Ranking tables

Asset Finance: Rail Finance | UK

UK-wide

This section covers lawyers who advise on finance linked to the purchase or construction of a distinct asset or set of assets (typically ships, aircraft or rolling stock).    Firms and individuals are ranked under the three tables: Aviation Finance, Rail Finance and Shipping Finance. Firms can provide a separate submission and referee spreadsheet to each table.   Aviation Finance: This table focuses on firms and individuals acting for clients such as leasing companies, banks, airlines and other financial institutions. This section covers financing, including ECA’s, EETC’s and government-supported financings. It includes bankruptcy, operating leases, including JOLCOs, as well as financing of commercial aircrafts, corporate jets and helicopters.     Rail Finance: This table recognises firms and individuals representing clients such as rolling stock lessors, banks and train operating companies. Work in this section spans rolling stock financing deals for ROSCOs, rolling stock franchising, train procurement and leasing structures.    Shipping Finance: This table ranks firms and individuals acting on behalf of shipyards, owners, operators and financial institutions. The work in this section covers financing structure, including asset sales, structured securitisations, and sale and leasebacks. It also includes operational and technical issues. Areas of expertise include offshore, yacht, cruise and LNG sectors.  

All Departments profiles

1

Band 1

  1. Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
    1
    Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
    Asset Finance: Rail Finance
    2025 | Band 1 | 12 Years Ranked

    BCLP has a strong rail finance practice with specialist expertise in rolling stock financing deals for ROSCOs, and is particularly noted for its considerable cross-border strengths. The firm also has experience advising clients on a range of aviation finance matters including the acquisition, disposal and leasing of fleets.

2

Band 2

  1. A&O Shearman
    2
    A&O Shearman
    Asset Finance: Rail Finance
    2025 | Band 2 | 12 Years Ranked

    The firm has a market-leading asset finance practice with outstanding capability across aviation finance, with additional capacity in shipping and rail finance matters. The firm advises clients on sophisticated structures, including EETCs, JOLCOs and ECA-backed bonds. It regularly works with banks and corporates on industry-leading deals. The firm is acclaimed for its well-rounded practice and its ability to provide parallel services relating to tax, litigation and restructuring. It is adept at handling AFIC structured financing products in the aviation sector.

  2. Burges Salmon LLP
    2
    Burges Salmon LLP
    Asset Finance: Rail Finance
    2025 | Band 2 | 12 Years Ranked

    Burges Salmon is a Bristol-based practice with experience working alongside train operating companies on a variety of rolling stock and depot finance issues. The firm is noted for its work on operating leases and rolling stock acquisition. It stands out for its expertise in franchising and for its advice to clients on bidding processes.

  3. Clifford Chance LLP
    2
    Clifford Chance LLP
    Asset Finance: Rail Finance
    2025 | Band 2 | 12 Years Ranked

    Clifford Chance has a go-to practice for aviation finance matters, with additional capability in rail-related transactions. The team works with global aviation clients in complex ECA-supported financings, portfolio transfers and bank financings. The rail team works with government agencies, manufacturers and operators on large rolling stock and infrastructure deals. It draws support from the firm's extensive expertise in complementary areas such as tax, litigation and insolvency to provide a one-stop shop to clients.

3

Band 3

  1. Addleshaw Goddard LLP
    3
    Addleshaw Goddard LLP
    Asset Finance: Rail Finance
    2025 | Band 3 | 6 Years Ranked

    Addleshaw Goddard has a notable asset finance practice with strength in the rail finance sector. The firm primarily advises on the financing of rolling stock, including new-build procurement financing and leasing of fleets, with additional experience advising on the financing of infrastructure.

  2. Norton Rose Fulbright
    3
    Norton Rose Fulbright
    Asset Finance: Rail Finance
    2025 | Band 3 | 12 Years Ranked

    Norton Rose Fulbright houses a deep bench of practitioners who provide leading expertise in shipping finance and aviation financing matters, with additional rail experience. The firm regularly acts for clients, including banks, financial institutions, ship owners, airlines and ROSCOs, on complex cross-border deals, including EETCs, JOLCOs and portfolio transactions. The firm also offers expertise regarding the AFIC aircraft non-payment insurance product.

  3. Stephenson Harwood LLP
    3
    Stephenson Harwood LLP
    Asset Finance: Rail Finance
    2025 | Band 3 | 12 Years Ranked

    Stephenson Harwood has an impressive asset finance practice with ability across shipping, rail and aviation matters. The firm's notable rail finance practice advises on rolling stock procurement and leasing structures. It handles strong shipping finance work with international banks and ship owners on tax leasing, restructurings and ship sale and purchase. The firm's experience in aviation deals includes financing for passenger and freight aircraft. It is also noted for its counsel on complex plant and machinery financings.

  4. Womble Bond Dickinson UK LLP
    3
    Womble Bond Dickinson UK LLP
    Asset Finance: Rail Finance
    2025 | Band 3 | 4 Years Ranked

    Womble Bond Dickinson has a notable rail finance department. It frequently advises operators on the purchase and implementation of rolling stock.