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Ranking tables

Global UK Banking & Finance

The Global-Wide Banking & Finance section of Chambers research is a recognition of the firms adept at advising on various elements of a broad range of cross-border banking transactions, which includes advice to both borrower and lender clients. The following topics are included:

  • Acquisition finance: Transactions involving arranging finance for acquisitions acting for either the lender or the borrower.
  • General bank lending: Syndicated lending, structured finance, leveraged finance.
  • Project finance: Financing of infrastructure and industrial projects. Often arranged on a non-recourse loan basis. See also equipment finance and leasing.
  • Refinancing: The refinancing and restructuring of existing loans and debtor-in-possession financing is also included.

E
Eminent Practitioners
  1. Michael Bates Clifford Chance LLP
  2. Robert Lee Clifford Chance LLP
  3. Stephen KensellLatham & Watkins
1
Band 1
  1. Charles Cochrane Clifford Chance LLP
  2. Denise Gibson Allen & Overy LLP
  3. Ian Barratt
    Ian Barratt Kirkland & Ellis International LLP
  4. Suhrud Mehta Milbank LLP
  5. Dominic NewcombLatham & Watkins
  6. Jayanthi SadanandanLatham & Watkins
  7. Neel SachdevPaul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
  8. Stephen LucasKirkland & Ellis International LLP

E
Eminent Practitioners
  1. E
    Michael Bates
    Clifford Chance LLP
    Clifford Chance LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Eminent Practitioners |
    UK regional managing partner Michael Bates is recognised as one of the foremost experts in infrastructure financing matters. He also comes highly recommended for his expertise when acting for corporate borrowers.
  2. E
    Robert Lee
    Clifford Chance LLP
    Clifford Chance LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Eminent Practitioners |
    Robert Lee is the global practice area leader for finance at the firm. His broad finance practice spans cross-border M&A, corporate lending and fund finance matters, among others.
  3. Stephen Kensell
    Latham & Watkins | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Eminent Practitioners
1
Band 1
  1. 1
    Charles Cochrane
    Clifford Chance LLP
    Clifford Chance LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 1 |
    Charles Cochrane acts for both borrower and lender-side clients on complex domestic and cross-border financings. His work includes everything from M&A financing to leveraged and debt restructuring matters.
  2. 1
    Denise Gibson
    Allen & Overy LLP
    Allen & Overy LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 1 |
    Denise Gibson has a respected practice advising on a range of leveraged financings. She is also well placed to assist with direct lending transactions and structured finance.
  3. Ian Barratt
    1
    Ian Barratt
    Kirkland & Ellis International LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 1 |
    Ian Barratt continues to be regarded as one of the premier choices for sponsor-side representation. He is frequently instructed by leading private equity clients to advise on leveraged and acquisition finance matters and is well versed in cross-border transactions.
  4. 1
    Suhrud Mehta
    Milbank LLP
    Milbank LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 1 |
    Co-head of the firm's global leveraged finance practice Suhrud Mehta is regularly instructed on complex cross-border matters. He is a practitioner of choice for leading financial institutions on big-ticket transactions.
  5. Dominic Newcomb
    Latham & Watkins | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 1
  6. Jayanthi Sadanandan
    Latham & Watkins | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 1
  7. Neel Sachdev
    Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 1
  8. Stephen Lucas
    Kirkland & Ellis International LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 1
2
Band 2
  1. Alex Mitchell
    2
    Alex Mitchell
    Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
    Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 2 |
    Alex Mitchell is co-head of Freshfields' European leveraged finance group and regularly acts for investment fund and private equity clients. He is well positioned to act on complex multi-jurisdictional transactions.
  2. Christopher Kandel
    2
    Christopher Kandel
    Morrison Foerster
    Morrison Foerster | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 2 |
    Christopher Kandel of Morrison Foerster is regarded as a go-to player in the London banking and finance market. His expertise includes complex and high-value cross-border leveraged and acquisition finance matters.
  3. Jonathan Brownson
    2
    Jonathan Brownson
    Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP
    Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 2 |
    Jonathan Brownson is held in high regard for his expertise in leveraged finance. He has a wealth of experience acting for both lenders and borrowers on domestic and international mandates.
  4. 2
    Nick Syson
    Linklaters
    Linklaters | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 2 |
    Nick Syson is renowned in the market for his wealth of experience assisting banks with large-cap financings. He is adroit at advising on leveraged finance and debt restructuring matters.
