About

An experienced financial lawyer of 19 years, Noel Gaughran draws attention for his handling of high-stake litigations since the 2008 global financial crash. First working for the Bank of Ireland from 1998 to 2006 and then joining Ulster Bank in 2007, Gaughran was previously the head of legal – retail and corporate for Ulster Bank and took over the role as head of legal – litigation in January 2014. An aspect of his role that shaped him as a legal professional involved coordinating the restructuring of the companies in the Ulster Bank in advance of the application of the UK ICB rules to bring Ulster Bank within the ‘ring fence’. Providing focused commercial advice to the project team to enable the transfer of the First Active business to Ulster Bank and the surrender of First Active’s banking licence was also a significant feature of is tenure. Emphasising the importance of learning within his team Gaughran has trained his peers to have an in-depth understanding of and work hand-in-hand with the business so as to be an enabler of client success; ‘clients want legal advice which is strategic, commercial and cost-effective and lawyers need to find a way to provide that advice on a daily basis’. Gaughran has shown a great deal of flexibility and adaptability especially in the face of the fundamental changes Ireland’s financial services industry has undergone since the 2008 crash. Becoming a business partner in all aspects of his role, Gaughran continues to be a key part of the Banks’ strategies.