In the latest edition on WWL: Banking, we identify 795 of the world’s leading finance and regulatory lawyers. They have distinguished themselves with their expertise and experience in a range of international acquisition and structured finance matters, as well as briefs involving banking and finance regulations.
Global Elite Thought Leaders - Finance
Global Elite Thought Leaders - Regulatory
Leading Firms
Charles Cochrane sits among Europe’s foremost finance specialists and is described as “a very experienced lawyer in the field”.
Richard Sharples is “an excellent operator in the market” and “a very experienced LBO lawyer”. His practice focuses on UK and multi-jurisdictional leveraged acquisition financings.
Michael Bates secures widespread endorsements from sources for his first-rate banking and finance practice and strong expertise in infrastructure and restructuring issues.
Bert De Maeyer is praised by peers for being “a good, respectful and experienced practitioner” and “a very fine lawyer”, renowned for his “pragmatic and solution-minded” approach.
Monica Sah earns acclaim from market commentators as one of the EU’s top regulatory experts. She has impressive experience and expertise advising financial institutions on the full spectrum of banking regulation.
Jim MacHale is a respected name among sources, who single him out for the top-notch counsel he delivers to clients on acquisition finance and restructuring matters across the UK and EU.
Bettina Steinhauer enjoys a reputation as a strong lawyer in the German market for her banking practice, which encompasses domestic and cross-border financing as well as transactions involving mezzanine and high-yield debt.
Nicola Wherity secures impressive recommendations for her first-class practice and is sought after by clients for her expertise in corporate banking, structured finance and restructuring matters.
Denise Gibson is recognised by peers as one of the leading lights in European banking and finance law. She is “very highly regarded in the market” and “a very, very good lawyer with an impressive practice”.
Robin Harvey co-heads the firm’s global private equity group and is distinguished by the market as “a very experienced lawyer when it comes to acting for financial sponsors”.
Philip Bowden is selected by peers as a standout lawyer regarding investment grade and leveraged acquisitions finance, as well as lending transactions in emerging markets.
Sylvia Kierszenbaum is noted for her debt capital market and financial regulatory expertise, along with her extensive knowledge of EU finance regulations.
Brice Henry is among France’s top finance specialists whose practice focuses on advising financial institutions on regulated financial products and structured investment funds.
David Campbell enjoys a stellar reputation among peers for his work with restructuring, distressed refinancings and acquisition finance matters.
Yves van Pul ranks highly among peers for his impressive work advising banks and borrowers on acquisition finance, project finance and debt restructuring.
David Ballegeer is acknowledged as a keystone of the European banking and finance market and is praised as “a pre-eminent name in the field”.
Adam Freeman is described by market commentators as “a really great practitioner” and has over 20 years of experience with banking and leveraged finance transactions.
Charles-Antoine Leunen gains the respect of peers in the European market thanks to his excellent record advising on banking, restructuring and project finance issues.
Francisco Ferraz de Carvalho is a top-tier banking and finance lawyer, known for his adept handling of transactions across the energy and infrastructure sectors in Portugal.
Patrick Geortay has over 20 years of experience with structured finance, securitisation and financial regulations in the EU.
Nick Syson is praised as “a truly great lawyer in the space” known for his deep expertise in leveraged finance transactions and debt restructurings.
Etienne Dessy is recognised by sources as “one of the leading regulatory lawyers in Belgium”. One peer effuses that he is “one of the most complete regulatory lawyers in Belgium”.
Friedrich Jergitsch receives widespread commendation for his work advising on structured finance and derivatives matters.
Laurent Mabilat is an active name in acquisition financing matters, highly recommended for his work advising financial institutions, corporate clients and private equity funds.
Michael Josenhans is a respected figure among peers in the European finance market. His expertise lies in banking and finance matters, with a focus on syndicated lending and acquisition finance.
Frank Laudenklos is an esteemed lawyer in the German market, with sources highlighting him for his adept handling of acquisition finance and leveraged buyouts.
Carl Hugo Parment is appreciated by sources for being both “pragmatic and experienced”, and is well versed in advising lenders and borrowers, on leveraged and real estate finance.
