Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Leveraging its enviable bank-side relationships, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP fields go-to teams for both financial services regulation and transactional work. On the regulatory front, Paul Belanger ranks among the market’s leading experts; he advises lenders (including all of Canada’s ‘Big Five’ banks), insurance companies and others on the full spectrum of related issues, including governance and product development matters. Among his recent marquee highlights, Belanger acted alongside Vladimir Shatiryan to advise Royal Bank of Canada on the regulatory aspects of its C$13.5bn acquisition of HSBC Bank Canada. Other key contacts for regulatory work include Jacqueline Shinfield, who co-heads the financial services regulatory group together with Belanger; Bonny Murray, who specializes in banking, payments and payment technologies and insurance; and Mena Bellofiore, who has a focus on consumer protection issues concerning financial services and products. Michael Matheson spearheads the transactional side of the practice and is considered by many as a leading light for corporate and commercial finance. Additionally noted for transactions are Simon Finch, who represents both borrowers and lenders in private debt transactions; Calgary-based Michael McIntosh KC, who has an emphasis on energy-related financings; and Calgary’s Nick Tropak, who is also recommended for energy and project finance-related matters. Named lawyers are based in Toronto unless otherwise stated.