Department profile
MinterEllison

Banking & Finance: Asset Finance & Leasing

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : Australia


MinterEllison

Rankings

About

Provided by MinterEllison

Amid sweeping sectoral change, we're supporting financial institutions to realise their goals. Our multi-disciplinary banking and finance team works with organisations across the sector. These include, but are not limited to, the major Australian banks, foreign banks, credit unions, mutual banks and regional banks. We advise on regulatory issues, financing products, commercial lending and capital raising. In addition, our solutions cover operational issues such as conduct risk mitigation, outsourcing, employment, tax, managing disputes and also credit and investment funds.

Regulatory

Our team's banking regulatory expertise encompasses all technical and commercial aspects of this highly regulated industry. We understand the key areas of interest to regulators such as APRA and ASIC, and assist clients to deal with changing regulations and prudential standards amidst constant political, regulatory and community scrutiny.

Financing

Corporate lending / Syndications, acquisition and leveraged finance

  • Corporate lending / Syndications, acquisition and leveraged finance
  • Senior secured, subordinated & mezzanine debt facilities
  • Unsecured facilities
  • Bridge loans
  • Restructures
  • Club, bilateral & other corporate finance transactions.

Property finance

  • Financing of REITs (listed and wholesale) and managed investment schemes.

Structured finance

  • Securitisation
  • Debt capital markets
  • Derivatives
  • Asset finance

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Banking & Finance: Asset Finance & Leasing - Australia

Band 3

Band 3


What the Team is Known For

MinterEllison maintains a market-leading property financing practice acting on substantial facilities for real estate acquisitions and construction projects, including green loan facilities. The firm is recognised for its expertise in acting for borrowers and lenders across infrastructure acquisitions as well as asset finance and leasing matters, especially in the aviation sector. The team has established relationships with leading domestic banks and multinational investment banks, as well as with prominent non-bank lenders.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • MinterEllison acted for Westpac in relation to the restructuring of long-term lease facilities to Pel-Air Aviation.

  • MinterEllison advised two banking syndicates on facilities to Abacus Group, totalling approximately AUD2.387 billion, to fund a portfolio of properties and a number of storage facilities.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • ME have a very strong understanding of the commercial drivers of our financing decisions. They also understand the ‘musts’ and the ‘nice to have’ elements.

    Banking & Finance: Asset Finance & Leasing respondentAsia-Pacific
  • The team’s strengths include their deep expertise in loans and unwavering commitment to client service. They consistently balance technical excellence with a pragmatic, results-oriented approach.

    Banking & Finance: Asset Finance & Leasing respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Senior StatespeopleTony Berriman
    Senior StatespeopleTony Berriman

    Tony Berriman

    Tony Berriman is a seasoned practitioner who enjoys a leading reputation in the property finance space. He boasts an impressive track record of advising institutional banks and large property developments on major developments and real estate transactions.

    • Tony is our go-to lawyer for matters related to debt. He is highly knowledgeable and very approachable for any questions. He has good commercial awareness and can explain complex matters well.

      Banking & Finance: Asset Finance & Leasing respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Band 1Daniel Marks
    Band 1Daniel Marks

    Daniel Marks

    Daniel Marks is a leading figure for property finance and regularly advises bank syndicates on high value facilities.

    • Daniel is a seasoned professional. He has deep industry knowledge and provides clear, trusted advice.

      Banking & Finance: Asset Finance & Leasing respondentAsia-Pacific
    • Daniel is very commercial and one of the most experienced real estate banking lawyers in the market.

      Banking & Finance: Asset Finance & Leasing respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Band 1James Mok
    Band 1James Mok

    James Mok

    James Mok acts on asset finance mandates, most notably in the aviation sector. He is a frequent adviser to aviation companies and major banks.

    • James is very responsive and solution-oriented. His real strength lies in being able to be agile and pivot during deal structuring, negotiation and closing.

      Banking & Finance: Asset Finance & Leasing respondentAsia-Pacific
    • James Mok delivers an incredible service. He is intelligent, solution-focused and always applies commercial judgement when designing structures for us.

      Banking & Finance: Asset Finance & Leasing respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Band 2Leigh De Jong
    Band 2Leigh De Jong

    Leigh De Jong

    Leigh De Jong acts for investors, banks, developers and REITs on complex and high value property finance transactions.

    • Leigh can cut through to the issue and come up with solutions. He’s really commercial and creative with solutions.

      Banking & Finance: Asset Finance & Leasing respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Band 3John Elias
    Band 3John Elias

    John Elias

    John Elias operates a respected asset finance practice, acting for both domestic and international banks, other financial institutions and leading corporates.
  • Band 3Matthew Cunningham
    Band 3Matthew Cunningham

    Matthew Cunningham

    Matthew Cunningham receives plaudits for his corporate finance activity and is noted for his presence in the agribusiness sector.

    • Matthew is easy to deal with. He understands the complexity of deals and timelines.

      Banking & Finance: Asset Finance & Leasing respondentAsia-Pacific
    • Intellectually, Matthew is razor-sharp. He brings strategic thinking, clear communication and a deep understanding of commercial drivers to the table.

      Banking & Finance: Asset Finance & Leasing respondentAsia-Pacific

Ranked Individuals at MinterEllison (6)

Australia

Members

Provided by MinterEllison

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