Capital Markets: Structured Products | 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.

On 1st May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman. The department 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.

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.

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.

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.

The able team at White & Case is regularly tasked to advise on the structuring of notes across various jurisdictions. In particular, this cross-border knowledge allows the firm to handle transactions in emerging markets while their understanding of complex financial structures makes them an ideal choice for repackagings.