A&O Shearman has 'impressive size and capacity' and is widely regarded as a dominant force in the securitisation market. The firm has a stellar track record that includes precedent-setting transactions in all asset classes, including RMBS, CMBS, consumer loans, corporate loans, auto loans and leases, trade receivables and project finance as well as transactions regarding the public sector, warehouses and infrastructure. The practice, led by Salim Nathoo, also has great presence in whole-business securitisations and corporate structured funding, including infrastructure and project bond-related matters. Lucy Oddy is closely involved in RMBS transactions, and Sally Onions is a trusted adviser on covered bonds, RMBS, whole-business deals and much more. Receivables financing specialist Tim Conduit recently handled a green bond programme which was the first of its kind to be listed in Zambia. Emerging talents Iona Misheva and Daniel Hill also play central roles in the practice. The firm continues to build out its CLO practice, with specialist John Goldfinch joining from Milbank to work with Tom Constance and 'grand master' Franz Ranero. Clients describe 'a unique team with client service-oriented attitude combined with deep knowledge of law, jurisdiction specificities and market trends'.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Approachable, helpful, responsive and extremely knowledgeable in the areas they advise on and of our business model.’
‘Almost unrivalled legal and market knowledge.’
‘Franz Ranero is a grand master. James Smallwood is great, he cuts through a lot of the nonsense and is focused on making our lives easy and getting to the right outcome for us.'
‘This is a unique team with client service-oriented attitude combined with deep knowledge of law, jurisdiction specificities and market trends. They are always ahead providing solid business solutions. They are swift in reactions and services. We have always felt very confident when working with them.’
‘Sally Onions is a leading individual in the securitisation market. We have worked with many partners and counsels from around the world. What makes Sally stand out is her deep knowledge and experience in the field, her focusing on important issues which she is always able to resolve smoothly, her ability to propose balanced solutions and of course her presence and constant support throughout the deal. One of the best in the market!'
- 'Josephine Suen is a rising star. Very knowledgeable, solid and patient, always well prepared and able to manage and coordinate different counterparties enabling them to reach common grounds.’
Key clients
- Tesco Personal Finance plc
- Chetwood Financial
- Leeds Building Society
- Principality Building Society
- Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund
Work highlights
Advised Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF) as anchor investor in a US$200m green bond programme. This is the first green bond listed in Zambia and is expected to lead to further green bond finance in Zambia.
Advised a global financial institution arranger and sole lead manager on a c€680m Spanish re-performing mortgage loan securitisation deal. The deal was a first of its kind on a number of fronts, including being the largest Spanish RPL transaction to date, the largest RPL RMBS in Europe year to date and the first Spanish RPL transaction to be issued under both Reg S and 144A.
Advised Leeds Building Society (LBS) in relation to Albion No.5; a standalone public securitisation of owner-occupied (repayment and interest-only) mortgage loans originated by LBS, structured as a Class A note of £350m and a Class Z variable funding note of up to £350m. This is the first public securitisation from Leeds Building Society since 2019.
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.
Franz Ranero
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Lucy Oddy
Sally Onions
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Iona Misheva
Practice head
Salim Nathoo
Other key lawyers
Tom Constance; John Goldfinch; Sally Onions; Daniel Hill; Tim Conduit; Franz Ranero; Lucy Oddy; Iona Misheva; James Smallwood; Josephine Suen