Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP has a ‘highly effective, diverse, technically capable, reliable and commercially astute team’. The firm’s 2025 merger with legacy firm Kramer Levin ties the UK group to a prominent US securitisation practice with a reputation for innovative, first-of-kind deals. That complements the strengths of the London team, which has seen an uptick in equity release/lifetime mortgage transactions, as well as maintaining a steady flow of work across other asset classes. Michael Poulton leads the UK securitisation team and clients praise his ’ ability to remain calm and decisive when challenges arise’. He recently advised arrangers Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets plc and Santander on West Bromwich Building Society’s £495m RMBS deal. Clients appreciate the ‘great technical knowledge’ of standout partner Joy Amis, who excels in public and private securitisation, portfolio acquisitions and forward flow transactions, domestically and cross-border, and counsel Charlene Kong who also handles warehouse lending deals. Victoria Salisbury is also highly regarded by companies.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘HSF provided superb support on a novel ERM securitisation. Their knowledge of the market and ability to guide us through difficult times was excellent.’
‘Two standouts - Michael Poulton and Victoria Salisbury. Both central to getting a difficult deal over the line.’
‘Joy Amis and Charlene Kong. Great technical knowledge which enables them to proposed commercial and practical client solutions. Very responsive and have established a good working relationship.’
‘Very personable, approachable and importantly available for advice. Their securitisation team is also very agile and helpful and they were more than happy to give us sound advice utilising their previous experience.’
‘Highly detailed and go the extra mile. Michael Poulton and Charlene Kong in particular, prove a fantastic duo to work with on deals providing detailed thoughts and agile application.’
'Joy Amis is a very present partner, offering senior support throughout the transaction execution. She also provides good view of the market and the industry topics. Charlene Kong is an excellent counsel, very technical and highly focused on the transaction. This duo is very efficient and we love working with them.'
Key clients
- ABN AMRO
- Allianz Global Investors GmbH
- Bank of Ireland (UK) PLC
- Barclays
- BNP Paribas
- Citicorp Trustee Company Limited
- Citigroup Global Markets Limited
- ColCap Financial UK Limited
- Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (CACIB)
- LendInvest
- Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets plc
- Merrill Lynch International
Work highlights
Advised Tandem Bank Limited as originator on their debut RMBS of second charge mortgages (Fylde Funding 2024-1 Plc). The transaction attracted attention in the market for being a debut transaction and also for obtaining accounting de-recognition and capital relief.
Advised Citi as arranger on the 2025 Jeronimo Funding DAC RMBS, backed by a portfolio of more than €300 million of Spanish mortgage transfer certificates and mortgage transfer participations issued by Unicaja Banco, a Spanish credit institution.
Advised BNPP and Citi in their capacities as Joint Arrangers and Joint Lead Managers on the Hermitage 2024 ABS, which was backed by equipment hire-purchase and finance lease receivables originated by Haydock Finance Limited (an asset finance originator that is majority-owned by funds of Apollo Global Management).
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.
Joy Amis
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Charlene Kong
Victoria Salisbury
Practice head
Michael Poulton; Joy Amis
Other key lawyers
Victoria Salisbury; Charlene Kong; Jenny Sugden; Lauren Land; Charlene Kong