fraud Recovery and International Investigations,” Toronto Police Service International Financial Crime Investigators Conference (2024)
  • Speaker, “Sovereign & States Disputes Enforcement,” Summit 2024, Thought Leaders (February 2024)
  • Speaker, “Asset recovery and the war in Ukraine,” IBA Annual Conference, Paris (November 1, 2023)
  • Speaker, “The Digital Elephant in the Room: Are Crypto Tokens Securities?” OffshoreAlert Conference, Miami (April 24, 2023)
  • Panelist, “International Judgment Enforcement & Recognition,” ThoughtLeaders4Fire Conference, Portugal (May 17, 2023)
  • Panelist, “The New World of Cryptocurrency and Blockchain,” 39th International Symposium on Economic Crime (AML Summit), Cambridge (September 7, 2022)
Latest Insight & News

Additional Publications

  • Co-Author, “Legal Chapter – Association of Certified Forensic Investigators of Canada Certification Manual”, Association of Certified Forensic Investigators of Canada 

Media Mentions