Maintaining a strong reputation within the investment banking sector, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP provides ‘concise, timely and commercial regulatory advice’, with its practice extending to sustainable finance, fintech, crypto and digital assets. Practice head Marina Reason is a key contact for traditional and digital finance clients and is particularly active on cutting-edge issues including blockchain tokenisation, the UK FMI Digital Sandbox, and consumer duty implementation. Clive Cunningham leverages his deep sector knowledge in banking, securities, and asset management, which is underpinned by his experience as a banking regulator. Kelesi Blundell regularly works with clients in the banking, investment, and financial market infrastructure sectors. James Palmer is a leading authority on corporate governance, M&A, and financial regulation, regularly advising clients on high-stakes matters involving boardroom disputes, regulatory investigations, and complex transactional or crisis scenarios.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Kelesi and the team are supportive and responsive. They provide clear advice on complex topics and inspire confidence in the solutions they propose.'
‘We really enjoyed working with Kelesi. She is a great communicator, easy to deal with and a real expert.'
‘Marina Reason and Kelesi Blundell have provided concise, timely and commercial regulatory advice to our regulatory team over the past year.’
‘Commercially astute as well as technical experts in navigating complex commercial and stakeholder issues within the small bank market. An absolute joy to work with.'
‘Clive Cunningham has been very important to us in obtaining the permit.’
‘It is the utmost dedication shown by the lawyers at HSF and their capability to find legal solutions to clients that make them unique. Marina Reason and Clive Cunningham were excellent in responding to clients.'
Key clients
- ClearBank
- TP ICAP
- Aquiline Capital Partners
- Elliott
- The Earthshot Prize
- The Ardonagh Group
- Willis Towers Watson
- Marex
- Jaime Gilinski / Spaldy Investments Limited
- Waterland Private Equity
- Odevo
- AlTi
Work highlights
Advised fintech bank, ClearBank, on key EU regulatory matters in connection with establishing and obtaining a Dutch banking licence for the group's new Dutch bank, ClearBank Europe N.V.
Advising The Earthshot Prize on regulatory issues around their new digital platform, "Launchpad".
Advised Aquiline Capital Partners, a private capital investment firm, on its investment in Isio, a UK-regulated independent UK provider of actuarial & consulting, pensions administration, investment advisory, employee reward & benefits and wealth advisory services.
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.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Marina Reason
Other key lawyers
Clive Cunningham; Kelesi Blundell; James Palmer; Chris Hurn