Tanja Törnkvist impresses market sources with her expert handling of high-value banking transactions and project financings.
Sources state that Raphaël Richard is “a reference in acquisition finance” and is a go-to for structured and acquisition finance, as well as syndicated lending.
Oscar Liljeson wins impressive recognition for his “can-do approach” and is praised as “a strong lawyer in the market”.
Other Leading Individuals
Austria
Michael Binder at BINDER GRÖSSWANG Rechtsanwälte sits among the top banking and finance lawyers that Europe has to offer. He brings over 30 years of experience advising on regulatory matters as well as cross-border transactions.
Belgium
Antoine De Raeve with Baker McKenzie is praised as “both transaction and client driven”, with one source noting: “The availability and skills of Antoine are second to none in concluding a deal under considerable time pressure.”
Michael Van Acker is held in high esteem by market sources thanks to his sweeping knowledge of acquisition finance and cross-border banking transactions.
Czech Republic
Kocian Solc Balastik’s Jiří Balaštík is acknowledged as a statesman of the Czech market, with over 40 years of experience with banking and real estate financing, as well as M&A transactions.
Martin Aschenbrenner at PRK Partners wins considerable endorsements from peers for his practice, which spans domestic and international securities offerings and debt issuance matters.
Denmark
Kromann Reumert’s Kim Rasmussen is a top-drawer lawyer in the Danish market, with banks and corporations retaining him for his expertise with syndicated loans, acquisition finance and bond issuances.
Thomas Kaas is a distinguished name for banking and finance matters. He advises domestic and international banks and corporations on restructurings, lending and structured financings.
Tobias Linde at Gorrissen Federspiel impresses market commentators with his first-class banking practice and experience representing lenders and borrowers.
England
Jonathan Brownson at Cahill Gordon & Reindel is lauded by market commentators as “one of the best lawyers in the market” and “a leading LBO lawyer”.
Neel Sachdev of Kirkland & Ellis is described by respondents as “a market leader in the finance space”. He is sought after for his skill with multi-jurisdictional leveraged buyouts.
Matthew Cottis with Hogan Lovells is appreciated among peers as “a very experienced and talented lawyer in the field”, with a focus on leveraged finance, fund lending and syndicated loans.
Penny Angell leads the firm’s global banking practice and enjoys widespread recommendations from peers for her expertise in leveraged finance and corporate debt matters.
Norton Rose Fulbright’s Jonathan Herbst is held in high regard for his impressive practice which focuses on regulations pertaining to bank structuring, markets and commodity derivatives.
Alyssa Caples at Cravath, Swaine & Moore is praised by sources as “an experienced and user-friendly lawyer mainly on the bond side”. She has represented some of the world’s largest corporations on corporate finance and transactional matters.
Philip Boeckman is identified by respondents as “a very experienced lawyer in the market”, well versed in handling IPOs, rights issuances and equity offerings.
Stephen Kensell of Latham & Watkins impresses respondents with his 20 years of experience advising leading financial institutions on high-value transactions and corporate financings.
France
Bredin Prat’s Samuel Pariente enjoys a stellar reputation among peers for his work advising clients on LBO financing, debt capital markets and debt restructuring.
Sébastien Praicheux with DLA Piper is identified as a top name in the French market for a range of finance and regulatory matters across the banking sector.
Germany
Johannes Tieves at Hengeler Mueller accrues considerable endorsements for his practice, which focuses on advising domestic and international clients on syndicated loans and hybrid financing issues.
Hendrik Haag impresses market sources with his significant experience advising banking sector clients on high-value corporate transactions and financings.
Latham & Watkins’ Alexandra Hagelüken is distinguished among peers for her impressive work and strong experience advising creditors and borrowers on cross-border financings.
Eva Reudelhuber at Gleiss Lutz is highlighted by peers as a sterling finance lawyer with impressive expertise and experience in acquisition and infrastructure financings.
Ireland
Elaine Hanly at William Fry is held in high regard by market sources thanks to her profound understanding of structured financings and syndicated loans across the banking sector.
