Commodities: Trade Finance
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7814 8000About
Provided by Watson Farley & Williams
WFW’s specialist focus on the commodities market and long-standing expertise in complex finance-orientated work ensure it is a leading adviser in the commodity and structured finance space. WFW also has a strong and active disputes team which has operated in the commodities sector for many years.
WFW is particularly strong in its specialist sectors. Natural resources is one such specialist sector for the firm, with considerable expertise in the mining and minerals, soft commodities, oil and gas and other energy markets, particularly in relation to corporate/M&A, finance and disputes matters. WFW understands the vagaries of the commodity life cycle and the full extent of the supply chain.
WFW is active in leading commodities-producing regions such as Africa, Asia and Latin America - in particular markets such as West Africa, India and Brazil - as well as Western and Eastern Europe. The team advises banks and non-bank lenders, commodities houses and trade borrowers despite the continued volatility of global financial markets.
Chambers Review
Watson Farley & Williams has an established trade finance practice, advising banks and financial institutions on a range of transactions and structures. The firm provides a global reach through its network of international offices. It exhibits particular knowledge of African markets and represents clients in significant upstream financing.
Work Highlights
- Watson Farley & Williams advised JE Energy in an oil trading dispute with Vitol SA.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They are very good when explaining complex issues. The team is very committed and their response times are quick."
"They have a depth of experience and their advice is always clear, practical and realistic."
"The firm provides efficient and effective support and the team is available as and when required."
"They are a great team who leverage the work well and understand the issues. They are knowledgeable and aware of the wider industry context."
"They are very good when explaining complex issues. The team is very committed and their response times are quick."
"They have a depth of experience and their advice is always clear, practical and realistic."
"The firm provides efficient and effective support and the team is available as and when required."
"They are a great team who leverage the work well and understand the issues. They are knowledgeable and aware of the wider industry context."
Notable Practitioners
Joe Levin leads the firm's upstream finance team. He advises major banks, lenders and arrangers on financings in the energy and natural resources sectors.
"Joe has a range of trade and commodity finance experience. He also has fantastic client management skills and a commercial approach."
"Joe Levin is brilliant to work with. He is always enthusiastic and engaged on the matter and is fully up to speed on the dynamics of the transaction."
"Joe Levin is very knowledgeable and always available to discuss any issues. He is a very good advisor."
Ranked Lawyers at
Watson Farley & Williams
UK-wide
Members
Provided by Watson Farley & Williams
Clients
Provided by Watson Farley & Williams
African Import-Export Bank
BLME (Bank of London and the Middle East)
BNP Paribas
Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank
Diamond Bank
FBN Bank (UK) Limited
Rabobank
Standard Bank
Standard Chartered
Union Bank UK plc
Industries
Provided by Watson Farley & Williams
Charities / Not for Profit
Energy
Financial Services
Food & Drink Producers
Mining & Metals