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Sullivan Appoints Partner Robert Parson to its Expanding Trade Finance and Emerging Markets Practice in London

With seven full-time trade and export finance partners in London alone, along with a team of associates, Sullivan’s is among the largest dedicated trade finance legal teams London, September 22, 2025 – International law firm Sullivan & Worcester (Sullivan) is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Parson as a Partner in its London office, further strengthening its expanding and market-leading trade and export finance practice and enhancing its capabilities in relation to the digitalisation of trade and aspects of trade finance, as well as disputes. Robert joins the firm from Squire Patton Boggs. His arrival follows that of Matthew Cox who joined the firm from Holman Fenwick Willan in August 2025 and the promotion of Daniela Barrdear to partner in June 2025, reflecting Sullivan’s continued investment in its leading trade finance team and bringing the trade and export finance team in London to seven partners and a team of associates. Robert Parson brings over 30 years’ experience advising banks, non-bank investors, fintechs, credit insurers and traders on complex cross-border financing arrangements. He is recognised for his work in structured trade, inventory finance and the digitalisation of trade documents, as well as his deep knowledge of advisory work in this area and trade-related disputes, including high-profile letters-of-credit litigation. “Robert’s arrival cements our team as among the largest dedicated trade finance practices,” said Geoffrey Wynne, head of Sullivan's Trade & Export Finance Group and the firm's London office. “His reputation in commodity and trade finance, including the digitalisation of trade and trade finance, as well as disputes, together with his industry advisory expertise, makes him an excellent fit for our practice. He brings extensive experience advising clients across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, bringing insight that will be invaluable to our clients and add real depth to our team. Our expanded practice in London supports clients internationally across the full range of traditional and digital trade finance solutions, advising them as the market continues to evolve with new technologies and funding models. I am pleased to welcome Robert to Sullivan following the arrival of Matthew Cox, who joined us last month.” Robert Parson added: “Sullivan’s trade and export finance reputation is well-established and highly respected. I’m excited to join the firm at such a pivotal time for the commodities and trade finance sectors. As global markets evolve and digital trade and related activities continue to grow, I look forward to helping further strengthen the practice, supporting clients as they navigate increasingly complex challenges.” – ENDS – About Robert Parson Robert received his LLB from the University of Sheffield in 1982 and his LPC from The College of Law, Chester in 1983. He was admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales in 1986. With more than 30 years’ experience in commodities and trade finance law, his practice focuses on structuring deals and complex cross-border financing arrangements for banks, traders, exporters and other participants in the global trade market. Robert is included in the UK Legal 500, 2025’s ‘Hall of Fame’ for Trade Finance and Chambers UK, 2025’s list of Band 2-ranked individuals for Commodities: Trade Finance (UK-wide). He is a member of the Law Society of England and Wales and the ICC Banking Commission Legal Committee. About Sullivan Sullivan & Worcester is a global law firm with approximately 200 attorneys in Boston, London, New York, Tel Aviv and Washington, D.C. Sullivan’s clients, including Fortune 500 companies, leading financial services firms and asset managers, boards of directors, and emerging businesses, rely on Sullivan’s ability to navigate complex legal and operational landscapes, the impeccable judgment of its lawyers, and its commitment to best-in-class client service. For further information please visit the firm’s website and LinkedIn.
22 September 2025
Press Releases

Sullivan Welcomes Trade Finance Partner Matthew Cox to its London Office

London, UK, August 27, 2025 - International law firm Sullivan & Worcester (Sullivan) is pleased to announce that Matthew Cox has joined the firm as a Partner in its London office, further strengthening its market-leading trade and export finance practice and enhancing its capabilities in relation to the digitalisation of trade and trade finance. Matthew joins the firm from Holman Fenwick Willan. His arrival follows the promotion of Daniela Barrdear to partner in June 2025, reflecting Sullivan’s continued investment in its leading trade finance team. Matthew advises banks, funds, traders and producers in relation to structured trade and commodity finance, with particular expertise in pre-export and advance payment structures, borrowing bases, receivables, warehouse financing, commodity repos and ECA-backed financings. He also has considerable experience acting for fintechs, platform providers and non-bank capital providers, helping clients navigate the digitalisation of trade finance in jurisdictions including London, Dubai, Tokyo and Singapore. Geoffrey Wynne, head of Sullivan’s Trade & Export Finance Group and managing partner of the London office, said: “I am very pleased to welcome Matthew to Sullivan. He is highly respected in the trade and commodity finance sector and brings significant expertise that complements our existing strengths. His arrival enhances our ability to support clients across the full range of traditional and digital trade finance solutions, particularly as the market continues to evolve with new technologies and funding models.” Matthew Cox added: “This is an exciting time to be joining Sullivan. The market continues to evolve rapidly, with new sources of capital, an increasing role of non-bank lenders and the digitalisation of trade instruments all reshaping how transactions are structured. I am pleased to have joined the London team and look forward to helping clients navigate these changes, drawing on my experience across multiple jurisdictions and sectors.” – ENDS – About Matthew Cox Matthew received his LPC from The College of Law (now The University of Law) in 1998 and was admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales in 2001. With more than 20 years’ experience in commodities and trade finance, he focuses on structured trade and commodity finance, advising lenders and borrowers in financing the production, refining and transportation of commodities and structuring deals and complex cross-border financing arrangements for banks, traders, exporters and other participants in the global trade finance market. Matthew spent a number of years living and working in Dubai, Tokyo and Singapore and he is a member of the Law Society of England and Wales. About Sullivan Sullivan & Worcester is a global law firm with approximately 200 attorneys in Boston, London, New York, Tel Aviv and Washington, D.C. Sullivan’s clients, including Fortune 500 companies, leading financial services firms and asset managers, boards of directors, and emerging businesses, rely on Sullivan’s ability to navigate complex legal and operational landscapes, the impeccable judgment of its lawyers, and its commitment to best‑in‑class client service. For further information please visit the firm’s website and LinkedIn. Contacts: Geoffrey Wynne Partner, Sullivan & Worcester [email protected] +44 (0)20 7448 1001 Matthew Cox Partner, Sullivan & Worcester [email protected] +44 (0)20 7448 1009 Will Hulbert PR, Hulbert & Co. [email protected] +44 (0)7774 108 699
28 August 2025
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