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Clifford Chance LLP

Capital Markets: International: US Law

Global Guide 2026 : Japan

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Clifford Chance LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Capital Markets: International: US Law - Japan

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Clifford Chance has a market-leading team with in-depth expertise in Regulation S and 144A Rule debt issuance, including samurai, convertible and green bond products. The firm is also well known for its work on establishing MTN programmes. It is adept at placing equity, with experience in IPOs and secondary offerings, as well as hybrid products. The team has particularly specialist knowledge of underwriter representation as counsel to major Japanese and international investment banks. The firm is also highly skilled at advising on derivatives transactions involving repackagings and structured note programmes linked to equity, currency and credit.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Clifford Chance advised the underwriters of three drawdowns of notes by Japan Finance Organisation for Municipalities under its GMTN programme, including 144A and Green Bond issuances.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They have a wealth of experience in this field, have a deep understanding of the client's business situation and provide detailed services.

    Capital Markets: International: US Law respondentGlobal

  • Clifford Chance is well versed in the operations of capital markets and has a good understanding of clients' businesses.

    Capital Markets: International: US Law respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Leng-Fong Lai
    Leng-Fong Lai

    Leng-Fong Lai

    Leng-Fong Lai is an international derivatives expert who assists prominent global banks with development products such as swaps, repackaging and structured note programmes. He is admitted in the UK and Singapore, and is a foreign registered lawyer in Japan.

    • He is top-class. He stands out for his experience and quality. It's good to have someone such as him working on the deal. He's very hands-on.

      Capital Markets: International: US Law respondentGlobal
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  • Reiko Sakimura
    Reiko Sakimura

    Reiko Sakimura

    Reiko Sakimura is widely regarded as a high-calibre capital markets adviser with a well-rounded practice covering both debt and equity work.

    • She has leading expert experience in the field of foreign bonds and samurai bonds in Japan. A highly trustworthy lawyer, both in terms of her approach to work and the way she interacts with clients.

      Capital Markets: International: US Law respondentGlobal

    • Reiko Sakimura's advice is backed by overwhelming experience. In the area of convertible bonds, she is considered the leading English law counsel in Japan.

      Capital Markets: International: US Law respondentGlobal
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  • Hajime Saito
    Hajime Saito

    Hajime Saito

    Hajime Saito represents clients in the structured finance space and regularly assists with banking transactions and financial regulatory advice.

    • He has a background in derivatives and structured finance and can advise on those regulations based on his experience in transactions.

      Capital Markets: International: US Law respondentGlobal
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Ranked Individuals at Clifford Chance LLP (4)

Japan

  • Profile image of Hajime Saito

    Hajime Saito

    Capital Markets: Domestic: Securitisation & Derivatives

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  • Profile image of Reiko Sakimura

    Reiko Sakimura

    Capital Markets: International: Asia and Euro Markets

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  • Profile image of Leng-Fong Lai

    Leng-Fong Lai

    Capital Markets: International: Securitisation & Derivatives

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