  5. 2
    Robin Harvey
    Allen & Overy LLP
    Allen & Overy LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 2 |
    Co-head of the firm's global private equity practice, Robin Harvey comes recommended for his strengths advising across the finance space. He is particularly adept at acting for sponsors on private equity financing matters.
  6. Tom Richards
    2
    Tom Richards
    Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP
    Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 2 |
    Tom Richards is noted for his expert representation of private equity sponsors, which he advises on the gamut of leveraged finance matters. He is regularly sought after to assist clients on complex multi-jurisdictional transactions.
  7. Sam Hamilton
    Latham & Watkins | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 2
3
Band 3
  1. 3
    Edward Fife
    Slaughter and May
    Slaughter and May | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 3 |
    Edward Fife regularly advises borrower clients on a broad array of financing matters including leveraged and infrastructure finance mandates. He also offers expertise in lender-side representation.
  2. 3
    Emma Folds
    Clifford Chance LLP
    Clifford Chance LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 3 |
    Emma Folds has a respected corporate lending and debt restructuring practice. She is highlighted for her representation of banks and alternative capital providers.
  3. Gareth Eagles
    3
    Gareth Eagles
    White & Case LLP
    White & Case LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 3 |
    Head of private credit and direct lending at the firm, Gareth Eagles is an expert in this area. He is well placed to advise on big-ticket acquisition financings.
  4. 3
    Jim MacHale
    Clifford Chance LLP
    Clifford Chance LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 3 |
    Jim MacHale is well regarded for his expert handling of leveraged finance and corporate loan matters. His practice includes both domestic and cross-border mandates.
  5. Luke McDougall
    3
    Luke McDougall
    Paul Hastings (Europe) LLP
    Paul Hastings (Europe) LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 3 |
    Luke McDougall is routinely called upon by lender-side clients for assistance with domestic and cross-border acquisition finance matters. His client roster includes both traditional bank and speciality lenders.
  6. 3
    Mohamed Nurmohamed
    Paul Hastings (Europe) LLP
    Paul Hastings (Europe) LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 3 |
    Co-chair of the firm's global finance practice Mohamed Nurmohamed is highlighted for his adept handling of lender-side mandates. He is frequently instructed by investment bank clients to assist with complex cross-border financings.
  7. Nicholas Benham
    3
    Nicholas Benham
    Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
    Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 3 |
    Nicholas Benham of Davis Polk & Wardwell is adept at advising on leveraged and investment-grade acquisition financings. He is able to act for clients across the space from lenders to corporate borrowers.
  8. 3
    Nicola Wherity
    Clifford Chance LLP
    Clifford Chance LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 3 |
    Nicola Wherity centres her practice on advising lender-side clients on investment-grade and fund finance matters. She is regularly called upon by clients to advise on high-profile and complex matters.
  9. 3
    Philip Bowden
    Allen & Overy LLP
    Allen & Overy LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 3 |
    Co-head of global banking at the firm, Philip Bowden is regularly called upon to advise on domestic and cross-border matters. He is adept at handling both leveraged and investment-grade acquisition financings as well as structured finance matters.
  10. 3
    Philip Spittal
    Linklaters
    Linklaters | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 3 |
    Global co-head of banking Philip Spittal is experienced in advising on domestic and international matters for both borrower and lender clients. His practice spans syndicated lending, event-driven acquisitions and leveraged finance.
  11. 3
    Presley L Warner
    Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
    Sullivan & Cromwell LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 3 |
    Presley Warner heads the European credit and leveraged finance practice at Sullivan & Cromwell. He is principally experienced in advising on cross-border matters, counting private equity firms, corporates and financial institutions among his clients.
  12. 3
    Simon C Roberts
    Allen & Overy LLP
    Allen & Overy LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 3 |
    Simon Roberts has expertise within the corporate lending space. He regularly advises on domestic and international financing transactions, and is also highly capable in the field of real estate financing.
  13. Christopher Shield
    Kirkland & Ellis International LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 3
4
Band 4
  1. Chris McLaughlin
    4
    Chris McLaughlin
    Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP
    Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 4 |
    Chris McLaughlin is regularly instructed by sponsors and financial institutions on a range of leveraged and acquisition financings. He is additionally noted for his expert representation of private debt funds.
  2. Clive Wells
    4
    Clive Wells
    Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP
    Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 4 |
    Clive Wells has considerable experience acting for large corporates on investment-grade transactions. His practice involves advising on all manner of financings including leveraged, acquisition and structured finance.
  3. 4
    David J Campbell
    Allen & Overy LLP
    Allen & Overy LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 4 |
    David Campbell comes recommended for his lender-side capabilities and proficiency in Nordic region transactions. He can handle both leveraged and acquisition finance, with particular expertise in investment-grade matters.