Arthur Cox’s Grainne Hennessy is looked upon with enormous favour by sources who consider her a go-to name in Ireland for high-value financings, notably across the construction and real estate sectors.
Italy
Catia Tomasetti at BonelliErede secures her place among Italy’s foremost finance lawyers. She is regularly engaged by clients on project financings, bond issues and corporate transactions.
Corrado Angelelli of Greenberg Traurig wins outstanding endorsements for his work for banking clients, including real estate financing and non-performing-loan securitisations.
Luxembourg
Philippe Dupont of Arendt & Medernach possesses “great technical expertise” when it comes to banking regulations, and “has had a wealth of expertise in this field for several decades”.
Monaco
Olivier Marquet with CMS “has a very large panel of knowledge, which allows him to be very efficient on different matters”. One client effuses that “thanks to his strong experience and efficiency, we always have a good chance to win”.
Tempest Legal Services’ Nathalie Tanzi is an accomplished lawyer with over 25 years of experience with regulatory and compliance matters across the banking sector.
Portugal
Duarte Brito de Goes with Campos Ferreira, Sá Carneiro & Associados is singled out by sources as “a leading banking lawyer of his generation”. He has a strong transactional practice, with proven skill in structured and project finance matters.
Francisco Sá Carneiro is known “a senior lawyer who is well respected in the market”. He has over 35 years of experience advising domestic and international financial institutions on corporate transactions.
Maria Castelos is commended as “an all-round lawyer” with market-leading expertise in project and structured financings, and banking regulation.
VdA’s Pedro Cassiano Santos is known as “a reference for capital markets”. He heads the firm’s banking and finance practice and advises on bank financings and capital market regulations.
André Figueiredo at PLMJ is “a prominent finance lawyer” well known for his work advising borrowers and lenders on structured finance and regulatory issues.
Romania
Simona Marin at Dentons is “highly recommended” by peers across the European market. She acts for borrowers and lenders on complex transactions, as well as on project finance matters.
Spain
Rafael Aguilera of Gómez-Acebo & Pombo Abogados is one of Spain’s leading finance lawyers, with over 20 years of experience with LBOs, real estate and project financings.
Sweden
At Roschier Advokatbyrå, Fredrik Rydin is an established finance specialist in the Swedish market known for his expertise in international syndicated loans, leveraged and asset-backed financings.
Switzerland
Marco Häusermann at Niederer Kraft Frey distinguishes himself in a highly competitive Swiss finance market, with strong experience advising on securities lending and debt capital market transactions.
Sandro Abegglen is respected and admired by peers for his excellent works advising banks on regulatory and civil law issues.
Homburger’s Jürg Frick is appreciated by peers as a pillar of the Swiss banking and finance market, with in-depth knowledge of investment regulation, syndicated financing and bond offerings.
Benedikt Maurenbrecher is lauded as “a legal scholar who is knowledgeable and experienced in the minutest details of the law”. Sources add he “is pragmatic with a keen sense for business, the markets and their actual practices”.
René Bösch has built a world-class banking and finance practice and is renowned for his excellence in debt-capital market transactions and banking regulations.
Eric Stupp at Bär & Karrer is looked upon with enormous favour by sources who consider him a leading light of the Swiss banking and finance market. He is distinguished by sources as “an excellent lawyer and financial regulation statesman”.
Olivier Favre of Schellenberg Wittmer is “knowledgeable and skilled but what sets him apart is that he is responsive and reliable”, according to impressed commentators. He is held in high regard by sources for his ability to deliver “top-quality advice”.
Lukas Glanzmann with Baker McKenzie secures endorsements for his high-quality work advising on large finance transactions and restructurings.
Lenz & Staehelin’s Shelby du Pasquier is "well known in the market" as "an excellent lawyer" who delivers top-tier counsel to domestic and international financial institutions.
Patrick Hünerwadel ranks highly among peers for his in-depth understanding of banking and capital markets regulation.
Ukraine
Glib Bondar at Avellum enjoys extensive recognition for his practice from market commentators, who state, “Glib’s experience is just huge. Professionally, it’s always a pleasure working with him.”
