Lawyers at Torys ‘find business solutions to legal problems’, according to clients. Combining a prominent transactional offering with one of the market’s leading regulatory practices, it impresses with its ability to cover the waterfront on banking and finance issues. The regulatory group had a banner year during 2023/24, which saw high-profile financial institutions expert, Blair Keefe, acting alongside banking and debt finance co-head, Amanda Balasubramanian, to advise Bank of Montreal on its acquisition of the ’AIR MILES’ reward business of LoyaltyOne, among other marquee bank M&A deals. Additional regulatory specialists include Jill McCutcheon, who co-heads the regulatory practice alongside Keefe; fintech-focused senior counsel Brigitte Goulard; Peter Aziz, who co-chairs the payments area; and next-generation partner Eli Monas. Key transactional partners include the already mentioned Balasubramanian; Adam Delean, who contributes extensive experience in advising borrowers and lenders; Calgary-based Kevin Fougere, who is recommended for corporate lending and project finance; Tom Zverina, who maintains a broad debt finance practice; and Calgary-based senior associate Tyrel Henderson. Named lawyers are based in Toronto unless otherwise stated.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Torys' team is very helpful in progressing commercial discussions and helping its clients to achieve their objectives with the best outcome possible.’
‘The team is always available to discuss upcoming projects; stays ahead of projects and is willing to put in the extra time and resources to complete something successfully.’
‘Torys banking and finance group stands out for its knowledge of the law and the market and also for its awareness of how the regulator might react to specific issues and situations.’
‘Lawyers seek to find business solutions to legal problems. This approach is fundamental to the practice of law in-house and helps us on a daily basis. The lawyers are also extremely available and approachable.’
‘It demonstrates dedicated expertise in the insurance regulatory practice with unmatched experience and knowledge. Strong relationships with federal and provincial regulators which helps deal with matters in a fast and efficient manner and assists us in remaining current on emerging issues and trends. ’
‘We highlight the team’s practical business and solution-oriented approach.’
‘Jill McCutcheon and Melissa Prado are exceptional practitioners and act like members of our senior executive in considering the needs of our firm in the context of their advisory services. We work closely together on the ever-increasing myriad of issues facing insurance companies operating in Canada.’
Key clients
- Bank of Montreal
- Home Capital Group
- Coast Capital Savings Federal Credit Union
- Digital Commerce Bank
- Innovation Federal Credit Union
- The Bank of Nova Scotia
- Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
- Canada Pension Plan Investment Board
- The Government of Canada
- ATB Financial and National Bank of Canada
Work highlights
- Advised Bank of Montreal on its acquisition of the ‘AIR MILES’ reward business of LoyaltyOne, as part of its restructuring proceedings under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act.
- Advised Home Capital on its C$1.7bn sale to Smith Financial Corporation.
- Acted for Baytex Energy on a $1.7bn debt financing in connection with its acquisition of Ranger Oil Corporation.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Adam Delean; Amanda Balasubramanian; Blair Keefe; Jill McCutcheon
Other key lawyers
Kevin Fougere; Tom Zverina; Brigitte Goulard; Peter Aziz; Eli Monas; Melissa Prado; Tyrel Henderson; Nina Mansoori