Ranking tables

Commodities: Derivatives & Energy Trading | UK

UK-wide

This section covers the regulation and trade of commodities, and any related litigation. It does not typically include investing in a company that will eventually produce a commodity (eg investing in a coal mine) unless a clear link to commodities trading can be demonstrated. It is split into three tables:  Derivatives & Energy Trading: This covers advice on commodities derivatives transactions and regulations, including trading relating to energy units such as electricity, gas, coal and oil.   Trade Finance: This covers prepayment financing, receivables, structured commodity finance and export credit financing.   Physicals: This covers disputes concerning the direct trade in commodities and related matters. Practitioners advise on a range of both 'soft' and 'hard' commodities, from cash crops to coal, metals, oil and gas. Typical clients include commodities trading houses, export credit agencies, financial institutions, freighters and insurers. 

All Departments profiles

1

Band 1

  1. Norton Rose Fulbright
    1
    Norton Rose Fulbright
    Commodities: Derivatives & Energy Trading
    2025 | Band 1 | 12 Years Ranked
    Norton Rose Fulbright has an eminent commodities practice advising on sophisticated trade finance structures, derivatives and energy trading, with expertise across all commodity types. The firm is active globally on behalf of international clients, with notable strength in emerging markets. It is also noteworthy for its regulatory counsel. The firm's clients include well-known banks and trading companies. It provides guidance on innovative trade finance platforms.
  2. Reed Smith LLP
    1
    Reed Smith LLP
    Commodities: Derivatives & Energy Trading
    2025 | Band 1 | 12 Years Ranked
    Reed Smith has a market-leading commodities practice with extensive capability across physicals, derivatives, energy trading and trade finance. The firm deals with all kinds of hard and soft commodities, from sugar to metals. It marshals a deep bench of practitioners to represent global clients, which include trade associations, banks and producers. Reed Smith maintains a strong international practice.
2

Band 2

  1. Linklaters
    2
    Linklaters
    Commodities: Derivatives & Energy Trading
    2025 | Band 2 | 12 Years Ranked
    Linklaters is respected for work in trade finance, as well as derivatives and energy trading. The firm regularly works with large clients, including investment banks, trading houses and commodity corporates. It possesses extensive expertise in diverse areas such as structured financing, inventory monetisations and commodity joint ventures. The team offers expert international and cross-border services.
3

Band 3

  1. Dentons
    3
    Dentons
    Commodities: Derivatives & Energy Trading
    2025 | Band 3 | 5 Years Ranked
    Dentons offers advice on trade finance structures and notable structured prepayment expertise. The firm regularly handles multi-jurisdictional work in developing markets and worldwide, supported by the firm's international offices. It is adept at representing financial institutions and oil traders.
  2. HFW
    3
    HFW
    Commodities: Derivatives & Energy Trading
    2025 | Band 3 | 12 Years Ranked
    HFW has a widely lauded physicals practice, also offering capability in derivatives and energy trading, among other areas. The firm routinely handles complex and high-profile commodities disputes and contractual matters for international clients on a global scale. HFW is notable for its handling of matters before GAFTA, FOSFA and other trade bodies. The team possesses significant expertise across the full spectrum of commodities, including metals, grain, sugar, oil and biofuels. Its clients include oil and gas companies, traders and banks.
  3. 3
    Simmons & Simmons LLP
    Commodities: Derivatives & Energy Trading
    2025 | Band 3 | 12 Years Ranked
    Simmons & Simmons has a well-regarded derivatives and energy trading practice, particularly for regulatory expertise in the commodities market. The firm represents large global clients including banks, hedge funds, trading houses and brokers in high-profile international matters. It offers particular expertise in metals-related derivatives.