Clifford Chance (Gaikokuho Kyodo Jigyo)’s banking and finance practice in Tokyo advises a blue-chip client roster on a wide range of matters, including syndicated financings, bilateral and corporate loans, leveraged and acquisition finance, and project finance. Yusuke Abe’s broad expertise covers domestic and cross-border project, ECA, M&A, structured, and real estate finance as well as derivatives. Hans Menski specialises in the financing of projects in the energy, infrastructure, and natural resources spaces. Suguru Kimura is noted for his acquisition, ECA, and project finance experience as well as his financial regulatory expertise.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Clifford Chance has a diverse team that is able to deliver prompt, foolproof advice. Their speed and thoroughness are commendable and they demonstrate very good project management skills, never failing to remind the parties of the due dates. The team easily adapts, understands, and quickly returns with innovative ideas to resolve the issues of all parties.'
- 'Clifford Chance is able to adapt, respond, and appropriately recommend innovative solutions quickly. The team understands all aspects of the deal, be it legal, financials, operations, and even ESG. The team carefully understands the needs of each lender. It is noteworthy that the CC team is able to infer, decide, and act on more important issues.'
‘They have a global network and a depth of knowledge.’
‘The team is very client-oriented and their turnaround is prompt and detailed.'
‘They have strength in their global network, and they always provide us with a one-stop solution.’
‘Their professionals are client-oriented in quality and speed, which always satisfies us.’
Key clients
- Citibank, N.A.
- Japan International Cooperation Agency
- Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
- Mizuho Bank, Ltd.
- MUFG Bank, Ltd.
- Standard Chartered Bank
- Japan Bank for International Cooperation
- HSBC Bank
Work highlights
Advised the lenders (development finance institutions and commercial banks with ECA cover) on the development and financing of a 584MW gas-fired power plant in Bangladesh.
Advised JBIC in relation to the financing of a Turkish bank on the premise that the borrower sub-loans the facility for the costs of a Japanese Vessel.
Advised JBIC in relation to its loan to a Turkish joint venture of a Japanese steel manufacturing company (Toyo Kohan Co., Ltd.).
Lawyers
Leading partners: Bengoshi
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading partners: Gaiben
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Yusuke Abe
Other key lawyers
Hans Menski; Suguru Kimura