The structured finance group at Fieldfisher is ‘diligent and makes complex issues easy to understand’. Alongside high volumes of derivatives work across all asset classes, from commodities to crypto assets, the firm is helping to develop the ever-more complex universe of market infrastructure, and handles sophisticated structured products. Emma Spiers leads the practice, which still benefits from the decades of experience of Guy Usher. The division has hired well in recent years; Emma Dwyer ’consistently demonstrates deep expertise, unwavering reliability and a creative approach’, and Sebastian Reger has boosted its capability in regulatory matters, and advice to clients in the pensions, credit funds, and fintech sectors. In 2025, Shanthi Vignasen joined from A&O Shearman to add significant expertise in advising both banks and buy-side clients on complex structured finance and derivatives transactions in the interest rate, FX, commodities, equities, and longevity markets. Edward Miller stands out for repos and stock lending trades, and Jenny Warren is an emerging talent in structured repo trades and synthetic securitisations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'They stay current with evolving market trends and Emma Dwyer is a regular panel speaker at industry forums, solutions are not just legally sound but also commercially sensible and in line with industry standards. Emma and Steve Burrows possess a keen insight into regulatory developments. They are often ahead of the curve on new rules and regulatory changes, which allows them to proactively advise clients. This foresight has helped us stay compliant and adjust strategies well in advance. Together, these qualities make Emma and Steve’s advice both highly practical and reliable and typically delivered with exceptional clarity and speed and informed by a real understanding of the market context and regulator’s intent.'
- 'Clarity of Advice: They distil complex regulatory concepts into plain language and clear guidance, enabling swift and informed decision-making. Written opinions and advice are concise precise, eliminating ambiguity. Exceptionally responsive. They understand the time-sensitive nature of regulatory queries and has often delivered urgent opinions on short notice without sacrificing thoroughness. Clients can rely on them to meet tight deadlines while maintaining high quality. Advice reflects a deep familiarity with market practice and the realities of the financial services industry.'
Key clients
- Bank of America
- Citigroup
Work highlights
Acted as lead counsel to the Trustees of a major UK pension scheme on the restructuring of a complex legacy transaction with a deal value of approximately over GBP £1 billion.
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.
Emma Dwyer
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Emma Spiers
Other key lawyers
Guy Usher; Emma Dwyer; Shanthi Vignasen; Sebastian Reger; Edward Miller; Jenny Warren; Steven Burrows