Baker McKenzie (Gaikokuho Joint Enterprise)’s comprehensive banking and finance service offering encompasses domestic and cross-border acquisition finance, project finance, structured finance, and real estate finance transactions, as well as regulatory matters, particularly those concerning fintech and sustainable finance. Recent highlights for the group include advising several banks in connection with the structuring and registration of the world’s first natively-issued digital cross-border repo transaction using stablecoins issued under Japanese regulations. With over two decades of international legal experience, practice head Shinichiro Kitamura is trusted by both lenders and borrowers, especially financial institutions, to advise on a broad range of matters. Gavin Raftery, co-managing partner of the firm’s Tokyo office, is noted particularly for his fintech and sustainable finance expertise. Kosuke Suzuki has considerable experience in project finance, including renewable energy and overseas infrastructure projects. Tsutomu Kobayashi left the firm in April 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Shinichiro Kitamura is an outstanding and very experienced lawyer, with good communication and team building skills.'
‘Naoaki Eguchi is on top of renewables industry trends and a great advocate for renewables expansion in Japan. We regularly seek his views and advice on government policy in this area. Pierre Chiasson works with us closely on deal execution, including project financing.’
'Kosuke Suzuki is a smart and sincere gentleman and offers professional and reasonable advice. Associates Shun Fukazawa and Mana Isobe respond quickly and accurately.'
‘The team is experienced and knowledgeable of acquisition finance issues from a borrower perspective, which is useful for domestic PE houses.'
‘The team has a deep understanding of Japanese financial regulations.’
‘B&M's banking & finance team has a balanced approach and reliably delivers an excellent service. The team has a strong track record in deals as well as a huge network in Japan which allows B&M to smoothly communicate with key parties in the sector.'
‘Baker has a great mixture of resources in the team, with Japanese and foreign lawyers cooperating well and providing great products within reasonable fees.'
Key clients
- Air Trunk
- DBS Bank
- Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC)
- Mizuho Bank
- MUFG Bank
- Pacifico Energy K.K.
- SBI Digital Asset Holdings Co., Ltd.
- Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC)
- Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank (SMTB)
- UBS AG
Work highlights
- Advised JBIC on its participation (together with Export Finance Australia (EFA) and United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)) in the financing of Telstra’s acquisition of Digicel Pacific Limited (Digicel Pacific).
- Advised DBS, UBS and SBI in connection with the structuring, documentation and registration of the world's first natively-issued digital cross-border repo transaction.
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.
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
Shinichiro Kitamura
Other key lawyers
Gavin Raftery; Kosuke Suzuki; Naoaki Eguchi; Pierre Chiasson; Shun Fukazawa; Mana Isobe