Serhiy Chorny of Baker McKenzie is acknowledged by peers across the European market as one of the strongest banking and finance lawyers in Ukraine. He focuses on cross-border lending and structured finance matters.
Yulia Kyrpa with Aequo is a sterling lawyer, well known for her experience and skill banking M&A, lending and structured finance briefs.
Global Elite Thought Leaders - Finance
Global Elite Thought Leaders - Regulatory
Leading Firms
Richard Higa is a top banking and finance lawyer in the Canadian market, endorsed for his impressive work on asset-based lending and private equity transactions.
Michel Deschamps is a well-established name in the North American market, with over 30 years of experience in structured finance and restructuring matters.
Gordon Baird is “strong technically” and is highly sought after for his work representing bank syndicates, borrowers and non-bank lenders in domestic and cross-border transactions.
Stephen Furlan is a well-regarded name in the Canadian banking and finance space with over 25 years of experience with complex and high-value project financings.
Michael Matheson is described by sources as “an excellent lawyer” and one of Canada’s leading minds for banking, syndicated lending and M&A briefs.
Jacqueline Shinfield is renowned for her wide-ranging experience with payment issues, money laundering and currency exchange regulations.
Aimee Yee is an esteemed financing and restructuring specialist in Canada, with peers emphatically endorsing her work with lenders, borrowers and underwriters.
Simon Finch is a respected lawyer with a strong practice advising on debt transactions, asset-based loans and project financing.
Joel Scoler ranks among Canada’s foremost banking and finance specialists. His practice focuses on advising banks on complex finance, restructuring and insolvency matters.
Derek Vesey impresses commentators with his sweeping knowledge of corporate finance, private equity and PPP transactions.
Carol Pennycook is commended for her over 30 years of experience with structured and project finance matters, as well as debt capital market offerings.
Tom Zverina is known among pees as an esteemed finance specialist. His practice is geared towards M&A financing, project finance and derivatives.
Kevin Fougere is respected for his work advising on project financing, syndicated bank transactions, and bond financing matters.
Blair Keefe stands out as one of Canada’s top minds when it comes to regulatory issues and is retained by some of the jurisdiction’s leading financial institutions.
Amanda Balasubramanian ranks highly among peers for her expert handling of domestic and cross-border bank financings.
Patrick Ryan is described by respondents as “a leading practitioner in his field” and a “top-notch lawyer and person”. He frequently represents financial institutions and investment banks.
Alden Millard Jr has established himself as a key player in the US market when it comes to representing global investors in their corporate finance matters.
Lee Meyerson is a well-recognised name in the market with strong experience representing some of the US’ largest banks and financial institutions in their acquisition and financing issues.
Randall Guynn co-heads the firm’s financial institutions group and is widely endorsed by market commentators for his skill leading on banking regulatory matters and M&A issues.
Margaret Tahyar is looked upon with enormous favour by sources thanks to her market-leading expertise in the gamut of banking regulation.
Bradley Smith is “a highly recommended practitioner in the field”, with impressive expertise in corporate finance and securities transactions.
Other Leading Individuals
Canada
John Torrey at Fasken is lauded by peers as “a great lawyer who gets deals done and the banks love him”. His practice focuses on lending transactions across a range of sectors.
Peter Hamilton of Stikeman Elliott is singled out by sources as a sterling corporate finance and regulatory expert in high demand among some of the world’s largest banks and financial institutions.
Marie Garneau impresses market sources with her in-depth understanding of complex M&A and banking transactions.
Jean Anderson with Goodmans possesses over 35 years of experience with project and structured finance briefs as well as debt restructuring and regulatory matters.
Cassels Brock & Blackwell’s Charles Rich has carved out an impressive niche advising on s loan transactions, debt restructuring and acquisition financing.
USA
Eric Goodison of Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison is a go-to name for banking and financing matters, with over 30 years of experience handling divestitures, structured financing and leveraged transactions.
Greg Ezring has an enviable practice advising major banking clients on high-yield bonds and leveraged loans as well as public equity offerings.
Marc Hanrahan with Milbank receives considerable acclaim from commentators for his skill representing financial institutions on LBOs, tender offers and other private transactions.
