Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Striking a balance between regulatory and transactional work, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP’s banking and finance team stands out for its deep bench and ability to cover all key pillars of the industry. Among the names to note, Paul Belanger is recognized as a leading light for financial regulation, where he is sought after by Canada’s ‘Big Five’ banks alongside major global institutions, insurance companies, and other financial services providers. Belanger is acting alongside rising regulatory specialist, Vladimir Shatiryan, to advise Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) on the regulatory aspects of its C$13.5bn acquisition of HSBC Bank Canada. The regulatory group also includes experienced expert Jacqueline Shinfield; regulatory department lead Bonny Murray, who is noted for her close relationships with US banks operating in Canada; and next-generation partner Mena Bellofiore, who focuses on consumer protection issues in the financial services sphere. Michael Matheson steers the transactional practice and recently advised the Bank of Montreal-led lending syndicate on a $450m credit facility to support Birch Hill Equity Partners’ acquisition of Parklawn Funeral Homes. Other recommended transactional names include Simon Finch, who contributes expertise in representing both lenders and borrowers; Calgary-based Michael McIntosh KC, who is a go-to for big-ticket energy and natural resources financings; and Calgary’s Andrew Kolody, who also brings extensive energy-related experience. Named lawyers are based in Toronto unless otherwise stated.