The broad capital markets practice at Ashurst comprises 'true subject matter experts and trusted advisors'. The firm's work encompasses the full spectrum of international DCM transactions, including EMTN programmes and standalone bonds, covered bonds, hybrid bonds and regulatory capital trades, equity-linked bonds, project bonds, private placements and more. Head of DCM Anna Delgado is 'a market leader with excellent technical knowledge'. Delgado and newly promoted head of global markets Alex Biles lead a 'measured, thoughtful and client-focused' group of lawyers, in which Malcolm Charles and Ciaran Vinaccia excel in corporate trust and agency matters, and Helen Jones has a particular focus on corporate secured bank/bond financing transactions with specialist expertise in the infrastructure sector. At counsel level, Scott Chatterton is a key adviser to both issuers and underwriters. The firm's work in innovative transactions is typified by its work for a major southern hemisphere banking group on the issuance of €1bn in SDG bonds, which is a landmark transaction in sustainable finance.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Ashurst has an excellent debt capital markets team, headed by Anna Delgado. Unlike other firms, Ashurst is gaining market share in programme issuance and repackaging work.’
‘Anna Delgado is a market leader with excellent technical knowledge - she remains hands-on and has excellent client skills. ’
‘The partners and the team are experts in their area. They always provide clear and solid advice. They have guided us on various complex matters such as LIBOR transition, helped set up new platform for product issuance. They also have good insight on industry practice.’
‘Anna Delgado is exceptional. She is thorough in her analysis, and considers the matter from all perspectives. She has a good understanding of how our business work and the industry practice, and provides good practical solutions. She is quick in responding to our queries, and provides good immediate thoughts and views we need before taking the matter further.’
‘Alex Biles and his team have really taken the time to understand the requirements of our business and build a strong relationship with us over a number of years. They are extremely responsive. They are always able to deliver calm and helpful legal advice, no matter how urgent or difficult the request. Furthermore they are very professional and personable which makes them a great team to deal with.’
‘The team is one to watch - quietly and consistently earning a place among the bigger names in the space.’
‘Both Ciaran Vinaccia and Malcolm Charles offer well-considered and technically strong advice. Both are experienced, easy to deal with and are responsive, whilst being able to quote and invoice in a commercial manner when needed.’
‘Ashurst worked as a team. We had a truly engaged partner and the associate was one of the best I had worked with. They both knew what they were doing and were on top of the issues together. Not once did the associate say I need to check with the partner or vice versa. Truly impressive coordination inside Ashurst. Also dealing with the US and time zone differences, both the partner and associate were 100% available to us.’
Key clients
- Andbank
- ANZ
- Arjun Infrastructure Partners
- Bank of New York Mellon
- BofA Securities
- bp
- Citi
- Commerzbank
- Credit Suisse
- Cynergy Bank
Work highlights
Advised Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) on programmes and the issuance €1 billion 3.652 per cent notes due 2026, and €1 billion 5.101 per cent. SDG (Social Development Goal) Bonds due 2033.
Advised The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) on the provision of its digital assets platform – HSBC Orion1 (the Platform) to the Central Moneymarkets Unit (CMU) of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) in connection with the issuance of a digitally native green bond (Digital Green Bonds).
Advised Barclays as arranger and the other dealers and managers on the EMTN programme for AA Bond Co Limited including (i) the issue of the A11 Bonds, (ii)the annual update of the EMTN bond programme and (iii)a tap issue of the A10 Bonds. Advised on a tender offer for the A7 Bonds (in conjunction with the issuance of the A11 Bonds) and a cash tender offer for the A2 Bonds.
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.
Practice head
Anna Delgado; Alex Biles
Other key lawyers
Malcolm Charles; Helen Jones; Scott Chatterton; Ciaran Vinaccia