Cravath, Swaine & Moore’s Tatiana Lapushchik receives endorsements from peers across the US market for her stellar work representing financial institutions and corporate borrowers on domestic and cross-border financings.
Michael Goldman is recognised as an accomplished figure when it comes to syndicated loan transactions, leveraged finance and securities offerings.
Patricia Robinson at Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz is a key name in the US banking and finance market. She brings considerable experience and expertise in M&A and banking regulations.
Edward Herlihy is a stalwart of the US banking and finance market with over 30 years of experience leading on some of the jurisdiction’s largest and most complex transactions in the sector.
Eric Maki at Jones Day is a celebrated figure in the US market and brings over 30 years of experience with securities law and debt restructurings to his practice.
Sullivan & Cromwell’s Rodgin Cohen is a highly respected banking lawyer, commended for his work representing US and international clients in regulatory and enforcement matters.
Cynthia Urda Kassis of Shearman & Sterling is described by sources as “a practical, reasonable and experienced practitioner”. Her expertise lies in project finance and joint venture transactions.
Sarah Ward with Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom earns widespread acclaim for her work representing borrowers and lenders in acquisitions and leveraged financing matters.
Jamie Boucher has extensive experience representing financial institutions throughout global money laundering investigations and regulatory proceedings.
Global Elite Thought Leaders - Finance
Global Elite Thought Leaders - Regulatory
Leading Firms
Bruno Balduccini has “deep knowledge of Brazilian banking regulations” and “is a direct, honest lawyer who goes the extra-mile for clients”.
José Luiz Homem de Mello enjoys the acclaim of peers in the Brazilian banking market and brings over 20 years of experience with financial transactions and regulatory matters to his briefs.
Fernando de Almeida Prado gains recognition for his work in the banking and finance space and is well versed in structured and derivative transactions.
Marcelo Armas Mfocuses on complex multi-jurisdictional financing matters and is internationally respected for his work in the field.
Rafael Puiggrós is sought after for his expertise in project financing in Peru, as well as his sterling work advising domestic and international clients on M&A transactions.
Andrés Sanfuentes is a well-regarded name in the Chilean banking and finance market, whose expertise lies in project financing and capital markets.
Santiago Carregal is a keystone of the Argentinian banking and finance market, with strong experience with IPOs, project financing and debt instruments.
Cecilia Mairal is a go-to name in the Brazilian market for banks and multinationals regarding cross-border financing and international securities transactions.
Other Leading Individuals
Argentina
Enrique Bruchou with Bruchou Fernandez Madero & Lombardi possesses a wealth of expertise representing investment banks and corporations, on transactional and capital markets issues.
Diego Serrano Redonnet of Pérez Alati Grondona Benites & Arntsen Redonnet “excels in the capital markets, project finance, banking and restructuring practices”. He has “great skills for complex matters”.
Brazil
Pinheiro Guimarães’ Francisco José Pinheiro Guimarães is a standout name in Brazil for his banking and finance expertise. He is retained by clients for project financing, structured finance and banking regulatory matters.
Ivie Moura Alves is looked upon with enormous favour by sources thanks to her profound understanding of banking and capital markets transactions.
Donald Baker at White & Case ranks as one of Brazil’s foremost corporate finance specialists, with impressive experience representing financial institutions and companies on debt and equity securities.
Anthony Oldfield of Clifford Chance has over 20 years of experience representing financial institutions and domestic companies on cross-border loans, structured financing and acquisition matters.
Nei Schilling Zelmanovits with Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados secures high praise from peers across Latin America for his practice and is highlighted for his “strong background in regulatory matters”.
Chile
Francisco Javier Illanes at Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos & Cia secures comprehensive endorsements from peers for his adept handling of company acquisitions, reorganisations and restructurings.
Rodrigo Ochagavía of Claro y Cia is held in high esteem by market commentators across Latin America. He has considerable experience representing lenders, borrowers and investors in Chile.
Mexico
Luis Nicolau with Ritch Mueller Heather y Nicolau is a first-rate banking and finance lawyer, who earns impressive recommendations for his work on M&A acquisitions and capital markets financings.