  4. Jeremy Duffy
    4
    Jeremy Duffy
    White & Case LLP
    White & Case LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 4 |
    Jeremy Duffy is active across the finance space, noted in particular for his expertise in leveraged buyouts. He is regularly instructed by domestic and international lender-side clients, as well as corporate borrowers.
  5. Korey Fevzi
    4
    Korey Fevzi
    Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
    Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 4 |
    Korey Fevzi draws praise for his capabilities in leveraged and acquisition financings. His clients include sponsors, funds, corporates and financial institutions, whom he advises on cross-border and domestic mandates.
  6. 4
    Oliver Sceales
    Linklaters
    Linklaters | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 4 |
    Oliver Sceales is co-head of the firm's financial sponsor leveraged finance practice. He is recognised for his skill in advising on sponsor-backed leveraged acquisition finance transactions.
  7. 4
    Ross Anderson
    Paul Hastings (Europe) LLP
    Paul Hastings (Europe) LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 4 |
    Ross Anderson is recommended for his expert representation of lenders. He centres his banking practice on private equity and leveraged finance matters.
  8. Stephen Short
    4
    Stephen Short
    Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
    Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 4 |
    Co-head of the firm’s London fund finance practice, Stephen Short impresses with his expert knowledge of the space. His practice also includes domestic and international leveraged and acquisition finance, with notable expertise in an array of debt instruments.
  9. 4
    Taner Hassan
    Clifford Chance LLP
    Clifford Chance LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 4 |
    Taner Hassan is noted for his expertise in acting for sponsors, regularly advising private equity clients on leveraged finance matters. He has experience handling cross-border mandates involving Europe and the USA, among other jurisdictions.
5
Band 5
  1. 5
    Annette Kurdian
    Allen & Overy LLP
    Allen & Overy LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 5 |
    Annette Kurdian regularly acts for domestic and international banks, as well as fund clients. She regularly advises on cross-border leveraged finance transactions and fund finance matters.
  2. Christopher Davis
    5
    Christopher Davis
    Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
    Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 5 |
    Christopher Davis is a capable adviser to both corporate and private equity clients on cross-border financings. He is noted for his expertise in leveraged and acquisition finance.
  3. 5
    David Robson
    Clifford Chance LLP
    Clifford Chance LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 5 |
    David Robson is noted for his experience advising lenders across the financing space. He is particularly adept at handling leveraged and M&A financings.
  4. 5
    Edward Aldred
    Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 5 |
    Edward Aldred is respected for his expertise in international finance matters. His particular areas of expertise include leveraged finance, bank/bond structures and loan products.
  5. Fergus Wheeler
    5
    Fergus Wheeler
    Akin
    Akin | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 5 |
    Fergus Wheeler has substantial expertise in direct lending matters. He acts across the capital structure, counting a number of private credit funds and alternative capital providers among his client base.
  6. Paul Hibbert
    5
    Paul Hibbert
    Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP
    Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 5 |
    Paul Hibbert has an active finance practice advising sponsor and lender-side clients. He offers niche expertise in infrastructure finance matters as well as real estate and fund financings.
  7. Peter Hayes
    5
    Peter Hayes
    Paul Hastings (Europe) LLP
    Paul Hastings (Europe) LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 5 |
    Peter Hayes is experienced in acting for sponsors, borrowers and lenders on complex leveraged and acquisition finance matters. He is recognised for his expert handling of cross-border financings.
  8. 5
    Philip Snell
    Slaughter and May
    Slaughter and May | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 5 |
    "Philip is a trusted adviser, who provides excellent and balanced commercial advice, which helps navigate a transaction much quicker."
  9. 5
    Toby S G Grimstone
    Linklaters
    Linklaters | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 5 |
    Co-head of corporate and structured lending, Toby Grimstone is adept at advising on syndicated and secured bank financings. He is regularly instructed by bank and borrower clients and specialises in acquisition and general corporate financing matters.
  10. Ross Pooley
    Latham & Watkins | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 5
6
Band 6
  1. Alan J Davies
    6
    Alan J Davies
    Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
    Debevoise & Plimpton LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 6 |
    Alan Davies acts for domestic and international clients on a range of transactions. His finance practice spans structured, acquisition and asset finance matters, in addition to fund financing.
  2. 6
    Alexandra Grant
    Milbank LLP
    Milbank LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 6 |
    Alexandra Grant is noted for her work on cross-border leveraged finance matters. She has particular expertise in infrastructure financing. Grant regularly acts on behalf of international investment and merchant banks.
