Department profile
A&O Shearman

Financial Services: Non-contentious Regulatory

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide


A&O Shearman

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Financial Services: Non-contentious Regulatory - UK-wide

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

A&O Shearman is highly regarded for its broad strength in the non-contentious regulatory space, and is sought out for advice across a full range of industries including banking, insurance and asset management. The group is known for its close relationships with government, regulators and trade bodies.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • A&O Shearman advised Mubadala on its approx. USD2 billion acquisition of SoftBank's interest in Fortress Investment Group. The team helped the client obtain regulatory approval in 12 jurisdictions.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • I have been impressed with their approach which has been commercial yet forensic, challenging but very personable.

    Financial Services: Non-contentious Regulatory respondentUK
  • They provide good legal analysis, in-depth knowledge of securities law and solution oriented legal advice.

    Financial Services: Non-contentious Regulatory respondentUK
  • The team has the technical ability to come up with and deliver on creative solutions to regulatory issues.

    Financial Services: Non-contentious Regulatory respondentUK
  • The firm has a significant depth of strength in technical knowledge across a wide number of partners.

    Financial Services: Non-contentious Regulatory respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Bob Penn
    Band 1Bob Penn

    Bob Penn

    Bob Penn is global head of financial services regulatory at A&O Shearman. He enjoys a high profile for his expertise in the space and he is sought out by clients including major banks, listed companies and investment firms.

    • He has an excellent knowledge of the law and knows how to apply it in real life situations.

      Financial Services: Non-contentious Regulatory respondentUK
    • He is a fantastic lawyer.

      Financial Services: Non-contentious Regulatory respondentUK
  • Band 3Thomas Donegan
    Band 3Thomas Donegan

    Thomas Donegan

    Thomas Donegan offers regulatory advice to a range of clients including large banks, investment companies and other financial institutions. Donegan regularly advises these clients in connection with M&A.

    • Thomas is very knowledgeable, easy to approach and understands client's needs.

      Financial Services: Non-contentious Regulatory respondentUK
    • Thomas's understanding and legal expertise in financial regulatory matters is impressive. He has an ability to grasp complex issues quickly and come up with creative solutions.

      Financial Services: Non-contentious Regulatory respondentUK
    • Thomas is a pleasure to work with; and we have appreciated his commercial yet thoughtful approach.

      Financial Services: Non-contentious Regulatory respondentUK
  • Band 4Kate Sumpter
    Band 4Kate Sumpter

    Kate Sumpter

    Kate Sumpter is a go-to practitioner for international banks and financial institutions and is recognised for her expertise on structural change projects.

Ranked Individuals at A&O Shearman (3)

UK-wide

  • Profile image of Bob Penn

    Bob Penn

    Financial Services: Non-contentious Regulatory

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  • Profile image of Thomas Donegan

    Thomas Donegan

    Financial Services: Non-contentious Regulatory

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  • Profile image of Kate Sumpter

    Kate Sumpter

    Financial Services: Non-contentious Regulatory

    View profile

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