Sullivan & Worcester LLP is ‘best in class – the partners are opinion leaders in the trade finance industry’. Known for having the largest group of specialist trade finance partners, and handling all kinds of transactions from the traditional to the highly structured, the London team works closely with the firm’s US-based trade and export finance practitioners. The deep bench of trade finance specialists and thought leaders includes Geoffrey Wynne, who co-chaired the ICC Drafting Committee writing the Uniform Rules for Digital Trade Transactions; Simon Cook, who frequently handles transactions across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the CIS; Mark Norris, who has ‘a strong focus on finding commercial solutions and significant experience in Africa’. Head of the UK insurance and disputes practices Marian Boyle is ‘hugely experienced and tough when necessary’. Daniela Barrdear, who joined from Hogan Lovells International LLP in late 2023, has a strong track record in advising both banks and non-bank financial institutions, as well as development finance institutions, multilateral organisations, and borrowers.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Outstanding industry knowledge. Always focused on results. Lean, efficient teams delivering great value for money. ’
‘Marian Boyle - hugely experienced, tough when necessary and a delight to work with. ’
'The standout legal experts in the field of trade and supply chain finance. The team has strength in depth and across a number of sector specialisms, and I have no hesitation in recommending them to business partners. They approach they work with a can-do, client-focused attitude and are generally responsive.'
'Simon Cook and Luna Owen drafted the terms of use for our digital trade assets platform, one of the first in its field. The result was very pleasing as they have a solutions oriented approach and are able to draw on extensive sector knowledge and experience when advising their clients.'
'The team is extremely supportive and is always prepared to go the extra mile. They have established, under the leadership of Geoff Wynne, a solid reputation in trade and are a go-to firm for us on numerous trade matters.'
'Geoff Wynne always stands out. He is extremely creative in forming structural solutions and his knowledge of the law in the context of trade is exceptional.'
‘Geoff Wynne and Simon Cook. Very knowledgeable and engaged. They are part of the active trade finance market and have been for years.’
‘Mark Norris has a strong focus on finding commercial solutions, and has significant experience in Africa.’
Key clients
- Lloyds Bank
- Citibank
- Deutsche Bank
- Crown Agents Bank
- J.P. Morgan
- Santander
- Rabobank
- International Trade and Forfaiting Association (ITFA)
- Bankers Association for Finance and Trade (BAFT)
- Africa Global Trade Finance
Work highlights
Advising Arqit, a leader in quantum-safe encryption, in relation to its documentary framework to support the creation, issue and storage of electronic promissory notes, leveraging the capabilities enabled by this year’s implementation of the Electronic Trade Documents Act 2023 (the ETDA).
Advised Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd, London Branch (UMTB) in relation to its role in the funding of Essar Oil UK’s (EOUK) $150 million receivables portfolio.
Supported Mercore, the global trade focused fintech group, in relation to the structure behind the UK’s first Digital Bill of Exchange transaction. The trade finance transaction utilised an electronic payment undertaking (ePU) structure in digital bill of exchange format, with Mercore working with Abercore, a UK-based sugar trader and advisory firm.
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.
Practice head
Geoffrey Wynne; Simon Cook; Mark Norris
Other key lawyers
Marian Boyle; Daniela Barrdear