Creel García-Cuéllar Aiza y Enríquez’s Pedro Velasco P is an esteemed name who regularly represents domestic and international financial institutions as well as corporate borrowers in secured and unsecured financing matters.
Rodrigo Castelazo has an outstanding reputation in the Mexican market, with peers readily recommending him for his work on structured finance transactions and advising private equity funds.
Founding partner Rafael Robles Miaja at Bufete Miaja Abogados shines when leading on commercial transactions, securities issues and privatisations in the domestic market.
Global Elite Thought Leaders - Finance
Global Elite Thought Leaders - Regulatory
Leading Firms
Yuen-Yee Cho is ranks “among the best in the market” according to sources who note her expertise spans corporate and acquisition finance, as well as infrastructure financing.
Ken Astridge is a well-recognised banking and finance specialist whose practice is geared towards securitisation and leveraged finance.
Jeff Clark is an admired financing lawyer among sources, who happily recommend him for his experience and expertise in real estate and other project financing briefs.
Philip Harvey is a prominent figure in the domestic market with a diverse practice spanning banking regulation and debt capital markets.
Shawn Wytenburg gains significant recognition from sources for his market-leading expertise in corporate, leveraged and acquisition finance briefs.
Martin Coleman is praised as a lawyer who is “very good to work with” and is well versed in syndicated lending as well as project financing matters.
Steve Smith is a top name in the banking sector, singled out by market commentators as “a strong and sensible operator”.
Other Leading Individuals
Australia
John Schembri at Gilbert + Tobin stands out as a leading light of the banking and finance market and secures numerous endorsements for his work on structured and project financing matters.
Simon Lynch takes a spot alongside some of the brightest banking and finance minds in Asia-Pacific, having performed standout work in acquisition financings, LBOs and project finance matters.
Nuncio D’Angelo of Norton Rose Fulbright is a prominent figure in the Australian banking and finance space, with over 20 years of experience in onshore and offshore structuring matters as well as corporate finance cases.
Sources heap praise on Richard Gordon with Clifford Chance, given his stellar work advising clients on leveraged acquisitions, infrastructure transactions and restructurings.
Hong Kong
Jill Wong with Howse Williams is “responsive and attentive to clients’ needs” and “is well versed with the legal and regulatory landscape on fintech, cryptocurrencies and payment systems”.
Deacons’ Jane McBride is “an excellent regulatory lawyer with not only a good grasp of the technical rules, but also a sound understanding of the underlying regulatory policy principles that drive the way the Hong Kong regulators work”.
Tim Mak at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is highlighted by peers as a strong regulatory lawyer, with extensive experience with compliance, investigation and enforcement briefs.
India
At Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, L Viswanathan is held in high esteem by sources who note that he “has great experience and is very prompt”.
Bahram Vakil at AZB & Partners is singled out as a consummate banking and finance specialist, with expertise that spans M&A transactions, project finance and bankruptcy proceedings.
Jayesh H of Juris Corp is a keystone of the Indian banking sector and is highly respected for his work on structured finance, derivatives and restructuring matters.
New Zealand
David McPherson at Bell Gully draws widespread recognition for his excellence when it comes to a range of asset and acquisition financings.
Guy Lethbridge of Russell McVeagh is a respected and accomplished practitioner who represents clients in debt issuances, derivatives and regulatory cases.
At Chapman Tripp, Mark Reese is a go-to name in the market, notably when it comes to domestic and cross-border banking transactions.
Ross Pennington impresses commentators with his work representing clients in securitisation transactions and related regulatory issues.
Singapore
Lena Ng at Clifford Chance “has a good understanding of the conflict between the global regulations and fragmented regulations in Asia” as well as “excellent client relationship management skills”.
Francis Mok of Allen & Gledhill is renowned for his “depth of expertise and knowledge across a wide spectrum of regulatory considerations and issues”.
Chee Wai Kok is highly respected for his “ability to breakdown and explain issues” as well as his “dedication to his work and availability”.
At Walkers, John Rogers receives widespread plaudits for his top-tier work advising on high-value structured and acquisition finance matters.