Department profile

Capital Markets: Derivatives

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide

Linklaters

Rankings

Ranked Individuals

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Capital Markets: Derivatives - UK-wide

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Linklaters has an extremely deep bench with unparalleled derivatives and structured products capabilities. Widely praised for its in-depth knowledge of changing regulations and developing legislation, they act for significant trade associations, most notably ISDA. Among the firm's many areas of expertise are equity derivatives and credit-linked notes in addition to synthetic risk transfers and market-leading repackagings. Clients include leading investment banks and fintech organisations.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

Linklaters advised UniCredit Bank on its entry into a funded equity collar derivative transaction with Fides.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

The team have excellent experience in and visibility of the repack market across Europe and are able to assist us in executing complex structures. They have a good bench of lawyers at various levels.
Capital Markets: Derivatives respondentUK
The Linklaters team has excellent industry knowledge, enabling them to contribute with more than only strictly legal advice. They not only know the law, they also know how the markets work.
Capital Markets: Derivatives respondentUK
Linklaters provides a top tier service. The team is responsive, reliable and offers commercial advice and pragmatic solutions.
Capital Markets: Derivatives respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Senior Statespeople
Senior Statespeople
Simon Firth
Simon Firth is an outstanding derivatives practitioner with capabilities in all aspects of the market, from drafting documentation to counselling clients on the impact of regulatory developments. He is a thought leader whose advice on market developments is sought by trade organisations, most notably ISDA.
Simon Firth is a pre-eminent figure in the market.
Capital Markets: Derivatives respondentUK
We go to Simon for any firsts we're looking at doing.
Capital Markets: Derivatives respondentUK
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Band 1
Band 1
David Phillips
David Phillips is held in high esteem for his structured notes practice. He is frequently called upon to assist leading investment banks on transactions.
David is a real market leader in repacks and structured products.
Capital Markets: Derivatives respondentUK
David's meticulous attention to detail, technical capability and unwavering focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for his clients set him apart as a leader in his field.
Capital Markets: Derivatives respondentUK
David brings a high level of professionalism and knowledge of the repackaging space.
Capital Markets: Derivatives respondentUK
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Band 1
Band 1
Deepak Sitlani
Deepak Sitlani is head of Linklaters' derivatives and structured products team. He centres his work on the structuring and documentation of OTC derivatives and is consistently praised for his command of regulations.
Deepak is technically excellent, has huge experience across derivatives and very deep industry knowledge.
Capital Markets: Derivatives respondentUK
Deepak is responsive, helpful and has deep sector knowledge. His advice is always practical and commercial.
Capital Markets: Derivatives respondentUK
Deepak is in my view one of the market's leading derivative lawyers.
Capital Markets: Derivatives respondentUK
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Band 1
Band 1
Doug Shaw
Doug Shaw focuses his derivatives practice on international equity-based transactions. He is also recommended for his knowledge of emerging markets.
Doug is a market leading lawyer in the structured equity solutions space. He is technically very strong and is very personable and easy to work with.
Capital Markets: Derivatives respondentUK
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Band 1
Band 1
Michael Voisin
Michael Voisin is skilled in a range of derivatives functions, including the clearing and regulatory capital treatment of derivatives. He is also acclaimed for his ability to advise on the use of fintech in derivatives transactions.
Michael is excellent. He has deep knowledge of law and can easily come up with innovative solutions.
Capital Markets: Derivatives respondentUK
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Band 1
Band 1
Vinay Samani
Vinay Samani's in-depth understanding of structured finance makes him the counsel of choice for leading investment banks. His capabilities span a range of matters, from structured notes to repackagings.
Vinay is our absolute go-to in the repack space. He brings a wealth of knowledge and a calming sense of reassurance and experience to our matters. I wouldn't hesitate to instruct him.
Capital Markets: Derivatives respondentUK
Vinay is one of the best lawyers I have ever worked with and a market leader for structured products and repack work.
Capital Markets: Derivatives respondentUK
Vinay possesses a profound understanding of complex legal principles and regulations. His ability to navigate intricate legal frameworks is second to none.
Capital Markets: Derivatives respondentUK
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Band 3
Band 3
Leanne Banfield
Leanne Banfield is highlighted for her experience in structured note products and repackagings. She is recognised for her work in the developing market of ESG-compliant deals.
Leanne is very responsive and completely understands and is sensitive to our specific business needs.
Capital Markets: Derivatives respondentUK
Leanne has a deep understanding of complex structures, is hands-on and is able to provide practical advice and solutions quickly and simply.
Capital Markets: Derivatives respondentUK
Leanne is great to work with and she is extremely knowledgeable in the repackaging space.
Capital Markets: Derivatives respondentUK
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Associates to watch
Associates to watch
Edmund Leung
Edmund Leung is counsel at Linklaters who is a growing reputation in the structured product space.
Edmund has a high level of professionalism and great knowledge of repacks, especially SPIRE.
Capital Markets: Derivatives respondentUK
He is easy to deal with and is able to identify issues that may have otherwise been missed.
Capital Markets: Derivatives respondentUK
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Associates to watch
Associates to watch
Hannah Pilkington
Hannah Pilkington is an associate in Linklaters derivatives and structures products team.
She has amazing work ethic and great knowledge of the repackaging space.
Capital Markets: Derivatives respondentUK
HHannah is an exceptionally competent, clear and personable managing associate. Her commercial awareness is extremely strong and she has a very good market knowledge for her level of seniority.
Capital Markets: Derivatives respondentUK
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Associates to watch
Associates to watch
James Joseph
James Joseph is counsel in Linklaters derivatives and financial markets group and comes highly recommended for his work on repackagings.
He's easy to work with, commercial and practical - all the things you want in a lawyer.
Capital Markets: Derivatives respondentUK
James is a rising star and our go-to-contact for repack matters. He is extremely commercial, has a really friendly approach and adapts solutions to our needs.
Capital Markets: Derivatives respondentUK
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Associates to watch
Associates to watch
Sarah Willis
Sarah Willis is a recognised derivates expert who advises clients on matters involving exchange-traded and OTC derivatives.
Sarah is brilliant. She's always attentive and available on short notice to discuss big and small matters.
Capital Markets: Derivatives respondentUK
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