Banking & Finance: International | Global

Baker McKenzie boasts a market-leading team renowned for providing expert advice on a diverse range of financing transactions, leveraging its extensive experience to advise prominent banks and financial institutions. The practice's areas of strength include acquisition and structured finance. The team is noted for its expertise in the financing of renewable power projects. The firm houses a considerable number of practitioners qualified in multiple jurisdictions, and a deep bench of bengoshi also gives the firm a strong presence acting for clients on complex domestic matters.

White & Case boasts a respected asset finance practice, most notably representing major clients in significant aircraft finance transactions, and is known for advising on transactions incorporating JOLCO structures. The team additionally represents clients in regulatory and structured finance matters and possesses experience in export credit financing. The practice is also active on cross-border securitisation and privatisation issues and has additional expertise in refinancing and cross-border acquisition finance. Notable clients include Mizuho Bank, SMBC and MUFG.

A&O Shearman has a proven track record in credit facilities and in syndicated and mezzanine loans. The team is very experienced in handling multi-jurisdictional financings, often coordinating with colleagues in other offices in the region. The firm is also well known for advising on shipping finance matters, particularly those involving FLNG vessels. The firm's lawyers act for both borrowers and lenders, and have additional expertise representing sponsors of energy projects. Key clients include Japan Bank for International Cooperation, Japan International Cooperation Agency and Asian Development Bank. On 1st May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman.

Clifford Chance offers unparalleled knowledge in advising major banks, private equity sponsors and corporates on a wide range of financings. The practice covers negotiating revolving credit facilities, refinancing and acquisition financing, as well as offering services on syndicated and corporate loans. The law firm offers notable strength in asset finance, showing particular expertise in aircraft financings, and is also called upon regularly by major institutions to advise on a range of regulatory issues. The team leverages the support of colleagues in Hong Kong, New York and Singapore to advise on cross-border mandates.

K&L Gates offers a sought-after asset finance team with specialist knowledge of the aviation industry and extensive experience in JOLCO structures. The firm frequently advises leasing companies as well as financial institutions on cross-border financing deals, especially those involving the purchase or leasing of aircraft and aircraft parts. The team also assists with securities arrangements and is knowledgeable and experienced in handling rail, shipping and container finance transactions.

Milbank has a solid reputation for export credit financing but is also active in project finance across a range of sectors. The team demonstrates capabilities in infrastructure, mining and both petrochemicals and renewable energy. The law firm is also known for its work on asset financing, with maritime financing being a specialism. Clients include Japan Bank for International Cooperation, Export-Import Bank of Korea and Nippon Export and Investment Insurance.

Norton Rose Fulbright advises renowned Japanese and international lenders and corporations on syndicated loans, refinancings and other facilities. The law firm is particularly active in asset finance in the shipping sector. The team also handles project finance relating to LNG carriers and other offshore projects, and undertakes infrastructure and mining-related matters.

Ropes & Gray offers a notable sponsor-side practice heavily involved in corporate and acquisition finance. The team advises financial institutions on LBOs, senior and mezzanine loans and refinancing transactions, and works closely with colleagues in China on cross-border deals. The firm is known for its longstanding client relationship with Bain Capital.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman is recognised for its ability to advise clients with regard to asset finance and leasing matters, most particularly in the aviation space. The team is highly conversant with JOLCO structures and additionally is a frequent adviser to clients on lease extensions and purchase and leaseback transactions.