  3. Colin Harley
    6
    Colin Harley
    White & Case LLP
    White & Case LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 6 |
    Head of the firm's banking practice in the EMEA region, Colin Harley is a go-to in the leveraged finance space. He typically represents sponsor-side clients in complex domestic and cross-border transactions.
  4. 6
    David Irvine
    Linklaters
    Linklaters | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 6 |
    David Irvine is co-head of the firm's leveraged finance practice. He is a go-to for sponsor-side clients, regularly assisting them on big-ticket acquisition financings. He also brings an excellent understanding of Asian markets, having had expertise practising in Hong Kong.
  5. 6
    Greg Brown
    Allen & Overy LLP
    Allen & Overy LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 6 |
    Gregory Brown is adept at advising financial institutions and other lenders on debt financings, as well as borrower clients. He has notable experience handling transactions in a number of other areas including emerging markets and fund finance. His recent work has seen him assisting clients on the LIBOR transition.
  6. Martin D Hutchings
    6
    Martin D Hutchings
    Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
    Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 6 |
    Martin Hutchings is noted for his adept representation of both lender and borrower-side clients. He advises on everything from cross-border financings to corporate treasury matters.
  7. Martin Forbes
    6
    Martin Forbes
    White & Case LLP
    White & Case LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 6 |
    Martin Forbes advises both corporate borrowers and sponsor-side clients on a wide range of financings. He is particularly adept at handling cross-border transactions and has a keen understanding of US leveraged products.
  8. 6
    Matthew Tobin
    Slaughter and May
    Slaughter and May | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 6 |
    Matthew Tobin has particular experience advising on investment-grade financing and private equity finance matters. He is a trusted adviser to large corporates and demonstrates additional skill in real estate finance.
  9. 6
    Melissa Samuel
    Allen & Overy LLP
    Allen & Overy LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 6 |
    Melissa Samuel has an international practice advising clients on matters ranging from acquisition financing to syndicated and structured lending. She has a diverse client base of both lenders and borrowers.
  10. 6
    Nicholas J S Clark
    Allen & Overy LLP
    Allen & Overy LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 6 |
    Co-head of the global leveraged finance group at the firm, Nicholas Clark has a respected practice advising both lender and borrower clients. He frequently assists clients with leveraged and acquisition finance mandates.
  11. 6
    Oliver Edwards
    Linklaters
    Linklaters | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 6 |
    Oliver Edwards is co-head of corporate and structured lending and specialises in margin lending matters. He is sought after by both banks and corporates to advise on cross-border transactions.
  12. 6
    Peter Dahlen
    Clifford Chance LLP
    Clifford Chance LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 6 |
    Peter Dahlen has a practice that sees him assist both borrowers and lenders on complex financing arrangements. He has a particular focus on the Nordic region.
  13. Reena Gogna
    6
    Reena Gogna
    Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP
    Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 6 |
    Reena Gogna has a wealth of knowledge that spans from leveraged financings to debt restructurings. Her sophisticated client roster includes both private credit providers and traditional bank lenders.
  14. Richard Kitchen
    6
    Richard Kitchen
    King & Spalding International LLP
    King & Spalding International LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 6 |
    Richard Kitchen has significant experience advising both sponsor and lender-side clients. He is noted in particular for his strength in leveraged and acquisition financings, while offering additional expertise in direct lending.
  15. 6
    Robert Byk
    Slaughter and May
    Slaughter and May | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 6 |
    Robert Byk is adept at advising corporate borrowers and private equity funds on cross-border financings. He has a broad practice which spans structured acquisitions and bid financings, in addition to capital markets expertise.
  16. Sanjeev Dhuna
    6
    Sanjeev Dhuna
    Shearman & Sterling LLP
    Shearman & Sterling LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 6 |
    Sanjeev Dhuna is recommended for his leveraged finance expertise. He acts for clients across the market, regularly advising both borrowers and lenders.
  17. 6
    Sarbajeet Nag
    Milbank LLP
    Milbank LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 6 |
    Sarbajeet Nag is highlighted for his expertise in acquisition finance. He regularly advises leading financial institutions and is also well positioned to act for sponsor clients.
  18. Daniel Maze
    Latham & Watkins | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 6
  19. Kirsteen Nicol
    Kirkland & Ellis International LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 6
  20. Michael Steele
    Kirkland & Ellis International LLP | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 6
  21. Will Nevin
    Herbert Smith Freehills | Banking & Finance
    2023 | Band 6