Finance
A&O Shearman ‘has a deep technical and commercial knowledge on complex derivatives’. Practice head Guy Antrobus, who focuses on risk transfer transactions and synthetic securitisations, leads a practice packed with well-established practitioners and emerging partner talent, whose expertise spans the entire waterfront of the market. Parya Badie ’sets the gold standard for excellence in legal practice’, and has a long and successful track record in complex and highly structured trades with a particular emphasis on significant risk transfer products, bespoke funding trades and structured credit. Ross Stewart is seen by one client as ‘the pre-eminent structured derivatives partner in the market’, showcasing particular expertise in equity financing. The ’exceptional’ Paul Allan concentrates on credit derivatives, strategic equity transactions and securitisation hedging, while Sara Couling ‘provides timely, concise and practical advice’ on derivatives in leveraged, acquisition, infrastructure and project financing transactions. Tanya O’Hagan is praised for her ’top-class legal skills and commercial attitude’, and stands out for advice on structured credit, repacks, capital relief trades, emerging markets and sustainability-linked deals.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Mentions
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'Global reach and seamless connectivity between teams enable them to deliver consistent high-quality service across the different jurisdictions. Beyond providing sound legal advice they excel in applying a commercial lens to complex issues.'
'I thoroughly enjoy working with Sara Couling. She is always available and provides timely, concise and practical advice on complex matters. She remains calm and in control even when deals are stressful which I really appreciate. Sara and others at the firm work collaboratively and efficiently. I know I can call on Sara if I need urgent advice. She will respond promptly and with good advice.'
'The team is business-friendly - providing sound legal advice and highlighting relevant risks and supports the business in identifying the risks which are most important on relevant transactions. Guy Antrobus and his team are the go-to.’
'Tanya O'Hagan is a star. Top-class legal skills, commercial attitude and great to work with.'
'Paul Allan and Tanya O'Hagan are both exceptional with market-leading capability in their fields.'
'A standout partner and trusted adviser, Parya Badie sets the gold standard for excellence in legal practice and client service! A highly capable and reliable senior associate, Robert Simmons brings a rare combination of technical precision, sound judgement and commercial awareness.'
'A&O Shearman has one of the largest, broadest derivatives practice in London. They have a very broad range of strengths, and that is most helpful to our complex and bespoke derivatives work. Often issues may not be obvious on day 1 of the project, but as and when they come up, we can rely on the various teams at A&O Shearman to cover.'
'Ross Stewart is the preeminent structured derivatives partner on the market with a clear understanding of the commercial drivers and internal considerations that structuring teams will have to deal with on a regular basis makes the advice received that much more valuable. His experience in our space is second to none and consistently shows a willingness to help us create and develop initiative new products that require specific technical expertise.'
Key clients
- European Investment Fund (EIF) European Investment Bank (EIB)
Work highlights
Advised the European Investment Fund (EIF) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) on Norway’s first green on-balance sheet Simple, Transparent and Standardized securitizations (STS), which closed in December 2024.