Capital Markets: Derivatives | UK

Linklaters has an extremely deep bench with unparalleled derivatives and structured products capabilities. Widely praised for its in-depth knowledge of changing regulations and developing legislation, they act for significant trade associations, most notably ISDA. Among the firm's many areas of expertise are equity derivatives and credit-linked notes in addition to synthetic risk transfers and market-leading repackagings. Clients include leading investment banks and fintech organisations.

A&O Shearman is a leader in its field, with expertise in transactional and regulatory matters. The team's knowledge spans credit and equity derivatives and the group is at the forefront of regulatory and legislative changes, particularly in relation to EMIR. It remains a key adviser to the most prominent industry players. Among the group's abilities is its prowess regarding credit trading and regulatory compliance. It is capable of advising clients on matters governed by both New York and English law.

Clifford Chance provides a broad offering with expert knowledge of credit and equity derivatives as well as structured notes. Highly experienced in transactions involving synthetic risk transfer, the team is particularly apt for bespoke matters requiring knowledge of derivatives and structured products as well as tax and regulatory reforms. In addition, they display keen knowledge of changing market requirements and are sought out for their ability to assist with benchmark reforms. The firm's global network makes it ideally placed to handle international transactions.

Fieldfisher has a highly adept derivatives group that regularly works with an array of clients including hedge funds and investment banks. The team's most notable work includes assisting asset managers and brokers with advice on compliance and regulatory issues. In addition to regulatory and transactional advice, the team houses practitioners with deal-related litigation experience and a strong reputation for their work in emerging markets.

Mayer Brown fields a notable derivatives practice that focuses on buy-side matters for a client base that includes leading hedge and private equity funds. The team is highly regarded for its advice to leading trade associations and for its ability to advise on regulatory developments. The firm's strong global presence enables it to assist with various international transactions.

The team at Simmons & Simmons is well placed to advise clients on complex derivatives matters and regularly assists governments, institutional asset managers and hedge funds on both the buy and sell side of transactions. In addition, the firm demonstrates strength in structured products, with expertise ranging from structured notes and repackagings through to synthetic risk transfer. The firm's depth of regulatory knowledge enables it to handle sophisticated mandates, including advising on IBOR remediation.

Ashurst is noted for its derivatives and structured products practice, acting for leading banks and institutional asset managers. The team is particularly well-versed in commodity-linked derivatives. Its impressive capabilities extend to regulatory and compliance issues and the group is able to offer client support around the world, thanks to dedicated partners in offices in Europe, Asia and the US.

The team at Dentons is widely recognised for the strength of its emerging markets offering. The group in London benefits from the firm's global network, especially when advising on cross-border deals. It undertakes a broad range of derivatives-related work including FX, commodities and Sharia-compliant structures.

Hogan Lovells maintains a diverse derivatives and structured products practice, regularly advising clients on both transactional and regulatory matters. The team regularly updates securitisation and repackaging programmes containing both swaps and repos and is also well versed in the derivatives aspects of takeovers.

Latham & Watkins has an expert team containing practitioners who are able to handle a wide range of products, from OTC and exchange-traded derivatives, to credit and equity-linked notes. They offer standout international strength, making them a popular choice for complex cross-border mandates. Their broad client base ranges from private equity firms to international banks, and they are especially strong in the oil and gas sector.

Norton Rose Fulbright is well regarded for its capabilities in derivatives, with a particular insight into commodity-linked derivatives. Respected for its niche Islamic finance expertise, the team has advised on a number of notable Sharia-compliant transactions. In addition, the team has excellent capabilities in market developments such as benchmark changes and regularly acts for leading banks and an increasing number of fintech clients.

Slaughter and May ably assists clients with the full spectrum of derivatives matters, from OTC transactions through to exchange-traded products. Offering expert advice on regulations governing the derivatives market, the team frequently acts for international banks, investment funds and corporates.