Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP is ‘a global leader in the structured finance and securitisation space’ and its London team has a deep bench of experienced specialists. Particularly strong in the CLO market, the group also stands out for traditional ABS transactions, and the securitisation of niche and cutting-edge new asset classes in both new and established markets. It has also played a key role in developing ESG-compliant transactions. Suzanne Bell is well-versed in both public and private securitisation. Robert Cannon’s practice spans CDOs, CLOs, mortgage securitisations and commercial paper conduits. Matthew Duncan is a key adviser to banks, credit funds, insurers, reinsurers and pension funds. Richard Hanson joined from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP in late 2024, adding experience in bespoke finance solutions for alternative investment funds, asset managers, insurance companies and banks. Derivatives specialist Nick Shiren and ‘high-quality negotiator’ Sabah Nawaz are also vital to the London team’s CLO and securitisation work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Extremely good firm, agile, flexible on pricing and resourcing - delivers exceptionally high quality results.’
- ‘The team is very professional and adaptable, being able to propose good solutions and giving general advice that would a) keep costs down b) simplify process.’
- ‘I appreciate the tenacity and dedication of the team members, working very hard, even at nights to get the deadline met, even though there were numerous last minute changes, the team was not fazed by this and were still very professional, approachable and their work quality continued to be maintained at a very high standard despite working long hours.’
- ‘Have worked mostly with partner Suzanne Bell, who is very commercial and comes up with useful suggestions on issues, small or big. Worked with many associates, the best of them so far has been Kerry Shearer, who has supported several transactions with a very high quality of work and client service.’
- ‘Rick Hanson and his team were able to very quickly draft bespoke adaptations to a repackaging program, enabling the client's product vision and design, as reflected in bespoke issue terms. He therefore has great technical skills, which you need in an area such as derivatives and structured finance.’
- ‘Sabah Nawaz - exceptional work product, high-quality negotiator, advisor and highly commercial.’
Key clients
- Atlas SP
- Bank of America
- BNP Paribas
- CQS Investment Management
- Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch
- Goldman Sachs
- HSBC
- J.P. Morgan
- Jefferies
- M&G Investment
- Morgan Stanley
- Natixis
Work highlights
Advised clients on 93 European CLO transactions in 2024 at a value in excess of €35.66bn.
Advised J.P. Morgan in relation to its J.P. Morgan Mortgage Trust 2024-HE3 US residential mortgage securitisation transaction.
Advised Premium Credit Limited with the maintenance of their Master Trust programme and the 2024 issuance.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Matthew Duncan
Robert Cannon
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Sabah Nawaz
Practice head
Suzanne Bell; Robert Cannon; Matthew Duncan; Sabah Nawaz; Nick Shiren
Other key lawyers
Assia Damianova; William Sharp