Ashurst climbs the ranking, drawing upon its ‘very partner-led and responsive service’, and the significant growth in the securitisation team. The notable addition is Tauhid Ijaz, who moved over from Hogan Lovells International LLP in early 2025, bringing a wealth of experience in structured finance and DCM transactions across a vast array of asset classes. This included auto loans and leases, SME loans, residential and commercial real estate, infrastructure and social housing. He joins practice head and structured debt expert Thomas Picton, who recently advised Royal Bank of Canada as arranger of an £893m public auto securitisation of auto receivables originated by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Limited. Picton and head of global markets Alex Biles are ’very commercial, very easy to deal with and a delight to work with’. The ‘exceptional’ Henry Hillind receives high praise from clients, as does corporate trust specialist Malcolm Charles.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team I deal with in the securitisation practice is a very good contender against its magic circle counterparts. They price competitively and have good all round experience in the practice area.'
- 'Thomas Picton - very down to earth capable partner who is pragmatic in his approach and doesn't create work for the sake of it. Works well with his associates and let\'s them run the deals inputting when he needs to. He is very approachable and a good choice of counsel whether working with him as a client or on the opposite side. Henry Hillind - extremely capable associate. Henry is very clear when giving advice/providing comments and takes a sensible approach to any difficult issues. He has an approachable manner and always makes himself available.'
- 'Always collaborative, the team feel like an extension of our team and that is important to us.'
- 'Tom Picton and Henry Hilliand. Always have finger on pulse, collaborative as above and do not want to charge us for every conservation.'
- 'Securitisation is now second nature to Ashurst with extensive experience of acting for all the parties in the food chain - this makes their insight to your own position balanced and well informed. they pride themselves on being pragmatically efficient which manifests itself to clients in a no nonsense and clear manner of dealing with transactions.'
- 'We have been fortunate to work with both Tom Picton and Henry Hillind over a number of years and you are allowed to have a sense of humour being a lawyer - they bring a light touch to conversations but never lose sight of professional outcomes. They grow their team members both in terms of skills and confidence - this is good to see.'
Key clients
- Aldermore Bank
- Banco Santander
- Bank of America
- BNP Paribas
- Selina Finance
- Castlelake LP
- Deutsche Bank
- Hampshire Trust Bank
- Keystone Property Finance
- Lendable
- Lloyds Bank
- MT Finance
Work highlights
Advised Hampshire Trust Bank as originator on its inaugural public securitisation of a £300m portfolio of buy-to-let mortgages (Winchester No.1 plc).
Advised NatWest Markets, Barclays and BNPP as arrangers and dealers in respect of the establishment of (and initial £500m issuance from) Paragon's Covered Bond Programme. The programme is the first to have a cover pool of 100% BTL mortgage loans.
Advised the investors in respect of a private securitisation of subscription (sub) lines to mid-market private equity firms, provided through a JV between Investec and Ares.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Alex Biles; Thomas Picton
Other key lawyers
Tauhid Ijaz; Henry Hillind; Malcolm Charles